After long delays due to land and title issues, the former Armory on NE 23rd just west of the State Capitol has sold to COOP Ale Works.

COOP has drawn plans to convert the huge building and related structures on 8 acres into a brewery, hotel, restaurant and bar.

The building was completed in 1938 and has classic Art Deco features and a striking atrium that will soon be home to a COOP production brewery. Hotel rooms and other amenities will overlook the vast center space.

COOP has estimated approximately 24 months to complete once work commences.

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How loud does the production line equipment get during operation? I haven't been inside a beer plant, but I remember Braum's isn't the most quiet place to walk through during production. Now I know they would most likely only be running during the day time and it won't affect over night guests, but just wondering what the sound level will be in that atrium when the line is running.

this is great its going to be like one of those giant UK food halls/breweries

If you have ever been to london or manchester you know

This is the next great project for OKC and yet another place that will impress the hell out of visitors.

The restaurant on the second level with an outdoor patio overlooking the State Capitol will be a unique slice of OKC/Oklahoma.

This is the next great project for OKC and yet another place that will impress the hell out of visitors.

The restaurant on the second level with an outdoor patio overlooking the State Capitol will be a unique slice of OKC/Oklahoma.

exactly, this is something you see in global cities like london, NYC etc

https://www.hopculture.com/food-halls-craft-beer/

How loud does the production line equipment get during operation? I haven't been inside a beer plant, but I remember Braum's isn't the most quiet place to walk through during production. Now I know they would most likely only be running during the day time and it won't affect over night guests, but just wondering what the sound level will be in that atrium when the line is running.
I've been through the A-B brewery in St Louis, the Coors brewery in Golden and a couple other smaller ones. I don't remember much sound at all except the clinking of glass bottles on the filling line.

I've been through the A-B brewery in St Louis, the Coors brewery in Golden and a couple other smaller ones. I don't remember much sound at all except the clinking of glass bottles on the filling line.

I was just curious as I have been to a plant with cans/glass bottles, only potato chips, bread, chocolate, and milk.

I've been through the A-B brewery in St Louis, the Coors brewery in Golden and a couple other smaller ones. I don't remember much sound at all except the clinking of glass bottles on the filling line.

AB is really quiet. Coors back 20 years ago was pretty loud going through it then (that would have been 2004, but i went back in 2019 with some friends and it wasn't bad at all. The worst i have been through when it came to production level noise was Boulevard in Kansas City, but i think that is just more the design of the facility doesn't dissipate noise near as much.

I mean yes, you can hear equipment running. but it's usually not too loud. and even then, it's really only loud when you are right on the production floor when something major is going on, and putting up pretty much any barrier seems to be enough to drowned out most of it.

I did the Coors tour in 2011 and it was pretty quiet. From what I remember it seems like the areas that would be noisy you were completely separated from them and just looked through the glass, while the quieter rooms you were on open catwalks.

Sorry if I missed it, what was the transaction price and building permit value?

Sorry if I missed it, what was the transaction price and building permit value?

COOP paid $1.3 million.

Their main building permit had a value of $6 million but that doesn't include furniture, fixtures and equipment.

They had previously said their total budget was over $50 million.

This is going to be so awesome!

Coop needs to get someone who is really good at operating hotels from a convention perspective and being intentional about not.opening dates too far in the future: They should easily be able to get multiple "conventions" every year in that space where beer clubs, beer magazines, etc utilize that feature to do some really cool things. I can't imagine there are tons of breweries out there with hotel rooms.

Coop needs to get someone who is really good at operating hotels from a convention perspective and being intentional about not.opening dates too far in the future: They should easily be able to get multiple "conventions" every year in that space where beer clubs, beer magazines, etc utilize that feature to do some really cool things. I can't imagine there are tons of breweries out there with hotel rooms.

it is a tiny hotel with limited event space ..

it is a tiny hotel with limited event space ..

Cool, looks like around 20 rooms. Didn't really notice that it had a hotel in the blue prints.

Any updates? I drive by this everyday and look forward to getting a brew here. Last I heard there was a completion date of 2024 but with a 24 month estimated time of construction that doesn't seem likely. Hope it's still happening.

I was told that it is still moving forward but they are rethinking their plans.

