I noticed driving by this weekend they definitely seem to be moving right along.

UPTOWN ENTERTAINMENT | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/5432523?utm_source=NewsOK.com&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=ShareBar-Twitter)

I'm sure a more detailed article will be coming but, for now, Steve says that there is a deal for a live music venue with the possibility of movies.

Although no leases have been formally signed, the ownership group is working towards getting an operator for a bar that will be located at the far east end of the theater.

They've submitted these building permits in order to get a jump on the ABC-3 process.

Will be a very small bar area on the ground floor (ala the awesome Sidecar) and a larger area on the 2nd level.

And notice the bar sign will be a near replica of the original sign on that space.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/towerbar4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/towerbar1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/towerbar2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/towerbar3.jpg


The story in the Oklahoman is about this space.

I knew it was Levelland months ago but was asked not to post about it until the deal was finalized, which it just was.

So awesome!!

My understanding is that the Tower group is still working hard on securing a restaurant, in addition to the bar at Savings & Loan. I think they are getting close to having a firm deal and believe it will be a regional chain with an emphasis on breakfast and lunch. Somewhat edgy kind of place.


Also, more on the Levelland plans for the theater space itself...

They are looking to partner with a local university (I'm assuming nearby OCU) to bring live theater, musicals and other performances. They will also do multiple movie features, ala Alama Draft House (there is a full bar shown in the plans for the theater renovation).

This in addition to hopefully lots of live music.


It all sounds very, very cool.

My understanding is that the Tower group is still working hard on securing a restaurant, in addition to the bar at Savings & Loan. I think they are getting close to having a firm deal and believe it will be a regional chain with an emphasis on breakfast and lunch. Somewhat edgy kind of place.


Also, more on the Levelland plans for the theater space itself...

They are looking to partner with a local university (I'm assuming nearby OCU) to bring live theater, musicals and other performances. They will also do multiple movie features, ala Alama Draft House (there is a full bar shown in the plans for the theater renovation).

This in addition to hopefully lots of live music.


It all sounds very, very cool.

Great news to hear they want to actually utilize the theater in multiple ways and make the most of it. Looking really good!

My understanding is that the Tower group is still working hard on securing a restaurant, in addition to the bar at Savings & Loan. I think they are getting close to having a firm deal and believe it will be a regional chain with an emphasis on breakfast and lunch. Somewhat edgy kind of place.


Also, more on the Levelland plans for the theater space itself...

They are looking to partner with a local university (I'm assuming nearby OCU) to bring live theater, musicals and other performances. They will also do multiple movie features, ala Alama Draft House (there is a full bar shown in the plans for the theater renovation).

This in addition to hopefully lots of live music.


It all sounds very, very cool.

Yeah, OCU's lack of visible involvement with Uptown thus far has been disappointing. It would be downright unacceptable if they didn't find a way to be a part of what's going on at the Tower. Way too much talent at that school not to be putting it more in the public eye.

Yeah, OCU's lack of visible involvement with Uptown thus far has been disappointing. It would be downright unacceptable if they didn't find a way to be a part of what's going on at the Tower. Way too much talent at that school not to be putting it more in the public eye.

I've never understood why the area around OCU is so dilapidated. This could be much more vibrant. 23rd and Penn is one of the most disappointing intersections in OKC.

I've never understood why the area around OCU is so dilapidated. This could be much more vibrant. 23rd and Penn is one of the most disappointing intersections in OKC.

I'm really surprised investors haven't purchased more of the old houses around OCU, renovated them, and turned them into rentals. With a bunch of cheap building stock and a built in crowd needing rental housing, it seems like that would be a pretty easy no-brainer investment.

I'm really surprised investors haven't purchased more of the old houses around OCU, renovated them, and turned them into rentals. With a bunch of cheap building stock and a built in crowd needing rental housing, it seems like that would be a pretty easy no-brainer investment.

OCU has a policy that you must live on campus unless 1. You are 21 or 2. You "live with a relative".

But given that students can find ways around that, I think the problem is scale.

OCU is not a massive university and has a ton of out-of-state students, so summers are probably thinner at OCU than they are at a typical state university. Individual or small-time investors would be at the whims of college students and probably don't want to take the risk of being locked in to the small amount of students who 1. Don't already have a place and 2. Are going be able to sign year long leases.

Compound this with the fact that I think OCU has owned as far north as 30th and probably has failed to come up with a viable plan... bought and sold and been generally disorganized around the area … I think it's produced an area where people are tepid.

That being said, OCU students *do* rent in the area, usually in the better neighborhoods to the South and East. And given that rents in the entire Urban Core are quickly rising, I think within the next 5 to 10 years, the area will do a complete 180. The area between 28th and 36th probably remains one of the best areas to get stupid good deals in if you have the capital and ability to make rehabs work.

