Bill,
I appreciate your response. In full disclosure I did not grow up close to Mayfair and I do not have much personal history with it at all. I just enjoy studying cities and one thing I have come to appreciate is that what makes cities unique from suburbs is this idea of "community." Again I don't know Mayfair but I can picture those neighborhoods being full of people that might like to walk a block - for example - to a coffee shop. And I know there will be a Starbucks at the corner and I assume there will be a sidewalk but it's not the same thing. Mayfair has a name and a history. Even growing up 20 minutes away, we could pinpoint "Mayfair" and what it was. I remember it from the BC Clark commercials LOL. There are not very many nodes like that in OKC. Much of OKC looks like NW Highway or Memorial Road, in the sense that there is not one distinguishing characteristic about what you see from one mile to the next. And when you are talking about the suburbs, that's what you get. But that's what has traditionally made older parts of cities shine and I think in a few years there will be no Mayfair at all. It will just be "the spot on May Avenue where there are some new er buildings."

I get what you mean as well. I like the little strip part where Summer Moon is and that would be ok for the area. I do love NHP which is a little more insular and blocked similar to CC, which I don’t love. If the strip is all built like the little corner so far then it would be 100000 times better than all of the mini Memorials that dot the city.

Sigh. I am frustrated and it is my own fault that I am really not able to get my point across. Let me try once more.

I am not saying these new places will not have increased economic activity. I am talking about design. One last attempt at what I am getting at:

Look at Nichols Hills Plaza. Look at Classen Curve. Those are developments in the same general vicinity. Yes, they cater to high incomes and the Mayfair area does not have to. But what do those retail centers have in common? They invite people into - I don't know - a "place." They give people a reason to congregate a little bit. To some degree they are architecturally continuous. To some degree they can work with the surrounding neighborhood. Chisholm Creek is trying to do the same thing in a more suburban context.

The intersection of 50th and May is not the most important intersection in the closer-in city but it does have a history and it does represent one of the few spots in the older area where you have enough room to create something that looks like a community. Not creating a series of boxes each with their own parking that looks and acts like Memorial Road. The 36th and Walker area is another area that could hold the same potential.

I am not a designer or an architect or a planner but I just kind of know in my gut what I am talking about. Enough said.

I also understand your point and agree about the community part. However, CC and NHP despite having a better design have always annoyed me. Every time I go to Trader Joe's or try and hit up Tuckers in CC, I feel there is not enough parking close to the shop. Since this is the case I usually end up walking far anyways and dealing with distracted drivers from all the busy people walking around and the tight driving lanes. I have almost been hit or hit someone with my car. Sure, I should go at a different time of day, but not everyone has that luxury. Mayfair was built for the Car not the person. Until Oklahoma City becomes more walking or biking friendly or even just more Public Transit friendly, we will always get developments like Mayfair.

OkieBerto,
I respect what you have written and don't disagree, except to say that the occasional inability to park directly in front of a store at CC or NHP could be considered a feature, rather than a bug, in that those places are at least marginally more designed for people than the typical car-centric development. That is what differentiates them from a situation where the same collection of stores are strung out for half a mile along Memorial Road.

As for your last sentence, I would respectfully argue that this is a chicken and egg scenario. OKC keeps reinforcing the same car-centric development because "we are not walking or biking friendly" and then keeps waiting for the city to become more walking or biking friendly. It has to start somewhere or it will never start.

Like Bill, I have some close ties to Mayfair. My grandparents lived both west and east of May when I was growing up and I lived in Mayfair Heights for about 4 years when my children were little in the 90s. Mayfair was a place that had almost everything you would need from a retail standpoint. There were 2 grocery stores, TG&Y, 2 drug stores, a bank, hair salons, a book store, a Hallmark, clothing stores, and more. Plus every Christmas we would go to Flower City just to look at the pretty things. Things change but it certainly was nice to be able to walk from the house to get just about anything we needed. When I was growing up in the 70's and 80's near 50th and Meridian, I could say the same thing about Springdale. As a kid it was nice to not have to rely upon my mother to drive me to get things I might need. Neither strip mall was extraordinary in design, but it was nice to be so close to the things we needed.

