Nice work.

This is a good example of how you can make old and new look good in a modern neighborhood. Well done! I also think the rates are reasonable considering the area and the views!

Another insightful post on this project, this time from the SoSA thread:


The "creative" aspect of SoSA is starting to be shared with the "let's make some money" aspect. SoSA started organically, with architects looking for a place to exercise design freedom close to the CBD. They wanted to live there, to be part of the blossoming downtown. It wasn’t a planned resurgence… it was more of an accident.

Freedom of design resulted with edgy, cool buildings that had never before been seen together in OKC. Some people hated it, some thought it was odd, and some loved it. Eventually it became clear that a trend was occurring, and like vultures circling a carcass, in came the realtors and speculators… “Let’s build cool stuff and make money!”

But guess what? Realtors and speculators can’t do cool. Cool takes passion and an esthetic sense. It takes a passion for wanting to be there. Their passion is making a buck. They’d rather spend a little, and gain a lot. I think that’s a careless motive.

Witness the likes of 802 NW 8th.

Holding a grudge?

I don't get it. Looks like a nice deal to me. I'd live there for $1.50/SF.

Holding a grudge?

Hmmm, interesting question. Considering the fact that I don't know the developer or have any connection to this project, I think it's mostly just that it really rubbed me the wrong way to see them personally smeared, especially so early-on (those posts were from February of 2014, just as work began). The quoted posts are certainly topical here, though one came from a different thread so I felt it should be aggregated in this location. Now that the project is complete, I think it is an appropriate time for people reading this thread to judge for themselves whether the negativity and personal attack on the developer were warranted, in light of the finished product.

Another insightful post on this project, this time from the SoSA thread:

While nobody denies the first homes in this area were "cool" you can't deny that they likely were very expensive to build. I hate to think that only rich people can live in SOSA. Or architects. If these folks were so worried about their view, than maybe they should have bought the land in question. Sounds like sour grapes to me. But I guess the market will ultimately decide.

Hmmm, interesting question. Considering the fact that I don't know the developer or have any connection to this project, I think it's mostly just that it really rubbed me the wrong way to see them personally smeared, especially so early-on (those posts were from February of 2014, just as work began). The quoted posts are certainly topical here, though one came from a different thread so I felt it should be aggregated in this location. Now that the project is complete, I think it is an appropriate time for people reading this thread to judge for themselves whether the negativity and personal attack on the developer were warranted, in light of the finished product.

Okay makes sense. :)

I think it turned out great!

Hmmm, interesting question. Considering the fact that I don't know the developer or have any connection to this project, I think it's mostly just that it really rubbed me the wrong way to see them personally smeared, especially so early-on (those posts were from February of 2014, just as work began). The quoted posts are certainly topical here, though one came from a different thread so I felt it should be aggregated in this location. Now that the project is complete, I think it is an appropriate time for people reading this thread to judge for themselves whether the negativity and personal attack on the developer were warranted, in light of the finished product.

You can tell from the overwhelming support of your recent posts that that your jabs have really struck a chord. But since you were just trolling for a response from me, I’ll bite:

For the record, I also don’t know the developers and designers. I’m sure they’re great people. (In an earlier post they did set me straight regarding their plans that were previously poorly represented.)

I also don’t think I know you… (I don’t hide my identity like some people on this forum, so I’m responding to an avatar called “Urbanized.”) Please excuse me if you think my tone is not just right.

As far as I can tell, here are the “personal smears” that so wrongly rubbed you (if you substitute the word “opinions” for “personal smears” it doesn’t sound so nasty).
1. Developers like to make money.
2. “…like vultures circling a carcass.”
3. “Realtors and speculators can’t do cool.”
4. “They’d rather spend a little, and gain a lot.”

With the exception of Comment-3, tell me where I’m wrong! (Let me correct Comment-3: “Cool” isn’t a developer’s top priority, and without a good local architect, chances of achieving “cool” are slim.) And I’ll admit that Comment-2 paints an unfriendly image. Sorry about that!

The fact still remains that this project falls short of its potential. Yes, it has many positive aspects… Yes the occupants will love it… Yes this type of project is good for the hood. I’m just disappointed it lacks a certain cool quotient. Call me a snob. (But I’m really just a harmless, opinionated old curmudgeon.) I’m sorry I rubbed you the wrong way.

Since cool is in the eye of the beholder, many people try to imply that if they like it, it is cool and if you don't than you just lack something.

Cool to me is finding a way to take an tired old building and making it not only relevant, but desirable, without destroying the inherent essence of the building. Cool is doing that and being able to profit by it. Cool is doing it without adding currently "cool" accoutrements that will be dated in 5 years and leave us with a building that is neither historic nor currently "cool".

These owners made this into a cool little apartment building that stands more for the authentic neighborhood than the concrete and glass boxes currently starting to engulf it. (Don't blast me...I love contemporary and own and live in one myself). But to me, to call this project uncool would in itself be uncool.

Since cool is in the eye of the beholder, many people try to imply that if they like it, it is cool and if you don't than you just lack something.

Cool to me is finding a way to take an tired old building and making it not only relevant, but desirable, without destroying the inherent essence of the building. Cool is doing that and being able to profit by it. Cool is doing it without adding currently "cool" accoutrements that will be dated in 5 years and leave us with a building that is neither historic nor currently "cool".

These owners made this into a cool little apartment building that stands more for the authentic neighborhood than the concrete and glass boxes currently starting to engulf it. (Don't blast me...I love contemporary and own and live in one myself). But to me, to call this project uncool would in itself be uncool.

Ditto.

Keep in mind this structure was built in 1910, which puts it into Marion territory.

This restoration was almost as dramatic and turned out beautifully.

The developers deserve a ton of credit and they are planning to build something contemporary on the lot directly west.

Just taken by Urban Pioneer. Some tenants have already moved in.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosaheights090915a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosaheights090915b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/sosaheights090915c.jpg

BTW, in that first photo the grass area to the west is owned by the same group and they are planning a multi-unit infill development for that spot which will share the parking in the back.

Everyone is moved in....I was unfortunately tasked with helping one of the tenants I referred over move in. These look great and feel much more high end then anything at The Edge.

what's rent like?

1500 for the two bedroom units. Not sure in the one bedroom