I believe it will be very similar to what was proposed but reworked.

As far as I know, there is no real timeline until they figure out exactly what they want to do.


Coop was recently acquired, so the new owners are working through this. They still own the armory and have already spent a chunk, so I'm sure something will happen here in time.

^ Any word on who acquired them? Searched for "COOP Ale Works Acquisition" on Google and got nothing.

I just hope that doesn’t result in the loss of the hotel.

I just hope that doesn’t result in the loss of the hotel.

i think a hotel at the armory is very very unlikely now

^ Any word on who acquired them? Searched for "COOP Ale Works Acquisition" on Google and got nothing.

Mark Fischer purchased all or a significant part of it in addition to Provision Concepts in an effort to deploy capital from the sale of Dippin Dots last year. Brewery is still likely going there but the hotel, while still possible, is influx. Might also end up being a distillery involved. They’re working through what I’ve been told are some fairly significant environmental remediation issues resulting from its history as an armory but they’re pretty confident they can be dealt with.

Dang, so this guy just bought a brewery...

https://www.yahoo.com/news/former-dippin-dots-ceo-accused-190704729.html

Dang, so this guy just bought a brewery...

https://www.yahoo.com/news/former-dippin-dots-ceo-accused-190704729.html

that guy didn't buy anything ... ..

that guy didn't buy anything ... ..

Is PhiAlpha talking about a different Mark Fischer? Or is his info incorrect?

Is PhiAlpha talking about a different Mark Fischer? Or is his info incorrect?

Mark Fischer was not arrested ..

Is PhiAlpha talking about a different Mark Fischer? Or is his info incorrect?

Mark and Scott are 2 unique individuals.

Mark and Scott are 2 unique individuals.

But from a business standpoint, they are not.

Mark is the father who bought Dippin Dots and Scott is the son that was the CEO. It's safe to assume Scott is also involved in Coop Aleworks since Mark recently bought it.

I did google search Mark Fischer dip n dots and that was the first thing that popped up... I stand corrected.

But from a business standpoint, they are not.

Mark is the father who bought Dippin Dots and Scott is the son that was the CEO. It's safe to assume Scott is also involved in Coop Aleworks since Mark recently bought it.

Scott really hasn’t been all that involved with Coop or Provision Concepts thus far. It’s primarily been Mark working with the people who currently run those businesses (Jeff Dixon, etc), who’s management groups haven’t changed. I’m not really sure what Scott’s been working on since closing the Dippin dots sale.

Is PhiAlpha talking about a different Mark Fischer? Or is his info incorrect?

LOL. My info definitely is not incorrect.

Edit: sorry, didn’t see your second message.

Scott really hasn’t been all that involved with Coop or Provision Concepts thus far. It’s primarily been Mark working with the people who currently run those businesses (Jeff Dixon, etc), who’s management groups haven’t changed. I’m not really sure what Scott’s been working on since closing the Dippin dots sale.

Big difference here. Mark Fischer is a silent investor in Provision Concepts.

He owns Coop outright just like he did Dippin Dots.

Big difference here. Mark Fischer is a silent investor in Provision Concepts.

He owns Coop outright just like he did Dippin Dots.

Good point, just saying the last time I talked to Scott (a month or so ago), he said he wasn’t very involved in either of those yet and I honestly can’t remember what he said he was working on, just remember that he wasn’t doing much with either of those at the time because I specifically asked about them. That obviously might have changed or may in the future.

Interesting thread on the history of dippin dots and how it links to okc

https://twitter.com/franchisewolf/status/1513147851873865730?t=ETTZfCGTX43uGFdWcfw1NQ&s=19

Good point, just saying the last time I talked to Scott (a month or so ago), he said he wasn’t very involved in either of those yet and I honestly can’t remember what he said he was working on, just remember that he wasn’t doing much with either of those at the time because I specifically asked about them. That obviously might have changed or may in the future.

Thanks for clarifing the role of Scott in the armory purchase.

Any updates on this project?

Noticed some activity at the Armory today. lot of trucks and two dumpters that are already full. Hopefully this means good things.

Noticed some activity at the Armory today. lot of trucks and two dumpters that are already full. Hopefully this means good things.

My understanding is they are just cleaning it out a bit and trying to secure it against homeless that have been getting in.