CC,
Thank you for the anecdote. I am sure that someone will soon chime in about how the retail world of your memory is not how retail works any more. Little stores like the ones you reference don't really exist any more because of the internet, the power of chains, etc.

Except that they do. In urban neighborhoods across the country people still walk to buy things. The developers of the "new Mayfair" have attracted a large number of retailers to these car-centric boxes they have created, so there is still demand for in-person shopping (and actually much more than there used to be - dining) experiences. It's just a matter of thinking differently from what has been done the last 40 years.

And that is actually exactly what they are doing, right down the street, at OAK. I'm only arguing that Mayfair could be a nice little neighborhood-scaled, middle class version of that.

Like Bill, I have some close ties to Mayfair. My grandparents lived both west and east of May when I was growing up and I lived in Mayfair Heights for about 4 years when my children were little in the 90s. Mayfair was a place that had almost everything you would need from a retail standpoint. There were 2 grocery stores, TG&Y, 2 drug stores, a bank, hair salons, a book store, a Hallmark, clothing stores, and more. Plus every Christmas we would go to Flower City just to look at the pretty things. Things change but it certainly was nice to be able to walk from the house to get just about anything we needed. When I was growing up in the 70's and 80's near 50th and Meridian, I could say the same thing about Springdale. As a kid it was nice to not have to rely upon my mother to drive me to get things I might need. Neither strip mall was extraordinary in design, but it was nice to be so close to the things we needed.

This is my memory, as well, having grown up in Mayfair. You could spend an afternoon wandering from shop to shop, easily. I think I understand what stlokc is saying, and I do agree it would have been nice, and I also agree with all those saying the new stuff is still better than old abandoned shops.

The "old Mayfair" failed over 40 years ago and had been a disastrous eyesore for at least 30 years.

It's not an exaggeration to say I've walked through there 4-5 times a week for 3 years. I know what I'm talking about.

As someone who lives nearby and patronizes the businesses, I'm thrilled with what they've done. It is absurd to expect every development in OKC to meet the OAK standard, as it only took OKC 140 years to get ONE such development.

And BTW, these same developers are spending a small fortune to bring back Classen Circle.

CC,
Thank you for the anecdote. I am sure that someone will soon chime in about how the retail world of your memory is not how retail works any more. Little stores like the ones you reference don't really exist any more because of the internet, the power of chains, etc.

Except that they do. In urban neighborhoods across the country people still walk to buy things. The developers of the "new Mayfair" have attracted a large number of retailers to these car-centric boxes they have created, so there is still demand for in-person shopping (and actually much more than there used to be - dining) experiences. It's just a matter of thinking differently from what has been done the last 40 years.

And that is actually exactly what they are doing, right down the street, at OAK. I'm only arguing that Mayfair could be a nice little neighborhood-scaled, middle class version of that.

Aside from maybe a few little pockets, OKC has been and continues to be a car-centric city and will be for a very long time. It's just the way the city is laid out and sprawled. It's in the top 10 of largest cities in America by land. The majority of the population doesn't want to give up their vehicles, including myself. No I'm not saying that nobody is walking or that nobody wants to walk, but the majority want to drive. It just is what it is, man.

It would be nice if this corner did have some architectural flair (similar to the preserved building on 47th), but I'm guessing that Taco Casa will just drop corporate building plan #43 down on their plot, just like Panda Express did (not faulting them for it, that's what huge corporations do). Maybe the "Restaurants/Retail" building will have some character like it is in the rendering, and maybe the other buildings will too, but I doubt any of it will be anything out of the ordinary, sadly.

Read up thread.

I've posted renderings for the rest of the development and other than the stand-alone fast food places, There will be 3 new buildings with similar 'wavy' midcentury architecture.


You guys really need to take the trouble to actually read what I post before you start bitching. Getting very, very old.

Now, you'll read up thread and say those plans suck too.

Frankly, it's amazing they chose to renovate the Michael's building and the strip center south of the bank.

