Hopefully, mistakes can be corrected. I don't see it happening very soon though.

I used to eat at Nelson's twice a week when I worked in Tulsa.

The purchase prices of the units are pretty high, but what got me were the HOA fees. Some upwards of $700/month if I recall correctly.

Wow! I wonder what they include? That's extremely high. That's on par with resort investment condo rates where they have to clean the units every few days.

I miss both Nikz and the cafeteria. Both were dated and needed some help, but nostalgia is a powerful thing. The good was good at the cafeteria. I don't remember Nikz being particularly great but the view was awesome. Really, we don't have a public restaurant with much of a view anymore. The revolving floor was fun on a date.

I guess the petroleum club has the view, but that's not exactly public.

I loved Queen Ann's and it was owned by the same family that owned the Boulevard which is still around. Granted, I was always the youngest person in there when I went (I'm in my forties now) but it was always full of patrons. I really missed my cafeterias when I moved to Boise for a short time, they had none, not even a Luby's or Furr's.

I loved Queen Ann's and it was owned by the same family that owned the Boulevard which is still around. Granted, I was always the youngest person in there when I went (I'm in my forties now) but it was always full of patrons. I really missed my cafeterias when I moved to Boise for a short time, they had none, not even a Luby's or Furr's.

I had to laugh. Pushing mid century myself, and recently met a friend for lunch who is a few years older. We arrived as they opened and enjoyed lunch and catching up for quite a spell. I think we may have been the youngest folks as well.

damn... i waited too long to try nikz out... F*$*#

Nothing beats taking a date in the good old Chandelle days when they played porno movies at the NW Highway drive in next door. LOL!

I had a double date dinner at the Chandelle about 69 or 70 and thought that I was really an "uptown guy", Mr. Cool..

By the way, it looks like they've sold 9 of the 62 units, ranging in price from $347,000 all the way up to $1,900,000 for a three-story, 8,000 square foot unit. Guess who owns that one? Ed Shadid.

I know they are leasing most the units now but of the ones sold, it looks like most are going for around $400K.

By the way, it looks like they've sold 9 of the 62 units, ranging in price from $347,000 all the way up to $1,900,000 for a three-story, 8,000 square foot unit. Guess who owns that one? Ed Shadid.

I know they are leasing most the units now but of the ones sold, it looks like most are going for around $400K.

Jim Meyer is who made all the boondoggle decisions with the restaurant, the cafeteria and some retail. Meyer is no longer part of the organization. The management at Founders is very good now. The Tulsa brothers have made major changes since they took the reigns away from Meyer.

Last I heard there were 18 units sold. Pete, you say only 9? Some may have turned around and leased and are using Founders/Petrous to manage for them.

As for the leasing, some worried about the impact on the tower, but the HOA is extremely strict on who they lease to. The application is like a national security background check and I'm only half joking - it's a monster. But, it has accomplished its purpose as everybody here seem like top notch people.

Financing for condos are extremely difficult right now - even in Oklahoma City - so the leasing has turned out okay and helped bring life to the building.

The restaurant has a permit out? This is the first I've heard of it. I'll poke around.

that is a very cool space i am very exicited about a new site going in .

Mike, the sales information is from the County Assessor's site. They may be counting Shadid's unit as three and there looks to be a few actually bought back by the people that own the tower.

Hope it is the Deep Fork Group!

What is going on with the old cafeteria space and wasn't there some retail, too?

It looks like OKC will once again have a revolving restaurant atop Founders Towers. The "Chandelle Room" will be opening in December. It will be open 4 nights a week to the public and it will also serve as a catering and banquet facility for special events. This will be great for the OKC culinary scene! It sounds like the renovations will start soon!






http://newsok.com/stilled-restaurant-space-will-turn-again-atop-oklahoma-citys-founders-tower/article/3600290?custom_click=lead_story_title

By the way, it looks like they've sold 9 of the 62 units, ranging in price from $347,000 all the way up to $1,900,000 for a three-story, 8,000 square foot unit. Guess who owns that one? Ed Shadid.

I know they are leasing most the units now but of the ones sold, it looks like most are going for around $400K.

this http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20080228/ai_n24371284/

Pete via mmm posted this over in the United Founders thread:
http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=8287&p=194273#post194273


^
you are totally right... i remember a gallery pic hanging around somewhere on this site that shows exactly that.

