Yay, good to hear!

Saw an ad in this week's Gazette for the HiLo that said "Final HILOWEEN Bash @ Donnay Building" on 10/31, though. It was obviously printed way before this news, but sounds like the HiLo is planning on moving when their lease is up...

Yay, good to hear!

Saw an ad in this week's Gazette for the HiLo that said "Final HILOWEEN Bash @ Donnay Building" on 10/31, though. It was obviously printed way before this news, but sounds like the HiLo is planning on moving when their lease is up...

I had heard this as well. Do you have any idea where the new location is going to be? I also wonder if the bar itself will be much of a draw in a different location. Part of the charm of the HiLo is its location. I imagine that will be hard to replicate anywhere else.

With that said, I don't blame them for moving especially if they got the ball rolling when it looked like Braum's razing the place was a sure bet.

Heard an inside snippet that a potential location may be the former Brow Parlour at 313 NW 23rd. It has that grand sweeping staircase to the second floor and the sign would look great there.

Heard an inside snippet that a potential location may be the former Brow Parlour at 313 NW 23rd. It has that grand sweeping staircase to the second floor and the sign would look great there.

That would be awesome if it were the case! Plus, it's within walking distance of where I live.

Do you know if they are going to remain smoking or go non-smoking once they move?

Pretty sure ownership are pretty adamant smokers. See Lost Highway.

They should buy a Braum's, knock it down, and build the bar there.

Would hope that new owner would convince them to stay and maybe they open a new concept in any location they were looking to for a replacement. The HiLo belongs in the Donnay.

I've talked to the owner of the HiLo many times.

They very much want to stay put and even said they would be happy to pay more rent if the place would be fixed up and properly maintained.

However, they have started looking for a new location because until my story came out, they had no idea there was a firm prospect of a new owner saving it. The current property manager just told them they would probably have to be out when their lease expired next February, and of course they need time to find a new place and get moved and settled.

They will continue to seek a new site as a back up plan because they can't merely sit and hope everything works out... But the preference is to stay.

I do know they have already spoken to the prospective buyer and they is hope that things can be worked out, but there is also a due diligence period for the buyer and they have to figure out exactly what has to be done in the short-term and longer-term before they close on the purchase.

They should buy a Braum's, knock it down, and build the bar there.

That's awesome. :)

My understanding is that inspections and due diligence have been going well and that this property should be sold to the new owners not long after the first of the year.

As of today, I ended my boycott of Braum's. I was treated warmly by the grocery attendant and was somewhat impressed with the cleanliness and selection.

As of today, I ended my boycott of Braum's. I was treated warmly by the grocery attendant and was somewhat impressed with the cleanliness and selection.

Wish I could say the same, I'm probably done with them forever. Shame, because I really miss their eggnog, nobody makes it as good as they do (in OKC that I've found, at least). Wife says it's probably a good thing because now she won't want to drink the whole half-gallon in 1 sitting.

Maybe this whole thing will have a silver lining. Braums came into this with some level of arrogance. The issue brought up some other problems at Braums stores such as quality, cleanliness and employee quality. Once it got out people started publicizing Braums shortcomings and reminded them they are a business and can not do things the way they were doing or lose significant business. Maybe they will be a little bit more of an upstanding corporate citizen and not just a business.

Maybe this whole thing will have a silver lining. Braums came into this with some level of arrogance. The issue brought up some other problems at Braums stores such as quality, cleanliness and employee quality. Once it got out people started publicizing Braums shortcomings and reminded them they are a business and can not do things the way they were doing or lose significant business. Maybe they will be a little bit more of an upstanding corporate citizen and not just a business.

I seriously doubt they've lost that much business (and if so, us boycotters are more than made up for by new customers that think Braum's is just fine), and I seriously doubt they'll change the way they do business. Revisit this post in about a year and see if things have changed for Braum's by then, betting they won't...

Back on-topic - yay, glad the purchase is moving forward, hopefully it won't end in some renovation money-pit type of situation.

If anyone wants better eggnog then Baums (if you are bocating them or not) , go to Natural Grocers or maybe Whole Foods for Kalona eggnog. I won't say they are cheap but they use their cream top milk and put a load of spices in it. Nothing artifical, just have to shake it up before pouring. It beats Braums by miles.

If anyone wants better eggnog then Baums (if you are bocating them or not) , go to Natural Grocers or maybe Whole Foods for Kalona eggnog. I won't say they are cheap but they use their cream top milk and put a load of spices in it. Nothing artifical, just have to shake it up before pouring. It beats Braums by miles.

Good to know, thanks! We had tried Organic Valley, which is the only one Sprouts had, and were quite disappointed (good spice, but not rich enough, and Hiland was exactly the opposite), but we pass a Natural Grocers on the way to Uptown for our weekly trip tomorrow, we'll check it out...