The soffit covering the walkway can't be much more than 6' high. I'm only 5'9" and it's uncomfortably low.


People have no idea what a mess that whole property was. Now, we have the nicely renovated strips, the awesome mid-century building and much more to come.

They added a slightly renovated Michaels, a completely new UPS Store (I use it a lot -- very busy), the very nicely done Domino and car wash (on a lot that had never been developed before), Empire Slice with a great patio, Summer Moon is beautiful and always slammed, they moved long-time tenants Barber Shop and Tailor into hugely upgraded space, brought in new-to-market Rockler, a medical imaging facility, are finishing up on Panda Express, and HTeaO and Taco Casa will start soon, and will be adding that Starbucks and a 5 Guys...

Like it or not, after the pandemic, it's all about the drive-thru and that is mainly while this has been developed in the manner it has.


We have Classen Curve, NHP, and very soon OAK. Ridiculous to expect anything like those here.

The "old Mayfair" failed over 40 years ago and had been a disastrous eyesore for at least 30 years.

It's not an exaggeration to say I've walked through there 4-5 times a week for 3 years. I know what I'm talking about.

As someone who lives nearby and patronizes the businesses, I'm thrilled with what they've done. It is absurd to expect every development in OKC to meet the OAK standard, as it only took OKC 140 years to get ONE such development.

And BTW, these same developers are spending a small fortune to bring back Classen Circle.

Until just a few years ago, it seemed like 50/50 that you could watch someone sell drugs in the parking lot whenever you went to mail a package, get your hair cut, or pick something up at Michael's.

Until just a few years ago, it seemed like 50/50 that you could watch someone sell drugs in the parking lot whenever you went to mail a package, get your hair cut, or pick something up at Michael's.

As I said, I've been walking through there several times a week for three years.

Tons of homeless, trash, and neglect.

Frankly, it's amazing they chose to renovate the Michael's building and the strip center south of the bank.

The soffit covering the walkway can't be much more than 6' tall. I'm only 5'9" and it's uncomfortably low.


People have no idea what a mess that whole property was. Now, we have the nicely renovated strips, the awesome mid-century building and much more to come.

They added a slightly renovated Michaels, a completely new UPS Store (I use it a lot -- very busy), the very nicely done Domino and car wash (on a lot that had never been developed before), Empire Slice with a great patio, Summer Moon is beautiful and always slammed, they moved long-time tenants Barber Shop and Tailor into hugely upgraded space, brought in new-to-market Rockler, a medical imaging facility, are finishing up on Panda Express, and HTeaO and Taco Casa will start soon, and will be adding that Starbucks and a 5 Guys...

Like it or not, after the pandemic, it's all about the drive-thru and that is mainly while this has been developed in the manner it has.


We have Classen Curve, NHP, and very soon OAK. Ridiculous to expect anything like this here.
I always noticed how low the soffits were (are). And I'm only 5'7". I also use the UPS store often. It's much better than the old one. And almost always very busy.

It's new construction, not an 80-year-old building where they have no idea what is under all the crap added over the years, in addition to 40 years of abject neglect.

The Starbucks building is well under construction and will look just like the renderings.

There is no evidence the other two buildings will not follow suit.

Good to know, although we'll still go to Summer Moon over *$. :)

Frankly, it's amazing they chose to renovate the Michael's building and the strip center south of the bank.

The soffit covering the walkway can't be much more than 6' tall. I'm only 5'9" and it's uncomfortably low.


People have no idea what a mess that whole property was. Now, we have the nicely renovated strips, the awesome mid-century building and much more to come.

They added a slightly renovated Michaels, a completely new UPS Store (I use it a lot -- very busy), the very nicely done Domino and car wash (on a lot that had never been developed before), Empire Slice with a great patio, Summer Moon is beautiful and always slammed, they moved long-time tenants Barber Shop and Tailor into hugely upgraded space, brought in new-to-market Rockler, a medical imaging facility, are finishing up on Panda Express, and HTeaO and Taco Casa will start soon, and will be adding that Starbucks and a 5 Guys...

