Plans have been submitted by Northline Development to renovate one of Midtown's biggest eyesores, the old Transmissions R' Us property at NW 10th and Harvey.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/308nw10a.jpg

Northline has the property under contract with a closing date in the near future.

The property has been the subject of controversy for the storing of many inoperable cars in it's main parking lot facing the booming 10th Street corridor. Recently, the owners bowed to pressure from the City of Oklahoma City and removed all the autos some time ago.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/308nw10c.jpg

Much like the Swanson's Tire project (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Swansons+Tire) directly to the southwest, Northline plans to leave the orginal structure in tact but completely renovation including a new roof, replacing the six overhead doors with modern glass versions, and completely replacing the front drive.

The remaining large windows will be replaced with steel casement windows.

Northline will actively market the 12,000 square feet of space to restaurants and retail tenants and renderings show a patio facing NW 10th.

The project is directly south of the popular Bleu Garten (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Bleu+Garten) food truck court, and located in the middle of a thriving 10th Street, with many new bars, restaurants and retail tenants set to join an already large number of the same: McNellie's (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=McNellies), Fassler Hall / Dust Bowl (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Fassler+Hall+Dust+Bowl), R&J Supper Club (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=R+J+Lounge+and+Supper+Club), Barrios (coming to the Swanson's Tire devleopment) Broadway 10 (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Broadway+10), Sidecar (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Sidecar), Packard's (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Packards), Nic's Diner (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Nics+Diner+Plus+Lounge), The Garage (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Garage+Burgers) Hatch (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Hatch), Twisted Spike Brewery (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Twisted+Spike+Brewery) and Kamp's 1910 (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Kamps+1910).

Renovation would start after closing and after obtaining necessary approval from the Downtown Design Review Committee.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/308nw10d.jpg

Pete, who makes up Northline?

To quote everyone's fav candidate, this will be huuuuuge. Always thought this building had potential, and the location will bridge Dust Bowl and Packard's.

Awesome!

Pete, who makes up Northline?

Vicent Le and Kayla Baker.

They have done a bunch of homes in SoSA and will be doing the Dwellings at SoSA as well.

I've been hoping this building would finally get renovated for a long time. Major potential.

Big, big deal and some welcome good news.

Steve's update along with a video interview with Kayler Baker with Northline Development.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/5479548?embargo_redirect=yes

A little love: Cleanup delays slow work on Midtown building
By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record June 16, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – Northline Development partners Vincent Le and Kayla Baker are ready to start renovating the former vehicle repair shop at 308 NW 10th St.

But they still need owner Ahmad Bahreini to clean out the building.

“The financing is in place (to purchase it),” Le said. “He said he will have it cleaned out in 30 days. That’s the same thing he told us 30 days ago.”

Le said Bahreini now says he’ll start on the 12,594-square-foot building this weekend. If that happens, Le said the sale will close in late July.

Exterior work will begin when Northline gets the title. The Downtown Design Review Committee approved the exterior renovations at its Thursday meeting.

Utopia Design Build architect Frank Hawes’ plans are to replace the existing windows and doors with storefront glazing, replace existing garage doors with full-view operational garage doors, fill two openings with brick, repaint the brick, repair the damaged mortar and stucco, and replace surface concrete.

Hawes said he’s waiting on the cleanout before creating an interior plan. Baker said the 1920s-era facility’s interior has exposed brick, skylights and a sliding barn door. She said two restaurants will fill the space, but she and Le couldn’t give any hints on the eateries.

“People are really excited to see us do something with it,” she said. “We’ve only received positive feedback on it. It will help 10th Street feel more complete with more restaurants and options in the neighborhood.”

Baker said they started talking to Bahreini about 10 months ago regarding the building. They first met him when they purchased another one of his properties in Midtown. Once they secured that purchase, they inquired about the facility at 10th and N. Harvey Avenue.

“We saw all this potential that it had,” she said. “The city was trying to get Bahreini to clean it up. It’s one of the last pieces along 10th that needs some love.”

With car parts stacked inside, some of the care will include cleaning up any environmental issues. Le said they had phase 1 and phase 2 in environmental work completed. He said there is only about $20,000 in cleanup needed.

“That’s not bad at all,” he said.

When Northline gains ownership, Le said it will be another six months of build-out before the restaurants open. He said the building will have new tenants by February 2017.

I can't say I'm too surprised that the seller isn't moving on this. I believe he has had multiple offers but on this property but doesn't want to put forth the effort to clean this place up. Hopefully he will and the sell goes through.

Ownership has still not transferred as the current owner had to first clear out tons of junky cars and such.

However, my understanding is a lot of that has been done and they hope to close in about a month.

Afterwards, renovation will begin in earnest.

I haven't seen much activity regarding moving stuff out. I did see a pick up truck and 2 guys loading some hand tools into the back of their truck. They may be cleaning it out at night, though. I took a peek inside and it seemed like they had a lot of material left to move. Also, there are some strong odors when one walks by...

Do they have any tenants lined up, or is it too early in the game for that?

They do have at least one restaurant but I can't divulge just yet. Will be cool and different.

they do have at least one restaurant but i can't divulge just yet. Will be cool and different.