The latest from their Twitter account:

11317

Kudos to Steve for his update on this.

Glassed from the past: Two keep craft of Vitrolite installation alive | News OK (http://newsok.com/glassed-from-the-past-two-keep-craft-of-vitrolite-installation-alive/article/5443259)

He is the only one doing this kind of in depth reporting.

Tower has new storefronts, windows and they have started construction on the large parking area across 23rd:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower092615a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower092615b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower092615c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower092615d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower092615e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower092615f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower092615g.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower092615h.jpg

And, they finished re-painting the market on the NE corner of 23rd & Walker and it's far less hideous.

However... Along the west and north sides where there is parking, there was trash everywhere and it looked like it had been there quite a while.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown092615a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown092615b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown092615d.jpg

The OKC Community Church is now well under construction as is Savings & Loan (sliver of a space between the church and main entrance to the Tower):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/uptown092615c.jpg

That "supermarket" still has to go. Now it looks like the grocery store in The Interview.

They have the lot on the South side of 23rd pretty across from Tower pretty well leveled and close to being ready to put down a parking lot.

Wish it were a garage with retail instead.

Was gonna ask about that lot across the street from Tower; is it just going to be a big lot? Where will people cross the street, is there going to be a crosswalk?

Wish it were a garage with retail instead.

I think Pete said that was the long term goal for wanzer & sellers.

There has been a mid-block crossing there for,about two years.

There has been a mid-block crossing there for,about two years.

It's not a mid-block crossing. The previous owner had the median cut so that cars could turn left into the parking lot from WB NW 23rd. It's intended for vehicles, not people.

The Tower and that lot are only one building removed from Walker which has a light and crosswalk.

I think Pete said that was the long term goal for wanzer & sellers.

$3M - $5M for a parking garage is going to be a tough pill to swallow. I think we're looking at 10 years before that's realistic.

If they built a 6-8 story building with the top 2 floors as condos, they'd have some killer views of downtown. It'd stick out quite a bit though.

$3M - $5M for a parking garage is going to be a tough pill to swallow. I think we're looking at 10 years before that's realistic.

If they built a 6-8 story building with the top 2 floors as condos, they'd have some killer views of downtown. It'd stick out quite a bit though.

And undoubtably would receive protests from the people behind it who ironically complain about people parking on the street outside their houses.

It would probably have to have some kind of city incentive to be anywhere near feasible if attempted in the near future. I think the lot behind The Rise would make a good parking garage with retail as well, but I imagine that would be difficult to justify for a few years.

They had looked into doing a TIF for a garage but the City was not very receptive from what I understand.


Another location that would be perfect for a garage is the David Box lot just west of the Rise -- that fronts 24th. Large surface lot and that location would feed almost all the businesses in Uptown.

Rumor is the Dbox lot sold. I just noticed new sale/lease signage this week. I would welcome a paid elevated parking structure in uptown. It would clear up a lot of street parking issues. Good luck trying to sell that to the neighborhood though.

If the David Box lot has indeed sold, it's recently enough that the County Assessor hasn't had a chance to update their records yet.

If the David Box lot has indeed sold, it's recently enough that the County Assessor hasn't had a chance to update their records yet.

Tommy, the nice man who cleans up 23rd, was no longer in his home at the entryway. They were doing a little bit of work a couple weeks ago. I presume this was near the time of the sale.

If anything, it's probably just under contract and with commercial properties that can last for months before there is an official sale.

Tommy, the nice man who cleans up 23rd, was no longer in his home at the entryway. They were doing a little bit of work a couple weeks ago. I presume this was near the time of the sale.

I had noticed that a couple weeks ago. I wonder where he will be able to set up now.

A couple before and after pictures from their Instagram feed:

11732 11733

A couple before and after pictures from their Instagram feed:

11732 11733

Sign for community church going up

Hmmm tried to attach pic. I'll try again.

From yesterday.

Note the church space installed a awning with what looks to be tin tiles.

And at least part of the sidewalk has reopened; or at least it will once the sign work is done.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower111515a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower111515b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower111515c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower111515d.jpg

Those chrome awnings lend this area a lot of potential for sidewalk life. Mid-century, as a design typology, is so cool.

The entry hallway is finished (minus decorations):

11880

Awesome to see this finally coming together. I can't wait to see the marquee lit again.

From yesterday.

Note the church space installed a awning with what looks to be tin tiles.

And at least part of the sidewalk has reopened; or at least it will once the sign work is done.






http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower111515d.jpg



I don't think I've ever been in anyway excited about a parking lot, but cleaning this one up made a world of difference in how this section of 23rd looks. I can't wait until the day it is developed, but for now this is a major, major improvement.

