Wow really another double curb cut for Mahogany Valet?! Not to mention the pointless one on Robinson for "temporary parking"? WHY?

Seriously why do we need these little private valet half circles in front of places? This also means Sheridan will be losing about 7 on-street parking spots that are across from the gardens. Robinson will be losing about the same amount of spots.

It looks like they aren't actually curb cuts, but cutouts instead. Is that right?

It looks like they aren't actually curb cuts, but cutouts instead. Is that right?

It looks like pedestrian will walk around them - not thru them, so yes, not a curb cut in the sense that it breaks up the sidewalk and causes a pedestrian/car point of conflict.

https://twitter.com/stevelackmeyer/status/557984372641759232

https://twitter.com/DowntownOKCInc/status/557985996751376384

I got a tour of OBUCO's new space today. The space is really coming along... They are expecting to move in in under 3 weeks.

There were supposed to be pictures attached, I'll try again tonight.

I got a tour of the space today myself. Impressive. Far more space/desks than I expected.

We talked about this before, but the interior design is modeled after the New York Times:

http://www.platinumpropertiesnyc.com/files/NYT.jpg

The Lost Ogle is reporting that OPUBCO is conducting layoffs today.

Some cool before and afters from https://twitter.com/AndrewKnittle:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B83K8HLCIAAFO6z.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B83LShTCUAEjvzL.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B83L7G9CUAACc4_.jpg:large

Such an improvement. Who would have thought just a short time ago. We all wanted it torn down.

OPUBCO will bring a lot of vitality downtown. I remember being a Bell-Hop in the Sheraton in the late 70's. Out of town people would ask me "what is there to do here" ? I had no answer other than Molly Murphy's....pretty sad.
Now we have nine entertainment districts within 3 miles of downtown. Definitely headed in the right direction.

For those of you who really want to see the space first hand. They are hosting a chamber event on March 31st. Free to anyone who wants to attend including beer and wine. Details below.
Sunset Reception
Date: 03/31/2015
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location:
The Oklahoman
100 W. Main
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Map to Event
Add to My Calendar

Chamber members open their doors to the public when they host a Sunset Reception. Join us for food, drink and networking.

Admission is FREE. No need to RSVP

Such an improvement. Who would have thought just a short time ago. We all wanted it torn down.

But that was back when it was "functionally obsolete". lol.

Drove by today, the "mesh" was swaying in the wind, so whomever said it was a low grade, cheap mesh was right. It looked like someone had a fishing net on the building.

The Lost Ogle is reporting that OPUBCO is conducting layoffs today.

No surprise here, I picked up the Sunday Oklahoman the last 3 weeks in a row, what a joke, no real stories, business section is like 3 pages, and main section is "paper" thin too. The Sunday paper is smaller than what the normal daily paper SHOULD BE. With the poor journalism being done these days, coupled with tanking oil prices, I think OKC may be in for rough times. Hoping I'm wrong.

For those of you who really want to see the space first hand. They are hosting a chamber event on March 31st. Free to anyone who wants to attend including beer and wine. Details below.
Sunset Reception
Date: 03/31/2015
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location:
The Oklahoman
100 W. Main
Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Map to Event
Add to My Calendar

Chamber members open their doors to the public when they host a Sunset Reception. Join us for food, drink and networking.

Admission is FREE. No need to RSVP
That's a very nice idea but doesn't work for people like me who don't work downtown.

OPUBCO has started to move into their new space today.

Believe most everyone will be moved by the end of the week.


Will be very odd to see that space all lit up and active... Even when it was briefly full in the 70's when it opened, the concrete walls still made the whole block feel dead.

Even when it was briefly full in the 70's when it opened, the concrete walls still made the whole block feel dead.

This

When I was in there in the '90s, I was surprised to find businesses operating. Although it wastn' many. The concrete walls closed the rest of the world out and so I don't think people ever thought to go inside.

Just driving by at night this weekend it has been such an amazing difference in the look and feel of that block with the interior lights on and it being furnished and such

No surprise here, I picked up the Sunday Oklahoman the last 3 weeks in a row, what a joke, no real stories, business section is like 3 pages, and main section is "paper" thin too. The Sunday paper is smaller than what the normal daily paper SHOULD BE. With the poor journalism being done these days, coupled with tanking oil prices, I think OKC may be in for rough times. Hoping I'm wrong.

