After the improvements on EKG, it will be much less of a barrier.

I thought EKG improvements were scrapped. Is this not the case?

I believe a grant is providing funding to complete the P180 improvements to at least a portion of EKG

I believe a grant is providing funding to complete the P180 improvements to at least a portion of EKG

Gotcha. Thanks. Happy to be wrong on this one.

I went to the 10/23/13 P180 public meeting and EKG was briefed, so it's definitely still there (due to the grant funding)...

...BUT I don't think it's being touched until the P180 efforts presently happening on Robinson/Kerr, etc, and not until after Park is done I think, are complete.

OPUBCO is moving 350 employees into the Century Center and the newsroom will be featured prominently on the ground floor with large windows. There will be all types of video broadcasts on the a huge outdoor screen.

There will be a large CVS, perhaps operating 24 hours.

And there will be a restaurant with large patio on the most prominent corner facing the park.


Given the current state of downtown, I don't see how you could possibly squeeze more life into / out of this structure.

There was word of the YMCA opening another smaller facility in this project as well, not sure where that stands but would be welcome in CBD.

It's a relatively small office where most people go home at 5. They've downsized more than you may realize, which is what made this all possible.Steve obviously knows much more about current conditions than I do -- I've never even been into the current DOK tower on Britton Road. However when I was on the staff, I went to work at 4:30 p.m. and didn't get off until 1 a.m. for most of my career. The editors, also, were on the job until well after midnight. Of course in those days we prided ourselves on reporting current news; most of what I see these days is at least a day behind other sources so it's possible that they work only daytime hours now...

Yes, they've done massive downsizing, but you can list the bylines that appear over a week or so and determine that the editorial crew isn't very much smaller than we had back in the late 50s. Hint: those listed as "staff writer" are on the payroll; those credited as "for The Oklahoman" are freelancers. Probably fewer copy editors around the rim, and I suspect that there are far fewer proofreaders and printers that used to be, behind the scenes. The photo department is still pretty well staffed (although only a bit more than half as many as we once had, if my count is correct, and no longer filled with lots of young whippersnappers).

I don't think EKG as much as a barrier as the things surrounding it. The two super blocks of the Cox center and Chk arena, the railroad viaduct, and the empty parcel at 4th. Chicago has wider streets cutting thru its downtown and people don't have an issue walking next to them or across them.

(That said it is a barrier, but not more than the other things I listed, and the improvements will certainly help and be welcome)

I don't think EKG as much as a barrier as the things surrounding it. The two super blocks of the Cox center and Chk arena, the railroad viaduct, and the empty parcel at 4th. Chicago has wider streets cutting thru its downtown and people don't have an issue walking next to them or across them.

(That said it is a barrier, but not more than the other things I listed, and the improvements will certainly help and be welcome)

The Sante Fe Parking garage that effectively walls off two blocks of the CBD from EKG doesn't help much either. But it does have those cool flashy things decorating the dirty concrete now...

The Sante Fe Parking garage that effectively walls off two blocks of the CBD from EKG doesn't help much either. But it does have those cool flashy things decorating the dirty concrete now...

Oops yep forgot that one too. The fact that the grid is not accessible because of huge buildings is the true barrier. EKG is the scapegoat, it takes a lot of crap while the true barriers are alive and well.

I don't think EKG as much as a barrier as the things surrounding it. The two super blocks of the Cox center and Chk arena, the railroad viaduct, and the empty parcel at 4th. Chicago has wider streets cutting thru its downtown and people don't have an issue walking next to them or across them.

(That said it is a barrier, but not more than the other things I listed, and the improvements will certainly help and be welcome)

That's more what I was referring to when I said EKG. The things that come with it.

After being in New Orleans last week and seeing Canal street, it's proof that a 6 lane road doesn't have to be a barrier and/or unwalkable. It has plenty of cross walks, large side walks, a lot of sidewalk interaction, a large median (with a street car in the middle, and lower speed limits. It definitely is not a barrier between the NO CBD, the French Quarter, Riverside. Etc. Something like that would be tough on EKG because of the buildings you mentioned, but it could definitely be better. If the boulevard ended up 6 lanes and very similar to Canal Street, I wouldn't have a problem with it. There is definitely a fine line though.

It's a relatively small office where most people go home at 5. They've downsized more than you may realize, which is what made this all possible. It's phenomenal to have the newspaper, a civic beacon for better or worse, located in the heart of the city. But the Candy Factory w Advanced Academics was a larger office WITH a street level museum (museum > CVS) and still pretty dead.

Spartan, that's not true. I saw Advanced Academics and it doesn't come close to the size of the newspaper operation moving downtown. Also, there is no ground floor tenant in the Candy Factory building.
The Oklahoman is an operation that is very lively from about 7 a.m. until midnight. There are at least 40 to 50 people at work in the newsroom late into the evening. And during the day, there will be between 300 and 350 people throughout the building representing editorial, executive level, advertising and circulation.
We are definitely NOT a 9-5 operation. And The Oklahoman will be a different operation downtown, with far more interaction with the street than you yet realize...

