Since I'm not a very physically active person, I would welcome a chance for a little exercise by having to walk 100 ft. or ever further when all front spaces are taken. But I guess in this lazy, car loving society, a lot of people would disagree with that.
I’d recommend you walk when you can. Tons of studies have shown walking increases happiness and health!

A number of years ago I had a brief argument on Twitter about this exact set of reverse angle parking spots with Marek Cornett and Steve who were both advocating for them, Marek mentioned at the time that the engineering would be done such that the potential would be there for switching them to normal angled parking. Hopefully that is indeed what happens.

A number of years ago I had a brief argument on Twitter about this exact set of reverse angle parking spots with Marek Cornett and Steve who were both advocating for them, Marek mentioned at the time that the engineering would be done such that the potential would be there for switching them to normal angled parking. Hopefully that is indeed what happens.

Yeah, in their request for the switch, they showed the desired configuration on a recent aerial and it would be super easy to do.

What was the prevailing school of thought pushing for reverse angle parking and why did anyone believe that would work here? lol

Reverse angle was put in near the Square in Denton and after some complaining for a while, about 50% of people use them correctly and 50% don't. My understanding is that one benfit of back-in parking is that it's safer for cyclists because drivers see them much more easily.

In downtown Ardmore they have back-in angle parking with a median in the middle of the road.

I went to Tulsa for lunch with a friend and along 15th between Peoria and Utica, they had back in angled parking, which I used and everyone else did properly. They had proper signage at the beginning of where the parking started so maybe that helped. But it was only for about a half mile and then went back to regular parallel or angled parking.

In the second image, the green checkmarks represent all the businesses supporting the parking change:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/39th041723a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/39th041723b.jpg

back-in parking doesn't really work on narrow streets such as this segment of 39th unless there is a media down the middle which forces drivers not to cross to the other side. Also, if the street were wider (say 4 lanes) then there would be more adherece to reverse parking.

This is a lesson for the city, if you're going to do reverse then install a median in most situations or less preferred - have a wider street/multiple lanes.

My opinion for 39th is head-in with bike lanes along the sidewalks (instead of in the street). Need to add in landscaping and lighting - then the district/gayborhood will be a hit esp once more patio options open.

I ride my bike down 39th between Youngs and Barnes on a daily/nightly basis. The reverse angled parking has felt far safer for me (especially if it's evening and the bars are busy), even if drivers can't figure it out half the time.

I don't really care if they switch it or not and I don't mind backing in, however if they don't enforce it we should just switch it. while it does increase sight lines when pulling out , that doesn't work so well if EVERYONE isn't backed in. the backs of vehicles block those sight lines. I am also generally tired of hearing people complain about it. I usually just state the reasons for it, that I don't mind it and that frankly the street looks better than it has in my lifetime so I'm certainly not going to let back in parking ruin that for me.

The lack of enforcement is the issue. If they had done that in the beginning -- even with just warnings -- people would have figured it out and complied.

OKC is terrible about putting things out there (like the new sidewalks) and then there is no maintenance or follow-up. Don't blame this on 'dumb' drivers; there has to be a process to teach people and enforce the regulations. There has been absolutely zero of that.

The Traffic Commission voted to defer the parking change for 6 months.

The Traffic Commission voted to defer the parking change for 6 months.

Is there going to be anything done to educate the public and enforce back-in or is it just tabled with no extra action?

Reverse angle was put in near the Square in Denton and after some complaining for a while, about 50% of people use them correctly and 50% don't. My understanding is that one benfit of back-in parking is that it's safer for cyclists because drivers see them much more easily.

That's an abysmal degree of adoption.

This may have been well intentioned, but has the whiff of some nerdy hipster planner putting something out there that was destined to fail.

For rent signs gone and looks like they were working on cars in the garage. Did the bar deal fall through?

For rent signs gone and looks like they were working on cars in the garage. Did the bar deal fall through?

Probably so.

18044

This is great news!