If anyone wants better eggnog then Baums (if you are bocating them or not) , go to Natural Grocers or maybe Whole Foods for Kalona eggnog. I won't say they are cheap but they use their cream top milk and put a load of spices in it. Nothing artifical, just have to shake it up before pouring. It beats Braums by miles.

I don't know. The alcohol I put in it usually gives all the flavor I need.

If anyone wants better eggnog then Baums (if you are bocating them or not) , go to Natural Grocers or maybe Whole Foods for Kalona eggnog. I won't say they are cheap but they use their cream top milk and put a load of spices in it. Nothing artifical, just have to shake it up before pouring. It beats Braums by miles.

Tried Kalona and not our thing - had an interesting taste to it that I don't think I've had in any other eggnog, and I think it's the cloves in it. Not sure if that's it, but something makes it sweeter than the ones I've had before...

Classen Circle sells to new owners; all existing tenants to stay (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=450-Classen-Circle-sells-to-new-owners-all-existing-tenants-to-stay)

Today, the sale closed on the historic Classen Circle properties with the new owners taking control and planning to update and renovate the buildings.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencircle011018c.jpg


Classen Circle LLC is headed by local businessmen Josh Thomas and Scott Mueller. The acquisition price was $1.3 million for the 1.4 acres and associated buildings.

Braum's, which originally planned to purchase the property and raze it for a new store (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=399-Braum-s-applies-to-demolish-HiLo-Club-Drunken-Fry-and-Classen-Grill-structureshttp://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=399-Braum-s-applies-to-demolish-HiLo-Club-Drunken-Fry-and-Classen-Grill-structures), still owns an adjacent small house.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencircle011018.jpg


The sale seems to signal a new future for the old Classen Circle which had long been neglected by the previous ownership.

All existing tenants will remain indefinitely, with the iconic HiLo Club receiving a renovation and expansion.

Other tenants include the venerable Classen Grill, The Drunken Fry and Charlie's Jazz-Rhythm & Blues Records.

Built in 1948, the Donnay Building houses all but the Classen Grill and was home to the old Sidecar Lounge and The Patio restaurant. HiLo has been a fixture since 1956.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencircle011018d.jpg


When OKCTalk.com first broke the story of Braums' intention to demolish all existing structures as part of a pending purchase contract, there was swift and immediate backlash from the community, with an on-site protest, petitions to save the property and vocal opposition at a public meeting led by an attorney representing the local ice cream and dairy company.

Seemingly in response to the outcry, Braum's ultimately withdrew their application from the planning commission and the existing owner started to receive calls from other interested purchasers.

As OKCTalk was first to report (http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=433-Classen-Circle-property-under-contract-to-new-buyer-renovations-planned), Thomas stepped forward to ink a new purchase contract contingent on thorough due diligence and inspection of the property.

HiLo owner Chris Simon told OKCTalk he is very pleased that he'll be able to stay and looks forward to further investment in his bar, which has been at this site for more than 60 years and has been a beacon for the city's LGBTQ community.

Watch our news partner KFOR Channel 4 tonight at 6PM for more information and on-camera interviews.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencircle011018b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hilo011218b.jpg

Such great news! Really great to see OKC keep some architectural and community history. As always, great reporting, Pete.

Hell yeah!

Any clue if Braum's plans to sell the property they do own? Doesn't seem to do them much good at this point unless the new owner was going to split and sell the empty lot beside it.

Any clue if Braum's plans to sell the property they do own? Doesn't seem to do them much good at this point unless the new owner was going to split and sell the empty lot beside it.

I'm sure they will eventually.

this is like the best case scenario... haha I sincerely thought we were gonna lose this place.

Donnay Building at Classen Circle set for a substantial renovation.

From the Oklahoma Gazette:

https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/circling-back/Content?oid=4565564

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/donnay100318a.jpg

That. Looks. Incredible!

Is this being fixed by AHMM or Fitzsimmon? , looks like one of their renders

Is this being fixed by AHMM or Fitzsimmon? , looks like one of their renders

Follow the link to the article at the Gazette. AHMM.

Pete that is a great article and I love the way it’s laid out! Great reporting by Lang.

How are you going to decide what gets posted as news articles on News section of OKCTalk? I think I saw you post something about it, but are you eventually going to integrate OKCTalk with Gazette somehow?

Ho.... Lee.... Crap. This is fantastic. I had no idea there was a Hi Club and a Lo Club within the HiLo. I'd love to see that renewed! The building looks like it will be beautiful! I'm so excited.

I'd love to see them put in some sort of burger and shake place, just to spite Braums. That'd be pretty funny. The Gayborhood part of Dallas has this amazing shake and burger place called Hunky's that would fit in so very well here.

Pete that is a great article and I love the way it’s laid out! Great reporting by Lang.

How are you going to decide what gets posted as news articles on News section of OKCTalk? I think I saw you post something about it, but are you eventually going to integrate OKCTalk with Gazette somehow?

