Just spoke with Coop and they hope to close on the purchase in 30 to 60 days.

If all goes well there would be a groundbreaking early this summer and they would need about 1.5 years to complete.

Scope has changed slightly; will now be adding 12 villa-style hotel rooms to the former Dept. of Veterans Affairs building to the east, along with a pool and some private event space in that same building.

If anything, the plans have expanded and they will be releasing the final design in conjunction with the groundbreaking.

I left son number one there when he enlisted in the Guard in 2007. Twelve years and he is still in. This is a deceptively important property in Oklahoma. As there are so many parents who feared when they left their child there at the beginning of their service they would ultimately wind up as Laramie told in Post #54 above.

COOP Aleworks submits plans for Armory conversion (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=645-COOP-Aleworks-submits-plans-for-Armory-conversion)

After being selected by the State to redevelop the historic Armory building last summer, COOP Aleworks is moving forward with its plan for a massive renovation into a brewery, taproom, restaurant, event space and hotel rooms.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919f.jpg


Building permit applications have been filed that reveal new details, including converting the neighboring Oklahoma Veterans Memorial Building into hotel villas.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919a.jpg

Sean Mossman, Director of Sales and Marketing for COOP, told OKCTalk that the building had been originally planned as living units but upon consultation with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, it was recommended they add more hotel rooms to better attract visiting groups.

Mossman said COOP also saw the opportunity to tie together the two buildings with a large pool and outdoor event area that would be for the use of hotel guests. Cabana rental will also be available to the general public.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919e.jpg


The 12 villas would supplement the rooms in the armory itself and bring the total room count to 28.

Otherwise, there have only been minor changes to the original plans unveiled in July of 2018, showing the bottom floor of the Armory to be used as a large, open brewery and the second and third levels dedicated to hotel rooms, with a large restaurant, taproom and outdoor deck on the east side of the second floor.

In addition to cabanas, the pool will feature a large outdoor bar and full food service.

Mossman said the purchase from the state is not quite complete but should happen soon.

Once work starts, construction is anticipated to span 16 to 18 months, with a targeted opening of spring 2021.

The t-shaped Veterans Memorial Building was recently vacated by the Department of Veteran Affairs which moved to a new complex. The Armory has been vacant for some time.

COOP's current brewery and taproom is located at 4745 Council Heights, west of Will Rogers Airport. They currently offer 19 rotating beers on tap.

Design of the new project is by Spur Design and general contractor will be Smith & Pickel.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919h.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919i.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919g.jpg


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http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919l.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory081919d.jpg

Sick project, can't wait! But.... I thought they were going to open up walnut? Not happening anymore?

Sick project, can't wait! But.... I thought they were going to open up walnut? Not happening anymore?

Nope.

That site plan is the current one.

There have been lots of issues with easements and general state bureaucracy, which is why they still haven't closed on the purchase. But hopefully soon.

Man that's a bummer. I used to live on Walnut just to the south of this building and through access on walnut would be a huge benefit.

Wow. Looks awesome. Glad they’re taking their time to get it right.

Huge bummer about Walnut.

This building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Pete, does that signal this project is moving forward?

https://journalrecord.com/2020/01/07/armory-added-to-national-register-of-historic-places/?fbclid=IwAR1KEruwg7EP2KE_S1ZB4dbTzgXPBIyW5d2lgvQj _mkhMV0H4TIaci-GF6U

They've been working non-stop on this all along. Just hard to see the progress just yet. Got to talk to one of the partners pretty extensively at an NYE party and it's going to be so very exciting.

^^^ glad to see that! This project is just as big as first national, IMO.

My top favorite projects right now are this, Oak, Rother Shrine Church, Lincoln Plaza, and First National.

I posted in August (see above) that they had submitted their building permit applications.

On a project of this scale, it takes months before the permits are issued. I've been checking on the status and they are still working through the process; there is a lot of back-and-forth.

^^^ okay. Thank you for the update!

Building permits haven't been issued yet but you can see they are gearing up to start construction.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory011920a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory012520a.jpg

Any updates on this Pete?

Any updates on this Pete?

They have yet to follow-up on their building permit applications.

They submitted them some time ago but have not responded to subsequent requests for more information.

Hopefully this project isn't dead. No movement it seems and I really hope it moves forward as planned at some point.

The building permit's have been in Coop's court for a year.