-M

edit: found it. here's the pic pete posted in the gallery...

http://www.okctalk.com/gallery/data/515/1190chandelle.jpg

And noticed from the article:


Founders Tower's residential space — condos with one to three bedrooms — is fully occupied, and its commercial space is 98 percent leased, the Petrous Group said.

“We have managed to get a full occupancy at market rate in a time when the national economy was suffering,” said Paul Cornell, part of the Bixby-based Kelly Family group that owns the Founders Tower. “This is ... a statement on how Oklahoma City's economy is stronger than the national stance.”
Congrats to all those involved!

I have to admit this will increase my willingness to visit the NW part of the city. Happy news indeed.

Stilled restaurant space will turn again atop Oklahoma City's Founders Tower
The Deep Fork Group, owner of several popular Oklahoma City restaurants, will operate the Chandelle Room on the landmark Founders Tower's 20th floor.

FROM STAFF REPORTS Oklahoman Comment on this article 0
Published: September 2, 2011

Founders Tower's revolving but stilled top floor will soon turn again.

The owners are turning the 20th floor, vacant since upscale restaurant Nikz at the Top closed in March 2007, into an event space called the Chandelle Room and have partnered with Deep Fork Group as full-service caterer, the condo tower's Tulsa-based managers said Thursday.

Read more: http://newsok.com/stilled-restaurant-space-will-turn-again-atop-oklahoma-citys-founders-tower/article/3600290#ixzz1WlJRnXxq


By the way, it looks like they've sold 9 of the 62 units, ranging in price from $347,000 all the way up to $1,900,000 for a three-story, 8,000 square foot unit. Guess who owns that one? Ed Shadid.

I know they are leasing most the units now but of the ones sold, it looks like most are going for around $400K.

Noticed from the Oklahoman article (link above):

Founders Tower's residential space — condos with one to three bedrooms — is fully occupied, and its commercial space is 98 percent leased, the Petrous Group said.

“We have managed to get a full occupancy at market rate in a time when the national economy was suffering,” said Paul Cornell, part of the Bixby-based Kelly Family group that owns the Founders Tower. “This is ... a statement on how Oklahoma City's economy is stronger than the national stance.”

This is good news. Especially if the food is as good as when it was Nikz At The Top. Which it should be with the Deep Fork group involved.

I understand the capacity is very low because of fire code and that there is only 1 staircase that serves the tower. I was in the tower when they were trying to sell the units under the old management and was taken into the restaurant area. It was an amazing view and was told about the turning and how the service people would have to get it push started.

Seeing the list above about other places in the US something and most part of hotels, a new one could be part of the new CC Hotel overlooking the dt park. Or a hotel like Hyatt in Dallas that has the Reunion Tower attraction. I prefer that over a disk on top of a square building. Shoot, lets aim higher and go for something different all together.

(there doesn't seem to be any other Founders Tower thread, so I'll use this one)

Nice new article about Founders Tower from Slice magazine
Life at the Top - Slice - November 2012 (http://www.sliceok.com/November-2012/Life-at-the-Top)

Some really great photos included. Here's a few.

http://www.sliceok.com/November-2012/Founders-008.jpg

http://www.sliceok.com/November-2012/Founders-006.jpg

http://www.sliceok.com/November-2012/Founders-007.jpg

http://www.sliceok.com/November-2012/Founders-001.jpg

I toured some of the apartments there several years back. Some of the best panaramic views you can get in OKC. I wanted and would still love to live there.

I've been in one of the apartments there. The views are incredible. However, that area is about as unappealing for walkability as you can get, in my opinion. If I wanted to spend that kind of money, I'd buy in City Place instead.

Well 99.9% of the folks in OKC won't walk 2 blocks to a store and would rather still drive their car. I think it's stupid, but that's the practical reality. So at least for UFT, walkability really isn't an issue. And with CityPlace, unless you work downtown, it doesn't really offer you anything any different. At least you could walk from UFT to a grocery store...can't say the same for CityPlace.

Well 99.9% of the folks in OKC won't walk 2 blocks to a store and would rather still drive their car. I think it's stupid, but that's the practical reality. So at least for UFT, walkability really isn't an issue. And with CityPlace, unless you work downtown, it doesn't really offer you anything any different. At least you could walk from UFT to a grocery store...can't say the same for CityPlace.