10132

pics anyone for us expats :)

I'll try to remember to take one tonight on the way home

thanks much! :)

Cool story from Berry Tramel:

Hello downtown, my old friend | News OK (http://newsok.com/hello-downtown-my-old-friend/article/5392044)

Wow. I've always thought Berry was an incredible writer, but it's cool to see him write about non-sports topics. It's funny how the sports guy is probably their most-talented writer (but probably not their most-talented investigator).

Cool story from Berry Tramel:

Hello downtown, my old friend | News OK (http://newsok.com/hello-downtown-my-old-friend/article/5392044)

That is SO great.

I can relate to so much of what he writes in that article.

I think for many of us, going downtown as young kids creates a feeling of awe that can stick with you for life. I know I've always had it since we used to go pick my grandmother up at the train station back in the lat 60's and early 70's. And then when I went to my first events at the Myriad starting in the early 70's.

And I later loved working there for the some reasons mentioned by Berry. It was like a small town. When I graduated OU in '82 and started working down there I saw tons of people I had gone to college with and got to know a bunch more in social circles. Then, I'd run into them down there or we'd have a mutual friend... It's always nice to see familiar faces.

I've been hooked on downtowns and cities since those first visits. When my family would travel, I'd always ask my dad to take small side trips to city centers and he always obliged: Tulsa, Kansas City, St. Louis and even Chicago. And as a young college student, I went to go see the model on display in is what is now Corporate Tower; it showed not only what would be Oklahoma Tower but a 50-story building where the library now stands and the infamous Galleria Mall. I thought it was the coolest thing I had ever seen, and the leasing agents there were really nice to me as they could see my passion.

And the Century Center has special meaning to me too because my first job out of college was in the top floor of the little Oil & Gas Building on the NE corner of Main and Sheridan, directly across from that complex. Ate many lunches in there and later loved looking through Taylor's Newstand. But of course, mostly it was a dark, depressing place.

My company moved into Leadership Square and were one of it's first occupants. That was exciting stuff but because the economy was poor, it mainly just sucked existing tenants out of other buildings and in some ways contributed to the demise of some older structures.

Anyway, I'm happy for the OPUBCO employees and all that activity and life will be great for a corner that always has been so important to downtown.

Wow. I've always thought Berry was an incredible writer, but it's cool to see him write about non-sports topics. It's funny how the sports guy is probably their most-talented writer (but probably not their most-talented investigator).
Bewy Twammel is a DICK. He "writes" for the Oklahoman because he can't get a job as a writer anywhere else. There are 7th graders that write better than this clown.

I enjoy Tramel's writing largely because he is actually reflective. He doesn't just follow along with the popular generalizations that dictate so much of sports writing, but he actually sits back, thinks about things from different perspectives, and then does research to address his gaps in knowledge. You can see the same qualities when he writes about non-sports topics. Good read.

Bewy Twammel is a DICK. He "writes" for the Oklahoman because he can't get a job as a writer anywhere else. There are 7th graders that write better than this clown.

Is that you, John Blake. I don't know what BT did to piss you off, but he has been named sportswriter of the year in Oklahoma at least 7 times.

Wow. I've always thought Berry was an incredible writer, but it's cool to see him write about non-sports topics. It's funny how the sports guy is probably their most-talented writer (but probably not their most-talented investigator).

You're the only person I've ever heard speak highly of Berry Tramel.

You're the only person I've ever heard speak highly of Berry Tramel.

You should spend more time around good writers.

The point I'm making is that the best writers are going into sports these days bc that's become the cash cow for readers and sponsors.

You're the only person I've ever heard speak highly of Berry Tramel.

Lots of people like Berry. Maybe it's your crowd. He doesn't get into the fan mob mentality and usually offers a fair and objective viewpoint. He often adds a human element. Looks at sports like an adult, not a kid,

You're the only person I've ever heard speak highly of Berry Tramel.

I'm pretty sure he's the most respected sportswriter in the state. And even if he wasn't well liked and respected (which he is), he should get some kind of Nobel Peace Prize for putting Traber's nonsense on the Sports Animal.

