too bad we couldn't convince medicine chest to open a streetfront in fnc. that would be epic and they could have their own hours as they please; need I mention the visibility and 'vibrance' it'd add to the cbd.

too bad we couldn't convince medicine chest to open a streetfront in fnc. that would be epic and they could have their own hours as they please; need I mention the visibility and 'vibrance' it'd add to the cbd.

I don't think they have any interest in expanding their hours, which would cut in to the "vibrancy."

Here's my question: According to what we've read, CVS was seriously interested in this location. If it never met their threshold for development why were they even considering it? Same goes for the restaurant that was being discussed. Could it be there's more to this story and things broke down during negotiations with the owner? In other words, if this location never fit what they would develop why were they even entertaining it?

I wonder if the recently announced Park Ave Retail Enhancement Plan had anything to do with it. Depending on what comes out of that RFP they might have considered it better to wait and see what happens. There could be more money available, a better retail mix, or some other factor.

http://www.okctalk.com/general-real-estate-topics/36588-park-avenue-retail-studay.html

I think Pete already eluded to it......once the CVS deal went higher up the chain for approval, they vetoed the deal. I heard they backed out because the lack of roof tops in the radius that Pete also mentioned. I doubt the CVS brass was looking at all the new roof tops to come on line, and were likely just looking at what exists today. That scared them into backing out, and once they backed out, the bakery was right behind them.

Keep it local! Corner Bakery is alright, but I'm not too distressed, considering all the local alternatives. It's hard to beat Prairie Thunder for pastries and Browns for doughnuts.

Keep it local! Corner Bakery is alright, but I'm not too distressed, considering all the local alternatives. It's hard to beat Prairie Thunder for pastries and Browns for doughnuts.

It's quite easy to surpass Brown's for donuts. Brown's has the worst donuts I've ever had.

Maybe, but the sausage rolls are like crack.

Browns has the ugliest doughnuts, but I think they're delicious personally.

They have donuts? I have sausage roll blinders on when I go into that place.

Keep it local! Corner Bakery is alright, but I'm not too distressed, considering all the local alternatives. It's hard to beat Prairie Thunder for pastries and Browns for doughnuts.

And Kitchen no. 324 is just two blocks north.

And Kitchen no. 324 is just two blocks north.

Oh yes, forgot. Great lattes and perhaps the best cinnamon roll on the planet.

Speaking of Kitchen no. 324, they're now accessible from the north via a path through the construction.

Maybe, but the sausage rolls are like crack.

Never had them. I'll give them a shot the next time I'm by.

It's quite easy to surpass Brown's for donuts. Brown's has the worst donuts I've ever had.Wow, Browns has amazing donuts. I don't really care for much else when I'm there, but their donuts are pretty good.

It's quite easy to surpass Brown's for donuts. Brown's has the worst donuts I've ever had.

Agree, while I eat there somewhat regularly (since I live nearby), their donuts are not all that. They survive by nostalgia and convenience (no other real donut options in Downtown/Midtown or even Uptown).

We really, really need a all-night donut/diner/breakfast place in Midtown.

Waffle Champion has talked about it and that might fill a big part of the hole.

I bet Waffle Champion expands their hours into the evening/night shortly after the Edge opens up.

You also have the hotel next door, and Fassler Hall/Dust Bowl around the corner. I don't think it will be long.

^

And two relatively large new housing developments just to the southwest: 10th & Shartel Apartments and the MidtownR project on Francis.

10th & Shartel actually be even bigger than The Edge, at 327 units vs. 252.

Wow, Browns has amazing donuts. I don't really care for much else when I'm there, but their donuts are pretty good.

I enjoy Browns donuts for what they are - no frills, typical old-school. I think they do better cake than yeast donuts... We've been getting them every Saturday we're in town for a couple months now - new little family tradition that my toddler certainly appreciates. Anyway... back to Century Center.

I have mentioned to Boulevard Cafeteria a couple of times that they should do late/all night on weekends. I think the hipster kitsch would be magnificent. My gut is that they would clean up. Of course, they would probably also have to LITERALLY clean up, as the place might get a little more trashed that it does on weekdays at 4 PM dinner time. Or is that supper? I can never keep it straight.

I have mentioned to Boulevard Cafeteria a couple of times that they should do late/all night on weekends. I think the hipster kitsch would be magnificent. My gut is that they would clean up. Of course, they would probably also have to LITERALLY clean up, as the place might get a little more trashed that it does on weekdays at 4 PM dinner time. Or is that supper? I can never keep it straight.

I love Boulevard! My daughter and I ate there last week. Their fried chicken is so delish. I hope it never closes. We had a great meal for under 16 bucks. Hopefully it will do better when the Edge opens up.

So, is Browns or Boulevard going into the Century Center?

I enjoy Browns donuts for what they are - no frills, typical old-school. I think they do better cake than yeast donuts... We've been getting them every Saturday we're in town for a couple months now - new little family tradition that my toddler certainly appreciates. Anyway... back to Century Center.Ok, I've only ever eaten their cake donuts, so maybe that's why.

