816 N. Walker
|status=renovated in 2014
|owner=Studio Architecture
|sq. feet=6,600
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/816nwalkerwiki1.jpg
Information & Latest News
New home to Studio Architecture (5,014 sq. f.t) and Nault Gallery (1,550 sq. ft.)
8/23/13: $250K building permit for Studio Architecture (http://www.okc.gov/Access/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Permits&TabName=Permits&capID1=13BRE&capID2=00000&capID3=08813&agencyCode=OKC&IsToShowInspection=)
8/8/13: $200K building permit for Nault Gallery (http://www.okc.gov/Access/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Permits&TabName=Permits&capID1=13BRE&capID2=00000&capID3=08813&agencyCode=OKC&IsToShowInspection=)
6/19/13: $146K building permit (http://www.okc.gov/Access/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Permits&TabName=Permits&capID1=13BRE&capID2=00000&capID3=06109&agencyCode=OKC&IsToShowInspection=)

Links
County Assessor Record (http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/AN-R.asp?ACCOUNTNO=R010327326)

Gallery

Darn I was hoping for something cooler there, but at least it has tenants now. It's been empty for years.

There is also one small retail bay for rent.

Have also been hoping for something cooler (and will continue to hope regarding the rental bay), but something, nearly anything, is better than nothing.

What specifically were you guys hoping for?

Went searching for some good photos of this building. Couldn't find any high quality images, but I did grab a couple from listings.


http://dl.dropbox.com/s/9014w8luxqjxytf/816_N_Walker_Listing1.jpg

http://dl.dropbox.com/s/4lvlfwkznqdpy5c/816_N_Walker_Listing2.jpg


Found some even better ones in the Design Review Certificate of Approval:


http://dl.dropbox.com/s/hxotsjaspmmyrof/816_N_Walker_North.jpg


http://dl.dropbox.com/s/zu950ko119bgkjf/816_N_Walker_West.jpg


http://dl.dropbox.com/s/8vb53ih0738zdjz/816_N_Walker_South.jpg


http://dl.dropbox.com/s/1yxrdwwhv4a5quv/816_N_Walker_East.jpg


Which is also a good source of other info, such as architectural drawings.

Source: http://www.okc.gov/planning/planning_library/drc/DTCA-13-00056.pdf

Has anyone actually BEEN to Brian Nault's gallery? The one he's leaving was across Walker from McNellie's (next to the old Studio). WAY cool. This is a great fit. Also frees up the old space for something else, if you're not into art galleries and cool architectural firms.

There just are not many existing available buildings left in Midtown. I get asked by clients occasionally if I know of any empty office space to buy in Midtown. At this time there are two clients who most people would find "disappointing" looking for office space in the area. I would love to have more retail around my office at 9th and Robinson but I love to see other workers coming in to spend money and encourage other retail besides restaurants. Just today I needed to get a birthday card for my dad and ended up driving out of Midtown to do it. I would love to walk at my lunch hour to shop since I usually only shop on an as needed basis.

On a slightly unrelated note, the parking lot to the south of the old car lot at 10th and Harvey is being ripped up. Those junky cars sat there forever and all of a sudden the cars are gone and the parking lot is being ripped up. Looks like something will be there soon.

I like this and think its an excellent fit. Studios and art galleries are establishments that make a vibrant urban district just as much as bars and restaurants do.

The reaction in this thread bewilders me too. What's wrong with Studio Architecture?

I am weary of how it seems everyone wants a 40 story skyscraper on every site or no deal

The reaction in this thread bewilders me too. What's wrong with Studio Architecture?

I am weary of how it seems everyone wants a 40 story skyscraper on every site or no deal

I don't want a 40 story skyscraper there, It's just a big open building with a lot of street frontage and I would've preferred to see some retail or a restaurant/bar in most of it. If I remember correctly, Studio Architecture was on the first floor of one of the buildings on the walker traffic circle and it always seemed like a dead space in that area. The gallery is better, but still. I don't have a huge problem with any of it, but for such a cool building with so much street frontage I would like to see some thing more open to the public.

What specifically were you guys hoping for?

Just something I can go into and interact with (which may happen with the retail space, and sounds like might happen with the main space too), vs it remaining a building I just walk or drive by and look at. My hopes were not particularly high or specific. Sounds like I might be pleasantly surprised, which is great.

I always thought this location would be perfect for a Midtown small fresh market akin to Native Roots, but anything in this space will be better than how it's been for an eternity. I'm glad to hear it's being put to use!

Just something I can go into and interact with (which may happen with the retail space, and sounds like might happen with the main space too), vs it remaining a building I just walk or drive by and look at. My hopes were not particularly high or specific. Sounds like I might be pleasantly surprised, which is great.

Makes total sense.

The gallery should be cool, though, with a loft second level.

I have been to Brian Nault's gallery. He has framed several painting for us.