Spartan, that's not true. I saw Advanced Academics and it doesn't come close to the size of the newspaper operation moving downtown. Also, there is no ground floor tenant in the Candy Factory building.
The Oklahoman is an operation that is very lively from about 7 a.m. until midnight. There are at least 40 to 50 people at work in the newsroom late into the evening. And during the day, there will be between 300 and 350 people throughout the building representing editorial, executive level, advertising and circulation.
We are definitely NOT a 9-5 operation. And The Oklahoman will be a different operation downtown, with far more interaction with the street than you yet realize...

Thanks for clearing that up. You confirmed what I thought in the first place. Sounds like some forward-thinking is going on with the street interaction, sign, etc.

What improvements are happening to EKG? Aren't they reducing it to four lanes near the Sante Fe Station?

What improvements are happening to EKG? Aren't they reducing it to four lanes near the Sante Fe Station?

I don't think the 2 vs 3 lane thing is resolved, but I was referring to P180 streetscape improvements that were canceled due to budget cuts and then brought back due to outside funding.

Spartan, that's not true. I saw Advanced Academics and it doesn't come close to the size of the newspaper operation moving downtown. Also, there is no ground floor tenant in the Candy Factory building.
The Oklahoman is an operation that is very lively from about 7 a.m. until midnight. There are at least 40 to 50 people at work in the newsroom late into the evening. And during the day, there will be between 300 and 350 people throughout the building representing editorial, executive level, advertising and circulation.
We are definitely NOT a 9-5 operation. And The Oklahoman will be a different operation downtown, with far more interaction with the street than you yet realize...

Hmmmmm, interesting. Adding life to downtown after 5 pm is very intriguing. Could lead to more business possibilities and amenities around the area. That wasn't something I even considered. With our #1 major news outlet being downtown this will also add valuable exposure and advertisement to the area that could also lure more businesses to the area.

Century Center > Stage center tower

I love that OPUBCO will be a part of this development and will be made visible in a visible spot.

It will absolutely bring life to that area and also show the commitment the business community has to downtown.


And OPUBCO's late hours (and weekend work) will likely help the CVS keep longer hours as well.

Per Steve's chat, September is the official OPUBCO move-in date, but Steve thinks it will be Winter. Excited for this project but bummed that it will be so long before we see it open... just impatient...

Are they still doing demo work inside the Century Center?

Yep.

Spartan, that's not true. I saw Advanced Academics and it doesn't come close to the size of the newspaper operation moving downtown. Also, there is no ground floor tenant in the Candy Factory building.
The Oklahoman is an operation that is very lively from about 7 a.m. until midnight. There are at least 40 to 50 people at work in the newsroom late into the evening. And during the day, there will be between 300 and 350 people throughout the building representing editorial, executive level, advertising and circulation.
We are definitely NOT a 9-5 operation. And The Oklahoman will be a different operation downtown, with far more interaction with the street than you yet realize...

Thanks for clarifying that, Steve. How tightly secured will the premises be? (I would imagine you have to have pretty good security, with all the screwballs who don't just disagree respectfully with reporters these days)

What other aspects might impact the street interaction in ways we don't yet realize? Besides an endless line out the door at all hours to buy soap and cereal at CVS... (or whatever they will sell, since it certainly won't be alcohol, which is a top revenue source for most downtown CVS')

Maybe they can have a street front Internet cafe for the regular top commenters on their articles.

Hopefully with padded walls...

Hopefully with padded walls...

and the employees to have thicker skin

Moving ahead:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6052d1389743198-century-center-cc11314a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6053d1389743199-century-center-cc11314b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6054d1389743200-century-center-cc11314c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6055d1389743201-century-center-cc11314d.jpg

Don't know if the commenters will get padded cells, but at least it looks like they may cage them to separate 'em from the rest of society.

Corner Bakery Cafe® - neighborhood restaurant - Catering - Free WiFi (http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/)

What are you telling us?

Corner Bakery Cafe® - neighborhood restaurant - Catering - Free WiFi (http://www.cornerbakerycafe.com/)

I went there for the first time last week (Belt Line Road location in Dallas) during the lunch hour & it was packed. After we placed our order & got our drinks, we were lucky enough to get the last open table. The food was really good -- I ordered the Club Panini on Sourdough -- & the atmosphere was outstanding along with the workers being very friendly. I'll also add that their lemonade is da bomb.

Are we saying it's going into the Century Center or just that it's a cool place?

Are we saying it's going into the Century Center or just that it's a cool place?

I was wondering the same thing. I would be in that part of downtown a lot more if a Corner Bakery is to go there.

I've heard rumors for some time that Corner Bakery would be taking the restaurant space at the SW corner of this development and make good use of the proposed patio area.

This would be the first location in Oklahoma; very similar to Panera Bread but I like Corner Bakery better.

