No need to do that Metro, after all according to the Chamber, our economy is doing just fine as in on the verge of a major boom (recent sales tax revenues indicate it to)

Well I'm quite sure that it will be developed commercial if anything, since it fronts Classen and is zoned commercial not that that means anything though. It might not end up ever being developed though if something is not done with the ghastly streetscapes along Classen.

I believe Classen has improvement on the way, complete with sidewalks and landscaping.

From the bond issue?

Yes, Classen should be coming up soon for the scheduled work.

I think this leads to another issue facing those bond issue street improvements in general. They've been impossible to get info on, I'm glad they're doing something about 23rd but I'm kind of underwhelmed by it from a streetscape perspective, where it had huge potential. Is 23rd enough? Western Ave has been planned for a new streetscape for years as well I believe, and I am still not sure how far off that is.

Something must be done about Classen soon, and I am certain that the bond improvements will put it in acceptable condition, but will that be enough? If we can get a bang-up streetscape for Classen, I think that the western edge of Mid-town really could take off, but it won't until then.

I've emailed the city about having a project schedule list. I suggested it include updates on which projects are on-going and completed. I also asked that they show the estimated costs and actual costs of such projects.

I received a standard thank you for your suggestion reply email.

Yeah, and if you call anyone at the planning department you won't even get your call answered by a human.

Western Ave has been planned for a new streetscape for years as well I believe, and I am still not sure how far off that is.

I am working on part of this project and the first round of drawings have been sent for approval. My guess is that it will be spring when obvious stuff starts to happen. It is a bid project from essentially 23rd street to I-44. It will not widen the street so much as make it more pedestrian and aesthetically better and more functional.

I am working on part of this project and the first round of drawings have been sent for approval. My guess is that it will be spring when obvious stuff starts to happen. It is a bid project from essentially 23rd street to I-44. It will not widen the street so much as make it more pedestrian and aesthetically better and more functional.

I've heard it compared to the Brookside streetscape in Tulsa. If you're familiar with that, do you think it's an appropriate comparison? (aside from Peoria being 4-lane, Western being 2-lane)

I've heard it compared to the Brookside streetscape in Tulsa. If you're familiar with that, do you think it's an appropriate comparison? (aside from Peoria being 4-lane, Western being 2-lane)

That might be fair. They are "squeezing in" some protected turns. So there will be some minimal expansion. Regarding the streetscape, the drawings do remind me of Brookside now that you mention it.

On the NE corner of 10th & Broadway it looks like they're replacing that old, crappy storefront infill with new windows. I don't know why they're doing it, but I'm glad that they are. It sure looks better.

OKC Cityscape is moving in that building (you know the lego version of Downtown). Article in Today's Daily Oklahoman. Anyhow I snapped pics of it on my way to work this morning. If my pics look dark, it's because I snapped them at the stoplight through tinted windows. The new windows are a huge improvement over the semi boarded up windows that were there. They were tan and green, you can kind of see similar to what they looked like in the first two pictures, you can see some of the green wood left towards the right or back end of the building.

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/AutoAlley1.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/AutoAlley2.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/DSC00132.jpg


With move downtown, OK Cityscape hopes to build more interest
OK Cityscape, the Lego re-creation of Oklahoma City, is moving downtown for its second season.

BY STEVE LACKMEYER Oklahoman Comment on this article 0
Published: September 24, 2010

After experimenting with Penn Square Mall for its debut, OK Cityscape — the Lego re-creation of Oklahoma City — is moving downtown.Exhibit to open Nov. 6

OK Cityscape is an annual, interactive exhibit launched by venture capitalist/philanthropist David Matthews in 2009 as a long-term fundraiser benefiting Oklahoma City Educare, a flagship early childhood education center. The exhibit is a toy replica of Oklahoma City built with Lego bricks and elements.

