Best Sushi in OKC that is never very busy except for occasionally during the work week is Park Harvey... by far the best, imho

I agree. No one ever talks about their sushi, but it is my favorite also.

Saturn Grill growth
Saturn Grill in MidTown has developed as fast as building permits will allow. Chef/owner Joseph Royer hopes to be up and running near the 10th and Walker roundabout by October. He also plans to remodel his Sweete Memories bakery (north of 63rd on May) into a gourmet cookie concept with the industrial bakery in the back continuing to provide Saturn Grill locations with baked goods.


Read more: http://newsok.com/restaurant-at-top-of-devon-tower-set-to-open/article/3697036#ixzz22FAz6lCt

News on the Osler Building / Hotel front......

Coury back in OKC: Renovation to bring Osler Building into Ambassador fold
By Kirby Lee Davis
The Journal Record – August 3, 2012

TULSA – Coury Properties intends to bring its Ambassador Hotel Collection to Oklahoma City with a renovation of the historic Osler Building.

This would establish the fourth hotel in the new Ambassador brand, following $33 million in construction projects opening this year. It also would mark a return to Oklahoma City for Coury Properties, the former manager of the Colcord Hotel.

“I think that’s a very good way to capture business, to start creating your own brands, your own avenue of customers that want to come to your specific properties,” said Mike Craddock, a vice president and hospitality specialist with First Commercial Real Estate Services Corp. “That’s not unlike every hotel chain that started decades ago. Paul is just starting this with an upper-end product.”

Paul Coury said his Tulsa property management company has entered a contract to buy the seven-story Osler Building, a former medical, office and apartment building started in 1928 at 1200 N. Walker Ave.
He hopes to close on the purchase in four to five months, which would allow Tulsa’s Manhattan Construction to start an estimated 10-month renovation of the 76,000-square-foot structure. His architect remains under negotiation.

“The interesting thing about this was, we have been looking at this and we put it on hold until we could see if the state is going to keep the historical tax credits,” said Coury, referring to debates in the last Oklahoma legislative session over a key business incentive to revitalize aging buildings. “Fortunately they did at the last minute.”

***
There was more to the story but it dealt mostly with Coury Properties and their upcoming hotel in downtown Wichita.

SCORE! 15 months and we will have a boutique hotel in Midtown! This area is creating more and more character everyday to OKC!

This is absolutely fantastic. Wow, a nice boutique hotel will make a huge difference in this area.

Midtown is on the verge of greatness.


It really does seem that financing is starting to loosen up for commercial projects because we have seen a rash of them green-lighted in just the last few months.

I bet there are a ton more in the works that will start coming off the sidelines.

Great news. And someone suggested recently that OKC is slowing down...we are just getting started, baby!

Yes, OKC has been growing and building at a time when most other cities and really the whole country has been languishing in terms of commercial development.

Now that financing is starting to flow a bit more, we may see the development pace in town really start to accelerate, especially if oil prices stay firm.


Big private developments in the central core as they seem to affect the psychology of developers, lenders and even the general population. Even though we have tons of medium and smaller projects in the pipeline, another big tower or two downtown would really help in this regard.

This is absolutely fantastic. Wow, a nice boutique hotel will make a huge difference in this area.

Midtown is on the verge of greatness.


It really does seem that financing is starting to loosen up for commercial projects because we have seen a rash of them green-lighted in just the last few months.

I bet there are a ton more in the works that will start coming off the sidelines.

Well, also keep in mind that Devon and M3 had/has a lot of folks watching on the sidelines, rallying their partners/resources...

There was more to the story but it dealt mostly with Coury Properties and their upcoming hotel in downtown Wichita.

Great news!!! Could you post a link to the article? I now live in downtown Wichita and I'm curious about their other project also...

Yes, OKC has been growing and building at a time when most other cities and really the whole country has been languishing in terms of commercial development.

Now that financing is starting to flow a bit more, we may see the development pace in town really start to accelerate, especially if oil prices stay firm.


Big private developments in the central core as they seem to affect the psychology of developers, lenders and even the general population. Even though we have tons of medium and smaller projects in the pipeline, another big tower or two downtown would really help in this regard.
Have you been to Dallas lately, construction everywhere, new highways and interchanges going up everywhere.

Pete is too busy to waste time in Dallas! He just sees the lack of building in California!

I said "most other cities" have seen little commercial construction during the economic downtown, not all. And I'm not talking about public projects which aren't subject to the same financing issues.

There is plenty of building in California and most other places, the point is that it's just less than the past and that's all due to a soft economy and the tight lending markets.

That is all clearly starting to change and I believe it could really help accelerate development in OKC, which has done very well despite these recent economic challenges.