So, is Browns or Boulevard going into the Century Center?yeah

I didn't necessarily mean that the medicine cabinet would expand their hours to create vibrancy, I meant that their having a storefront with Signage would add vibrancy regardless of their hours or specialty. get it?

I didn't necessarily mean that the medicine cabinet would expand their hours to create vibrancy, I meant that their having a storefront with Signage would add vibrancy regardless of their hours or specialty. get it?

Yes, I "get it." My point is having closed retail stores fronting your downtown streets creates the opposite of vibrancy. I believe they close at 5:30 and are only open M-F. It would be preferred to have a retailer that is open after 5:30. That would definitely create vibrancy.

I understand that before they can start finishing out the office and retail space, the upper two floors of parking will have to receive a considerable amount of work to remove/repair/replace crumbling decking.

This is probably why they had to nix adding two more floors of parking.


Also, I hear the negotiations to put Mahogany on the SW corner facing the park are still on-going.

I have mentioned to Boulevard Cafeteria a couple of times that they should do late/all night on weekends. ...

That would get me into the city on weekend eves more often. Although it would definitely be a different experience. Good, good eats.

$6 million building permit application on Friday to remodel shell and facade to finished space.

Will be fun to watch this building finally start coming back to life.

We really, really need a all-night donut/diner/breakfast place in Midtown.

Waffle Champion has talked about it and that might fill a big part of the hole.

I agree. Most cities even smaller than OKC have a place like that (or several) and it is something that is simply lacking here. Waffle Champion, in the event they go 24 hours, will fill the void. St Anthony is a 24 hour operation so you would think it would be enough to provide them with late night/early morning customers.

Also, I hear the negotiations to put Mahogany on the SW corner facing the park are still on-going.

Do you think we can handle another steak / high end restaurant downtown?
There is now: The Mantle, Mickey Mantles, Nonas, Vast, Flint, Park Ave. Grill (Skirvin), even the new steakhouse (Center Court Grill) inside the CHK Arena.

I feel like we need more of a variety..

Do you think we can handle another steak / high end restaurant downtown?
There is now: The Mantle, Mickey Mantles, Nonas, Vast, Flint, Park Ave. Grill (Skirvin), even the new steakhouse (Center Court Grill) inside the CHK Arena.

I feel like we need more of a variety..

And RedPrime.

I don't think that downtown needs another high end steak house.

Agreed. I was excited about Corner Bakery because I would actually eat there often.

And RedPrime.

I don't think that downtown needs another high end steak house.

And the proposed Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse.

Do you think we can handle another steak / high end restaurant downtown?
There is now: The Mantle, Mickey Mantles, Nonas, Vast, Flint, Park Ave. Grill (Skirvin), even the new steakhouse (Center Court Grill) inside the CHK Arena.

I feel like we need more of a variety..

Only one of those is a steak house. And flint is not "high end"

Okc is very very under served with good/ great restaurants

Only one of those is a steak house. And flint is not "high end"

Okc is very very under served with good/ great restaurants

And the Mantle is surviving, imo, thanks to a location that gives them a captive audience.

McCormick & Schmick's sure would be a good fit here. And if they didn't want to do the full blown one, M&S Grille.

Or, if it MUST be a steak house...let's go get a Capital Grille.

Do you think we can handle another steak / high end restaurant downtown?
There is now: The Mantle, Mickey Mantles, Nonas, Vast, Flint, Park Ave. Grill (Skirvin), even the new steakhouse (Center Court Grill) inside the CHK Arena.

I feel like we need more of a variety..

100% agree! It's becoming ridiculous at this point.

McCormick & Schmick's sure would be a good fit here. And if they didn't want to do the full blown one, M&S Grille.

Or, if it MUST be a steak house...let's go get a Capital Grille.

Agree with Capital Grill or even a Mortons or Del Frisco. All of these are top quality big city steakhouses. However, Mortons was bought out last year by Landrys and the changes I have seen have not been for the better. The only thing in OKC that I put on the level of these places is Red Prime. I am excited to see what the new chop house brings.

Agree with Capital Grill or even a Mortons or Del Frisco. All of these are top quality big city steakhouses. However, Mortons was bought out last year by Landrys and the changes I have seen have not been for the better. The only thing in OKC that I put on the level of these places is Red Prime. I am excited to see what the new chop house brings.

I would say The Ranch is up there.

Agree with Capital Grill or even a Mortons or Del Frisco. All of these are top quality big city steakhouses. However, Mortons was bought out last year by Landrys and the changes I have seen have not been for the better. The only thing in OKC that I put on the level of these places is Red Prime. I am excited to see what the new chop house brings.

I guess you've never been to Mickey Mantles? I'd love to see a Palm there or a Fogo de Chao there!

I would say The Ranch is up there.

