^

Right.

I would bet the OU and OSU campuses offer by far the densest population concentrations in the state, both night (dorms/apartments) and day (workers/students).

Kevin,

The CVS is on Asp on the north side of Campus Corner where Sooner Textbooks used to be eons ago.

Kevin,

The CVS is on Asp on the north side of Campus Corner where Sooner Textbooks used to be eons ago.

I've never been really familiar with campus corner, until recently. I'm just never that deep into Norman.

It's a great area, to me it's the best urban environment in Oklahoma. Small streets, a ton of people, and a festive atmosphere.

I've never been really familiar with campus corner, until recently. I'm just never that deep into Norman.

It's a great area, to me it's the best urban environment in Oklahoma. Small streets, a ton of people, and a festive atmosphere.

Yes. It's really great. It was off the charts for game day. Super atmosphere. Norman is really one of the best college towns anywhere.

It amazes me how threads get off topic so easily and can stray so far...

Have you previously participated on a message board?

It amazes me how threads get off topic so easily and can stray so far...

Threads are like driving downtown during Project 180 ... there are no straight lines from point A to point B

I seem to remembering hearing one time that 10k residents is kind of a magic number for retailers. I think DT will be there in two years. Personally, I don't want to see a big influx of national retailers. If the city is involved at all, I'd rather see it encourage more local retail that usually offers something more unique that is of more interest to visitors and those looking for an urban living experience.

However, I do think the only way DT gets a drug store of CVS or Walgreens size is for one of them to do it. You just don't see any new independent pharmacies any more. There are a lot better locations for them downtown than CC, imo. Deep Deuce would be a good one, as it could be accessible to a lot of hotel guests, locals, and kind of centrally located between St. Anthony's and the Med Center. I know those facilities have pharmacies, but I think a more full service drug store would draw from the medical complexes as well. Either way, I think it's only a matter of time now and I think both any drug store locating downtown and the Century Center will be better off if it was somewhere else.

The absolute best location for a Grocery store or Drug Store (Or better yet, BOTH) in downtown would be a new build on the NE corner of 5th and Robinson…It's a bit further for the Midtown crowd, but it's definitely between Midtown and Deep Deuce.

The nice thing about a restaurant going into the Century Center is that it's something that will bring-in people from all over the city to use the space. The problem with CVS/Grocery Store is that those are neighborhood specific things, and that corner of CC would no longer be a high profile destination for a multitude of people. Whether or not it gets more foot traffic is another question entirely, but foot traffic is not the goal, place-making is…That is too high-profile of a corner to not contribute to place-making. This is why I'm also a major advocate of a Patio here.

The absolute best location for a Grocery store or Drug Store (Or better yet, BOTH) in downtown would be a new build on the NE corner of 5th and Robinson…It's a bit further for the Midtown crowd, but it's definitely between Midtown and Deep Deuce.

The nice thing about a restaurant going into the Century Center is that it's something that will bring-in people from all over the city to use the space. The problem with CVS/Grocery Store is that those are neighborhood specific things, and that corner of CC would no longer be a high profile destination for a multitude of people. Whether or not it gets more foot traffic is another question entirely, but foot traffic is not the goal, place-making is…That is too high-profile of a corner to not contribute to place-making. This is why I'm also a major advocate of a Patio here.

Good thoughts. I agree about Robinson too. Robinson, especially with its role with the streetcar, is really going to be key to bridging the two main urban neighborhoods in the city. It will be a good corridor for merchants who provide "essentials" to consider.

Parking garage going on that very spot. Maybe if they could incorporate a large store with garage on top...

I think when you see a full-service grocery locate in the downtown area it is likely to be on 10th. Simply put, for a large-ish grocery to survive downtown it won't be able to sell out completely to the walking/streetcar crowd; it will need to remain attractive to those arriving via auto from other parts of downtown and the central city.

Regarding Walgreens/CVS, a natural location would be in retail fronting the MBG inside the new convention center, if that becomes/remains part of the plan. I know such retail space was being considered at one point. Walgreens/CVS would appeal to convention-goers and hotel guests as much as or more than they would appeal to locals.

I think when you see a full-service grocery locate in the downtown area it is likely to be on 10th. Simply put, for a large-ish grocery to survive downtown it won't be able to sell out completely to the walking/streetcar crowd; it will need to remain attractive to those arriving via auto from other parts of downtown and the central city.