I'm pretty sure he's the most respected sportswriter in the state. And even if he wasn't well liked and respected (which he is), he should get some kind of Nobel Peace Prize for putting Traber's nonsense on the Sports Animal.

I generally don't care for his sports writing, but the story he did after the Moore tornado in 2012 about the little boy and his neighbor was incredible. I sent an email telling him how it affected me and he was very gracious. I'd suggest anyone who wants to dismiss him find that article; I think it might change your opinion at least somewhat.

You're the only person I've ever heard speak highly of Berry Tramel.

I like his writing. I don't care for him calling the Thunder the Boomers and the Foreman Scotty phrase, but that's easily overlooked.

He's also won the state sportswriter of the year 6 times.

I agree. He is a very good writer and storyteller, but the insistence on trying to force his self-appointed "Boomers" nickname on the Thunder is infuriating.

Berry Tramel is an excellent writer. I just don't appreciate basically every one of his articles attempting to be controversial. He almost always has something bad to say about OU/OSU/Thunder, even though he does it in an intellectual thought provoking way.

Berry Tramel is an excellent writer. I just don't appreciate basically every one of his articles attempting to be controversial. He almost always has something bad to say about OU/OSU/Thunder, even though he does it in an intellectual thought provoking way.

Not sure I agree that "basically every one of his articles attempting to be controversial," but again at least he backs up what he's saying. He's certainly not a perfect writer. I thought the article Westbrook got mad at, and that the Oklahoman removed the last line after releasing it, was over the top. He, like a number of people in the Thunder thread, said this season was over and the players didn't care. It was an overreaction that he should have the experience to avoid. Anyway, my main point is, he's a pretty solid sportswriter and writer in general in my books.

Tramel is very knowledgeable but has been in this market for far too long.

It's made him crotchety and cynical towards Gundy, Stoops and now the Thunder.

Feb 11 2015 by Tiffany Gibson (http://360.io/umbZLM)

^^^ nice ^^^

Not sure I agree that "basically every one of his articles attempting to be controversial," but again at least he backs up what he's saying. He's certainly not a perfect writer. I thought the article Westbrook got mad at, and that the Oklahoman removed the last line after releasing it, was over the top. He, like a number of people in the Thunder thread, said this season was over and the players didn't care. It was an overreaction that he should have the experience to avoid. Anyway, my main point is, he's a pretty solid sportswriter and writer in general in my books.

I think he is a heck of a writer. Not to say I always agree with him but I'm glad he isn't a cheerleader for the local teams. He has had every reason at times to bash Stoops, Gundy and the Thunder. Likewise, he has written very positive articles about all of them from time to time. He's practical and backs his positions up. I feel we are lucky to have him in this market and I look forward to reading his perspective. Plus he brings some slight normalcy to sports radio for a few minutes each day.

Trammel presents rational counterpoint to the rabid fans, both those for or against __________ (put in your favorite team), as opposed to someone like Traber who is contrarian without rational thought and is unpleasant doing it.

nice pics of the new digs. Hopefully this will have an overall positive impact to the paper and the level of content of the articles and news reports many of us have complained about.

now reporters have to dress up since they are downtown and are back to being a big city, major metro newspaper.

Hot Rod I have pics from the street like you asked for the other day but keep forgetting to transfer. Will try to remember tonight.

The southwest and northwest corners are going to be dark a while longer as Mahogany and Revolve Pizza both have a ways to go in their construction projects.

But afterwards, that strip along Robinson will be completely transformed.

Tramel is very knowledgeable but has been in this market for far too long.

It's made him crotchety and cynical towards Gundy, Stoops and now the Thunder.

It's hard not to be crotchety and cynical toward Gundy and Stoops. I won't speak for my Goon friends but I know I am growing loathsome of Gundy and Ford.

As a giant Poke fan I really admire Berry for calling out our underperforming, overrated, and overpaid coaches. Especially Ford; his cushy contract is egregious. Wow he beat Texas on the road... give him another 200 years. Meanwhile, we are once again the "dark horse" to win the conference for the 5th out of the last 6 seasons... gotta give Gundy just another 5 but the entire university's budget. Holder is a genius, he'll make up all the money through innovative financial schemes.