For various reasons -- including the fact that OKCTalk gets over a million impressions every single month -- we don't want to merge anything quite yet.

Gazette will continue to do more long-form stories and OKCTalk will keep on with the breaking news and what we've always done. There will be times were OKCT does a quick story and the Gazette publishes a more expansive article.

The two are completely intertwined in terms of staff and resources, but they will remain somewhat parallel in publishing for at least a while.

^^^Thanks for the response! You must have your hands full with sorting through all of that. Look forward to seeing it progress.

^^^Thanks for the response! You must have your hands full with sorting through all of that. Look forward to seeing it progress.

I'm up at 4AM every morning and work all day, every day. But I *love* it. The staff at the Gazette are crazy talented and motivated and really love OKC. It's inspiring and we have some big plans... Really want to make a difference in this community.

Well I think I speak for a lot of people when I say that the level of work you put in is apparent in the quality of the site and the reporting and very appreciated.

Yeah, keep up the good work man. That just reminded me to add the Gazette to my very small number of websites I disable adblocker on haha.

OKC is extremely lucky to have people like Pete. I am extremely grateful for the information he provides and the quality of work he puts in!

This is an understatement. Pete and people like him have done wonders for this city. I am so proud to be a member of OKC Talk and so happy that Pete has expanded his role into the newsprint of the city.

We are definitely lucky and I say that proudly as an OKC expat! Can't wait to see how things progress and the continued impact it has.

Classen Point (Horn Seed) caught fire tonight. 50k in damage per the news.

Any update on this project?

Ho.... Lee.... Crap. This is fantastic. I had no idea there was a Hi Club and a Lo Club within the HiLo. I'd love to see that renewed! The building looks like it will be beautiful! I'm so excited.

I'd love to see them put in some sort of burger and shake place, just to spite Braums. That'd be pretty funny. The Gayborhood part of Dallas has this amazing shake and burger place called Hunky's that would fit in so very well here.

For a bit of Trivia.. for a while in the 90's there was also a Hunkys in OKC on the gay Strip. in the spot that is now STars pizza on 39th. in fact still has the booths and Black and white floor that Hunkys installed but its REALLY rough these days since it was so long ago.. sadly at that time OKC strip was not able to keep hunkys alive. I think if it was there today it would do very well.

For a bit of Trivia.. for a while in the 90's there was also a Hunkys in OKC on the gay Strip. in the spot that is now STars pizza on 39th. in fact still has the booths and Black and white floor that Hunkys installed but its REALLY rough these days since it was so long ago.. sadly at that time OKC strip was not able to keep hunkys alive. I think if it was there today it would do very well.

I had no idea. That's unfortunate. That place is really good and fun. Props to them for trying then. I'm with you though, much better chance at success if they tried it now.

Pete - do you know if this project is still progressing and when we might see work begin on renovating these buildings?

Pete - do you know if this project is still progressing and when we might see work begin on renovating these buildings?

They should be starting renovations soon.

Owners just busy with other projects. All plans have been drawn and things are still moving forward.

They should be starting renovations soon.

Owners just busy with other projects. All plans have been drawn and things are still moving forward.
Wonderful. Thanks for the response!

This is one of those smaller developments that I am really excited for and I think it will have an impact in a big way!

Is this project still moving forward?

Yes, but owner has been busy with other projects.

An update on this project?

Some renovation work has started:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencircle031920a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/classencircle031920b.jpg

It would be cool if that entire "complex" could be done as thoroughly as the Classen Inn, keeping the original character but gutting the interior and upgrading plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.

It would be cool if that entire "complex" could be done as thoroughly as the Classen Inn, keeping the original character but gutting the interior and upgrading plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.
This.

It would be cool if that entire "complex" could be done as thoroughly as the Classen Inn, keeping the original character but gutting the interior and upgrading plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.

What do you want to bet there will be "an electrical fire" and they HAVE to tear it down and start again...

The HiLo Club to get a nice covered patio:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hilo091920a.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hilo091920b.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hilo091920c.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hilo5.jpg

What do you want to bet there will be "an electrical fire" and they HAVE to tear it down and start again...

Lol. Electrical fire is plausible, but not for some paranoid fantasy reason. That building is old and hasn’t been attended to in a very long time. Needs serious updating.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hilo101120a.jpg

uhhh... is it just me or is that roof already bowing?

uhhh... is it just me or is that roof already bowing?

It's the old roof they are taking down.

It's the old roof they are taking down.

lol... then that makes sense. the wood looked pretty new, so i assumed this is what they were adding. guess it would have helped if i had scrolled back up to reacquaint myself with the renderings.

I drove by this building and noticed the HiLo Club exterior seemed like it was spruced up. Any words on the renovation here? The renderings looked amazing.

^

They started on the new patio but there hasn't been any progress for a while.