Kinda wish they would/could have done this with both the Carnegie (e.g. torn down the brutal facade and added glass to open up the place a little) and the AT&T building (the monolithic one with no windows, not the older buildings).


I think the original plan was to add more windows but with just using the historic tax credits, they couldn't really do anything to the outside of the building.

THIS, yes Judy Hatfield (developer) originally wanted to, but historic tax credits dictate what one can do. I think after so many years (5 maybe?) tax credit requirements expire, so it's possible they could add them later. I believe this was the case with the Park Harvey. Tanenbaum originally used tax credits, so wasn't allowed to dramatically alter the exterior of the building from its original facade, however as one can observe now, they recently painted the exterior a very bright palette of colors.

Sad to say that it looks 1,000 times better in this deconstruction state than the pre-demolition state.

It was such a boring looking structure that I'm sure people that passed by it every day never actually noticed it or paid any attention to it.

If I wasn't paying attention and you told me it was anything other than a parking garage, I'm not sure I would have believed you.

I know it should not, but I profess that anytime I see an existing building stripped down like in the downtown area, it still unsettles me a bit.

LOL! ... afraid the destruction switch will gain ascendancy in the brain and "accidentally" raze the structure?!
hmmm. must not raze the century center must not raze the century center must not raze the century cent ... oops!

Nope. That isn't it. Like I said, it ought not even be a factor. I know it, it's logical to know it, and normally logic simply carries the day. Just not always.

I know it should not, but I profess that anytime I see an existing building stripped down like in the downtown area, it still unsettles me a bit.

You aren't going to start a "save the century center" campaign are you?

puh-leeeeeze.

Nope. That isn't it. Like I said, it ought not even be a factor. I know it, it's logical to know it, and normally logic simply carries the day. Just not always.to me, it almost brings back an eerie feeling about the bombing

I suspect that is what Kevin was hinting at. The last time I had that unsettling feeling was during the demo of the old Oklahoman production building on 4th, which made room for the downtown YMCA. It was only a few years after the bombing, and it was an eerie déjà vu moment for a while.

to me, it almost brings back an eerie feeling about the bombing

I agree that I too get that feeling when a facade is removed exposing a bare building.

Mahogany Prime Steak House to open restaurant at Century Center in downtown Oklahoma City | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/mahogany-prime-steak-house-to-open-restaurant-at-century-center-in-downtown-oklahoma-city/article/4946689)

Wish I found this exciting, but I don't. Still, it's better than Subway, so YAY.

Mahogany Prime Steak House to open restaurant at Century Center in downtown Oklahoma City | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/mahogany-prime-steak-house-to-open-restaurant-at-century-center-in-downtown-oklahoma-city/article/4946689)

Glad to see this confirmed.

That's going to be a lot of steakhouses downtown with Red Prime, Mickey Mantles and now Broadway 10 and Mahogany.

Hope Mahogany creates a nice patio facing the park.

This is a meat and taters town.

This location will be interesting because none of their others open until 5PM.

You'd think since they will be in the CBD that they will consider adding lunch.

I don't think any of the downtown steak restaurants compare to Red Prime, and that includes Mahogany. The Chop House comparison will obviously have to wait.

Mahogany absolutely needs to crush the patio, because otherwise they're just adding to the dilution in the market. With a fantastic patio that has a great view of the MBG, it will be a great addition…though, regardless, I would have preferred a Pappadeaux or McCormick's & Schmidt.

I've heard from a usually reliable source in the restaurant industry here in OKC that Pappadeaux will be coming in shortly but will be out around Memorial and MacArthur.

I've heard from a usually reliable source in the restaurant industry here in OKC that Pappadeaux will be coming in shortly but will be out around Memorial and MacArthur.Rover, if you're lying about this I will find you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If this doesn't happen, it is now Rover's fault ;)


PLEAAAAASE let this happen....

I've heard from a usually reliable source in the restaurant industry here in OKC that Pappadeaux will be coming in shortly but will be out around Memorial and MacArthur.

Boo. I was hoping for more of the Classen Curve/NHP area.

Boo. I was hoping for more of the Classen Curve/NHP area.

At least its coming to the metro. I am looking forward to this and also hope Bonefish Grill ends up here as well. I think Good Egg Group also may be opening a seafood restaurant.

It will be nice to have an option other than Red Lobster for fresh seafood.

Another dining option in the CBD -- that's all that matters.

At least its coming to the metro. I am looking forward to this and also hope Bonefish Grill ends up here as well. I think Good Egg Group also may be opening a seafood restaurant.
It will be nice to have an option other than Red Lobster for fresh seafood.

That has been the long running rumor and it is supposed to be in The Rise, if that is still the plan.

That has been the long running rumor and it is supposed to be in The Rise, if that is still the plan.

We confirmed this some time ago:

The Drake

We confirmed this some time ago:

The Drake

So, there you go.