Maybe. In that case, anywhere in Deep Deuce would be very accessible also, though I think a large grocery there would kind of temper the more neighborhoody vibe it's got going on. It could maybe use another corner store that compliments native roots, but a grocer any bigger than Trader Joe's is starting to feel out of place.


Regarding Walgreens/CVS, a natural location would be in retail fronting the MBG inside the new convention center, if that becomes/remains part of the plan. I know such retail space was being considered at one point. Walgreens/CVS would appeal to convention-goers and hotel guests as much as or more than they would appeal to locals.

Well, when we get one, we'll get two, so maybe the other one can go on Robinson.

I think when you see a full-service grocery locate in the downtown area it is likely to be on 10th. Simply put, for a large-ish grocery to survive downtown it won't be able to sell out completely to the walking/streetcar crowd; it will need to remain attractive to those arriving via auto from other parts of downtown and the central city.

Regarding Walgreens/CVS, a natural location would be in retail fronting the MBG inside the new convention center, if that becomes/remains part of the plan. I know such retail space was being considered at one point. Walgreens/CVS would appeal to convention-goers and hotel guests as much as or more than they would appeal to locals.In 1957, there was a thriving independent full-service supermarket located where Brown's Bakery is now; at that time Brown's was on the NE corner of NW 13 and Robinson -- which was, itself, a quite urbanized little pocket. The area around Plaza Court was still thriving. Mercy Hospital was just a couple of blocks north and St. Anthony's occupied only one city block.

Subsequent destruction of the CBD had its ramifications far outside the area where the wrecking balls ruled supreme. It drove most small business all the way to the suburban areas. Street's abandoned Main Street in favor of Mayfair and Shepherd Mall; J. C. Penney did the same but didn't bother with Mayfair.

At that time the city had only one 24-hour drug store, called City Drug. It was located downtown on either Grand or Reno (I don't remember which) not far from Robinson, not far from the MBG. In many ways, I'm finding this thread more than slightly ironic!

I think when you see a full-service grocery locate in the downtown area it is likely to be on 10th. Simply put, for a large-ish grocery to survive downtown it won't be able to sell out completely to the walking/streetcar crowd; it will need to remain attractive to those arriving via auto from other parts of downtown and the central city.

Regarding Walgreens/CVS, a natural location would be in retail fronting the MBG inside the new convention center, if that becomes/remains part of the plan. I know such retail space was being considered at one point. Walgreens/CVS would appeal to convention-goers and hotel guests as much as or more than they would appeal to locals.

Really? Why? You are usually spot on but I'm wondering right now if you're high.

Really? Why? You are usually spot on but I'm wondering right now if you're high.

It would be adjacent to the largest block of contiguous rooms (600-700+ room convention hotel), be easily accessible from nearly every downtown/bricktown hotel, provide people visiting both parks a place to grab snacks/drinks for a picnic, have ample parking, and give the general public a reason to visit one of their most expensive MAPS projects -- regardless of if they have convention business.

Here are the plans for the YMCA:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ymca1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ymca2.jpg

So, will the only entrance be from inside the Sheraton or will there be an outside entrance as well?

So, will the only entrance be from inside the Sheraton or will there be an outside entrance as well?

It looks like there is a corridor separating the Y from OPUBCO, it would have entrances.

It looks like there is a corridor separating the Y from OPUBCO, it would have entrances.

But no exterior entrances, I guess is my point.

Looks like you'll have to pass through the YMCA reception to move between the OPUBCO space and the Sheraton.

Wonder what the plan is for the large vestibule immediately east of the reception area? This is part of the Sheraton and will be a pretty large space.

^It looks to me like there is no means of passage between OPUBCO to the Sheraton without going outside.

^It looks to me like there is no means of passage between OPUBCO to the Sheraton without going outside.

I'm sure everyone will just pass through the Y reception area; there are double doors on both sides and the Y is open long hours.

But I don't see a door into OPUBCO from the Y…is that not a hallway in-between the 2 buildings?

Here is the detailed plan for the 1st floor of OPUBCO where you can see double doors that open into the area near the Y reception.