Has there been any more articles about the Marion Parking Garage Deal?

News on the Osler Building / Hotel front......

Coury back in OKC: Renovation to bring Osler Building into Ambassador fold
By Kirby Lee Davis
The Journal Record – August 3, 2012

TULSA – Coury Properties intends to bring its Ambassador Hotel Collection to Oklahoma City with a renovation of the historic Osler Building.

This would establish the fourth hotel in the new Ambassador brand, following $33 million in construction projects opening this year. It also would mark a return to Oklahoma City for Coury Properties, the former manager of the Colcord Hotel.

“I think that’s a very good way to capture business, to start creating your own brands, your own avenue of customers that want to come to your specific properties,” said Mike Craddock, a vice president and hospitality specialist with First Commercial Real Estate Services Corp. “That’s not unlike every hotel chain that started decades ago. Paul is just starting this with an upper-end product.”

Paul Coury said his Tulsa property management company has entered a contract to buy the seven-story Osler Building, a former medical, office and apartment building started in 1928 at 1200 N. Walker Ave.
He hopes to close on the purchase in four to five months, which would allow Tulsa’s Manhattan Construction to start an estimated 10-month renovation of the 76,000-square-foot structure. His architect remains under negotiation.

“The interesting thing about this was, we have been looking at this and we put it on hold until we could see if the state is going to keep the historical tax credits,” said Coury, referring to debates in the last Oklahoma legislative session over a key business incentive to revitalize aging buildings. “Fortunately they did at the last minute.”

***
There was more to the story but it dealt mostly with Coury Properties and their upcoming hotel in downtown Wichita.

This is fantastic news! Coury will do a great job with that property!

Has there been any more articles about the Marion Parking Garage Deal?

I think people would rather not find out what is in the deal. I am excited the deal was made and absolutely would have done it myself, but I don't think you guys want to see what's in it...

Huh? Don't be so dramatic... You're reminding me of the end of Seven. "What's in the box?!?" Spill the beans...

Huh? Don't be so dramatic... You're reminding me of the end of Seven. "What's in the box?!?" Spill the beans...

Speaking of don't be so dramatic! I don't know that anything in that deal could be as bad as what was in that box...

Trying to wrap my head around this, but wow, maybe I don't wanna know after all.

I think people would rather not find out what is in the deal. I am excited the deal was made and absolutely would have done it myself, but I don't think you guys want to see what's in it...

So it is a done deal? The three buildings will be renovated and the parking built?

So it is a done deal? The three buildings will be renovated and the parking built?

The three buildings have to be renovated and the parking structure built in order to receive the incentives.

There is a time limit for them to make this happen, and I'm sure they will do some serious number-crunching and construction bidding before moving forward.

But they can't be forced to do all this work; it's just that in order to receive the funding it all has to be complete within the outlined parameters. Very similar to the Osler arrangement.

Spartan, what are you talking about?

I'm referring to the TIF deal for Midtown Renaissance developers (Howard/Clagg/et al.).


So it is a done deal? The three buildings will be renovated and the parking built?

Yes, it's a done deal, passed by council last week. No objections, not even from Dr. Shadid.

So what did we not want to know about that was in it?

I too, would like to know what would be so controversial about the TIF agreement? Demolition of some historic building? Are 1100 and 1101 both going to be office instead of residential? What's up? I can't see anything to be unhappy about with the deal. If someone is going to be unhappy about it, I doubt informing them now instead of later will make a difference.

These are from 1212 N. Walker. Another awesome project from the Midtown Renaissance group:


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12121.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12122.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12123.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12124.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12125.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12126.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12127.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12128.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/12129.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/121210.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/121211.jpg

Wow! Nicely done.

Those look like staged pictures. The furniture is the same from when I was at the staging for the Cline.

Those pics look very very nice. The standard for urban Okc living has been raised with this latest development by the Midtown Renaissance group.

Those look like staged pictures. The furniture is the same from when I was at the staging for the Cline.

Well yeah, they're not furnished units.. I think I could do even better :P

It is very clear that the Midtown Renaissance guys have far more taste than anyone else doing downtown residential, especially rental. It is truly no wonder why/how all of their developments are fully leased before they even finish construction.

Well yeah, they're not furnished units.. I think I could do even better :P

It is very clear that the Midtown Renaissance guys have far more taste than anyone else doing downtown residential, especially rental. It is truly no wonder why/how all of their developments are fully leased before they even finish construction.

They must have one hell of an interior designer. All of their residential properties are top notch.

I particularly like how they decorate different units differently, as opposed to one cookie-cutter design and finish.

It turned out better inside than the exterior would have led me to believe.

These look great! Although I never doubted these guys and their ability to make a quality product.