Lego Master Builder Kurt Zimmerle, one of the world's pre-eminent Lego brick artists, led the initial construction phase. More than 1 million bricks and elements were used to create lifelike streets scenes that featured Oklahoma City landmarks, including the Oklahoma National Memorial, The Skirvin Hilton, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City Museum of Art and The Bricktown Canal.

Recognized as one of the world's largest Lego displays, the exhibit is presented at kids' eye view, brought to life with lights, sound effects, robotics and animatronics. A "Kids Construction Zone" allows children to build their own Lego creations.The exhibit will open Nov. 6 and will run through Dec. 31. Crews have spent the past few weeks renovating the ground floor facade at 1100 N Broadway, a former automobile dealership that marks the northern gateway to Automobile Alley.


Read more: http://newsok.com/with-move-downtown-ok-cityscape-hopes-to-build-more-interest/article/3497974?custom_click=lead_story_photo#ixzz10SPfW95 A

Does anyone know what vacant lots are up for sale in the Midtown area? I apologize if it has already been discussed on here. Lots of threads! My husband and I are looking to build a modern home in this area.

That building is screaming for want of some well placed exterior lighting on the vertical elements between the windows and some really cool signage! Place some Black canvas awnings above the lower windows on the first floor and that building will look awesome!!!!

The difference there on the first floor of that building is night and day. Wow. I'm sure that will get them a lot more interest in leasing those two buildings as well. What an awesome bldg, and I was never even really that gung ho about that one..the 1101 is the crown jewel of that street corner.

According to MidTown Renaissance Group via the new issue of OKC Biz, Hadden Hall apartments will go from $700-$1000, they also have leased 15 of the 16 units at 12th and Francis, they intend to work on 1212 N. Walker sometime next year! I know many of you are interested in seeing this building redeveloped. It will be developed into 24 one bedroom apartments. Can't wait till they get to the Osler!

I will be curious to see which of the two design schemes are closer to what they will do with 1212. I liked 'em both, but I think the Wade Scaramucci rendering was more modern.

One new and interesting development is that Utopia Joe and Tiffany Michelle have been "given" a house on 9th St. to live in while they turn it into a work of art. You can follow the progress here. http://artistadventureblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/little-closet-that-could.html?spref=fb. If anyone know more about it than that, I would be interested in hearing it.

Just drove by the building where the OKC Cityscape is moving to. Yikes...
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff453/Dan_Eaton/IMG_0302.jpg

I saw that yesterday, glad you snapped a pic. Looks nice compared to the building before. It will definitely draw some eye appeal to AutoAlley. Hopefully we'll see some real retailers before too much longer.

That's downright adorable. Yeah, ok, it'd be lame if it wasn't the new home of LEGGOKC or whatever they call it, but all in all, too cute, and kiddies dragging their folks there, and versa-vicsa, will enjoy walking up to the building.

Cityscape Project

Looks fine. Adds some other colors to the mix when you view it. Think: fun, exciting, differentetc.

Not a fan.

I like it. It adds a different type of color and vibrancy to the district. It makes AA that much more eclectic.

Thats sad.. They'll be adding more to the outside right?

Guys, the Lego caps are a temporary two-month addition for when CityScape is at the building.

Glad to here they are temp and I didn't make the connection with legos (just don't recall seeing that many square, single post legos in my day) ... LOL

Louie's is coming to Midtown.

also Kaisers is now open

Louie's is coming to Midtown.

When? and Where?

also Kaisers is now open

I haven't heard anything about this. It would a nice addition though. Any info?

Just drove by the building where the OKC Cityscape is moving to. Yikes...
http://i1236.photobucket.com/albums/ff453/Dan_Eaton/IMG_0302.jpg

Those LEGO caps are awesome. Love the contrast of the old auto showroom and the new school plasticky LEGO texture. I think that's a very creative nod to the tenant inside the building, a different approach to signage.

Would be awesome if they are lighted at night too.

Louie's is coming to Midtown.