Just something I can go into and interact with (which may happen with the retail space, and sounds like might happen with the main space too), vs it remaining a building I just walk or drive by and look at. My hopes were not particularly high or specific. Sounds like I might be pleasantly surprised, which is great.

Agreed. As downtown and the urban core increase in density, I'd hope that most first floor development is active space, not passive. BUT, this does now open up a great first floor space at the roundabout up the street.

I drove by this building today and they were going to town on it. I would have taken a picture but was caught off guard by the amount that had been done since I last drove by it so didn't have a camera ready...

This will be my firm's new studio. I'll post more a bit later and address some of the concerns voiced above.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/CuatrodeMayo/0db8321e-b913-4e07-8bc9-8774c52654cd_zpscb090758.jpg

I think it's great to have the building occupied, and why not an architectural firm and gallery?

I think it's great to have the building occupied, and why not an architectural firm and gallery?

I was hoping for a McDonald's, but, oh well... :wink:

What is the history of this building? What was it originally?

Also, does anyone know why it has a two-tone look? That is, stone colored brick on the North and West sides, and orange brick on the South and East sides?

What is the history of this building? What was it originally?

Also, does anyone know why it has a two-tone look? That is, stone colored brick on the North and West sides, and orange brick on the South and East sides?

From 1904 until the current structure was built in 1925, two houses occupied the site. In the years since, the current structure has housed a grocery store, drug store, a restaurant or two and most recently an auto repair shop. Parts of the building have also been vacant for an extended period of time.

The different types of brick were likely a cost-saving measure utilized during construction of the original building. The nice (and likely more expensive) brick is on the facades that face the public way (Walker & 8th). The sides of the building that faced the alley and adjoining properties are constructed of a cheaper brick that has since been painted an orange/red color.

When the current structure was first built, it was Price & Son grocery; this ad is from 1933:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/priceandson.jpg

Thanks for that graphic, Pete. That's cool.

"We deliver free of charge" ... wow

And check out the short phone number.

From 1904 until the current structure was built in 1925, two houses occupied the site. In the years since, the current structure has housed a grocery store, drug store, a restaurant or two and most recently an auto repair shop. Parts of the building have also been vacant for an extended period of time.

The different types of brick were likely a cost-saving measure utilized during construction of the original building. The nice (and likely more expensive) brick is on the facades that face the public way (Walker & 8th). The sides of the building that faced the alley and adjoining properties are constructed of a cheaper brick that has since been painted an orange/red color.

Thanks. That makes sense.

Well, the building certainly has led a full and colorful life. It may not be the most illustrious structure in the area, but it still has good bones. With a quality renovation, this could be really nice looking.

Makes sense now why I thought it'd be perfect for a grocery store....because it was one!

If the demand for retail in the area gets great then it could be profitable to find a new home for the firm and convert it to retail. Right now the demand isn't there, just because it is office now doesn't mean it can't be something else in the future.

CM - I used to work with George at Benham, great guy and a great mind. Enjoy your new space.

We moved into our present location in 2004. The price was reasonable for our young firm, the location had potential, and the space fit our need for an open studio environment. At the time, Midtown as we all know it did not exist. Over the years, the neighborhood has grown up around us. We are now at the point where there could be a higher, better, and more public use for our present space so we doing the right thing for the neighborhood and relocating.

As we all know, in an urban environment ground floor spaces ideally should be reserved for public-oriented uses with residences and offices on upper floors. The problem is that there is very little 2nd floor space available in the city, especially space that could be uses as an open studio. Most of the available property in Midtown that would fit our needs is either one story buildings or vacant lots. Building our own building from the ground up was not a financially-viable option and part of our ethos as a company is the value of old buildings. We had to search for existing space we could make our home. Luckily, 816 N. Walker came available.

While I can understand the desire of some that this building be a new bar, restaurant, or retail use, a building full of creative, young architects is not exactly a bad thing for the neighborhood.

Speaking of the neighborhood, in spite of being blocks from Midtown and H&8th, our building is surrounded by vacant lots, an auto repair shop and rehabilitation facilities. Much like our initial move to Midtown, we are continuing to pioneer within the urban frontier of OKC. Hopefully in a few years others will join us.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/CuatrodeMayo/13006ELEV-A21_zps22071880.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/CuatrodeMayo/2013-11-21123727-1400_zpse2c9be2e.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/CuatrodeMayo/2013-11-21123535-1400_zps6ecb3ca6.jpg
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/CuatrodeMayo/2013-11-21123458-1400_zps50b719a3.jpg

Best of luck in your new space, sir. Do you have any idea what will go in behind you at your old dig?

An interesting evening shot:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BaCNyxNCAAAAOEo.jpg:large

Source: https://twitter.com/dtOKCbuilds/status/405479869959503874/photo/1/large

Cuatro (or anyone else who's game) -- once this is finished, you've simply got to take a nighttime photo of this building, with the exterior lighting on (and hopefully some interior lighting as well) with the downtown skyline lights for the backdrop. That would be a great shot, for sure.