It will probably be a card-access only type of thing.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/opubco1stc.jpg

Glass starting to go in on the south facade:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cc092214.jpg

Sorry if this has been asked already but are they going to paint the burnt orange once they are done or just cover it up?

Sorry if this has been asked already but are they going to paint the burnt orange once they are done or just cover it up?

I was wondering the same thing when I drove by today.

All that orange will be painted (at least up to and including the circular car ramp enclosures) and I'm not sure why they haven't done it yet.

I suspect they are focusing on getting the windows in and the interior space started, because they are way behind schedule and American Fidelity is pushing OPUBCO out the door.

I bet whatever the OPUBCO agreement was with AF they are going well beyond the expected move-out date.


Steve has said they still expect to move in January, but that's only four months away.

Steve's update.

YMCA branch to open at Century Center in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/ymca-branch-to-open-at-century-center-in-oklahoma-city/article/5344571)

All that orange will be painted (at least up to and including the circular car ramp enclosures) and I'm not sure why they haven't done it yet.

From this rendering, it looks like the circular car ramp enclosures will be painted:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/urban-development-buildings/5033d1384531493-century-center-cc1115131.jpg

I really hope so because that would turn that eyesore into a positive focal point.

From the Journal Record:

A good fit: YMCA weighs in on Century Center plans

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record September 22, 20140

OKLAHOMA CITY – The YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City will open a branch in downtown’s Century Center.

The organization joins the Oklahoma Publishing Co., also known as OPUBCO, and Hal Smith Restaurant Group’s Mahogany Steakhouse.

The 14,000-square-foot health and wellness center will be bigger than the Midtown and Rockwell Crossing facilities, which each measure about 10,000 square feet each, said YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City President and CEO Mike Grady. The space will have three to five full-time employees, with part-time exercise instructors. There will be two group exercise rooms that will feature a full range of classes, strength and cardiovascular machines, free weights and locker rooms.

Grady said the organization had been interested in the former downtown mall at 100 W. Main St. for a while, and even talked to the previous owners, San Diego-based hotelier American Property Management Corp., about the space.

“We never could get it together with the owners at the time,” Grady said. “When the property sold, it opened the door again to have some conversations.”

The Century Center is being redeveloped by Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort investment broker Andy Burnett and real estate investor Steve Hurst. Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort retail broker Danny Ojeda is assisting Burnett with leasing the building.

Burnett said the YMCA will be a good fit for the tenants that have also signed leases. The YMCA plans to open Feb. 3.

“We were looking for a local tenant that would complement our vision for the building and that area,” he said. “We wanted someone that would enhance what we were already doing.”

With the YMCA’s lease, there is only 3,700 square feet remaining on the Century Center’s first floor. There is still 10,000 square feet of office space on the second floor. Burnett said he and Ojeda are in negotiations with someone to fill the 3,700-square-foot area, but he could not give any further details. In total, the 110,000-square-foot building is 91-percent leased.

Grady said the new facility will help alleviate the crowds at the Edward L. Gaylord Downtown YMCA and the Midtown YMCA.

“There’s a lot going on downtown in terms of residential development,” he said. “We’re looking down the road to make sure we have the capacity to meet the demand. Our current two facilities – especially the (Downtown YMCA) – are extremely busy. We’re hoping to alleviate some of that capacity issue.”

While the YMCA will share a floor with OPUBCO, the company will not have any special access to the space. Grady said the YMCA already has before- and after-school programs at the John Rex Charter Elementary School, so those programs will not be offered at the Century Center location.

“We’re having some conversations with several employers about memberships for their employees,” he said. “We feel very blessed to have the support from the community that we have. Our membership just continues to grow. This is one more opportunity for us to respond to that.”

...Steve has said they still expect to move in January, but that's only four months away.

Doesn't seem completely unreasonable after seeing interior photos in Steve's story. I know the makeover is pretty extreme, but at the end of the day it's still a remodel, not new construction. Much of the infrastructure already exists and is being repurposed. Plus, the interior floor plan of the OPUBCO space is very open. That helps.

Paul Monies (https://twitter.com/pmonies) just tweeted this photo and said the OPUBCO move-in date is now late February:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ByQA4R6CEAANq8P.jpg:large

Really picking up speed
9175

Really picking up speed
9175
Yeah I noticed they installed almost all of those exterior steel beams yesterday and mostly today. Also the glass panels on the north side and northern portion of the west side are almost completely put in. Really just the south side and part of the west side is all that's lacking glass-wise.