Snapped this tonight.

This is going to look really sharp once they finally get everything complete. The church doesn't look too shabby either.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o214/bchris02/IMG_1896_zpsnztuneuw.jpg

11908

Cool pic ^

I think Slipknot should be the performer on the opening night, just to right the wrongs that led to the shutdown so many years back.

Local media is reporting that two burglars made their way inside the Tower around 2am and stole about $10,000 worth of tools.

Police searching for Tower Theater burglars | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KOKH (http://okcfox.com/news/local/police-searching-for-tower-theater-burglars)

Local media is reporting that two burglars made their way inside the Tower around 2am and stole about $10,000 worth of tools.

Police searching for Tower Theater burglars | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KOKH (http://okcfox.com/news/local/police-searching-for-tower-theater-burglars)

That just sucks for the owners and the workers whose tools were stolen. Tack that on to the copper theft a few weeks ago and the Pivot Project owners are having a rough couple of weeks. There wasn't any security footage from the copper theft so I assume the cameras were put in after that to catch things like this.

Took a tour last week... The scaffolding inside the theater had just been taken down and the ceiling is now finished.

Also, a super cool new bar is coming to the far west end of the tower (more details coming later), which with Savings & Loan will form two nightlife bookends for the development.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715a.jpg


This is a cool terrazzo in-lay right outside the main entrance:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715b.jpg


Main lobby with glass doors to theater on the left; restrooms are to the right near small ladder.
Doesn't show well in this photo but floor is super sharp:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715c.jpg


Looking through glass doors from lobby into the theater from ground floor:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715d.jpg


Looking from rear of balcony area:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715e.jpg


View from front of balcony:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715f.jpg


Upstairs office space. The original trerrazzo floors are covered here but you can see the original marble wainscoting, doors and glass:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715g.jpg


Inside the office space facing 23rd. My understanding the office space on the other side of the hall is all leased but they are holding onto this space until the property is largely finished in order to get the best possible tenant(s).
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715h.jpg


You can see the marble, doors and glass here:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/tower122715i.jpg

^^^^^^
Looks a lot different than when I saw it a few months ago!

I know this phrase gets over used, but the Tower will be a game-changer.

It will not only offer two great bars plus a great live music venue, it will also really tie together all Uptown, creating a full-realized nightlife district with the Blue Note, Rockford, Back Door BBQ, Tuckers, Cheevers and more coming to the east, with Big Truck Tacos, The Rise, The Drake, Pizzeria Gusto, The Pump, Pizza 23, Guernsey Park, Guyutes and several more places coming to the west.

And when you walk inside the Tower you really get a feeling of excitement; pictures don't do it justice. Very, very cool and unique setting.

For example, the upstairs of Savings & Loan has glass doors that open to a hallway leading straight to the balcony. History and character all over the place.

Very, very cool!

What a gem. This theater harkens back to an incredible period in design when the nation was transitioning from art deco to mid-century modern. It's pretty art moderne through and through, which is so unique and beautiful.

Wow. Wow. Wow. This is going to be a special venue. This could reignite OKC's practically dormant music scene. Most of the great shows we're missing out on would be perfect for the Tower space -- with the right promoter, of course. That in itself has been a major issue in OKC for years.

The Criterion will completely change the live music scene in OKC and the Tower will be a close 2nd.

Then, I'm really hoping the Farmer's Market pickups up their game and that would give us 3 great, unique and different venues.

The Criterion will completely change the live music scene in OKC and the Tower will be a close 2nd.

Then, I'm really hoping the Farmer's Market pickups up their game and that would give us 3 great, unique and different venues.

Wish they could do something for the Farmer's Market building. It's among the last of its type.

Always purchased fresh fruit & vegetables from that area. Didn't realize until 2000 that they had a concourse hall at the top.

The Criterion will completely change the live music scene in OKC and the Tower will be a close 2nd.

Then, I'm really hoping the Farmer's Market pickups up their game and that would give us 3 great, unique and different venues.

Don't forget Jones Assembly.

Don't forget Jones Assembly.

Right!

If Chevy can get the right promoter interested, it's a great room these days too. One things for sure, if the music scene doesn't take off we'll no longer be able to blame it on lack of venues. The surest things for my money though are Criterion and Tower.

Venues have only been half of the issue. Promoters, too.

Two Sundays ago I drove past the Tower area of 23rd and saw a crowd of people entering the church next door for what I assumed was a Sunday morning church service. I thought the work-around for the church opening would be to wait until Savings and Loan was open so as not to prevent it from obtaining an ABC-3 license. Now Pete's latest Tower update indicates a second bar is coming to the Tower property. Did I miss something on how they're working around the "no new ABC-3 licenses within 300 feet of a church" law?