Yes! A White Castle!!! ;)

Make your own pizza place?


https://youtu.be/b9o7DFFimKo

It looks like they are finally cleaning this place out. There are a couple of guys who have been loading up a f-250 with parts. A small dumpster was dropped off this week. Hopefully this means the sale will be going through sooner rather than later.

13157

Yes, they started to finally get serious a couple of weeks ago.

Property can't close until it's cleared out. Perhaps another 30 days or so, then work should start shortly after closing.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/10th103016.jpg

They finally closed on this property, so things should start moving forward very soon.

Great news! his is such a visible corner it will be nice to see the eye sore transformed into another great project. will really do wonders for the look of 10th street.

They had to have been moving stuff out of that building for over 3 months. I was amazed with things that were coming out of there.

I'm very excited about this project.

13496

They do have at least one restaurant but I can't divulge just yet. Will be cool and different.

can you tell us yet?? ;-)

can you tell us yet?? ;-)

No, not yet but hopefully soon.

No, not yet but hopefully soon.

Whatever it is I'm sure it'll be wildly successful!! Based on the renderings this should be a fantastic space in an even better location. Truly one of the bigger remaining puzzle pieces in the area. Once this comes online, 10th St will be almost entirely at least semi-developed all the way from the Plaza Court roundabout to Auto Alley.

Also Pete, do they know yet how many tenants they plan to have besides this restaurant? From the rendering it looks like around three total.

There were 10+ workers on the roof this morning. This is really ramping up.

They painted the building white (probably primer) and covered over the windows on the south side.

The brick looked to be in pretty poor condition.

13651

13650

They painted the building white and covered over the windows on the south side.

The brick looked to be in pretty poor condition.

13651

13650

It was already painted right? Looks like that could be a primer.

It was already painted right? Looks like that could be a primer.

You are probably correct in that assumption. I will edit my post.

has it been made public what's going in here yet?

has it been made public what's going in here yet?

Not yet because no deals have been finalized.

Thank you

I used to be some kids on top of this building years ago throwing eggs at cars while stopped at 10th and Harvey intersection. In fact I seen them doing it several times as I used to drive that section every evening. I never actually seen the kids though. There used to be an apartment building just to the south of that building and I always assume that they lived in those. I remember one time there must have been a bunch of kids on that roof because the eggs were raining down like crazy.

That is hilarious.

I am pretty sure that building used to be a tire factory back in the day when those kids were firing those eggs. They used to do it right around rush hour I remember and those cars had nowhere to go.

I am so glad this is moving forward. You don't know how many times I wanted to bring my loppers and saw from home and cut down the trees and vines that were growing up from the foundation.

Building is painted with new windows.

From last week:
13712

Saw they put in a few of the window overhead doors on the front of the building a couple of days ago.

Looks like they are going to make it into a "food hall" with 9 different restaurants
http://newsok.com/article/5546126

Yes, will be operated by Troung Le of Guernsey Park / Chick n Beer.

Will be very similar to Avanti in Denver. Will have large rooftop deck, a long bar facing the overhead doors and courtyard and seating for 320 plus the rooftop. Should have great views.

(This rendering was received directly, not from the Oklahoman. The rest are of Avanti):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/commissary1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/avanti1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/avanti2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/avanti3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/avanti4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/avanti5.jpg

Man, that Avanti looks incredible- thanks for the pictures. That will be a huge addition to Midtown if they can pull off something like that.

Looks pretty awesome! So will Troung create 9 concepts himself (or with his group) and then operate them?

I'd love to see the floor plan. 9 separate kitchens is a lot.

I've seen the plan but it's still evolving and they don't want me to share just yet.

Basically, six kitchens along the back e/w wall and 3 on the n/s wall.

Each would have a small eat-in counter in front.

Is there a central bar or would each kitchen also have its own drink menu/tap list?

This is going to be very cool. Especially with BG across the street. So many options for food.

Is there a central bar or would each kitchen also have its own drink menu/tap list?

If it is like Avanti it will have a bar(s) and waiters.

Is there a central bar or would each kitchen also have its own drink menu/tap list?

Central bar that will be operated separately from the various kitchens.

This is a really cool concept and it will just continue to establish Midtown as an OKC community space. I know there's apparently been some resistance to developing the land across from Fassler into more mixed-use housing, but I wish the MidTown Renaissance group would move forward with dense housing there. This is an area where more and more people are going to want to live, work, play.

Midtown R seems to be in a pretty serious holding pattern.

They have not even started on Memory Lane (apartments) and beyond that and the new Mercedes Dealership near Edmond, I don't think they have much in the pipeline.

it's the downside of one group holding so many key properties in the area.

Midtown R seems to be in a pretty serious holding pattern.

They have not even started on Memory Lane (apartments) and beyond that and the new Mercedes Dealership near Edmond, I don't think they have much in the pipeline.

it's the downside of one group holding so many key properties in the area.

