Key Uptown corner to get new development (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=350-Key-Uptown-corner-to-get-new-development)

The owners of Queens Beauty Supply at NW 23rd and Hudson have submitted plans construct a new brick structure complete with public art, murals and an outdoor patio.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323nw23now.jpg


Plans submitted to the Urban Design Commission for 323 NW 23rd Street show the proposed building to have 3 tenant bays with a drive-thru serving the largest space; OKCTalk has learned that Dunkin' Donuts is the likely large tenant.

To make room, a long narrow long-vacant building to the west of Queens Beauty will be demolished.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323nw23a.jpg


As the property to be demolished and Queens Beauty share the same green metal mansard roof, the remaining business storefront is likely to receive a makeover as well.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323nw23rdnow.jpg


The plans also show the owners renovating the parking lot directly to the north which is directly across from Cheever's Cafe, one of the very first businesses to start the Uptown renaissance back in 2000.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323nw23b.jpg


Since Cheever's opened, many badly maintained buildings along the former Route 66 stretch between I-235 and Classen have been renovated leaving the remainder more and more conspicuous.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptowndec2016.jpg


Significant renovations and additions to the Uptown 23rd District include The Rise, Guyutes, 23rd Street Courts, The Pump Bar, Pizzeria Gusto and Tower Theater. Projects in the planning or construction phases include Citizen's Bank, Joe's Pawn Shop and the Gold Dome.

That's a nice try at a drive-through that would affect only one opening along 23rd... But I'd like to see at least 2-story development on new construction here.

I like that it's pushed to the corner and will have a patio.

BTW, DD would absolutely kill it here including late-night.

It would be nice if they would bury the utilities while they rehab that parking lot.

Good for Dunkin' Donuts, beating Starbucks to 23rd St.

Not the way I envisioned the corner, but this is awesome. Finally something will be open late-night within walking distance that isn't a gym or a bar. This is one step closer to my mom not thinking that I am slumming it in this part of town :tongue:

I'm not huge on the drive-thru aspect of this, but even so I am excited for this infill development. It will make that corner look SO much better!

Very happy about this development. Not quite sold on the idea of a Dunkin Donuts, but then again I could easily be 'suade at 12:30am in a years time.

Beats the similar-looking jeweler on Ollie.. Minh Man or something?

I'm impressed to see the such a solid proposal without first being criticized by a design board. Dunkin' will be a great addition.

Building permit filed today for this project.

Should see work starting in a few weeks.

So, if they're demolishing part of the building with the green awning, does that mean the awning is coming down even on the part that will remain?

So, if they're demolishing part of the building with the green awning, does that mean the awning is coming down even on the part that will remain?

Not sure but to change it or remove it they would have to file another application with design review and that hasn't happened as of yet.

Building permit filed today for this project.

Should see work starting in a few weeks.


GuestLove said:
Dunkin Donuts on 23rd still a go?

Steve Lackmeyer replied:
My understanding is this proposal died several months ago.

So construction starting, but no Dunkin'?

I'm checking on this and will report back.

http://newsok.com/dunkin-donuts-coming-to-uptown-oklahoma-city-despite-what-i-said-earlier/article/5549903

no.
hell no.
this is 23rd Street. UPTOWN. look up and down the street..nothing of note says anything of this.
stop it.
avail yourself of the opportunity or don't do anything.
go back to NW Highway with this crap.

The Pump has a giant "Uptown" mural and that place is maybe the most popular community space in the area. Not saying what it should be called either way, but a lot of stakeholders seem to be promoting the name and have been for a while now.

no.
hell no.
this is 23rd Street. UPTOWN. look up and down the street..nothing of note says anything of this.
stop it.
avail yourself of the opportunity or don't do anything.
go back to NW Highway with this crap.

What????

But it's going to be locally owned and operated? I didn't hear gripes like this when there was talk of this being a starbucks... old school bagel is technically a chain and by all accounts it's doing well...

I'll continue to go a mile south to Brown's for my donuts while dreaming of what that space on 23rd could've better been used for instead of cheap fast food chains...