I just wish they would hurry up and paint the thing.

I just wish they would hurry up and paint the thing.

Patience, Grasshopper. :)

A couple just taken by Urban Pioneer. I bet the plan is to put up the entire exterior structure (without the screening) then paint everything at once:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/century092914a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/century092914b.jpg

A couple just taken by Urban Pioneer. I bet the plan is to put up the entire exterior structure (without the screening) then paint everything at once:

I feel like that would be a lot more work than emptying out everything, painting the sides without really having to tape off, then put up the glass and other stuff.

With the glass up, they'll be able to start on the interior and not have the exterior put behind schedule by our (sometimes rainy) fall and early winters.

Can always take care of exterior cosmetics later.

Here is the detailed plan for the 1st floor of OPUBCO where you can see double doors that open into the area near the Y reception.

It will probably be a card-access only type of thing.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/opubco1stc.jpg

Why do we have so many YMCAs?

I think this has potential to be really nice. Did I have a dream a CVS was going in there? Did somebody speculate about that? Am I still dreaming?

I think this has potential to be really nice. Did I have a dream a CVS was going in there? Did somebody speculate about that? Am I still dreaming?

it was at one time but the deal fell through

it was at one time but the deal fell through

Ahhh. Too bad. Thanks, Metro!

People were wondering why they haven't painted any of the building yet...

I noticed in some close-ups of the new steel skeleton being installed that they are having to tie it directly into the existing concrete facade, and there are tons of holes that will have to be patched.

So, it wouldn't make sense to paint until all that work is finished Then, I'll bet you'll see paint go on very quickly.

They also surely want to get the building dried in so they can finish the interior build-out. By far the most important part of meeting their schedule. Paint is just paint.

From shawnw. Note that it looks like some grey paint has gone up and that the OPUBCO space on the 2nd floor already has interior walls:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/century101914.jpg

I guess I hadn't paid real close attention to the drawings. What is the purpose of that white steel skeleton on the west side?

I guess I hadn't paid real close attention to the drawings. What is the purpose of that white steel skeleton on the west side?

It appears that the video screen will attach to that and also it will provide some screening.

I've been noticing a change every day, it's moving fast!
9370

Thanks!

Also, the repainted sidewalks look infinitely better.

Looking good!

Some photos from the Oklahoman Facebook page:

https://scontent-b-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/551438_10152869550104074_8986278715826190117_n.jpg ?oh=6be05c7e4f45ac9b01b3313e1cd47367&oe=54E544EE


https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10447803_10152869550204074_8082856199048620670_n.j pg?oh=cbc479ce89c9c4304d00bc7db204a189&oe=54EC56B2


https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1385058_10152869550304074_3214211911347177012_n.jp g?oh=b67ad7bc4739f779088bfced99c18a09&oe=54EA26AD&__gda__=1420996500_5ddb0bb9fe1c6584b16da8fa3650923 a


https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10389512_10152869550374074_907439426145715312_n.jp g?oh=53193c0e2690f62d38aa988d7067e2b5&oe=54E65478&__gda__=1425430599_816fa9c59986425219b8ccecb78a352 e
[/center]

Mahogany just filed for a $850,000 building permit for the Century Center.

Their work should be starting soon.

Will just took this photo and I think it answers the "why haven't they painted the building yet" question.

It looks like they are installing a vapor barrier (Tyvek fabric) over the old concrete, then concrete backer or foam core board, which is the gray material you see. I suspect they will apply stucco of EIFS over that, which will contain the finished color:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/century111314a.jpg

OKCTalk - Revolve Pizza Kitchen coming to downtown's Century Center (http://www.okctalk.com/content/76-revolve-pizza-kitchen-coming-downtown-s-century-center.html)

So, we had heard Revolve was looking downtown but I had also heard Hal Smith was looking to put a new Mexican concept in this spot.

Obviously that changed.

Revolve seems like a great addition; their salads will be a big lunch-time draw.

Good addition to the building, I would love to see a stock quote and news ticker go around this building to go along with the video screen. Think times square.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B3U6mquIAAABT-p.jpg:large