Does anyone know if the vintage clothing store moved out? Driving by this morning the space looked empty. We need business moving in not out.

https://www.riverfronttimes.com/news/oklahoma-citys-district-hotel-is-the-queer-capital-of-the-plains-40256617

Great article for the area. So glad to see the upgrades the city did to the streetscape and the new cafe bistro is a nice addition. But the area lags far behind the other entertainment districts. There's really nothing to do there during the daytime. We'll get there.

Great article for the area. So glad to see the upgrades the city did to the streetscape and the new cafe bistro is a nice addition. But the area lags far behind the other entertainment districts. There's really nothing to do there during the daytime. We'll get there.

Another great article for the area: "This city in the South is a surprise hotspot for gay nightlife" - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/this-city-in-the-south-is-a-surprise-hotspot-for-gay-nightlife/ar-AA183nPY?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=b65946138f184e25a8ca1d87be8f54ff&ei=92

It will be interesting to see if the District Hotel ever gets their other big bar space reopened. Or come up with a different idea for it.

I wouldn't be surprised if Mayor Holt played a role in getting the bill shelved to ban drag queen showings around minors. If true, and if he was a Democrat, it would never have succeeded.

Still not sure this district is really going to take off until whenever ODOT rebuilds this stretch of I-44, which hopefully will also entail no longer having it be one of the ugliest stretches of freeway in the entire state.

Still not sure this district is really going to take off until whenever ODOT rebuilds this stretch of I-44, which hopefully will also entail no longer having it be one of the ugliest stretches of freeway in the entire state.

The newest owners of District have made much progress. the previous owner made terrible decisions and was very divisive within the community. The new owner has turned around the bar formerly "the living Room" and is now having great attendance even throughout the week. they are working with entertainers and other bars on the strip and building community. the pool renovations have taken off and the pool is packed as a day club and into the night and even the Rainbow Bistro delivers food poolside. they seem to be headed in right direction. I heard they closed down the east pool this week to resurface it and convert to salt water. I think plans are in the works for the west club space as well. I am happy to see some progress.

The boom is also under new ownership and making some changes. Its nice to see some movement on the strip and a bit of new life around.

The newest owners of District have made much progress. the previous owner made terrible decisions and was very divisive within the community. The new owner has turned around the bar formerly "the living Room" and is now having great attendance even throughout the week. they are working with entertainers and other bars on the strip and building community. the pool renovations have taken off and the pool is packed as a day club and into the night and even the Rainbow Bistro delivers food poolside. they seem to be headed in right direction. I heard they closed down the east pool this week to resurface it and convert to salt water. I think plans are in the works for the west club space as well. I am happy to see some progress.

The boom is also under new ownership and making some changes. Its nice to see some movement on the strip and a bit of new life around.
OMG the Boom is under new ownership? What happened to the previous owner? Hope to see more daytime retail, burger shack or margarita bar lol. Something fun. :Smiley051

OMG the Boom is under new ownership? What happened to the previous owner? Hope to see more daytime retail, burger shack or margarita bar lol. Something fun. :Smiley051

Good question. Inquiring minds want to know.

Another great article for the area: "This city in the South is a surprise hotspot for gay nightlife" - https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/this-city-in-the-south-is-a-surprise-hotspot-for-gay-nightlife/ar-AA183nPY?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=b65946138f184e25a8ca1d87be8f54ff&ei=92

It will be interesting to see if the District Hotel ever gets their other big bar space reopened. Or come up with a different idea for it.

I wouldn't be surprised if Mayor Holt played a role in getting the bill shelved to ban drag queen showings around minors. If true, and if he was a Democrat, it would never have succeeded.

I will say it. Mayor Holt and Councilman James Cooper are the best faces of OKC in every possible way. They are both great policy stewards and they are great negotiators. They are the epitome of what good government should be and what we often are missing on the national level. They make me proud to live here and I believe they are truly representative of the majority of people in this city I love so much. Proud to have them representing us on the international stage. If only we had leadership like this on the state level, which is currently an utter embarrassment.