I'll continue to go a mile south to Brown's for my donuts while dreaming of what that space on 23rd could've better been used for instead of cheap fast food chains...

I secretly love the DD cruller best among almost all donut offerings. I for one welcome our new corporate overlords.



On a serious note this is my favorite thing about Uptown development. It is truly a mix of uses. Hipster and low-brow and everything in-between. Yes there are the "cool" options (Bunker Club, The Drake and Saving and Loan) but so too are there options for fast-casual breakfasting (Old School Bagel), mediocre but family-friendly pizza (Pizza 23), a Cox store, Family Dollar, etc. The Plaza will always have more cool cred, but there is also a serious upside to the neighborhood in just being able to grab a donut or a bagel without waiting in line for 45 minutes.

Too bad about the drive through though as this will further impede the walkability of 23rd (as if it needed any more detriments to walkability).

My other unpopular opinion is that I hope Queens Beauty Supply never relocates.

I secretly love the DD cruller best among almost all donut offerings. I for one welcome our new corporate overlords.



On a serious note this is my favorite thing about Uptown development. It is truly a mix of uses. Hipster and low-brow and everything in-between. Yes there are the "cool" options (Bunker Club, The Drake and Saving and Loan) but so too are there options for fast-casual breakfasting (Old School Bagel), mediocre but family-friendly pizza (Pizza 23), a Cox store, Family Dollar, etc. The Plaza will always have more cool cred, but there is also a serious upside to the neighborhood in just being able to grab a donut or a bagel without waiting in line for 45 minutes.

Too bad about the drive through though as this will further impede the walkability of 23rd (as if it needed any more detriments to walkability).

My other unpopular opinion is that I hope Queens Beauty Supply never relocates.

But alas, the Wig District is no more.

I secretly love the DD cruller best among almost all donut offerings. I for one welcome our new corporate overlords.



On a serious note this is my favorite thing about Uptown development. It is truly a mix of uses. Hipster and low-brow and everything in-between. Yes there are the "cool" options (Bunker Club, The Drake and Saving and Loan) but so too are there options for fast-casual breakfasting (Old School Bagel), mediocre but family-friendly pizza (Pizza 23), a Cox store, Family Dollar, etc. The Plaza will always have more cool cred, but there is also a serious upside to the neighborhood in just being able to grab a donut or a bagel without waiting in line for 45 minutes.

Too bad about the drive through though as this will further impede the walkability of 23rd (as if it needed any more detriments to walkability).

My other unpopular opinion is that I hope Queens Beauty Supply never relocates.

You think Pizza23 is mediocre? I don't think you've actually had bad pizza then.

You think Pizza23 is mediocre? I don't think you've actually had bad pizza then.

Bad pizza does not exist. Only those with hate in their hearts can deny the inherent goodness of even the worst-constructed slices.

Bad pizza does not exist. Only those with hate in their hearts can deny the inherent goodness of even the worst-constructed slices.

I must be hate filled because what some of the chains do to pizza is atrocious.

I must be hate filled because what some of the chains do to pizza is atrocious.

Yeah I mean the rest of us weren't going to say anything but clearly, yes. Brim full of hate.

Pizza23 definitely isn't the best pizza in the area, but for the type of pizza they make I think it's a very good mid-range quality pizza. Their crust reminds me of a quiche, which is a positive for me. Their biggest problem is that they're so close to Pizzeria Gusto, which is significantly better pizza no question, but it is a different type of pizza.

Signage plans show Baskin Robbins will be joining Dunkin Donuts in this development:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323071717.jpg

Much conflict within....

Ain't got problem with this, except maybe weak DD breakfast sandwiches.

I don't know how I missed this thread. This is an excellent development. Successful urban districts typically have a nice mix of chains and locally owned businesses. It's in fact good and refreshing to see chains conform to and become part of an urban environment. There is so much potential for 23rd St as it continues to be revitalized.


Bad pizza does not exist. Only those with hate in their hearts can deny the inherent goodness of even the worst-constructed slices.