I'm sure they are not anxious to move forward.

Pete, since we were on the subject of large projects in the other thread, do you still think this project is on the books?

I asked Coop about this a couple of weeks ago and they said they are still waiting on the state to remediate some contamination issues.

I could be wrong but I believe this project will be just as transformational to OKC as the FNC, OAK, or the recently announced Innovation District project.

I could be wrong but I believe this project will be just as transformational to OKC as the FNC, OAK, or the recently announced Innovation District project.
Nice project, but not transformational for OKC. Certainly not as important as FNC.

Not as transformational with regards to the people who live here, but could put OKC on the map for a subsection of tourism in the same way that Boulevard has for Kansas City.

Not as transformational with regards to the people who live here, but could put OKC on the map for a subsection of tourism in the same way that Boulevard has for Kansas City.
From a Kansas City economic standpoint, Boulevard isn’t “transformational”. And even from a social or design standpoint it isn’t “transformational”. It has been a successful craft brewery since the late 80s. So, maybe I’m missing what transformations it’s created/induced. What did it transform and what do you all expect the Armory to do to be transformational. Just think the word is a bit of hyperbole.

I do not think the project will be "transformational." However, if it is a successful repurposing of an old structure that brings additional economic vitality, then we should certainly welcome it with open arms.

On the margins, I do think having a restored property of this type east of I-235 has the potential to get people more interested in that area and perhaps draw more investment in that direction. This will perhaps allow for a bit more "transformation" then if it was located a mile west.

I do not think the project will be "transformational." However, if it is a successful repurposing of an old structure that brings additional economic vitality, then we should certainly welcome it with open arms.
On the margins, I do think having a restored property of this type east of I-235 has the potential to get people more interested in that area and perhaps draw more investment in that direction. This will perhaps allow for a bit more "transformation" then if it was located a mile west.

I mostly agree, but would totally agree if it was about a mile further east.

one mile west of 235 on 23rd and you're in the heart of transformation city. If you haven't driven that in the last 10 years, you should. It's a totally different world from my college days at OCU. I'm jelly of all that stuff not being there when I was romping around those parts!

I really hope this comes to fruition, seems like it would be a very good spot in our ever growing beer culture. Some say it may even be transformational, of course it may not be...who can say ;)

one mile west of 235 on 23rd and you're in the heart of transformation city. If you haven't driven that in the last 10 years, you should. It's a totally different world from my college days at OCU. I'm jelly of all that stuff not being there when I was romping around those parts!

Bomber, I'm totally with you. That area is amazing and I've seen it recently! But, not to split hairs on something this unimportant, but that's why I said putting it there would not be as transformational, because that area is already rapidly undergoing all of that. If the Armory opens to success and we get that level of economic vitality along 23rd between 235 and the capitol, that would have the potential to be more transformational.

Again, it's all semantics.

Sort of a weird deal, COOP is teaming up with Sonic to release a series of hard seltzers in a couple of months. Hopefully this increases the odds of the Armory renovation getting done sooner rather than later. It's nice to see Sonic teaming up with an OKC brewery for this even after getting sold to Inspire. https://okcfox.com/news/local/could-sonic-hard-seltzer-be-hitting-the-market-soon

Sort of a weird deal, COOP is teaming up with Sonic to release a series of hard seltzers in a couple of months. Hopefully this increases the odds of the Armory renovation getting done sooner rather than later. It's nice to see Sonic teaming up with an OKC brewery for this even after getting sold to Inspire. https://okcfox.com/news/local/could-sonic-hard-seltzer-be-hitting-the-market-soon

I find this type of branding very risky. All it takes is the branded alcohol involved in an accident or homicide of an innocent victim to ruin the reputation of the company.

I find this type of branding very risky. All it takes is the branded alcohol involved in an accident or homicide of an innocent victim to ruin the reputation of the company.
Okay?

I find this type of branding very risky. All it takes is the branded alcohol involved in an accident or homicide of an innocent victim to ruin the reputation of the company.

So that explains why so many brewers/distillers go out of business every year. Thanks for clearing that up.

I regards to my previous post, I was speaking on the risk of Sonic and Inspire Brands and its reputation, not COOP. Sorry to confuse the readers and thank you for the sarcasm.

What? When has the type of beer someone was drinking while committing a homicide ever damaged the brand? That is really reaching. I think COOP risks more to their brand by being associated with a company that has rapidly declining quality standards.