Like it or not, after the pandemic, it's all about the drive-thru and that is mainly while this has been developed in the manner it has.


We have Classen Curve, NHP, and very soon OAK. Ridiculous to expect anything like those here.

Any perceived bitching on my part is just nostalgia. I don't live down there anymore and am very excited to see the area resurrected. I have fond memories of the neighborhood from my youth, and am happy for the transformation the shopping center is undergoing.

Once a building permit is issued, they can't change the plans without resubmitting.

But keep trying to find a way to be negative.Very true. The city does not like amending/changing building permits. I've been on projects that were completed as planned then modified after final inspections just to avoid dealing with the major hassle of amending the permit.

I like this development. I don’t think it needs to be mixed use. I just wish they could have sacrificed some parking spaces for sidewalks. Other than that it’s great and fits the area.

I drive by Mayfair daily. As I consider some of the complaints upthread, I have begun to think about how the entire area from Target going south to Panda Express on the east side and from Dave & Busters to Empire Slice House on the west side is an incredibly good mix of personal needs. Shopping, food, fuel, banking, dental care, communications devices, billiards, crafts, woodworking, shipping, etc. Local brands, national brands and unique to market brands. And apartments are 100 feet to the east, or 1 block to the west.

A half mile walk, max, would provide almost any product or service a resident would need in close proximity to lots of residential units. New Urbanists might nit pick, but this is great use of real estate in a mid-century neighborhood IMO.

Yeah I agree. I really don’t see the issue here.

Panda Express (3rd photo) is very close to opening.

Note the number of cars in the parking lot for Summer Moon Coffee (last photo) -- this was in the AM before Empire opened.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair013024a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair013024b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair013024c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair013024d.jpg

Good to see they are limiting curb cuts and their directionality

Does anyone know if Panda Express has opened yet?

Does anyone know if Panda Express has opened yet?

It hasn't.

Panda is very close.

Landscaping is in... I suspect they need some time to hire and train and I go by there almost every day, so when I see they've set a date or opened their doors I'll post about it.

Panda Express is finished but not yet open. Should open any day now.

HTeaO has started work directly south of Panda.

I-beams are being placed for the new Taco Casa. Concrete work has been laid with new egress points on NW 50th &NW 52nd streets.

I-beams are being placed for the new Taco Casa. Concrete work has been laid with new egress points on NW 50th &NW 52nd streets.

That's actually for a small stip center that will have a Starbucks.

Taco Casa will be north of that.

That's actually for a small stip center that will have a Starbucks.

Taco Casa will be north of that.

we saw movement and were excited for vertical progress, then I was like I don't think that type of construction is for Taco Casa. we are anxious..lol

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair030924a.jpg

Panda opened today (Tue 3/12):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/panda031224a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair031624a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair031624b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair031624c.jpg

I still don't 100% know what's supposed to be going in next to Panda on the adjoining pad sites?
*I'm sure I could thumb through this thread to find something, but Its more fun to just ask and an answer magically appears.

I still don't 100% know what's supposed to be going in next to Panda on the adjoining pad sites?
*I'm sure I could thumb through this thread to find something, but Its more fun to just ask and an answer magically appears.

South of Panda, HTeaO is under construction.

South of that will be small strip center with a 5 Guys.

South of Panda, HTeaO is under construction.

South of that will be small strip center with a 5 Guys.

Lol. Thank you for obliging my laziness.

I'm excited that there is development happening here, but it demonstrates a frustrating lack of imagination. This could have been a bang-up mixed use community.

I'm excited that there is development happening here, but it demonstrates a frustrating lack of imagination. This could have been a bang-up mixed use community.

Zoom out a couple of blocks more and you already have mixed uses. Its going to be retail surrounded by a variety of housing and office users.

I'm excited that there is development happening here, but it demonstrates a frustrating lack of imagination. This could have been a bang-up mixed use community.

LOL. Takes no imagination to build a building, put shops on the first floor, offices on the second, and apartments on the third. There you go, a cookie cutter mixed use building.