Please elaborate more

My guess is the Packard..

Noticed today the Habitat for Humanity office building, corner of 10th and Broadway, with a For Sale by Owner sign.

Noticed today the Habitat for Humanity office building, corner of 10th and Broadway, with a For Sale by Owner sign.

Yeah was alreadyndiscussed awhile back. They are movingnto bigger digs on the southside

I like the lego's too. It brings a different character to AA; which looks like it is quickly becoming OKC's truely urban, hip district.

I like the lego's too. It brings a different character to AA; which looks like it is quickly becoming OKC's truely urban, hip district.

I'm not sure if AA is that "hip" yet. They really need some more restaurants, bars, retail or anything that will bring more foot traffic. Currently, it is pretty dead 99% of the time. 9th street currently is the only hip part of AA and it has great potential... Again, AA is doing well, but it needs more people there....

Just to clarify when we talk "retail" we need TRUE retail, usually most are marking a success around here with a few restaurants and either a coffee shop or bar and maybe one or two nick nack retailers. We need some major clothing retailers to kick start downtown retail. Hopefully AA will come into its own in about 2 years, now that it is getting more local tenants. I'm not a GAP fan, but GAP loves this type of development usually, would love to see a bookstore, GAP and Urban Outfitters really kick things off.

Boy would it be great if we could get Full Circle to move downtown..

I'm with you on the Full Circle move to midtown. Have you talked to them lately?

I know 50 penn has made it official that retail is no longer a priority to them and the sole purpose will be office space leasing.

Louie's is coming to Midtown.

So, I'm guessing this isn't true since no one seems to know anything about it. I hate when people just drop something like that...

kilgore, that's why I said 'becoming'.

"Hip" means 'the place to be.', by the way. ...

Hideaway Pizza coming to Automobile Alley
Hideaway Pizza is preparing to open its first urban eatery with a location along Automobile Alley.
BY STEVE LACKMEYER

Published: October 23, 2010

Hideaway Pizza is coming to Automobile Alley in a move being hailed as an expansion of the downtown district's offerings to visitors.
Automobile Alley is already home to lofts, shops and offices, but its restaurant choices are limited to Red Prime Steak at NW 4 and Broadway and the Iguana Mexican Grill and Pachinko Parlor at NW 9 and Broadway.

Hideaway co-owner Brett Murphy credited the success of the restaurants along NW 9 in persuading him to open a new Hideaway Pizza at 901 N Broadway, formerly home of CD Warehouse. He expects the restaurant, the chain's first urban eatery, to open by June.

Read the rest of Steve's article at:
http://newsok.com/hideaway-pizza-coming-to-automobile-alley/article/3507323?custom_click=lead_story_title

FYI Automobile Alley and Midtown aren't exactly the same (most of this thread has focused on A-Alley). Are we now merging these two areas? The A-Alley name is actually historically relevant, it has been known as that for decades. Mid-Town not so much.

Louie's is coming to Midtown.



So, I'm guessing this isn't true since no one seems to know anything about it. I hate when people just drop something like that...

its 100% true just can't give more info at this time

FYI Automobile Alley and Midtown aren't exactly the same (most of this thread has focused on A-Alley). Are we now merging these two areas? The A-Alley name is actually historically relevant, it has been known as that for decades. Mid-Town not so much.

this auto alley is not really part of midtown

Metro, it depends upon how technical you want to be with regard to midtown. Here's what I mean.

MidTown OKC uses that spelling for the area around Saint Anthony. However, midtown could be considered the entire area from downtown to uptown, including perhaps AAlley. Maybe this is why people have posted AAlley stuff here.

But I do agree, we should create an AAlley thread and possibly move the AAlley specific posts to there. Mods/Pete?