Last I heard is the new owners of Coop were reconsidering the plans for this property and since there have been no announcements and no new plans filed, I don't think anything is going to happen in the near future.

My understanding is they are just cleaning it out a bit and trying to secure it against homeless that have been getting in.

Last I heard is the new owners of Coop were reconsidering the plans for this property and since there have been no announcements and no new plans filed, I don't think anything is going to happen in the near future.

Well that stinks. I guess I need to temper my hopes for this project. I'm kind of surprised the state has let them sit on it this long. You would think when they awarded it to Coop they put some time limits on it. Thanks for the update Pete

Well that stinks. I guess I need to temper my hopes for this project. I'm kind of surprised the state has let them sit on it this long. You would think when they awarded it to Coop they put some time limits on it. Thanks for the update Pete

I don't think the sale came with any time constraints.

Also, remember that Coop was purchased after they announced their grand plans, so a lot has changed.

Plans are once again moving forward to completely renovate and transform the former National Guard Amory, this time into a live music venue.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory012325a.jpg


Coop Aleworks had announced plans in June of 2022 after a deal was struck with the state to purchase the property on NE 23rd between I-235 and the Capitol complex. The plans at that time called for a hotel, brewery, and restaurants.

Shortly thereafter, Coop was sold to OKC-based Mark Fischer, and things went quiet as the new owner contemplated the best way to move forward.

Now, Fischer Companies has entered into a joint venture with Beaty Capital Group of Rogers, Arkansas and together they will tackle the ambitious remodel.

In a release, the project was described as a scalable 4,500-capacity theater under the Temple Live brand, plus a small 500-person emerging artist venue to support local acts.

Included will be a state of the art audio and lighting, plans also call for a 360-degree immersive visual system.

The venue will offer several viewing levels and VIP sections with catering and suites.

A restaurant, pub, and microbrewery will also be included.

Temple Live is involved in multiple popular music venues, many remodeled historical structures. They will bring strong booking credentials to the Armory.

Temple also took a hard run at the Gold Dome at NW 23rd & Classen a couple of years ago, but those plans never solidified. Recently, Kismet Koncerts - a Tulsa-based concert and event company - announced the intention to bring live music to the Dome, as Kismet owner Mike Brown had been a part of the Temple Live group when they first drafted plans.

If both venues move forward, they will be significant additions to the growing OKC music scene, just over a mile apart with that short strip of NW 23rd already including Tower Theatre, Pony Boy, and Blue Note Lounge as well as scores of restaurants and bars in the Uptown District.



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Not sure if there are renderings yet but am trying to track them down.

This sounds like a fantastic use. Fischer also is a major investor in Provision Concepts, and I know PC is a possible operator for the restaurant and perhaps more.

If both venues move forward, they will be significant additions to the growing OKC music scene, less than two miles apart and both along NW 23rd.


23rd St would almost become a "strip" for live music. You'd have the Armory, Blue Note, Tower, Pony Boy, Gold Dome, and I think the Bungalows have live music, too. And some of the other bars could easily incorporate live music on occasion. Probably too spread out to really feel like a strip, but it'd be a decent variety of venues sharing the same street.

This would be larger a larger capacity than the Criterion at the 4500 configuration, which would make it the largest indoor venue that's not an arena, correct?

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/armory012325f.jpg

"The Armory" is just such a cool name, with no need to manufacture forced marketing tropes.

Fischer and his partner have very deep pockets and my understanding is it's pretty much a done deal.

Will be great to see this property come back to life... It's very cool and unique inside.

If this project doesn't need $3MM in TIF, neither does the gold dome.

If this project doesn't need $3MM in TIF, neither does the gold dome.

We'll see if the ask for TIF. I'm not sure if they will or not.

But I agree with you.

This would be larger a larger capacity than the Criterion at the 4500 configuration, which would make it the largest indoor venue that's not an arena, correct?

I'm sure you're right. The Criterion capacity is only 3,000.

Hard to believe the Armory will be 50% larger but it's certainly big and has multiple levels for viewing.

This whole thing really excites me because I strongly believe it's going to happen - still taking a wait-and-see attitude with the Gold Dome.

Can't wait to see detailed plans for this project.