I agree with the last poster. It is a mixed use neighborhood already. There is a grocery store, a bank, a pharmacy, a department store, gas station, coffee shop, and multiple types and styles of restaurants (including arcade restaurant) within easy walking distance to many, many houses, not to mention offices, hotels and apartments. The stretch up May has lots and lots of varied businesses.

If you want more upscale and easy to stroll on Saturdays, then take a place at Oak. But every development site isn't going to be that.

As I've posted many times, I live near Mayfair and take a long walk through the neighborhood -- and often the shopping center -- almost every day.

The area around Mayfair is about as eclectic and mixed as you can get in OKC. Directly east are the Mayfair Village apartments, and it's a really cool mid-century complex that stays very full. Directly next to that is Miller Street, which has a bunch of small mid-century modern homes, mostly with carports. To the south is Mayfair Heights which is a historical district with a lot of older, traditional two-story homes. Nearby are some very expensive homes while along I-44 (which was the old Route 66) you have some quiet small and older homes. In the middle is a good elementary school (Monroe) and an underrated park (Smitty). We also have sidewalks on almost every street.

At NW 50th & May, you have a 10-story office building on the NW corner, more apartments including the recently renovated Tiffany and tons of shops with a great Target. I have literally walked to Baptist Hospital in the past (to retrieve my car after an out-patient procedure).

Within Mayfair itself, you have Aldi, Empire, Summer Moon, Rockler, Michaels, a pretty great Domino c-store and a few others. Just to the south are two excellent local restaurants: Sheesh Mahal and Azteca. It's great to have Lowe's and Sam's so close (I've walked to and from both). And of course very nearby is OAK.


I chose this neighborhood specifically because it is so well-located and because there is so much within walking distance. Not only Mayfair and OAK by also the Gayborhood and Braum's. On snowy days I've walked to Casey's. And I love the very wide variety of housing types and the diversity of people living here.

I use the stores in Mayfair all the time and it's already a million times better than the horrific eyesore (I would see it up close and personal almost every day) that had been rotting since the 80s. They did a great and thoughtful job of relocating and giving brand new space to the tailor, barber and the UPS store.

For the life of me, I cannot understand why people who live nowhere near insist on running down a project that has seen the investment of many millions and the return of a great grocery, several restaurants, and other businesses that are well patronized. Still to come are Starbuck's, Taco Casa, HTeaO and 5 guys. I'd like to see more sit-down places but that's not a reasonable expectation and I'm just thrilled we have Empire.

I think the next step for the area will be lots more flip houses, some tear-downs and rebuilds ala south of Classen Curve, renovating the few nearby apartment complexes, and perhaps converting several nearly dead churches to more housing.

What others say is true and the aesthetic/activity is better now than what it has been in years past, but I don’t think what soonerguru said is entirely unfounded, at least if we’re talking about design which is how I understood that comment. I see the focus has been on the neighborhood aspect of it and I think “mixed-use community” terminology is the reason for that, and if that’s how soonerguru intended it then I would also disagree as it’s obviously a fairly diverse area in both residential and commercial uses - especially if you start to include nearby neighborhoods that connect it to “cooler” areas - but its design is something you can see up and down May Ave and across the city, regardless of how much better it looks now. That’s a fair assessment and I don’t think it implies the transformation of Mayfair has been a failure or that the surrounding area is unimaginative.

Edit: I do agree with Rover that we can’t expect every development to be or look upscale like Oak and places like Mayfair clearly fill a need for the market considering how many business locate in similar structures. I suppose that’s where the “imaginative” part of sooner’s comment would come into play, but until the market goes that direction then I’m fine seeing dilapidated structures being brought back to life, even if I personally can imagine things that fit my preferences more.

My point is that the area is already a great mix of uses and what it needs at a major intersection is more retail and restaurants, which is exactly what Mayfair is and always has been.

There is already plenty of everything else in every direction and you couldn't squeeze much onto any one of these parcels anyway. Even the east side of May has a through street right in the middle.

My point is that the area is already a great mix of uses and what it needs at a major intersection is more retail and restaurants, which is exactly what Mayfair is and always has been.

