Wrong. You don't know Rainey Williams...

Ha +1

This has been very quiet for quite some time. Are we any closer to Glimcher announcing their plans and/or new tenants? Do they plan on announcing everything at once?

Hasn't been quiet at all. They've brought in a load of tenants already and are trying to pre-lease as much of the new construction as possible before starting on it.

This is how national developers work. They don't just put up a building then try and find tenants. They get most of it leased in advance so they can design the whole development around a few anchors and lots of smaller retailers.

OKCTalk - First look at REI-anchored development at NW 63rd & Western (http://www.okctalk.com/content/184-first-look-rei.html)

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

Excellent work Pete very exciting!

Interesting how the spine orients directly to the currently little-used south (63rd) entrance to NHP. Like I suggested before, this can become a pedestrian/vehicle crossing that will tie the two developments together more closely. I would look for the 63rd frontage of NHP to be dramatically redeveloped in the near future.

Wow this is exciting. I also love the way it attempts to tie in with NHP as well. This development along with Chisholm Creek should go a long way towards remedying OKC's retail deficiencies.

Ok, so when First Fidelity Bank drive-thru starts getting torn down, we will know it's time.

What smaller tenants are the looking to lure?

Brianna's update. She mentions housing being included and I don't remember hearing about that before.

CLASSEN CURVEBALL: Developer plans expansion as part of Triangle between Classen Curve, Nichols Hills Plaza | News OK (http://newsok.com/classen-curveball-developer-plans-expansion-as-part-of-triangle-between-classen-curve-nichols-hills-plaza/article/5434211)

It's shown as one of two options; 4-story apartments/condos above 2 levels of structured parking.

They almost certainly will be adding housing to the former Kensington site on the west side of Classen as well.

It's shown as one of two options; 4-story apartments/condos above 2 levels of structured parking.

They almost certainly will be adding housing to the former Kensington site on the west side of Classen as well.

Pete, what is the other option if they don't do the 4 story housing on top of parking?

It would be just a larger parking structure with more restaurants along 63rd.

Also, something will definitely done on the Chesapeake-owned lot that is along Western and just east of this area, but I'm not sure what. Possibly a hotel.

Would love to see the Varsity come back as one of the restaurants in the development.

I've always thought Republic was a modern take on The Varsity.

Pete, what do you think is a realistic timeframe on this project moving forward with construction and retailers opening? I'm especially interested in the retailers you've already mentioned: Restoration Hardware, REI, and Arhaus. I'll definitely be spending some money at RH after moving in 1.5-2.0 years and I would love to be able to support an OKC store rather than a different location.

Not sure about the timing but they have submitted documents to the planning department so I think they are getting pretty close.

BTW, my understanding is that the Restoration Hardware deal fell through. They had a letter of interest but then RH pullled out for some reason.

Not sure about the timing but they have submitted documents to the planning department so I think they are getting pretty close.

BTW, my understanding is that the Restoration Hardware deal fell through. They had a letter of interest but then RH pullled out for some reason.

Why are national retailers getting squeamish? What could they be looking at that changes their minds on these things?

Why are national retailers getting squeamish? What could they be looking at that changes their minds on these things?

Oil prices? It's no secret that OKC's discretionary spending is tied to the price of oil.

Why are national retailers getting squeamish? What could they be looking at that changes their minds on these things?

It may have to do with the company (i.e. slowing expansion plans) and nothing to do with OKC.

RH probably has a multi-layered internal approval process which is pretty typical. One committee will look more closely at demographics than others.

Last time they reported, they disclosed they had closed 22 stores and opened 5. I assume they are being very cautious.

RH probably has a multi-layered internal approval process which is pretty typical. One committee will look more closely at demographics than others.

I remember Pete describing the above scenario during the CVS downtown thing.

So I'd love some counterpoint, but it seems to me that really what we're looking at is a 5-10 year process before National Retail explodes in OKC. We'll get some things here and there, but it's going to take gentrification of all the Urban Core neighborhoods so that Wealth looks concentrated in the city and then there's just going to be an explosion of National Retailers trying to break into the market.

I'd say right now is not a good time to be buying West of Portland, because when all this really comes online, most of the money in this city is going to flee to the N/S corridor between I-235 and SH-74/I-44.

I wouldn't read too much into RH's change of heart.

Lots and lots of factors, including things that may have zero to do with OKC.