Not that I have any reason to believe they need the cash, but could you see MR selling off some of their undeveloped property? Value for their properties has to have appreciated substantially since they were acquired and it would benefit the entire district, including the existing MR developments, if some of their large blocks were developed instead of sitting undeveloped for the next howevermany years.

i think this is a really cool concept and a very reasonable idea to implement.
for one second i thought it was the property on the southeast corner of broadway and park place
because it has been recently demolished and it's up for sale and with the street car terminal point
in that area it could have also made sense to develop that corner into an attraction point.

can anyone please tell me who MR is?

Not that I have any reason to believe they need the cash, but could you see MR selling off some of their undeveloped property? Value for their properties has to have appreciated substantially since they were acquired and it would benefit the entire district, including the existing MR developments, if some of their large blocks were developed instead of sitting undeveloped for the next howevermany years.

I don't think they are interested in selling anything. They have even said they will never build condos instead of apartments.

To their credit, they've helped create tremendous value in Midtown but the irony is just as the streetcar is getting ready to run through there, they seem to be pretty much shutting down all construction.

Many may recall that there was lots of thoughts of them developing the property directly south of Fassler Hall after St. Anthony construction wrapped and all the equipment was removed. But absolutely nothing happening there even though the lot has been clear for some time.

They still own tons of vacant or nearly vacant land and property and will have a ton more when Mercedes moves in about a year.

And of course, they still own that massive parcel between the Myriad Gardens and the new Maps 3 park. That nothingness is going to be a lot bigger deal when that park and boulevard are complete in about a year.

I don't think they are interested in selling anything. They have even said they will never build condos instead of apartments.

To their credit, they've helped create tremendous value in Midtown but the irony is just as the streetcar is getting ready to run through there, they seem to be pretty much shutting down all construction.

Many may recall that there was lots of thoughts of them developing the property directly south of Fassler Hall after St. Anthony construction wrapped and all the equipment was removed. But absolutely nothing happening there even though the lot has been clear for some time.

They still own tons of vacant or nearly vacant land and property and will have a ton more when Mercedes moves in about a year.

And of course, they still own that massive parcel between the Myriad Gardens and the new Maps 3 park. That nothingness is going to be a lot bigger deal when that park and boulevard are complete in about a year.

I sent the market analysis that their property manager provided to me ~6 months ago out, and it is very apparent they are taking a hard look at everything that has come on line and being purposefully cautious. Occupancy rates over the next year or two will really dictate what direction they decide to go on the residential side. However, you would think that they would be a little more aggressive on the commercial / office side as the demand there seems to keep snowballing.

I understand being cautious as a lot of new rental properties come online, but there's almost no way a quality development along 10th, south of Fassler wouldn't kill it. That would be arguably the best location in the metro. The apartments that would have to worry in that scenario are the ones with slightly less desireable locations (e.g., Metropolitan, Lift) in the area. It is frustrating to see Midtown R stall even though, as Pete said, they deserve so much credit for making Midtown what it is.

However, you would think that they would be a little more aggressive on the commercial / office side as the demand there seems to keep snowballing.

Agreed. And whatever commercial/office that they develop (or that other developers develop) should increase the value and demand for future residential.

Editing to say that my post wasn't intended in any way to knock MR. I used to live there and still spend a significant amount of time in Midtown and fully appreciate that it would not be the district it is without MR's dedication to the area and its high quality developments.

I actually just saw this video pop up in my feed on FB. I had forgotten how many properties they own/manage in Midtown.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I73-5NhHOkA

And in fairness to Midtown Renaissance, they have done a ton of small things along Walker recently, such as adding the additional retail in Plaza Court (Insomnia Cookies, etc.), added the new patio at Stella, converted the old Meg Guess space to three different commercial tenants, even adding the patio for McNellies.

However, they still own a bunch of very big holes in Midtown and even if they continued on their aggressive pace it would be a long time before most of it was built-out. Therefore, this slowdown along with abandoning the car dealerships and sitting on the key downtown parcel has me concerned that we are going to have those scars for longer than I or most people would like.


And as far as their residential, it seems for the first time in the many years they have brought new units on the market, they actually have a bit of vacancy as you see 1-2 units available in many of their projects.

At the same time, they are charging at the very high end of the rental spectrum and it's amazing to me they have gone this long without even needing to try to rent their units.

And in fairness to Midtown Renaissance, they have done a ton of small things along Walker recently, such as adding the additional retail in Plaza Court (Insomnia Cookies, etc.), added the new patio at Stella, converted the old Meg Guess space to three different commercial tenants, even adding the patio for McNellies.

However, they still own a bunch of very big holes in Midtown and even if they continued on their aggressive pace it would be a long time before most of it was built-out. Therefore, this slowdown along with abandoning the car dealerships and sitting on the key downtown parcel has me concerned that we are going to have those scars for longer than I or most people would like.


And as far as their residential, it seems for the first time in the many years they have brought new units on the market, they actually have a bit of vacancy as you see 1-2 units available in many of their projects.

At the same time, they are charging at the very high end of the rental spectrum and it's amazing to me they have gone this long without even needing to try to rent their units.

I had 3-4 months left on my lease and recently needed to get out, and they were able to have someone take it over within 48 hours. I'd be curious to know if they raised rent on the new tenants.