I would agree. The Ranch and Red Prime are my two favs and I prefer them over any steak chain I've been to (and I think I've been to them all).

And the Mantle is surviving, imo, thanks to a location that gives them a captive audience.

Not following how the Mantle has a captive audience, given the number of decent eateries within, or nearly within, a mile radius

I would agree. The Ranch and Red Prime are my two favs and I prefer them over any steak chain I've been to (and I think I've been to them all).


100% agreed. Both are top tier.

I'd love to see a Palm there or a Fogo de Chao there!

we NEED this

I don't think any of the massive prime steak chains are any better than what we have here. The exception being Fleming's 100 wines by the glass (but not the concept as a whole).

Fogo de Chao or a seafood restaurant such as Pappadeaux/M&S would be the best restaurants to go there. Pappadeaux specifically would be great as it is relatively affordable.

$3 million building permit application today for finish 63,450 square feet for OPUBCO.

I guess you've never been to Mickey Mantles? I'd love to see a Palm there or a Fogo de Chao there!

I have been. First couple of times was decent. Last time I took an out of town expert there and was embarrassed. Poor quality of steak and not cooked properly. Haven't been back since. My standard for s steakhouse is that when you take a bite of the steak (without any sauce) is that you get an overflowing wealth of taste from the meat and that it isn't bland. The quality of the meat has to stand up for itself. I get that at Red. (Of course, they get their strips from Allen brothers in Chicago which is also where Morton's gets theirs.) If I have out of town guests now...it is Red Prime

I have been. First couple of times was decent. Last time I took an out of town expert there and was embarrassed. Poor quality of steak and not cooked properly. Haven't been back since. My standard for s steakhouse is that when you take a bite of the steak (without any sauce) is that you get an overflowing wealth of taste from the meat and that it isn't bland. The quality of the meat has to stand up for itself. I get that at Red. (Of course, they get their strips from Allen brothers in Chicago which is also where Morton's gets theirs.) If I have out of town guests now...it is Red Prime

Ah I see, that's very unfortunate and bums me out to hear that. My steaks from MM's have always been how you described they should be (sauce is an insult to an excellent piece of beef). Also want to be clear that I wasn't knocking Red Prime, and agree its in the top tier of steak houses in OKC. I also prefer the vibe of RP over MM's.

$3 million building permit application today for finish 63,450 square feet for OPUBCO.

:ot: What does this have to do with steak?

Ah I see, that's very unfortunate and bums me out to hear that. My steaks from MM's have always been how you described they should be (sauce is an insult to an excellent piece of beef). Also want to be clear that I wasn't knocking Red Prime, and agree its in the top tier of steak houses in OKC. I also prefer the vibe of RP over MM's.

I didn't take it that way. Maybe mm was having bad night. I would have liked to seen the new chophouse locate at the century center so to start bringing in some street level nice restaurants into the city core and also help pull people back under the bridge from bricktown. If at century center, would be great for out of towners staying at skirvin, Sheraton or renaissance to be able to walk to. (See how I wrapped it back into century center)

Agree! and Well played :)

:ot: What does this have to do with steak?

This post is gold.

I didn't take it that way. Maybe mm was having bad night. I would have liked to seen the new chophouse locate at the century center so to start bringing in some street level nice restaurants into the city core and also help pull people back under the bridge from bricktown. If at century center, would be great for out of towners staying at skirvin, Sheraton or renaissance to be able to walk to. (See how I wrapped it back into century center)

Give MM another shot at your business. I've been a regular there for nearly 15 years and have only had one less-than-great meal (NYE several years ago, when they were getting their asses handed to them). Everybody has an off night, but they are consistently excellent. I put them on par with Red Prime, another personal favorite, and ahead of the other names generally brought up in these types of discussions. There is a reason they have been mentioned by name more than once by out-of-town celebrities and athletes in national publications and in-flight magazines. Their quality stands up to the best of the national brands.

Detailed layouts. They are labeling both spaces along Robinson as restaurant space.



http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7011d1394896972-century-center-century1.jpg



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A friend that is an employee told me this is delayed from September to the beginning of next year.

All Century Center monthly Parker's are being relocated on 3/24 until late October to surface lots located south of the Peake. No promises we'll get a place at Century Center - only that we'll have a place"somewhere".
After 20+ years of $100 a month to COTPA, I'm not a happy camper.
We will at least have trolleys from parking lots, but evidently not wheelchair compatible.

COTPA being a public entity, voice your concerns to your council person.

All Century Center monthly Parker's are being relocated on 3/24 until late October to surface lots located south of the Peake. No promises we'll get a place at Century Center - only that we'll have a place"somewhere".
After 20+ years of $100 a month to COTPA, I'm not a happy camper.
We will at least have trolleys from parking lots, but evidently not wheelchair compatible.

The will be doing repairs to the parking floors but of course, they also have to make room for OPUBCO employees.

A friend that is an employee told me this is delayed from September to the beginning of next year.

why the delay?