You can now walk to Native Roots. And, at City Place you can walk to everything downtown and in the surrounds. Movies, basketball games, the art museum, lots of great non-chain restaurants, parks, etc. With the exception of the east side of EK Gaylord, there are sidewalks everywhere. Midtown is walkable, as is Deep Deuce, everything in the CBD and ultimately Core to Shore. Now that I've lived downtown, I can't imagine living anywhere else, so I am biased. It's just so great to not have to deal with a car once you're home from work. I can even technically walk to work, although the weather has to be optimal, since it's about a mile. So, if I wanted that penthouse feeling, personally I wouldn't consider anything but downtown.

I also think that people here in OKC find they like to walk once they try it. I'm sure none of my neighbors walked much before they moved downtown, but people are now everywhere walking and riding bikes.

Well 99.9% of the folks in OKC won't walk 2 blocks to a store and would rather still drive their car. I think it's stupid, but that's the practical reality. So at least for UFT, walkability really isn't an issue. And with CityPlace, unless you work downtown, it doesn't really offer you anything any different. At least you could walk from UFT to a grocery store...can't say the same for CityPlace.

Trust me, there are no grocery stores in walking distance of UFT. Granted there are 4 within a 1 mile radius but if you're renting or own a condo there, its not your goal to conserve your fuel. They gonna drive...

Betts - but what about normal daily activities. Do you eat out every day, go to a ballgame every day? Yeah there's a lot in walking distance downtown, but mostly for daytime office stuff. The trips to the grocery store or a corner store like a walgreens or some other place to get the random things, that's what makes the walkability worth it. You don't have those downtown.

Unfortunately, as OKCisOK says, most people just dont do it. You can't convince them to get off their duff and try it the first time. If they only knew what sort of walking is done in a place like Chicago or NYC. Walking a mile would be great for everyone. And walking that 1 mile is still going to get you there quicker than driving 30-40 minutes to work...then finding parking, then walking anyway.

I'm part of the walking choir, but practical nature for Okies is, they dont walk and they think it's their God given right to not have to.

So I was thinking of Founders Tower and reminded of a RetroMetroOKC meeting that Ed Shadid hosted as his home. I looked for the photos and couldn't believe I had not even edited them at all. I found the originals and guess what the date was? November 19 2012 exactly a year ago. Maybe they were speaking to me... Here's the Set.

RetroMetroOKC Meeting (November 19 2012) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157637854901423/)

you don't happen to remember the name of the book starting on image 3280, do you? wouldn't mind trying to find a copy of that.

also, i think the 2014 symphony showhome is going to be the one of the founders tower units.

-M

I thought Ed Shadid was a man of the people? He relates to the common man.

Sure is an awesome pad and view for the common man.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/10951131576_39a34ea0ff_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/10951139636_91dff82f0c_b.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/IMG_5173.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/IMG_5175.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/IMG_5174.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/IMG_5177.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/IMG_5176.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/IMG_5181.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/IMG_5182.jpg

I thought Ed Shadid was a man of the people? He relates to the common man.

Sure is an awesome pad and view for the common man.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/10951131576_39a34ea0ff_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/10951139636_91dff82f0c_b.jpg

Does the Buddha statue appear in any of the pics?

Those views!


http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/10951330433_e49e011830_h_d.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/10951329013_1e7597f278_h_d.jpg


Wow!

Awesome pics!!!!

Any updates on the restaurant at the top? There was quite a bit of talk about it early in 2013 and then it just died.

The information in post 302, a steakhouse called The George, anticipated opening before end of 2013. is the last I heard.

I do not recall seeing whether it has opened or not.

Their Facebook page has no new entries since late November.

They listed all their jobs on craigslist in late November.

I'm sure they'll be open soon.

Spoke with someone who attended a Founders District neighborhood association meeting Fri. afternoon and they said they plan to open about a week after they cater the big Skyball kick-off event for the OKC Orchestra League's Symphony Show House on Feb. 8.

As you probably already know, the Symphony Show House this May will feature the penthouse at Founders Tower.

Regarding the symphony show at the tower:

Oklahoma City Orchestra League presents ?A View to a Thrill? at historic Founders Tower | The City Sentinel (http://city-sentinel.com/2014/01/oklahoma-city-orchestra-league-presents-a-view-to-a-thrill-at-historic-founders-tower/)

What is the status on the exterior renovations? I heard there is still some work to be done on some mullions..