BTW, Midtown Rennaisance's new website (http://midtownr.com/) looks slick, a VAST improvement over the first one.

Those look like staged pictures. The furniture is the same from when I was at the staging for the Cline.

What's your point?

These look great! Although I never doubted these guys and their ability to make a quality product.

BTW, Midtown Rennaisance's new website (http://midtownr.com/) looks slick, a VAST improvement over the first one.

Wow, that had to have just gone live in like the past 48 hours. I look at their website every week almost for new pics.

The MidtownR group is on an incredible roll and has demonstrated that putting a little more into your development will reward you with better rent and vacancy.

Can't wait to see what they do with the three buildings at 10th & Broadway, the Osler, the Guardian, 430 Lofts and the Mayfair Apartments.

Midtown Renaissance (Howard / Clagg ) have recently unveiled a new website and branding. This website is very well designed and shows off their properties and the Midtown Area in a fresh, modern way. Good to see this group taking the re branding of Midtown OKC so seriously..

Check out midtownr.com to see the new site.

Butzer / Gardner just received a contract from OCURA to reevaluated and update the plan for Midtown (specifically, the area bounded by NW 4th, NW 13th, Classen and the RR tracks):


The North Downtown Urban Renewal Plan was adopted in 1998 and last
amended in 2000. Recent developments in the area, including activities by Midtown
Renaissance and St. Anthony Hospital have been extremely positive. However, significant
blighting elements remain, including a high number of vacant and undeveloped parcels, as well
as some stubbornly detrimental uses that pose a serious challenge to the potential for continued
progress in the area. In addition, major changes in the area, such as the construction of the Edge
(beginning this Fall), the closing of Villa Teresa School, and the possible move by OCU Law
School to the old Central High School Building, present new issues and opportunities for the
North Downtown Project Area. For these reasons, an analysis and possible amendment of the
North Downtown Urban Renewal Plan is appropriate and desirable.

Good. They can throw out the Medical Business District Inc. and provide some clarification over Classen Drive extn.

I heard a rumor that Elliot Nelson (owner of McNellies) is going to be bringing more of his concepts to Midtown! Specifically, an employee of his told me he is considering a Fassler Hall (one of my favorite places in Tulsa) behind Brown's Bakery by this time next year!

If you have never been to Fassler Hall in Tulsa, it is one giant open room with a bar along one side, a big garage door at one end, a small stage at the other and long beirgarden style tables throughout. They serve all sorts of German and German style beers, delicious sausages, pretzels and fries fried in duck fat. Also they have alot of live music. Also I am extremely excited.

I sent a PM to Tuck several months ago suggesting that he look into a beer garden / sausage theme for the OKC area... There are a few here in Southern Cal that are very cool and extremely popular.

Hope this happens in Midtown!

Here's a photo of Fassler Hall:

http://draftmag.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Small_Big_Fassler_Hall_Web.jpg

401 NW 10th, recently went on the market. It has been vacant for many years, only being used as a storage building. It is the building on the corner 10th&Hudson, with the large overhead doors and extended covered roof, perfect for a restaurant/bar patio.
2546
Link for listing.
http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/Profile.aspx?ProfileFromLocation=professionalprofi le&LID=17766802&popupview=true&AID=Pay7aYX2Q&17766802=Sat6S545g

I heard a rumor that Elliot Nelson (owner of McNellies) is going to be bringing more of his concepts to Midtown! Specifically, an employee of his told me he is considering a Fassler Hall (one of my favorite places in Tulsa) behind Brown's Bakery by this time next year!

If you have never been to Fassler Hall in Tulsa, it is one giant open room with a bar along one side, a big garage door at one end, a small stage at the other and long beirgarden style tables throughout. They serve all sorts of German and German style beers, delicious sausages, pretzels and fries fried in duck fat. Also they have alot of live music. Also I am extremely excited.

And then:


401 NW 10th, recently went on the market. It has been vacant for many years, only being used as a storage building. It is the building on the corner 10th&Hudson, with the large overhead doors and extended covered roof, perfect for a restaurant/bar patio.


401 NW 10th is the only building "behind" Brown's Bakery. I bet this building is the one being considered for the beer garden.

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2729/R011440260001tA.jpg

I think you are on to something there Skyline. It really is an ugly building, but the potential is deffinitely there!

Incidentally, does anyone know anything about the firehouse north of 401 NW 10th? I see people coming and going on occassion, but I have no idea what it is being used for. I have wanted for a while to buy that firehouse and make it my home, but it's not on the market, and I don't currently have the financial means of taking on such a big project.

I think you are on to something there Skyline. It really is an ugly building, but the potential is deffinitely there!

