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

Yes and I was a bit disoriented since the photo is transposed. clearly I was looking at other details beyond the obvious " the parking garage is blocked and closed"

too bad they're not adding to the parking. I can't think of any good reason why it was not in this phase (you know, new employees coming with already limited to no parking options).

Could it be expanded later?

too bad they're not adding to the parking. I can't think of any good reason why it was not in this phase (you know, new employees coming with already limited to no parking options).

Could it be expanded later?yeah that does suck... more height is always good

too bad they're not adding to the parking. I can't think of any good reason why it was not in this phase (you know, new employees coming with already limited to no parking options).

Could it be expanded later?

No, there were structural issues that made it far too cost prohibitive and once the property is improved, I'm sure that ship will have sailed.

No, there were structural issues that made it far too cost prohibitive and once the property is improved, I'm sure that ship will have sailed.

Short sighted.

Short sighted.

How is that short sighted? We're getting an empty building restored. If adding parking would have driven the price too high to renovate, then too bad about the additional levels.

It would've been cooler if they would've demoed the Century Center and built new. Could've done like a 10-30 tower with retail ground, parking 2-10 NewsOk takes up however many stories and leases the rest. Could have a new rooftop bar as well. Could have bigger and better video screens wrapping the entire building ....that would've been a lot better.

It would've been cooler if they would've demoed the Century Center and built new. Could've done like a 10-30 tower with retail ground, parking 2-10 NewsOk takes up however many stories and leases the rest. Could have a new rooftop bar as well. Could have bigger and better video screens wrapping the entire building ....that would've been a lot better.

$$$$$$.

Plus there are plenty of parking lots in the periphery of downtown that could be repurposed for what you are talking about. This seems like a solid turnaround for a long time underutilized space. Not that I'm a huge fan of their work (outside of a few exceptions), but props to The Oklahoman for taking is on.

$$$$$$.

Plus there are plenty of parking lots in the periphery of downtown that could be repurposed for what you are talking about. This seems like a solid turnaround for a long time underutilized space. Not that I'm a huge fan of their work (outside of a few exceptions), but props to The Oklahoman for taking is on.

agreed.. everything can't be demolished and turned into a 10-30 story tower it just isn't how things work. Are they great to have?.. sure. but sometimes you have to take the progress as it comes. this is a great project and is going to give so much life to a otherwise "BLOCK" of concrete that contributed nothing to the aesthetic of downtown. I am anxious to see how the project turns out.

By bringing employees downtown without adding more parking, perhaps it increases demand for structured parking to be built on one of the gazillion empty lots/surface parking areas. To me, that would be a good thing. So, adding parking on top isn't necessarily that important at this site.

It would've been cooler if they would've demoed the Century Center and built new. Could've done like a 10-30 tower with retail ground, parking 2-10 NewsOk takes up however many stories and leases the rest. Could have a new rooftop bar as well. Could have bigger and better video screens wrapping the entire building ....that would've been a lot better.

EXACTLY, we're so quick to tear down other buildings to build new - I don't see what's so special about Century Centre.

Rover, very good point.

However, we need more parking in the core of the CBD and there aren't any developable sites left.

EXACTLY, we're so quick to tear down other buildings to build new - I don't see what's so special about Century Centre.+1

Just learned that the Mahogany in this project will almost certainly not serve lunch.

Also, there are no plans for a patio.

Just learned that the Mahogany in this project will almost certainly not serve lunch.

Also, there are no plans for a patio.

Missed opportunity x2

Just learned that the Mahogany in this project will almost certainly not serve lunch.

Also, there are no plans for a patio.


Missed opportunity x2

Agree, especially for that location. The bulk of your weekly business opportunities would be before dinner.

I'm sure their thoughts about lunch are the same at RED Prime: you open at 11:30, do 2 hours of business and then what? Close and reopen again at 5?

The dinner-only model seems to have worked well at RED.

I'm sure this location will also feature some nice happy hour drinks / apps.

I'm sure their thoughts about lunch are the same at RED Prime: you open at 11:30, do 2 hours of business and then what? Close and reopen again at 5?

The dinner-only model seems to have worked well at RED.

I'm sure this location will also feature some nice happy hour drinks / apps.

it does work but lunch could work to. that is not different than most places, they have a big lunch rush then usually send marjority of staff home and have another shift later, sprlits are pretty common. but I am sure they will do fine would just be nice to have another lunch option there.

^

They would also have to develop a completely new menu as well.

I'm sure if they think the demand is there they will consider it but it makes sense for them to start this way.

So, now it will be dead space most of the day? Surely s Vast improvement over what's there today and a world class selection of retail.

Agree, especially for that location. The bulk of your weekly business opportunities would be before dinner.

Not really. They will have tons of weeknight corp business

You can argue that perhaps this is not the best use for a highly visible and active corner, especially one that faces the park and has ample room for a patio.

But if you lease to Mahogany, you pretty much know what you are going to get and while we'd all like to see more hours, you can't really blame them for wanting to stick with a successful business model.