Mahogany absolutely needs to crush the patio, because otherwise they're just adding to the dilution in the market. With a fantastic patio that has a great view of the MBG, it will be a great addition…though, regardless, I would have preferred a Pappadeaux or McCormick's & Schmidt.

I agree that they should, but I think it is unlikely. They do a lot of things well, but HSRG tends to have a strong and at least semi-official bias against outdoor.

I hate to say it but I kind of wish it was something besides Mahogany. Maybe a new concept restaurant.

I was really excited for a CVS or Corner Bakery as sad as that is.

I agree that they should, but I think it is unlikely. They do a lot of things well, but HSRG tends to have a strong and at least semi-official bias against outdoor.

Plus, the high-end steakhouse concept doesn't lend itself well to outdoor seating.

However, I suspect this will be a different bread of cat (or at least it should be simply because it's downtown, as you astutely observed) because the other Mahogany's aren't open for lunch and you have to believe they will give that strong consideration here.

I agree, this would have made a prime location for a big national chain, given he 'media' exposure that the building will likely bring; I'm thinking along the lines of a mini LA-live. MS, Morton, PDX, even RC would have been a nice 'balance' to the existing downtown locals. Oh well, there's still hope and space for a Bonefish Grill there :).

As a side note, Shouldn't this be changed to 'under construction' instead of 'proposed'.

Plus, the high-end steakhouse concept doesn't lend itself well to outdoor seating.

However, I suspect this will be a different bread of cat (or at least it should be simply because it's downtown, as you astutely observed) because the other Mahogany's aren't open for lunch and you have to believe they will give that strong consideration here.

Not opening for lunch here would be a boneheaded move. A lunch menu with an average entree price of $15,featuring a steak or two, along with some lighter options, would be a smashing success.

Not opening for lunch here would be a boneheaded move. A lunch menu with an average entree price of $15,featuring a steak or two, along with some lighter options, would be a smashing success.

You can't sell those steaks for anywhere close to $15. You could concoct a menu, but it would by necessity look entirely different from the dinner menu.

Lunch would need to be about $20 to $25 plate.

I agree that they should, but I think it is unlikely. They do a lot of things well, but HSRG tends to have a strong and at least semi-official bias against outdoor.

Louie's and garage midtown and redrock lake restaurants ect. Would disagree

Plus, the high-end steakhouse concept doesn't lend itself well to outdoor seating.

However, I suspect this will be a different bread of cat (or at least it should be simply because it's downtown, as you astutely observed) because the other Mahogany's aren't open for lunch and you have to believe they will give that strong consideration here.

If it were in a better locale (better view), The Ranch has one of the nicest patios in the city. Serving on a Patio is not all impossible, hell, I've served dinner when it was like 40 degrees outside (albeit to hockey personnel) and it went just fine. It simply needs to focus more on the bar/cocktail aspect of the patio with a couple tables that lend themselves to full service dining.

So I think HSRG can put together a fine patio if they just invest the money.

They also could do lunch, they just need to figure out how to market it so that people understand there is a major difference between Mahogany lunch and Mahogany dinner. It's certainly a different concept all the way around, but the Metro provides a totally different experience during the day than they do during the night. That's fine, but it's not something that corporatized restaurants are known for excelling at.

That being said…The other steakhouses downtown are not open for a regular lunch and they're doing just fine, so I really don't expect Mahogany to be the pioneers in that regard. Prime beef is simply too expensive.

Louie's and garage midtown and redrock lake restaurants ect. Would disagree

Garage Midtown patio is there almost by accident. That is more about the building/developer than Garage. Louie's inherited an existing patio. Red Rock I'll give you. Then I will raise you KD's and Toby Keith's.

Garage Midtown patio is there almost by accident. That is more about the building/developer than Garage. Louie's inherited an existing patio. Red Rock I'll give you. Then I will raise you KD's and Toby Keith's.

KD's has a patio (maybe you've passed by it a time or two). The Louie's on 89th and Western has a non pre-existing patio. The Garage in Edmond has outdoor seating. If HSRG doesn't put outside seating at the Century Center it won't be because of a strong and semi-official bias against it.

Does Mama Roja's have a nice patio?

Does Mama Roja's have a nice patio?

It's been several years since I have been there, but if I remember correctly they do not. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong though.

The clown lady in the FAO Schwarz ad is giving me nightmares.

It's been several years since I have been there, but if I remember correctly they do not. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong though.

They have a pretty cool patio with a cabana bar and all the windows are garage door style in the back room and open when the weather is nice.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

KD's has a patio (maybe you've passed by it a time or two)...
KD's has a patio at the insistence of OCURA. Don't patronize me.

When I say semi-official it is because I have heard anti-outdoor sentiments with my own ears from multiple members if their management team(s). They just don't care for it. I won't say it's official because I don't personally know Hal Smith and have never heard him say that himself.

They have a pretty cool patio with a cabana bar and all the windows are garage door style in the back room and open when the weather is nice.


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I remember the garage doors because I say
T next to one. Didn't remember the patio, though. Thanks for clarifying.