Incidentally, does anyone know anything about the firehouse north of 401 NW 10th? I see people coming and going on occassion, but I have no idea what it is being used for. I have wanted for a while to buy that firehouse and make it my home, but it's not on the market, and I don't currently have the financial means of taking on such a big project.


Looks like this is being turned into a restaurant to be called Firehouse Nutrition:

http://www.facebook.com/FirehouseNutrition

"Deposit paid, moving in on the 15th of June! This building was built in the 1930s and was a firehouse. It is on the historic registry and it is zoned residential/commercial so that means we will be living at this nutrition club! Over 5000sf, 2 firepoles, downtown OKC skyline view from the upstairs rooftop patio, and 300 yards from the Midtown Plaza where the Midtown YMCA, McNellie's Pub, Kaiser's, and Irma's are at. We will be turning the fire engine bays into a firehouse themed nutrition club!"

It looks like they are affiliated with Lemon Tree Nutrition on the southside:

http://www.facebook.com/LmnTreeNutrition

Not to change the subject, but I was trolling on craiglist the other day and found this sweet loft off of 6th and Hudson.

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/apa/3229488436.html

I would love it if there were more small building transformations like this in Midtown. If I had the money I would totally do it and I think there is a definite market for more building renovations like this.

Looks like this is being turned into a restaurant to be called Firehouse Nutrition

I'm torn between anger at someone else getting to this before me, and delight that a pretty cool concept is moving in here.

Not to change the subject, but I was trolling on craiglist the other day and found this sweet loft off of 6th and Hudson.

http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/apa/3229488436.html

I would love it if there were more small building transformations like this in Midtown. If I had the money I would totally do it and I think there is a definite market for more building renovations like this.

WOW! That place looks slick.

I've been hoping for a while that some of the unused 2nd floors on Automobile alley would do something like this.

That's 711 N. Hudson (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=711+N+Hudson+old+Allens+Cafe+si te&do=comments&page=5#post570190).

They will also be running Midtown Fitclub. I go to their bootcamps on the southside at Lemon Tree. So, expect a large group of people exercising in public and doing group jogs.

I sent a PM to Tuck several months ago suggesting that he look into a beer garden / sausage theme for the OKC area... There are a few here in Southern Cal that are very cool and extremely popular.

Hope this happens in Midtown!

Here's a photo of Fassler Hall:

http://draftmag.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Small_Big_Fassler_Hall_Web.jpg
Royal Bavaria in Moore has this vibe IMO.

Isn't that the same group behind the long-awaited Das Boot in Norman?

There is a place that started in downtown LA and expanded to Venice: http://www.wurstkuche.com/

They have gourmet sausages and tons of fantastic beers... Kind of like the a gastropub of beer gardens. Crazy successful and a fantastic concept.

401 NW 10th, recently went on the market. It has been vacant for many years, only being used as a storage building. It is the building on the corner 10th&Hudson, with the large overhead doors and extended covered roof, perfect for a restaurant/bar patio.
2546
Link for listing.
http://www.loopnet.com/xNet/MainSite/Listing/Profile/Profile.aspx?ProfileFromLocation=professionalprofi le&LID=17766802&popupview=true&AID=Pay7aYX2Q&17766802=Sat6S545g

I've been dying to see someone do something with this building. You've got the great covered patio area, and two garage doors that would look as glass garage doors I think it would make a great restaurant location.

Royal Bavaria in Moore has this vibe IMO.

Royal Bavaria is neat, but Fassler is a really hip place to go in Tulsa. I would love to see this concept in Midtown. Perfect fit for that area.

No doubt it'd be a hit, but I don't think it's the missing piece DT or MidTown, I think a slick, modern 24hr diner is the most needed concept.

24 Diner (http://24diner.com/) in Downtown Austin is pretty good, I could see a similar concept doing well in OKC if properly executed.

Guardian Renovation | NewsOK Videos (http://newsok.com/guardian-renovation/multimedia/video/1847901015001)

I've been dying to see someone do something with this building. You've got the great covered patio area, and two garage doors that would look as glass garage doors I think it would make a great restaurant location.

Id love to see something like the Petrol Station (http://www.yelp.com/biz/petrol-station-houston) down in Houston go in here. Tons of local only brews, a very small pub menu (not just deep fried crap and nachos).

Breakfast in Midtown.

MidTown is getting its first full-fledged breakfast | NewsOK Videos (http://newsok.com/midtown-is-getting-its-first-full-fledged-breakfast/multimedia/video/1867094284001)

Photo from Metro showing progress at the new Saturn Grill, to be located behind GoGo Sushi:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/saturn10112.jpg

Cool way to have fun and have a nice view of the Halloween Parade:

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/577088_10151264799766789_1737045101_n.jpg