The thing about downtown is you adapt to the market or die. Since downtown's population is the biggest between 8-5 M-F, then I'd expect businesses to be open during, near those times to capitalize on the captive market opportunity that exists. This is where Century and Mahogany fail here. What works in the suburbs doesn't necessarily mean it will also in downtown.

Add to that, you're connected to the largest single site hotel in the city and only have evening hours? Fail again.

Add to that, you're in downtown's 'newest' and most visible complex? Monster fail.

Finally, the argument that Red has limited hours simply does not aptly here to Century and Mahogany. For one, Red is in a league of its own as the top steak destination for the city (if not the entire state). Can't say that for Mahogany. Again, Red is a destination in trendy Aalley so you'd expect to pay prime dollar for a night out for dinner and the product and execution is second to none. Mahogany? Not so much since it's in the middle of the CBD next to the cc, park, and a large hotel.

Finally, the rent at Century has to be higher than that at Red's location, so how do they plan to make a living working boutique hours considering this ain't NYC and their product isn't even one of the best worth the premium price point? My take, this will be a massive fail unless 1) they revise business hours immediately to take advantage of the downtown audience and 2) if they hire a big name int'l chef who just by that makes them a 'destination' that could even try to compete with Red, rather than just another steak joint. If neither of these are met, then I expect a rather quick turnover at that location with somebody more appropriate taking it on with sure success.

Again, my thoughts.

I don't mind the hours TOO much, and here's why:

The CBD shuts down at 530pm. It's true, other than the Myriad Gardens. Other districts are alive though. This will provide life inside the CBD after the CBD shuts down.

Even in big cities, there are dinner only restaurants.

I do agree it's a missed opportunity for this specific location, but the concept itself is not a missed opportunity. The concept itself is something the CBD needs, but I would say it's just in the wrong building. I think this location needs a more casual dining space with a patio that serves lunch.

Concept is good, but the location is a missed opportunity.

I don't mind the hours TOO much, and here's why:

The CBD shuts down at 530pm. It's true, other than the Myriad Gardens. Other districts are alive though. This will provide life inside the CBD after the CBD shuts down.

Even in big cities, there are dinner only restaurants.

I do agree it's a missed opportunity for this specific location, but the concept itself is not a missed opportunity. The concept itself is something the CBD needs, but I would say it's just in the wrong building. I think this location needs a more casual dining space with a patio that serves lunch.

Concept is good, but the location is a missed opportunity.

I think the bigger missed opportunity is not adding a patio to this. They have a fairly large outdoor area to work with and if they aren't going to do it, I feel like someone else could easily make that a great patio space. The hours don't bother me as much, but I think eventually they should have a lunch menu.


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I hope they at least create the ability to add a patio later on when they realize how silly they are being by not adding one.

If they are going to be a dinner only, higher end, steak house, a casual patio isn't a great fit for that model. And a dead all day patio sends the wrong message out anyway.

Not every place needs to have a patio. I think it'll do fine.

They are now planning to do two drive cut-outs, one along Robinson and one on Sheridan.

Also, they will be relocating sculptures from the old OPUBCO HQ to the northwest corner:




http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/8603d1405011071-century-center-cclandscape.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/8605d1405011073-century-center-ccsculptures.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/8604d1405011072-century-center-ccmahogany.jpg

I thought that the original design was going to extend the edge of the building to meet the current sidewalk.
It looks like with the renderings of the driveway cut-ins that this is not the case.

I thought that the original design was going to extend the edge of the building to meet the current sidewalk.
It looks like with the renderings of the driveway cut-ins that this is not the case.

They changed that some time ago.

I'm really glad Mahogany is going to have a valet drive in instead of a nice patio facing one of the prettiest corners in OKC with the Myriad Gardens and the Colcord Hotel.

Well done OPUBCO and Mahogany.

#Sarcasm

I'm really glad Mahogany is going to have a valet drive in instead of a nice patio facing one of the prettiest corners in OKC with the Myriad Gardens and the Colcord Hotel.

Well done OPUBCO and Mahogany.

#Sarcasm

Oh. Give me a break.

I'm really glad Mahogany is going to have a valet drive in instead of a nice patio facing one of the prettiest corners in OKC with the Myriad Gardens and the Colcord Hotel.

Well done OPUBCO and Mahogany.

#Sarcasm

You can still have a valet and a patio, just look at Red Prime. Can't believe how big of a missed opportunity this is.

Sorry streetlife, you're not welcome in this place with no imagination. OKC screwed over once again.


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"Note: The granite base and brass lettering will not be relocated" - seems fitting for OPBUCO...

I'm really glad Mahogany is going to have a valet drive in instead of a nice patio facing one of the prettiest corners in OKC with the Myriad Gardens and the Colcord Hotel.

Well done OPUBCO and Mahogany.

#Sarcasmlet it go. not every restaurant needs a patio. stupid to dictate every single aspect of how a business operated... they won't want to include a patio, a patio isn't included... that simple.

I'm really glad Mahogany is going to have a valet drive in instead of a nice patio facing one of the prettiest corners in OKC with the Myriad Gardens and the Colcord Hotel.

Well done OPUBCO and Mahogany.

#Sarcasm


You can still have a valet and a patio, just look at Red Prime. Can't believe how big of a missed opportunity this is.