By the way, just because I have always been transparent on this board about who I am and what I do for a living doesn't give someone the right to make smartass comments involving my job when trying to pick a fight with me from behind an anonymous handle. Thanks.

The Louie's on 89th and Western has a non pre-existing patio.Even the Louie's in Rockwell Plaza has a tiny outdoor patio, that was added when they moved in. When I owned Kernal's Korn in that same location back in the mid-80s, and when Souper Salad occupied the space after the popcorn shop went belly up, the space to the south was parking and a sidewalk. Not until Louie's moved in was it changed to a patio...

If it were in a better locale (better view), The Ranch has one of the nicest patios in the city. Serving on a Patio is not all impossible, hell, I've served dinner when it was like 40 degrees outside (albeit to hockey personnel) and it went just fine. It simply needs to focus more on the bar/cocktail aspect of the patio with a couple tables that lend themselves to full service dining.

So I think HSRG can put together a fine patio if they just invest the money.

They also could do lunch, they just need to figure out how to market it so that people understand there is a major difference between Mahogany lunch and Mahogany dinner. It's certainly a different concept all the way around, but the Metro provides a totally different experience during the day than they do during the night. That's fine, but it's not something that corporatized restaurants are known for excelling at.

That being said…The other steakhouses downtown are not open for a regular lunch and they're doing just fine, so I really don't expect Mahogany to be the pioneers in that regard. Prime beef is simply too expensive.

Maybe they could do sort of what McCormick and Schmick's does. They have M&S Grille, a slightly less formal version.

KD's has a patio at the insistence of OCURA. Don't patronize me.

You are the one that insinuated that it had no patio a la Toby Keith's.


When I say semi-official it is because I have heard anti-outdoor sentiments with my own ears from multiple members if their management team(s).

Their actions speak louder that what you've heard.


By the way, just because I have always been transparent on this board about who I am and what I do for a living doesn't give someone the right to make smartass comments involving my job when trying to pick a fight with me from behind an anonymous handle.

You made the choice to be transparent - live with it. I made the choice to be anonymous so I could share with Pete my sources without getting them in trouble. I have made plenty of contributions to this site that you can not know it was me because I fed my information through Pete so as not to disclose my sources. If I were transparent it would become obvious who my sources were and I would no longer be able to get information that would benefit this site. Pete will vouch for my reliability. I am not picking a fight, just pointing out the inconsistencies in your argument.

You assume I meant KD's has no patio (as if I'm a blithering idiot), yet that is not at all what I said. That's on you. I mentioned KD's because it is canal frontage, yet originally was designed with no outdoor whatsoever. Outdoor was only added at the insistence of OCURA. That by itself is a pretty compelling argument that this group is not falling over itself to include outdside dining. Toby's only reinforces the point.

I will go one further: nearly all of the concepts that have been held up as examples have been pubby or casual dining. The closer they get to fine dining, the more recalcitrant they appear to be. Never anywhere did I say that they DON'T DO outdoor, only that they seem to have a bias against it (my exact words were "tends to"). I stand by my statement.

Congratulations on your great Machiavellian influence on the forum and within the community; it still doesn't excuse bringing my job into the discussion - which I rarely do myself - simply to take a swipe at me.

Garage Midtown patio is there almost by accident. That is more about the building/developer than Garage. Louie's inherited an existing patio. Red Rock I'll give you. Then I will raise you KD's and Toby Keith's.

Garage did add a couple of nice TVs: outside but you are correct

Louie's first action upon taking over was to remove the 2 parking spaces in front and to expand the patio by joining the 2 small patios. That was huge in making that a better space

Was going to say, they've been up in Tulsa for years, wouldn't surprise me if they come to OKC. Don't think it's much of a "win" for OKC even if they do.

Someone remind me again what this seafood talk has to do with Century Center?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, a photo from https://twitter.com/CaseyCornett:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cc062614.JPG

Move a bunch of posts here:

http://www.okctalk.com/general-food-drink-topics/38302-seafood-okc.html

Someone remind me again what this seafood talk has to do with Century Center?

Does discussion of another upscale steak house have anything to do with Century Center? Yes. Perhaps the discussion of seafood was the widely held lament that sticking Mahogany in this space doesn't exactly light up the dining scene in the CBD.

Really not a big fan of the drab color and looking forward to something brighter. Do you know if the lighter color on the proposed updates is just paint? It looks almost like metallic plating of some kind covering the areas that are currently painted, but I can't tell for sure.

Does anyone know if they CC parking garage is completely closed now?

There are two levels on top but also two below.

I know the entrance/exit on Main is completely secured with gates and not open. I haven't looked close enough when passing by on Sheridan to see if you can get in/out, and can't really tell from that photo. If nobody reports back I will look next time I roll by.

From tonight.

8419
8420

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cc070114a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cc070114b.jpg

in that first pic you can still see the cirle graphic and CENTURY CENTER from before it was painted.

Yes, and you can also see the parking is clearly blocked.