Good question. Inquiring minds want to know.

I think Kitty Bob Aimes and her/his partner owned the Boom since 2009. Have no idea why they thought it was a good time to sell it. She took over hosting the Sat. night show after the late great Ginger Lamar went into retirement.

Earlier this month it was sad that Donnie Wilson, the flamboyantly dressed doorman for the Boom passed away. He was well known and admired. He had regularly picked up trash in the 39th St. area. KFOR recognized his efforts by rewarding him $400 several years ago. Sometimes his son would help. https://kfor.com/news/pay-it-4ward/an-oklahoma-man-spends-his-free-time-on-trashy-street-corners-and-in-filthy-alleys-heres-why/?
ipid=promo-link-block1 (https://kfor.com/news/pay-it-4ward/an-oklahoma-man-spends-his-free-time-on-trashy-street-corners-and-in-filthy-alleys-heres-why/?ipid=promo-link-block1)

His obit: https://www.wadleysfuneralservice.com/obituaries/donnie-wilson

I will say it. Mayor Holt and Councilman James Cooper are the best faces of OKC in every possible way. They are both great policy stewards and they are great negotiators. They are the epitome of what good government should be and what we often are missing on the national level. They make me proud to live here and I believe they are truly representative of the majority of people in this city I love so much. Proud to have them representing us on the international stage. If only we had leadership like this on the state level, which is currently an utter embarrassment.

Well said!

Good question. Inquiring minds want to know.

Brett and Jon sold the Boom I believe towards end of year last year. They were the original owners who had began the Boom on 36th and then built the current location and business. Brett ( Kitty Bob ) agreed to stay on hosting shows and gospel brunch for a while. I believe recently that came to an end as well. Not sure as to the reason for selling other than perhaps wanting to retire and travel more is my assumption.
I did reach out to new owners inquiring if the front bar space would continue to be smoking. It had went non smoking at one point and then back to smoking. I was told they are currently working on a west smoking patio and then the front bar would become non Smoking. The back show bar area has always been non-smoking.

Thank you for the information!

Don't know if it's been mentioned but The District Hotel is up for sale.

Don't know if it's been mentioned but The District Hotel is up for sale.

I saw the real estate sign. I just need to win the lotto so I can flip that place into a fabulous Mid Century Modern Palm Springs Hotel.

18174

I saw that! Great addition to the district!

18368
Looks like Traffic is holding a meeting to discuss the reverse angle parking on Monday

I will say that the new owners of the District Hotel and other bar/business owners in this area are doing an amazing job of making this area more of a destination spot. They've just announced a Route 66 Pride Market on November 18th starting at noon. Various vendors and food options. There's still a few empty buildings that need occupied. Would love to see a book store/coffee shop open up. New artwork has been added to the street scape. It's so much better than just a few years ago! I believe the Hotel is still in the process of remodeling two of their bars and working on a restaurant. Lots of hard work being done!

I will say that the new owners of the District Hotel and other bar/business owners in this area are doing an amazing job of making this area more of a destination spot. They've just announced a Route 66 Pride Market on November 18th starting at noon. Various vendors and food options. There's still a few empty buildings that need occupied. Would love to see a book store/coffee shop open up. New artwork has been added to the street scape. It's so much better than just a few years ago! I believe the Hotel is still in the process of remodeling two of their bars and working on a restaurant. Lots of hard work being done!

Has anyone here been to the record store yet? Been meaning to check it out.

Not yet. But soon.

I will say that the new owners of the District Hotel

I didn't realize they property actually sold. Hopefully that is good news. Who are new owners? Local? Announce any plans?

They are local. They have OU/OSU game day watch parties. They are doing a lot of remodeling/updating bars and future restaurant. They’ve update the pool area with lights and sound so it’s a big draw in the warmer months. So they are very active in the community unlike the previous owners. Follow them on social media.