THIS, but then again, it is the Joklahoman and they're not exactly known as being proactive.

Downtown Street Life | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/4987804)


I am told by Andy Burnett, a partner in the Century Center ownership group, that this Mahogany Steak House, unlike the other Mahogany location in northwest Oklahoma City, will be open for lunch and dinner. This too will provide for a pretty lively street facade, especially when one also considers The Oklahoman is set to have a large digital video board at the corner of Robinson and Sheridan Avenues.

From Steve's blog.

Downtown Street Life | News OK (http://newsok.com/downtown-street-life/article/4987804)

THIS, but then again, it is the Joklahoman and they're not exactly known as being proactive.

What are you talking about. Opubco doesn't own the building or the steakhouse. Ie not their call.

What are you talking about. Opubco doesn't own the building or the steakhouse. Ie not their call.
Facts be damned, metro's going to find ways, logical or not, to spew venom against OPUBCO.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/12/agevegeq.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/12/je6amyte.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/12/ategu6a4.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/12/amubedu7.jpghttp://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/07/12/vy9u3ehe.jpg


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Somehow, "steakhouse" and "patio" don't seem like much of a fit. Would rather have had another operator altogether for this location.

Somehow, "steakhouse" and "patio" don't seem like much of a fit...
Red Prime would disagree. I'll bet they wish they had room for more outdoor seating, in fact.

Red Prime would disagree. I'll bet they wish they had room for more outdoor seating, in fact.

Good point. But Red Prime is much hipper and less stuffy than Mahogany, so that kind of makes sense for them.

Mickey Mantle's also wanted desperately to have an outside presence with all of the French doors off the bar open and a couple of tables worked into the sidewalk area overlooking the canal (they still exist), but unfortunately it was a tiny space, shared closely with the public, who had to walk by to get from Mickey Mantle to Oklahoma on that side of the canal. It made service in the area all but impossible.

The capper, though, was that they would often have customers wander down the sidewalk away from the restaurant (with drink in hand), and law enforcement hassled their bartenders HARD over it, with one having to personally spend thousands to defend a court case simple because he was behind the bar when someone out on the patio decided to go walkabout. Truly, MM's is just a victim of circumstance with an odd, cramped, too-shared and confusing sidewalk outside or they would have outdoor today.

A couple of years ago I also visited a John L. Sullivan's in downtown Chicago that had a nice sidewalk seating area off of the bar, which made for a great (and the only) place to smoke a cigar owing to Illinois' draconian tobacco laws.

The common thread for Red Prime, MM's (RIP) and Sullivan's outdoor is that they were all off of the bar, and the patio experience was more focused on drinks than dining. It's worth noting also that - while not strictly steakhouses - KD's and Flint both have outdoor...off of the bar, not the dining room. So, it can be done.

Also worth noting is that the people on here who reamed me when I said don't hold your breath on HSRG putting a patio on this project have not bothered to post now that it seems there will not be one. I still hold out hope that outdoor will be included, but...not holding my breath.

A patio would make more sense, too, if lunch was offered.

I was told that was a no-go but Steve reported that it will be offered, so I hope that turns out to be the case.

In any event, you can be sure Mahogany will put in a gorgeous restaurant.

$550,000 building permit application today for the YMCA -- even though this still hasn't been officially announced. As previously discussed, Mahogany Steakhouse is going into the space marked "Available 7,600 SF".

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7828d1400077826-century-center-ccymca.jpg

Does the Sheraton already have a fitness center? If so, will they get rid of theirs and just do a deal with the Y?

This may have already been discussed, so sorry if I missed it. But how will this Y affect the EKG location? Will it replace it or will both stay open? Also, does anyone know how large the EKG YMCA is, sq footage wise? Thx!

All three downtown Y locations co-exist

This may have already been discussed, so sorry if I missed it. But how will this Y affect the EKG location? Will it replace it or will both stay open? Also, does anyone know how large the EKG YMCA is, sq footage wise? Thx!

This would be an additional location for the Y, just like when the added a smaller location to Plaza Court.

At almost 13,000 square feet the Century Center location would be smaller than the on off EK Gaylord, but of course that structure houses a large pool and gyms.

I suspect this will be exclusively workout equipment and group exercise rooms. And for that, 13,000 SF is quite large.

Also, I'm hearing Hal Smith may put a Mexican food concept in the remaining space on the north side of the ground floor.

Not Ted's -- something a bit new.

Also, I'm hearing Hal Smith may put a Mexican food concept in the remaining space on the north side of the ground floor.

Not Ted's -- something a bit new.

Please no.

But there aren't any Mexican options downtown. :wink:

But there aren't any Mexican options downtown. :wink:

And there still won't be if HSRG opens this restaurant (wink).

It will be difficult for legit "ethnic" food to come to downtown if leases are super expensive. But real question: When will street vending come to downtown? Need to be able to walk down the street and grab a kebab or some tacos. And street musicians…definitely need some street musicians.

Don't forget the mimes

Also, I'm hearing Hal Smith may put a Mexican food concept in the remaining space on the north side of the ground floor.

Not Ted's -- something a bit new.
Yes, please!