There is already plenty of everything else in every direction and you couldn't squeeze much onto any one of these parcels anyway. Even the east side of May has a through street right in the middle.

Your neighborhood is fabulous, and getting more so because of OAK. I'm thrilled by almost all of the improvements at Mayfair and the new businesses.

This isn't a negative statement about the neighborhood, what exists, or what doesn't.

If I wasn't clear, and it appears I wasn't clear enough, this has nothing to do with aesthetics, or "upscale" developments. It was only about land use.

I'm sure I will patronize Taco Casa or whatever fast food restaurant is planned there (I can't remember) but probably not Five Guys. But, this truly isn't about me and my preferences, it's about a big piece of unused land that could have been a catalyst for better urbanization in our city in one of our best development locations. 50th and May is a major intersection in this city, and we already know there is huge demand for housing in our city. But one could argue this is one of the best possible remaining locations for residential / mixed use development left in NW OKC.

There hasn't been a residential component to any of the Mayfair redevelopment, which I believe is a miss.

50th and May is arguably the best remaining location for mixed use development in the entire city. Imagine the joy of being able to walk to freaking Target to get groceries and everything else, let alone Walgreen's, restaurants, and the other new and improved destinations at Mayfair.

The specific tract I'm discussing is a massive piece of land that is going to be drive-thru fast-food restaurants and a strip center. I'm not lambasting it. I was only trying to suggest that the land use could have been better -- a very reasonable argument. This city already has miles and miles of strip center developments that are in various states of decay and / or vacancy. Why add more of this to the urban environment?

Rover's comment is hard to understand. I didn't suggest that a thoughtful mixed-use development is cutting edge thinking, only that another parking lot ocean and strip center on a massive piece of undeveloped land in a high-demand residential part of our city is disappointing and shows a lack of imagination. An opportunity was there to take a very large unused parcel and mix residential and retail, creating more walkability in a very desirable place to live in OKC. That would have bolstered the other improvements that have happened and are planned at Mayfair.

Mayfair is obviously improving, so yay for that!

Sorry if my comments offended anyone, lol.

I'm genuinely not trying to be negative, like at all. It could have been more. That's all. Again, it's just an opinion.

I promised myself I would refrain from commenting on this thread any more but do want to tip my cap to soonerguru. Well-written and I agree with every word.

The specific tract I'm discussing is a massive piece of land that is going to be drive-thru fast-food restaurants and a strip center. I'm not lambasting it. I was only trying to suggest that the land use could have been better -- a very reasonable argument. This city already has miles and miles of strip center developments that are in various states of decay and / or vacancy. Why add more of this to the urban environment?

I didn't suggest that a thoughtful mixed-use development is cutting edge thinking, only that another parking lot ocean and strip center on a massive piece of undeveloped land in a high-demand residential part of our city is disappointing and shows a lack of imagination.

In fact, it is the opposite of cutting edge - it is the way we once built villages, town, and cities. These are always the most desirable parts of urban areas and the places Americans love to visit internationally then lament we don't have more of it back home. Not to mention even a "run down" or "blighted" and "old" block of commercial development is usually better financially for the municipality as far as tax revenue is concerned. This isn't a new idea, but certainly well documented, even if what is being replaced at Mayfair isn't exactly what is shown in this well-known case study.

However, with that said, it is nice to see significant investment in that part of OKC

https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2017/1/29/the-cost-of-auto-orientation-rerun

https://www.strongtowns.org/journal/2022/10/21/taco-johns-20

Duplicate post. Sorry for mucking up the flow......

If I hear the terms "mixed use" or "residential component" in conjunction with new developments, and the lack thereof I'm going to flip my lid. . . . Just appreciate that a once blighted area is getting revamped and move on. . . . Everyone should quit being so 'whynot' and 'whatif' about everything.

If I hear the terms "mixed use" or "residential component" in conjunction with new developments, and the lack thereof I'm going to flip my lid. . . . Just appreciate that a once blighted area is getting revamped and move on. . . . Everyone should quit being so 'whynot' and 'whatif' about everything.