Has anyone here been to the record store yet? Been meaning to check it out.

i have it has some novelty items and used records for the most part. a lot of the records are singles that came from the old Park and Angles so some good finds of dance tracks if that is your thing.

The new art in the intersection is very cool.. different height wind spinners that depict all the different pride flags. its a great addition. just good to see some interest.

the new owner of district has done a lot they are currently working on opening a new bar in the old Finish line space.. the space will have bar service to the west pool. they have heated both pools I believe and added tons of lighting and sound. there are also cabanas for rent. they were running late night pool parties till 4am as club aquatic. of course not bar service till 4. they have started having local businesses them suites at the hotel as well and redone one of the lounges to host watch parties. its nice to see someone breathing new life into the place although i'm not out all that much or late. I am more of a happy hour guy these days.

I noticed that Apothecary 39 closed awhile ago. They had a banner out front that said The Park would be returning, but now I don't even see that. Lots of work being done on the old Wreck Room space next door.

I think they took the sign down to install new windows. They’ve been replacing all those street facing windows. There’s new lighting in that space next to The Park. I don’t know if it’s going to be all one bar or two separate ones?

Scott Wilson, 39th Street nightclub pioneer passed away. Mr. Wilson sued the city over their harassment. I didn't know Mr. Wilson but I am sure there are others that can tell more about him.

https://www.okgazette.com/news/from-closet-to-community-part-two-2947675

Scott Wilson, 39th Street nightclub pioneer passed away. Mr. Wilson sued the city over their harassment. I didn't know Mr. Wilson but I am sure there are others that can tell more about him.

https://www.okgazette.com/news/from-closet-to-community-part-two-2947675

Scott could be difficult but did a lot for the community. the lawsuit against the city that was settled for 1.00 saved many of us a lot of heartache keeping the police at bay and not coming in every weekend to "ID" us.

The Park is reopening and they have been doing lots of work. it will just be in the original park space. not sure exactly what will go into the old wreck room but I know they were working to get it in shape for rental as well. Those buildings were all owned by Scott wilson.

There’s a pretty cool looking 3 story building going up on 40th and Youngs Street. Anyone know what it is?
19275

^

It's a public storage facility.

That’s kind of what I thought but it seems to have more of a design detail other than a standard box shaped building.

will this have any impact on the existing Public Storage already in the district?

would be nice to clean up the area a bit.

Driving by today I noticed that the house directly behind Braums was being demolished. Anyone know if someone has something interesting in the works for that lot?

Incidentally it happens to be the lot right across the street from the one where the house exploded a few years back.

^

That property is owned by Braums.

I doubt they'll do anything there as they just did a major renovation and expansion of that particular store.

This is disappointing. The prominent property at 2200 NW 39th, which had been nicely renovated after being a car wash and is right in the middle of the district, has been sold and will become auto sales.

This district would greatly benefit from removing all or most of the remnant auto places. Big step backward and I'm sure the merchants are not going to be happy.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/2200nw39a.jpg

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/2200nw39b.jpg

There’s a sandwich/cafe across the street. I wish there was a full fledged restaurant bar in the district. A few buildings have been up for lease or sale for years. I don’t know why there’s not more development.

isn't there a 39th Street Association which helps dictate/drive improvement in the district? If not, we need all of the districts in OKC to have a neighborhood association where development can be reviewed as appropriate for the vision or master plan of the district. Bricktown has a review committee, I think there should be one for Asian District, Paseo, Plaza, AAlley, Midtown, 39th Street, Uptown, EAstside, Capitol Hill, DDeuce, Adv District, Britton, Stockyard's City, Film Row, Riversports, etc. Look at all of the attractions OKC has in addition to the CBD area yet almost none of it has consistent development mechanism.

That is disappointing news. It was owned and renovated by the once owners of the boom. They sold the Boom and I guess finally this property as they moved into retirement. sad that it will be a car lot.

New bar going in at 2120 NW 39th, formerly Phoenix Rising.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/39th013025a.jpg

Happy to see that space being filled! There’s a few more sitting empty that need to be filled.