Remember when all those Dunkin Donuts shuttered when they released that beer with Harpoon brewery!?

The hard seltzers are not even being sold at Sonic Drive-ins so I don't see how anyone in their right mind can blame Sonic for anything nefarious occurring. You can put alcohol in anything.

I don't think ordering a crown and coke has hurt either brand

I regards to my previous post, I was speaking on the risk of Sonic and Inspire Brands and its reputation, not COOP. Sorry to confuse the readers and thank you for the sarcasm.
Are you a teetotaler? If so I could see where that would be an influence on your opinion.

I don't think ordering a crown and coke has hurt either brand

very much this... i think Coke has been perfectly fine

also coke literally contained cocaine and they don't seem to have suffered any setbacks

Any updates on this exciting project?

When I last asked Coop, they said there were some title issues and they were waiting on the state to clear them up.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CXBkWQ1LaFi/

Pete, any updates?

I'm told it's still moving forward, just slowly.

The state has to clear up some issues before title can be transferred and work begins.

Awesome! I’m very excited for this. Very unique project.

I'm beginning to think this project isn't going to happen.

I keep being told about various delays but I haven't seen any signs of forward progress in some time.

There were more interested parties than just COOP and I suspect the state is starting to think about reopening the process. The first opened this up for proposals more than four years ago.

I was told recently the easement issue is finally about to be resolved and that closing on the property should finally happen by June. How can anything be done until those issues are cleared, regardless of who has the project?

I was told recently the easement issue is finally about to be resolved and that closing on the property should finally happen by June. How can anything be done until those issues are cleared, regardless of who has the project?

That's good to hear.

But to be clear, I've been hearing that for two years. Hope it finally happens and this project moves forward.

Same, but those issues are in the hands of the state, so COOP's hands are a bit tied in that regard IMO.

Same, but those issues are in the hands of the state, so COOP's hands are a bit tied in that regard IMO.

I very much hope this all gets worked out and we see some forward movement soon, it's just that I've been following this for four years and the longer this (or any project) gets delayed, the more likely things change that get in the way of original plans.

100% agree

we were brewery hopping on Saturday and commenting how cool it would be if 2 or three breweries did a development together. where they have their own facilities but a shared patio space and maybe a spot for food truck. The armory would easily have room for that type of set up. just thinking out loud.

Somebody had mentioned that the Coop/Sonic hard seltzer project has been a flop and that may be hindering Coop from moving forward with this expensive project.

But after the first of the year, the two companies announced they would be distributing to about 10 more states. I also read their joint product is in the top 10 in sales in a hugely expanding market.

If anything, that should give Coop more money to work with, not less.

Somebody had mentioned that the Coop/Sonic hard seltzer project has been a flop and that may be hindering Coop from moving forward with this expensive project.

But after the first of the year, the two companies announced they would be distributing to about 10 more states. I also read their joint product is in the top 10 in sales in a hugely expanding market.

If anything, that should give Coop more money to work with, not less.

The first batch they sent out was fairly mediocre, I haven't tried it again to be completely honest.

I very much hope this all gets worked out and we see some forward movement soon, it's just that I've been following this for four years and the longer this (or any project) gets delayed, the more likely things change that get in the way of original plans.

It really is crazy how long these projects can take. Maybe it happens everywhere, but it seems like other cities (Dallas, for example), projects seemingly pop up overnight. I wonder if OKC lags because of a lack of capital, governmental regulation, inexperienced developers???

It really is crazy how long these projects can take. Maybe it happens everywhere, but it seems like other cities (Dallas, for example), projects seemingly pop up overnight. I wonder if OKC lags because of a lack of capital, governmental regulation, inexperienced developers???

No.

It's because we follow these things long before they start. I assure you that the big projects in Dallas take just as long, it's just that you're not aware until you see them.

This project is more complicated than most because the state is involved and their are contamination issues.

No.

It's because we follow these things long before they start. I assure you that the big projects in Dallas take just as long, it's just that you're not aware until you see them.

This project is more complicated than most because the state is involved and their are contamination issues.

Heard a rumor that there were unexploded ordinance issues on site as well.

Heard a rumor that there were unexploded ordinance issues on site as well.

"Unexploded Ordnance". Coop's answer to the Prairie Bomb