Eventually, I'll find out the full story and share it.

I remember Pete describing the above scenario during the CVS downtown thing.

So I'd love some counterpoint, but it seems to me that really what we're looking at is a 5-10 year process before National Retail explodes in OKC. We'll get some things here and there, but it's going to take gentrification of all the Urban Core neighborhoods so that Wealth looks concentrated in the city and then there's just going to be an explosion of National Retailers trying to break into the market.

I'd say right now is not a good time to be buying West of Portland, because when all this really comes online, most of the money in this city is going to flee to the N/S corridor between I-235 and SH-74/I-44.

Big picture, yes that is the ideal way for OKC to grow. In that scenario, OKC will be able to attract more capital and growth. The question is if OKC can continue to invest in the urban core and limiting sprawl. Limiting sprawl should be done as a way of protecting the sprawl we do have, while growth is concentrated near the center.

So I would say sprawl is the main underlying issue when retailers are gun-shy with OKC. The common excuse that OKC residents "are more willing to drive longer than typical metropolitan residents" isn't a particularly persuasive counter-argument to corporate retailers.

Big picture, yes that is the ideal way for OKC to grow. In that scenario, OKC will be able to attract more capital and growth. The question is if OKC can continue to invest in the urban core and limiting sprawl. Limiting sprawl should be done as a way of protecting the sprawl we do have, while growth is concentrated near the center.

So I would say sprawl is the main underlying issue when retailers are gun-shy with OKC. The common excuse that OKC residents "are more willing to drive longer than typical metropolitan residents" isn't a particularly persuasive counter-argument to corporate retailers.

It can have a negative effect. It also means protecting your market share is much more difficult. If people will drive 10 miles to your store, it means they will drive 10 miles the other way to your competitor, should the competition enter your market.

Instead of having a lock on the market of a 3 mile radius, you need to have a lock on a 15 mile radius.

Developer seeks zoning change for Triangle expansion in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/developer-seeks-zoning-change-for-triangle-expansion-in-oklahoma-city/article/5439611)

That PUD re-zoning was filed back in June.

I suspect that this statement was the main reason the article was posted now.


The Oklahoma City Planning Commission was scheduled to consider the zoning change for the expanded Triangle development on Thursday, but WP Glimcher has requested that the hearing be deferred until Aug. 27.

Reps from Glimcher recently had a meeting with homeowners in the bordering Glenbrook neighborhood.

They didn't provide a lot of new details other than the plan to build 400-500 apartments as have been shown in renderings.

That is a lot of apartments. For perspective, the Metropolitan will be 330 units.

Any new updates on this? Can we expect construction to begin soon?

Briana Bailey this morning reported in her chat that plans were still preliminary and there was no timeline for beginning construction. Is that the case?

They have been actively marketing and signing letters of intent. They have a bunch of retail and restaurant tenants lined up.

I suspect the timing has a lot to do with Glimcher in general, as in they have tons of projects and perhaps just other priorities right now.

Maybe I missed it...apologizing in advance, do we know where they plan on building these 400-500 units?

Also, I purchased my lifetime REI membership out in Arizona back in late July. I'd really love to hear some solid news on that retail development!

Sur la Table (http://www.surlatable.com/) has signed a letter of intent.

Would be the first location in Oklahoma and my understanding is they will be offering cooking classes as well.

Really like their stores and I don't think there is anything quite like it in OKC.


This project is definitely moving forward, they are just busy trying to get leases nailed down.

Sur la Table (http://www.surlatable.com/) has signed a letter of intent.

Would be the first location in Oklahoma and my understanding is they will be offering cooking classes as well.

Really like their stores and I don't think there is anything quite like it in OKC.


This project is definitely moving forward, they are just busy trying to get leases nailed down.

Outlet mall has some stuff that sells much of the same stuff, but they're thin on inventory.

. . .another of my "must hits" when in the Dallas area. while the kitchen store in the outlet shoppes has "some" similar items, i don't feel it measures up to the quality/variety of Sur La Table. color me happy!!

I didn't get a close look, but I saw a sign for Brownstones on the Kensington Apartments lot yesterday. I'm guessing they can move forward with this while waiting to rezone the rest?

^What do you mean brownstones?

They are planning condos / townhouses for that site.

I think I knew that, but I guess I didn't realize they would be similar to brownstones.