Just in time for the Symphony Show House this month, the new signs identifying the new Founders District went up last Friday. This is the very start of defining place within a city. The businesses and organizations in the neighborhood worked together to install new streetscape, light posts, and finally these signs. We are proud of our work together to improve this neighborhood.
7753

Just in time for the Symphony Show House this month, the new signs identifying the new Founders District went up last Friday. This is the very start of defining place within a city. The businesses and organizations in the neighborhood worked together to install new streetscape, light posts, and finally these signs. We are proud of our work together to improve this neighborhood.
7753

Awesome! What are the boundaries of the district. What else is planned?

Awesome! What are the boundaries of the district. What else is planned?

59th St. to the north, Independence to the west, NW Expwy to the south, and May Ave. to the east. More tree planting and community events are planned. Symphony Show House gives us a nice opportunity to showcase the improvements and for visitors to get to the know the businesses and organizations in the district.

I added it to Google maps. Should be there in the next week. Also responsible for adding SOSA and Asian District to the map :)

Maybe I'm wrong on this, but it seems like we've gone into overkill on the districts thing. Every thing has to be a district now. The historic districts, I can understand. There's something historical that ties Deep Deuce together or Bricktown etc. Now we're creating districts where they don't really exist. There's nothing that really ties these areas together. But like I said, perhaps I'm wrong. Maybe the districts are useful.

Maybe I'm wrong on this, but it seems like we've gone into overkill on the districts thing. Every thing has to be a district now. The historic districts, I can understand. There's something historical that ties Deep Deuce together or Bricktown etc. Now we're creating districts where they don't really exist. There's nothing that really ties these areas together. But like I said, perhaps I'm wrong. Maybe the districts are useful.

It's more like Neighborhoods and Districts…and they are very useful in Urban living.

So something like this - District: Neighboorhoods.

Downtown: CBD, Bricktown, Deep Deuce, Film Row, Arts District

Midtown: Midtown, HH/MP, SOSA, Auto Alley

Uptown: 23rd, Paseo, Jefferson Park, OCU, Asian District

etc. etc.

Right now, OKC needs more time to develop places before the definitions can really coalesce. But fostering a sense of community through association with certain areas is super useful.

Maybe I'm wrong on this, but it seems like we've gone into overkill on the districts thing. Every thing has to be a district now. The historic districts, I can understand. There's something historical that ties Deep Deuce together or Bricktown etc. Now we're creating districts where they don't really exist. There's nothing that really ties these areas together. But like I said, perhaps I'm wrong. Maybe the districts are useful.

Much agreed. So Founders District has S&B, Nevada Max's, Hooters and Groovy's for entertainment options and that's it. Wow, awesome district. It's about as boring as the Windsor District.

Districts to me are Western, Auto Alley, Film Row & Plaza. Maybe because they've already had established entertainment options or recent new investments.

Founders just doesn't strike me as a district but whatevs...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Teo's explanation is much better IMHO.

Our "districts" are so small, they really should be neighborhoods of a greater district. (his examples are good)

The update I was given from last week was that they were planning on being open at the end of this week. Certainly I would think by the end of the month! I hear the space is done and is really slick.

That's concerning…they just plan on opening up and people to walk right up to Founder's Tower looking for somewhere to eat?


Much agreed. So Founders District has S&B, Nevada Max's, Hooters and Groovy's for entertainment options and that's it. Wow, awesome district. It's about as boring as the Windsor District.

Districts to me are Western, Auto Alley, Film Row & Plaza. Maybe because they've already had established entertainment options or recent new investments.

Founders just doesn't strike me as a district but whatevs...

Sometimes a district isn't all about what it has now but about the potential the district has if they become unified in an identity. If a majority of the businesses come together to promote the area then it will serve the district well. Just as in downtown and Plaza/23rd/Western, there needs to be investment for the area to actually take off, but if residents and business owners come together in Founder's and find ways to lure that investment, good on 'em!

Much agreed. So Founders District has S&B, Nevada Max's, Hooters and Groovy's for entertainment options and that's it. Wow, awesome district. It's about as boring as the Windsor District.

Districts to me are Western, Auto Alley, Film Row & Plaza. Maybe because they've already had established entertainment options or recent new investments.

Founders just doesn't strike me as a district but whatevs...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Couple of things...I don't think a district has to offer entertainment or excitement to be a district. A district can be boring. But at least it has an identity. It is an intangible that builds a sense of place in the hearts and minds of residents and visitors...it establishes a brand for the area and that is something positive on which to build. If you want investment, just look at what Daystar Foundation and Library did with the old Kodak/Bankers Bank building in Founders District. What a makeover.