Thanks for that graphic, Pete. That's cool.

"We deliver free of charge" ... wow

And check out the short phone number.

On the bricktown canal, there are a few buildings that have their 'short' phone numbers still on the exterior of the buildings.....so cool, but I think most folks don't realize what those numbers are.

...unless they take a boat ride!

...unless they take a boat ride!

Hey, that's where I learned about it about 10 yeas ago..... but I took a ride this summer and it wasn't mentioned.

Haha yeah, it's just one of the pieces of info we provide in a 60+ page information booklet. We don't script the tour but instead encourage folks to learn as much info as they can and incorporate it into tours (hopefully) tailor-made for each group. Not every item makes the cut on every tour.

From today:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6676d1392505311-816-n-walker-816nwalker021514.jpg

From a week ago:


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6681d1392526519-816-n-walker-image.jpg

^

That ceiling is super cool.

Oh man...that roof...

That would make a great place for live music if this whole art and architecture thing doesn't work out. :D

I was just thinking it reminds me of a smaller Cain's

Love the barrel ceilings. Too bad this couldn't have been a more public use other than private offices.

...and an art gallery...

^

And another for-lease retail space.

yeah. some people. why, that old building was just sitting there for ages, just waiting for someone to come along and salvage it into something nice and useful and open for the public... oh, yeah. Well, two outta three ain't so bad when you get right down to it.

Enjoy the new digs. Looks to be rather awesome. :)

Yea, what a terrible idea to put a studio full of young, creative professionals in a portion of an up-and-coming neighborhood in the city center...

Yea, what a terrible idea to put a studio full of young, creative professionals in a portion of an up-and-coming neighborhood in the city center...

+1

Some people want only retail and housing in these districts. We also need commercial businesses. Especially these kind of businesses. This is a great fit for the area.

The new storefront glazing is in. I'll go take a pic soon.

Some people want only retail and housing in these districts. We also need commercial businesses. Especially these kind of businesses. This is a great fit for the area.

I own housing within a stone's throw of this building, I can have an opinion. I also agree with the other posters who pointed out about an art gallery moving in that I wasn't aware of. I was hoping for a local niche grocer, like Native Roots or such to open a MidTown location here as the building would be perfect. With that said, I also believe in free market capitalism and am happy the building is being occupied rather than torn down or sit vacant.

Just don't actually throw a stone...we just got new glass...

Great work on this building. Perfect spot for you guys!

I own housing within a stone's throw of this building, I can have an opinion. I also agree with the other posters who pointed out about an art gallery moving in that I wasn't aware of. I was hoping for a local niche grocer, like Native Roots or such to open a MidTown location here as the building would be perfect. With that said, I also believe in free market capitalism and am happy the building is being occupied rather than torn down or sit vacant.

Who said you couldn't have an opinion? I believe in free speech :)

Great work on this building. Perfect spot for you guys!

Thanks, tuck.

We will have about 800 square feet available...how about a Tucker's Express? :D

Thanks, tuck.

We will have about 800 square feet available...how about a Tucker's Express? :D

Ha! Not for me, but someone should snatch it up!

From shawnw:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6865d1393681613-816-n-walker-816nwalker022814.jpg

These were taken last Thursday. We're moving in this Friday.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/114343684@N02/sets/72157643598071733/

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s225/CuatrodeMayo/13609993495_4cd3010af0_b_zps364e9a3c.jpg

^

Wow! That's looking so cool. That barrel roof is amazing.


But how on earth are you moving in there at this point??

Love it!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Gotta love the studio layout!

Also, I dig the break room structure. Is it wood framed with wood slats?

^

Wow! That's looking so cool. That barrel roof is amazing.


But how on earth are you moving in there at this point??

I agree, unless there is 50 workers working 24/7 this week, how is this move-in by Friday?

I'm guessing open office plan. If so, this is what I see:


Lighting completed
Windows done
HVAC installed
Electrical installed
Divider wall framed
Sheetrock walls on left and back wall completed and (it appears) painted

I assume the restrooms and other plumbing-related stuff (break room?) are done or close to. So really, all I see remaining to make this acceptable space is:


Finish partition wall
Install flooring (could just be concrete seal/stain of course, but carpet would only take 1 day)
Wiring (A/C, phone, data) run to individual desk/workspace (much of which could be wireless or drops from overhead)
Cleanup

Lots of folks see minimal industrial space and think it still requires more finishing. I recall when I was building out my former stores and was leaving exposed brick and concrete, overhead floor joists, cedar post/beams, exposed mechanicals, and sealed concrete floors I was asked many times when the brick walls would be sheetrocked/plastered, when the drop ceiling would be installed, etc.. When I look at that space (Cuatro's) I see a cool-ass office. Hope to see it in person soon!