I think I knew that, but I guess I didn't realize they would be similar to brownstones.

I caught it out of the corner of my eye so it could have easily said townhomes... I'll try and get a better look this week. I knew that they were planning some, I just had not seen a sign up before this weekend.

Blockbuster: Property owner fights apartments at Classen Triangle
By: Dale Denwalt The Journal Record December 7, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – A neighbor of Classen Curve’s latest development has sued to put the project back in front of the City Council.

Robyn Assaf, an attorney who lives in the Glenbrook neighborhood near the Triangle at Classen Curve, is fighting against a commercial and residential planned unit development that will include several hundred apartments. The developer and the Oklahoma City didn’t perform the due diligence that is required, Assaf said.

In the lawsuit, Assaf claims the water, sewage and traffic infrastructure in the area cannot support adding the apartment complex, which will sit on a piece of land formerly owned by Chesapeake Energy Corp. Assaf said that when she brought up her concerns, the developers pointed to studies made when Chesapeake cleared the land.

“Studies made in regards to water flow and buildings being taken off the property are not relevant to studies required to provide information to what will transpire when buildings are put on the property,” Assaf said.

Assaf and her husband own four properties in the area, including their home. The other three parcels are duplexes, she said.

City Councilor Ed Shadid countered Assaf’s allegations, saying that the city has done its due diligence. While Shadid hasn’t seen the lawsuit and declined to comment on it, he remembers Assaf from the council meeting where the project was discussed.

Shadid said Assaf stormed out of the meeting before it was finished, and before city employees could allay her concerns. He said that the project meets requirements set in place by the city, and that there will be traffic studies to determine how the area responds to the development.

Assaf also criticized Shadid’s support of the plan.

“He wants 500 apartment units there because he wants people to ride the bus,” Assaf said. “He wants to not have enough parking because people should be encouraged to use public transport and not have cars to park.”

Shadid said that’s not accurate, although he mentioned a proposal to lower the speed limit along Grand Boulevard to discourage traffic and encourage pedestrian use of the area.

Columbus-based firm WP Glimcher is developing Classen Curve, hoping to add multi-family residences to the commercial lots already in place, such as Republic Gastropub and Whole Foods Market. Glimcher did not return several phone calls requesting comment. Oklahoma City declined to comment on the filing, and another defendant, Johnson and Associates, did not return phone calls requesting comment.

Assaf hasn’t yet asked the defendants to be served and hopes to speak with the developer before the lawsuit moves forward. She said she doesn’t want to kill the project, just make sure the rules are followed. The lawsuit, however, asks the judge to suspend any building permits issued by the city and construction by the developer.

“The regulations and codes are put in place to so we can expect uniformity and we can have assurances that due process is followed,” Assaf said.

This isn't good. It's going to be extremely frustrating if NIMBYs succeed in killing this project or at least delaying it to the point that retailers pull out or look elsewhere. Glimcher has the potential to be something truly special and to raise the bar for retail in OKC. What do you think the chances are of this lawsuit succeeding?

If the city did due diligence and studies have shown that everything will be fine, then this lawsuit has no basis.

This lawsuit is such a joke I don't even know where to begin...

Development happens all the time in areas where infrastructure isn't yet adequate. This is actually lower impact development than a strip mall with restaurant out parcels...

Everyone has known about this development for years. This is just a person who doesn't want ~anything~ in their backyard, even though they live in or nearby the geographic center of the metro, and unfortunately has some money and time on their hands.

Everyone has known about this development for years. This is just a person who doesn't want ~anything~ in their backyard, even though they live in or nearby the geographic center of the metro, and unfortunately has some money and time on their hands.

Unfortunately sometimes these people are able to kill great developments, such as the Spring Creek expansion in Edmond. Hopefully its determined that the lawsuit has no basis and gets thrown out.

Like what has been discussed regarding Heritage Hills NIMBYs, its unbelievable these people can be so opposed to developments that will actually raise their property values just because they are worried about a little noise and traffic.

There are idiots in EVERY neighborhood, including all the "cool" neighborhoods. Developing anything generally has lots of speed-bumps, including baseless lawsuits and threats from ill informed or just narrow-minded individuals or companies. I seriously doubt this lawsuit gains any traction. It is just how much money the plaintiff wants to spend on lawyers that will determine how big a pain in the arse this will be. I live in Glenbrook and can tell you that all people really want is for it to be done right and for long term values not to be sacrificed for short term gains. They just want the issue of traffic etc. to be dealt with. The fears there are not dissimilar to all the urbanists not wanting more parking garages downtown with all the cars dumping onto the street. I guess those would be new urban NIMBYs. LOL.