This is the same thing as when I make a critical point that OKC can do better urban planning. The entire board goes nuts, reminds everyone I now work in Cleveland (though not anymore), and doubles down on the koolaid. When you're willing to speak your mind and call spades, you become a polarizing figure in a place like OKC where people generally aren't comfortable speaking their minds.

Tramel is very knowledgeable but has been in this market for far too long.

It's made him crotchety and cynical towards Gundy, Stoops and now the Thunder.

Respectfully disagree. Tramel and Steve are by far and large the two best writers DOK has. He's really fun to listen too during the total dominance hour on the SA. It's two idiots yelling and one level headed analyst who actually knows what he's talking about. He wrote an article about reggie Jackson not handling his contract year properly and how james harden did and absolutely knocked it out of the park. If anything, the thunder has breathed new life into him. Oh and I've never met a sports personality (he's a personality who writes at this point) who will 100% admit when he is wrong, not just pay lip service to when I'm wrong I'll say it like traber does.

Steve is by far their best investigator. Tramel's writing, because he writes mostly opinion, is literally just designed more to highlight his writing talents rather than his reporting talents. Lackmeyer rarely emphasizes any opinions, but does try to bring out the key arguments of both sides of an issue. It's more "workmanlike" similar to an Obama speech, as opposed to a Reagan speech saying the same thing.

Just to bring the topic back home, that's why Tramel writing about coming back downtown is a big moment. He has a broad (and diverse) audience with whom he wields influence.

Are you guys reading the same Trammel the rest of us are reading? I avoid him at all costs and when I do read something from him I cringe just thinking about giving him a page view count. However, Spartan is correct about what was so key to him writing this particular article; he holds sway with a lot of people who "don't get" what urbanization is all about. Maybe by Trammel finally seeing the light some of his readers will catch on as well.

Steve is by far their best investigator. Tramel's writing, because he writes mostly opinion, is literally just designed more to highlight his writing talents rather than his reporting talents. Lackmeyer rarely emphasizes any opinions, but does try to bring out the key arguments of both sides of an issue. It's more "workmanlike" similar to an Obama speech, as opposed to a Reagan speech saying the same thing.

Just to bring the topic back home, that's why Tramel writing about coming back downtown is a big moment. He has a broad (and diverse) audience with whom he wields influence.

An Obama speech workmanlike?

SMH

W

in a place like OKC where people generally aren't comfortable speaking their minds.

I respectfully disagree with this characterization of OKC. Most speak their minds but few have facts to back it up. Like many places, people here often fail to distinguish between fantasy, opinion, and facts and are too lazy, ambivalent, or arrogant to research and learn the facts before forming and espousing opinions.

W

I respectfully disagree with this characterization of OKC. Most speak their minds but few have facts to back it up. Like many places, people here often fail to distinguish between fantasy, opinion, and facts and are too lazy, ambivalent, or arrogant to research and learn the facts before forming and espousing opinions.

Do you have facts to back up your opinion of "most" OKC people? Or were you too lazy, ambivalent, or arrogant to research and learn the facts about this issue before forming and espousing opinions on this message board?

Do you have facts to back up your opinion of "most" OKC people? Or were you too lazy, ambivalent, or arrogant to research and learn the facts about this issue before forming and espousing opinions on this message board?

Rover is arrogant? No way...

I don't care if people are right, wrong, arrogant, funny, etc. I just care that they're intelligent and comfortable exploring how their viewpoint confronts others. On this board I obviously experience a lot of push back from folks who aren't used to either differing viewpoints or questioning whether OKC could possibly do better. I see that as a very similar type of push back that Berry often gets from the respective fanbases when he writes anything critical of Gundy or Stoops.

The role of journalism is not to remind people what a great state it is, sorry OETA. We're obviously all here because we love OKC enough to read and write and "e-socialize" over the topic, so let's get over that. What's the fun in being ostriches with our head stuck in the sand?

Rover is arrogant? No way...
No, just lazy.

On this board I obviously experience a lot of push back from folks who aren't used to either differing viewpoints or questioning whether OKC could possibly do better.

Come on, be honest. Do you really think those are the only two reasons?:poke:

I couldn't resist this...

If headlines from today's NewsOK.com website appeared on the walls of the new OPUBCO offices:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/opubco1.jpg