"The Armory" is just such a cool name, with no need to manufacture forced marketing tropes.

Fischer and his partner have very deep pockets and my understanding is it's pretty much a done deal.

Will be great to see this property come back to life... It's very cool and unique inside.

Is this going through Planning Commission already, or still in a commission prior to that? I love this idea, and a 4500 seat venue would be great!

Would really only leave a 14 to 17k outdoor venue missing to complete OKCs venue levels.

Is this going through Planning Commission already, or still in a commission prior to that? I love this idea, and a 4500 seat venue would be great!

No, no plans have been filed but hopefully that comes sooner than later.

I know they have things planned out, just not sure when we see renderings and the like.


Another great thing about this property is there is tons of parking, both on-site and in lots that would be shared with the State.

I'm sure you're right. The Criterion capacity is only 3,000.

Hard to believe the Armory will be 50% larger but it's certainly big and has multiple levels for viewing.

This whole thing really excites me because I strongly believe it's going to happen - still taking a wait-and-see attitude with the Gold Dome.

Can't wait to see detailed plans for this project.

I think the Criterion can do more than that, but it's probably stretching it. Looks like the best analog would be the Bomb Factory and there's maybe opportunity to develop the premium levels of this better than those at the BF.

I think the Criterion can do more than that, but it's probably stretching it. Looks like the best analog would be the Bomb Factory and there's maybe opportunity to develop the premium levels of this better than those at the BF.

If nothing else, something newly designed benefits from the hundreds of venues that have already been built or renovated. Tech in venues has also vastly improved in just the last decade.

I believe the people involved are also committed to doing things right, which is why they have been methodical since Fischer purchased Coop.

And like the Jones, it could be a unique and very cool addition to OKC; the type of place you take visitors to show what we've become. I like the Criterion and have been many times, but it doesn't fit this description. The Tower is another one sure to impress others, although not on the same scale.

When the PUD was approved by the zoning commission in June they had concerns about parking. The developer didn't have a plan in place and will need one before a building permit is issued. This seems like it will be an even bigger problem with a 4,500 person capacity concert venue. I never saw the final version of the PUD, but in one of the drafts it referenced a permitted use as Spectator Sports and Entertainment: General (8300.69). 8300.69 appears to be restricted use in OKC code, so hopefully that was fixed in the final version, but maybe Pete can dig that up. 8300.67 is general use and 8300.68 is high impact. I wonder if 4,500 people would be considered a high impact use which wouldn't be permitted. There doesn't seem to be a clear definition to delineate between the 3 uses in OKC's code.

Will this project make developers of the Gold Dome rethink about their plan?

Will this project make developers of the Gold Dome rethink about their plan?

No, they're about to get $3MM in free money from OKCPS.

This would be a wonderful use here, but can we really support 3 of these on 23rd? The Tower is already going and the Gold Dome has plans....but i think this would kill the dome, which is sort of sad. But the facility here just makes a lot more sense for this type of thing.

"Included will be a state of the art audio and lighting, plans also call for a 360-degree immersive visual system."

This makes me think it'll be similar to COSM in Dallas which is a smaller scale version of the Sphere in Vegas. This is exciting.

https://www.cosm.com/the-experience

"The Armory" is just such a cool name, with no need to manufacture forced marketing tropes.

Fischer and his partner have very deep pockets and my understanding is it's pretty much a done deal.

Will be great to see this property come back to life... It's very cool and unique inside.

If we want to see best case scenario and what should be the model and template for this project, check out The Armory, in Minneapolis.

Was there in November for the Pretty Lights run and it is a gem of a venue! If our Armory is ANYTHING like the one in Minneapolis is, OKC is going to have something to be very proud of!

This is a much better location for a music venue than the Gold Dome. While this may be unpopular some people, there would be a substantial parking issue and strain on the neighborhoods with a music venue at the Gold Dome. The armory has much more flexibility with space currently.

No, they're about to get $3MM in free money from OKCPS.

I heard you, we all heard you, you should stop hitting the replay button, it's getting very annoying.

very exciting, I just hope they have at least a plan for structured parking eventually for the grounds. Like was said by Pete I think, could be shared with the state. I am hoping for Gold Dome as well, which (also) needs to consider structured parking so not to negatively impact the hoods.