Is there a traffic problem on 63rd?

I know Western backs up toward 44, but only at 5 o'clock. When you have 4,000 CHK employees (or whatever they're down to these days) there isn't a lot that you can do to work around that. If anything, this project helps alleviate that congestion. Who do you think will be paying a premium to live there? Probably people who currently have to come down 63rd from OK-74 or I-235 to get to CHK...

This isn't about wanting something "done right" whatever the hell that means. The plaintiff wouldn't know what right is. This is simply stubborn fear of change. Marrying mixed-use and high-density residential with existing high-density office sites is actually a great way to REDUCE congestion.

It's better now that CHK has reduced staff.

Which really isn't "better."

I also think people of a certain socio economic class have some shockingly self-centered viewpoints. Jussayin.

(That's not directed toward Pete, but people whom I know in Nichols Hills that celebrate layoffs bc less traffic)

You've heard Nichols Hills residents celebrating CHK layoffs? And they said they were happy about them because it reduced traffic? If so, that's terrible.

Similar to complaints from people in Heritage Hills about all the new downtown development, people need to realize that when you live in the center of a growing metropolitan area, you aren't going to have the same level of peace and quiet and traffic as you would have out on Waterloo Rd.

Well, the HH complaints have been documented quite publicly, though has also been largely discounted as coming from only a few people in a very large neighborhood which also contains many who are enthusiastic regarding downtown/Midtown/Uptown development and even some of the developers themselves.

I was asking about these suggestions that NH residents were celebrating CHK layoffs. It was presented as factual.

Griping about the inconveniences wrought by new construction and development is one thing, though. Celebrating the fact that people are losing their jobs and the OKC economy is hurting, simply because these things mean you save a minute or two driving to Flip's or Whole Foods is quite another. That would take a particular brand of heartlessness. Sounds like the people who live in Nichols Hills are pretty terrible. Is it because they're wealthy?

Trust me, the huge majority of NH residents are thrilled with Glimcher. They've filled up NH Plaza since acquiring it from CHK and once Trader Joe's gets open. they will see a big windfall of sales tax revenue.

After CHK chased out Crescent and the drug store, their city revenues took a huge hit, to the point residents had to be separately assessed for some municipal services.

The new construction south of 63rd with be in OKC rather than NH, but I'm sure most are thrilled with all the improvements and look forward to many more nice restaurants and a bunch of great retailers right on their doorstep.

Sidebar: Is Flip's even good?

Sidebar: Is Flip's even good?

The food, not really, but it is a great place to drink at. They have one of the better wine programs in the city. Especially by the glass.

Their lasagna is one of the best in the Metro.

Agreed. Lasagna is on point.

Which really isn't "better."

I also think people of a certain socio economic class have some shockingly self-centered viewpoints. Jussayin.

(That's not directed toward Pete, but people whom I know in Nichols Hills that celebrate layoffs bc less traffic)

This is totally off base stereotyping. It's like saying all of a certain other class are lazy or stupid because they don't make as much. Obviously it says more about the people whom you know and a willingness to negatively stereotype than the character of a whole class or neighborhood. You would probably be shocked at just how unselfish many of the wealthy of this city are....but they may not be ones you would know. Owning a valuable house doesn't make one self centered.

By the way, I know lots of people in the area and NONE that are glad for Chesapeake's problems. That doesn't mean they aren't critical of some of the things they did which actually hurt the neighborhood, or at least delayed good development.

Similar to complaints from people in Heritage Hills about all the new downtown development, people need to realize that when you live in the center of a growing metropolitan area, you aren't going to have the same level of peace and quiet and traffic as you would have out on Waterloo Rd.


You've heard Nichols Hills residents celebrating CHK layoffs? And they said they were happy about them because it reduced traffic? If so, that's terrible.

Yes to both. It's no different than the same demographic living elsewhere. Maybe they're even more selfish in Cleveland (yes they are lol). But yes, I have fraternity brothers that went to Bishop McGuinness that routinely express these thoughts, even though most of our friends have CHK connections.