From the JR:

Legos go downtown: OK CityScape exhibit to be at new location
By April Wilkerson
April is a reporter in Oklahoma City. Contact her at 278-2849.
Posted: 05:33 PM Monday, October 25, 2010

OKLAHOMA CITY – In a year’s time, Oklahoma City has doubled in size, at least when you’re counting Lego bricks.

OK CityScape, the animated Lego toy replica of the state’s capital, is back for its second year of raising money for Educare, the state’s new concept for early childhood education. This year, however, the exhibit has moved downtown and grown substantially.

“We really wanted to be a part of what’s going on downtown during the holiday season, so we decided to move from Penn Square Mall to downtown,” said Rachel Hernandez, president of ToyScapes, the venture philanthropy organization that manages the exhibit. “We definitely took a leap of faith because the mall has built-in traffic, but we believe that Downtown in December and OK CityScape can generate the traffic downtown that we’ll want for Educare.”

Last year, CityScape featured more than 1 million Lego bricks that created replicas of prominent local buildings and sites, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the Skirvin Hilton Hotel and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

This year, in its new home at 1100 N. Broadway Ave. in Automobile Alley, the exhibit has some 2 million Legos and new additions like the Oklahoma River, Devon Boathouse and the historic Automobile Alley building that now houses the exhibit.

“We have Devon Cruisers that kids can race down the Oklahoma River, which, of course, is made of Lego bricks,” Hernandez said. “We also have some robotic trucks in the exhibit that are outfitted with spy cams and monitors so the kids can see from the driver’s point of view.”

Last weekend, volunteers descended upon the exhibit for “population day” to place thousands of figures in the exhibit or create Lego versions of themselves.

“That’s the fun part of the exhibit – to see real-life situations going on at the street level,” she said.

Last year, CityScape had 10,000 visitors and raised $175,000 to benefit Educare. Hernandez said she hopes to double those figures this year. The exhibit will be open Nov. 6 through Dec. 31 and is part of the Downtown in December lineup of holiday activities.

Two new activities have been added this year: Friday night story times geared to ages 7 and under, followed by a Lego activity, and a Weekend Workshop Series on Saturdays in which youngsters can participate in age-appropriate activities.

Hernandez said that last year she learned adults are as big or bigger Lego fans than children. Plenty of families and youths
came through the exhibit, but adults unashamedly went through it, as well.

“I always had to ask them what brought them there, and it seems like Lego bricks have a certain nostalgia,” she said. “They were just as interested as the kids in the exhibit.”

Local adults also were brought in this year to expand the exhibit. Last year, Lego master builder Kurt Zimmerle led the initial construction phase. This year, several local architects and engineers moonlighted as Lego builders.

For information about CityScape, visit okcityscape.com.

Does anyone know if Lego sets will be sold at this location?

I think it would be a good idea if they did. A percentage of the proceeds could go to the charity benefit too.

Metro, it depends upon how technical you want to be with regard to midtown. Here's what I mean.

MidTown OKC uses that spelling for the area around Saint Anthony. However, midtown could be considered the entire area from downtown to uptown, including perhaps AAlley. Maybe this is why people have posted AAlley stuff here.

But I do agree, we should create an AAlley thread and possibly move the AAlley specific posts to there. Mods/Pete?

I think you mean Spartan, not metro. I said nothing about the two distinctions, although I see why many people consider AA in MidTown.

MidTown / Auto Alley news....

Noticed work going on above Broadway Wine Merchants at 8th and Broadway. Top floor, 3rd I believe, is being worked on. All windows have been removed and are being replaced.

Anyone know the scoop?

oops, sorry metro.

anybody ready to do an AAlley Update thread and let this one focus on MidTown/SA/SOSA?

I believe that Chris Salyer is converting the third floor of 8th and Broadway into his residence.

Oh, is he separating from councilwoman Meg Salyer?

Saw some construction/renovation today on a building on the North side of N.W. 10th street, between Robinson and Harvey.

Just east of a small surface lot.

Oh, is he separating from councilwoman Meg Salyer?

Check the public records.