Wonder if they'll let them use their signature black & white awnings:

http://ratti-report.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/new-business-corner-bakery.jpg

That would be amazing.

I discovered the Corner Bakery on a trip to Chicago a number of years ago. Like Starbucks and Walgreens, they were a common sight on the street corners in downtown Chicago.

Like Pete said, similar to Panera, but better. This would be awesome addition to DT.

Looks like:

OPUBCO w/ huge video screen
CVS (perhaps with extended hours)
Corner Bakery (probable)
YMCA workout facility (probable)


That should fill 'er up and keep the building lively day, nights and weekends.

To further the comparison to Panera Bread; while we were there, we talked about the similarities to Panera Bread, but we were all in agreement that it was better.

I just got on their website & they have a subsection for opening a franchised location & I looked at the Growth Markets - Limited Availability - Already Claimed & Oklahoma fell under the Already Claimed category. Don't know if something is going on in Tulsa, but it appears they've got plans for Oklahoma.

I bet Panera wishes their deal was still alive for downtown. OR, maybe this ensures they'll keep trying...

I've now heard that CVS is going on the SW corner and Corner Bakery on the NW corner.

Probably needed to make the switch to give CVS enough space.

So glad this is happening but conflicted about which I want where... the patio seems less useful away from the park and otherwise busier parts of the street life...

Perhaps giving CVS that corner was the only way to get them.

Also, there will be much more shade for Corner Bakery on the NW Corner, and the setback there is still very wide. Lots of room between the building and sidewalk on all three sides of this building.

Hate to say it, but the drug store really does make more sense fronting Sheridan. I understood if the other tenant was going to be a showstopper of a steakhouse, but with the speculated tenant mix this makes more sense.

I like the rumored changes. Gives the bakery store a more intimate urban setting, while giving the CVS a much higher visibility area.

Agreee 100%. Good point about the urban setting. The only thing that is a bit of a bummer is that bakery looks like a place where you might want to have a cuppa on the sidewalk across the street from the park. Oh, well. Just gives you incentive to walk your coffee and snacks TO the park.

I like the rumored changes. Gives the bakery store a more intimate urban setting, while giving the CVS a much higher visibility area.

Absolutely.

I am very excited about Corner Bakery. Pretty big catch, especially for their first metro location to be downtown and not in bricktown.

I can see why they want CVS to the south because its right across from the Colcord giving more diversity to the Sheridan & Robinson intersection. If you put the bakery there, you almost have three restaurants on every corner (because I'm including Park House).

I am very excited about Corner Bakery. Pretty big catch, especially for their first metro location to be downtown and not in bricktown.

Seems like a better fit in CBD than Bricktown..? Kind of a bummer for a few of the others who have added breakfast though, like Cafe 7 and of course Kitchen 324 who started with it, though I'm sure they'll be fine with the loyal customers they have developed.

Seems like a better fit in CBD than Bricktown..? Kind of a bummer for a few of the others who have added breakfast though, like Cafe 7 and of course Kitchen 324 who started with it, though I'm sure they'll be fine with the loyal customers they have developed.

I looked up the two Corner Bakery's in downtown Dallas and both are only open 7A to 4P, Mon thru Fri.

Those hours would stink in terms of bringing more life to the area.

You mean would stink in terms of bringing life to Bricktown, correct? If so, I agree. Those hours even more clearly scream CBD.

So glad Corner Bakery is coming. My cousin was President of Corner Bakery for years and I'm a big fan of it. Will do great in OKC and downtown.

I looked up the two Corner Bakery's in downtown Dallas and both are only open 7A to 4P, Mon thru Fri.

Those hours would stink in terms of bringing more life to the area.

I re-thought your post and now believe you meant regardless of location. If so, I agree; I would hope they use longer hours for this location.

A CVS in the SW corner makes great sense. You want the CBD's chain drugstore to be seen in a high-traffic area for newcomers and visitors. They know they can get something to eat at a hotel, but seeing right away where they can get Pepto, diapers, or photo processing is priceless.

People still use store photo processing?

People still use store photo processing?

you might be amazed how many people can't figure out how to print a picture at home. And then you still have those diehard film folk to boot.

People still use film?

People still use film?

Not everybody is as with it as you are, Urbanized.

People still use store photo processing?

We use it all the time. We take digital pictures and upload them to Target for processing. Much cheaper and easier than printing photos at home.

People still print photos?

People still print photos?

LOL - I knew that was coming. Yep - photo albums, pictures to grandma, school project boards, hardcopy back-up, framing, etc...

Some people like e-books and some people still like to hold a book.

LOL - I knew that was coming. Yep - photo albums, pictures to grandma, school project boards, hardcopy back-up, framing, etc...

Some people like e-books and some people still like to hold a book.

Gone are the days of someone pulling out their wallent and showing you a string of 24 photos of their kids dating back 10+ years. Now they pull out their phone and show you 2100 photos dating back to last month.