And the dramatic transformation of Founders Tower itself is a significant investment accomplishment. Also, Founders Tower has historical preservation status and that gives the centerpiece or icon of the district credence upon which the area can build up historical importance, modern relevance and future identity.

Maybe I'm wrong on this, but it seems like we've gone into overkill on the districts thing. Every thing has to be a district now. The historic districts, I can understand. There's something historical that ties Deep Deuce together or Bricktown etc. Now we're creating districts where they don't really exist. There's nothing that really ties these areas together. But like I said, perhaps I'm wrong. Maybe the districts are useful.

I think the district identities are a good thing. I've always thought the mark of a good city is one that has several unique neighborhoods with varied and defined character. I think the district naming helps in defining that image and creating an identity.

However, I agree it seems odd in this case, but I think that's because it just doesn't have a district feel. It's so disjointed that I'm not sure a name alone will have the same unifying impact it often does in a tighter setting. It feels more like a general area than a city district. But, who knows, maybe an effort to brand the area will create interest in making it feel more like a connected district. There may be some unrealized potential and maybe this will help market that potential.

Now, if only the Continental had found someone with crazy money to restore it and serve as an anchor, maybe even the district's namesake, it may not seem like such a reach. But at least it was replaced with the.... oh, wait. Nevermind.

Neighborhoods are urbanized areas with a balanced mix of human activities.

Districts are dominated by a single activity.

Corridors are connectors and separators of neighborhoods and districts.

http://www.csus.edu/indiv/s/shawg/courses/154/articles/TNU2.pdf

The area you guys are talking about are none of these things. For a place to have a name it first has to be a 'place'.

For a place to have a name it first has to be a 'place'.


That might be my most favorite thing you've ever said.

some cool pictures

Check out this OKC penthouse in the sky | Real Estate - KOCO Home (http://www.koco.com/money/real-estate/check-out-this-okc-penthouse-in-the-sky/28229942)

not to be smug, but SHOCKING that penthouse is only $1.9M. Extremely beautiful and a full floor... wow.

Open tables: Founders Tower still seeks tenant for restaurant | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2016/01/19/open-tables-founders-tower-still-seeks-tenant-for-restaurant-real-estate/)

Open tables: Founders Tower still seeks tenant for restaurant | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2016/01/19/open-tables-founders-tower-still-seeks-tenant-for-restaurant-real-estate/)

Open tables: Founders Tower still seeks tenant for restaurant

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record January 19, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – A restaurant space offering an unmatched view of the city’s northern corridor no longer has a tenant, but some parties have expressed interest in the space, a building owner said.

The George steakhouse, which sat atop the Founders Tower, closed in October after opening in June 2014. It was owner Kevin George’s first venture after working with Interurban Restaurant Group. Founders Tower can be seen from Northwest Expressway and sits east of Lake Hefner Parkway.

Paul Cornell said he and the other partners in the building’s ownership are looking for an operator that will work with the residential community. He said they want someone who will offer room service.

“We’re intentionally taking our time,” Cornell said. “We are carefully evaluating a few alternatives that are most conducive to the high-end residential community that we have here. We don’t want to be in a hurry. We have some opportunities that have been presented.”

He said the offers they’ve reviewed are for the entire 9,500-square-foot space to have one operator. He offered no criticism of George, and even complimented the space he left behind. He said it was likely hard to make a steakhouse work in the city when there are already many legendary places around.

“We’re very proud of what’s been built up there,” Cornell said. “What we gained out of the last concept is a nicely finished-out space that is well-suited to whatever will come in and not make a lot of changes.”

George’s restaurant had troubles before the first guest even ordered a drink. He purchased the space in summer 2013 and expected to open in October that year. But as he cut into the floors to put in a bar, he found old water pipes.

He had to replace all the plumbing. Shortly after opening, prized chef Joshua Valentine left to become resident chef at Carlton Landing. Chef Chad Willis took over the kitchen, but he later departed to take over The Drake, A Good Egg Dining Group concept.

Founders Tower Property Manager Cheri Rollins said the building’s residents would prefer to see a nice restaurant inhabit the space. She said they were distraught when The George closed.

“They had really hoped it would be something successful in the long term,” she said. “A lot of them had moved in with the intention of having the fine dining upstairs. It’s such a unique space. It will really have to appeal to the right group.”

Should hear tonight what eatery will soon be going into the former George restaurant space!