Bad pizza does exist. It's called CiCis. A "hot circle of garbage" if there ever was one.

Signage plans show Baskin Robbins will be joining Dunkin Donuts in this development:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323071717.jpg

I wish there was a way to more tastefully blend this new building with the building already present there. But, I AM STOKED FOR BASKIN ROBBINS!

My other unpopular opinion is that I hope Queens Beauty Supply never relocates.

I also share this somewhat unpopular opinion. I shop there often and the owner has recommended some of the best food in the city to me.

I also share this somewhat unpopular opinion. I shop there often and the owner has recommended some of the best food in the city to me.

I would be fine with that if they started taking care of their building. The outside of it has looked like complete trash for the 5 years I've lived down here. If they're going to continue neglecting its appearance I would much rather a bar/restaurant or other retail establishment take it over so that the blight is removed.

I also share this somewhat unpopular opinion. I shop there often and the owner has recommended some of the best food in the city to me.

I wouldn't mind the shop staying if, like PhiAlpha said, the building could see some improvements. With a little TLC, that building could be gorgeous.

Work has already started on the parking lot to the north of the proposed building:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323072017.jpg

What will Cheever's do about parking?

What will Cheever's do about parking?

Have an email into Keith Paul to ask him if Cheever's patrons will still have access once this project is complete.

Last night, there were a lot of cars on the street.

There's also the huge parking lot across the street from the Tower Theatre.

There's also the huge parking lot across the street from the Tower Theatre.

and massive amounts behind The Rise and plenty of on street parking in the neighborhoods to the north and south if you are ok with walking a bit.

and massive amounts behind The Rise and plenty of on street parking in the neighborhoods to the north and south if you are ok with walking a bit.

The operative phrase.

Neither of those tower or rise lots are privaledge to Cheevers customers. When the commercial district fills in I wouldn't be surprised to see parking attendants on busy nights.

They have demolished part of Queens Beauty Supply and removed that hideous green mansard to reveal the historic storefront.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/queens101917b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/queens101917.jpg

Will they keep it like this???? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease

Will they keep it like this???? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease

I believe so.

They would have to go through design review to change it.

Will they keep it like this???? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeease

I second this. This has long been on my wishlist for 23rd; for that green awning to come down.

Hopefully they restore the transom window!

The scuttlebutt is that this deal is dead. Couldn't get past plan review on that ridiculous drive through and didn't bother asking for a variance. Probably no grounds to apply since the language for application is that the current code "causes harm."

The scuttlebutt is that this deal is dead. Couldn't get past plan review on that ridiculous drive through and didn't bother asking for a variance. Probably no grounds to apply since the language for application is that the current code "causes harm."

The building permit has been issued, the ground cleared and staked.

They applied for right of way clearance and that has been approved as well.

I can't see anything that was declined.

Goes to show you can't believe half of what you hear. I've seen the site cleared and fwnce up. But I wasn't suspicious of rumor it would have been turned down. A single lane entrance drive through off 23rd feels like a disaster. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

I'm not saying for sure that everything is good, but I can't find anything that indicates otherwise.

The drive off 23rd is one-way (in) and from the drawings it looks like 7 cars can be in line without backing up into the street.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323nw23102117.jpg

Spoke with someone yesterday with close connections to the Dunkin franchisee and was told it is 100% on track.

Also, the parking lot directly north is finished and open.

The scuttlebutt is that this deal is dead. Couldn't get past plan review on that ridiculous drive through and didn't bother asking for a variance. Probably no grounds to apply since the language for application is that the current code "causes harm."

Hot take! Lol

Hard to tell in this photo but the north parking lot is completely finished and the footings are being poured.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown111917.jpg

Foundation is poured and they are moving fast.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323nw23120317a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323nw23120317b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/323123117.jpg

Lookin' good!!

I forget but is Queen's Beauty Supply moving or is the landlord just going to spruce up the facade?

Lookin' good!!

I forget but is Queen's Beauty Supply moving or is the landlord just going to spruce up the facade?

Not moving but restoring the original facade.