I disagree. I think it is always important to ask questions about what is being developed in certain areas. We have lost a lot of what makes a community easier to walk and live in, and we keep adding more barriers that make us use cars. That being said, I still love the updates to Mayfair Shopping Center. I live in this area as well and spend money at several places, including local companies like Empire Slice and Sheesh Mahal.

I actually believe the more we ask questions or give opinions on what would look nice in a particular area, the more likely a larger developer will see the potential. They will do what they want if we say nothing and give no opinions.

If I hear the terms "mixed use" or "residential component" in conjunction with new developments, and the lack thereof I'm going to flip my lid. . . . Just appreciate that a once blighted area is getting revamped and move on. . . . Everyone should quit being so 'whynot' and 'whatif' about everything.
Relax, Nancy. This is a forum for discussion.

I talked to the main partner on Mayfair last week, and we have discussed the project many times. He has always emphasized that the main reason this project works financially is because the majority of tenants are national operators who are accepting of the rents required by new construction costs.

I have never heard him say a residential component was considered. But I have never asked him about that specifically.

I'm guessing the neighborhood would not support the rents needed for new construction on the site. At least not at the comfort level of the investors. Meaning speed and ease of return on investment.

Relax, Nancy. This is a forum for discussion.

Well see, now you're just kind of being rude.

https://www.okctalk.com/search.php?searchid=10545217

Woulda, coulda, shoulda. It’s all a part of almost any development after the fact. But, the reality is that this group has brought the Mayfair Shopping Center back from the dead. This entire area is ripe for explosion all the way to Classen. So many good things happening and I would love to be in the middle of it all.

Even though it's far from my favorite type of development, I'm firmly on team "this is a great improvement." And that's as someone who offices walkable to all of this and has parents that live walkable to all of this and do actually walk to a number of the businesses in the development.

I do wonder how different the perception would be if May Ave wasn't a 5 lane thoroughfare with many drivers regularly going 45-50+ and whether there wold be more "charm" to this type of development if the car traffic moved at a much slower pace and there wasn't as much distance between the sides of the street. Is obviously never going to happen, but I wonder if many of the complaints have less to do with the development itself, but more of the environment in which it is located. Though you could probably convince me the two are inextricably linked, I have seen examples of "generic strip malls" that still have life, a sense of place, and walkability when done right and when the streets aren't mini-highways.

Previous plans have shown 5 Guys taking space in a new building proposed directly south of HTeaO.

But now it looks like they are going into the building currently under construction on the NW corner of 50th & May; Starbucks will be in south end of this same building. Both will have drive-thrus.


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair042324a.jpg

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair042324b.jpg

I question how long 5 Guys will be in business? The prices are very high for fast food. I applaud the move from a stand alone restaurant to a tenant. I wonder what restaurant will take the place if 5 Guys pulls out?

I think I heard there is a new to OKC auto brakes company and Swig going into the south end.

Previous plans have shown 5 Guys taking space in a new building proposed directly south of HTeaO.

But now it looks like they are going into the building currently under construction on the NW corner of 50th & May; Starbucks will be in south end of this same building. Both will have drive-thrus.


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair042324a.jpg

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair042324b.jpg

Where will Taco Casa go in relation to this, north?

Where will Taco Casa go in relation to this, north?

South, I believe.

Taco Casa is proposed for the parcel north of where Five Guys and Starbucks will be located.

To the south (on the hard corner), another little strip center is planned.

I think going south on May Avenue from NW Expressway we will see Whataburger, Jack in The Box, (street and high wall) Taco Casa, and then the building with Starbucks and 5 Guys.

I think going south on May Avenue from NW Expressway we will see Whataburger, Jack in The Box, (street and high wall) Taco Casa, and then the building with Starbucks and 5 Guys.

That's what I thought too, hence my previous post. But looking back at the thread, it's said Taco Casa is going at the north end of the parcel. I found a pic in the thread that must've stuck in my head to make me think that, the top of the pic is south, and Taco Casa's logo is at the bottom (way back on page 15 or 16, I think).

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mayfair050224a.jpg