A reminder for those interested in attending:

http://ocura-ok.org/sites/default/files/files/images/OCURA%20Sign.jpg (http://ocura-ok.org/midtown)

Did anyone attend this? If so, was there anything interesting discussed?

Did anyone attend this? If so, was there anything interesting discussed?

I attended. It was pretty interesting, nothing too groundbreaking though. Steve live-tweeted some of the most interesting parts last night, there was discussion of more on-street parking, ways to stimulate new parking garages in the area which will be needed in the near future, and ways the streercar's eventual route will have a tremendous impact on the development of lots in Midtown. They also referenced an upcoming but not publically announced full block development on 10th that could have a big impact on the area. I believe OCURA will be releasing the final Midtown Urban Renewal Plan in 60 days or so, and the full PowerPoint presentation for the meeting will be available at that time.

Just found out this will be a new building on the land between Browns and the firehouse, between 10th & Park. I don't really know specifics beyond that.

Also, this: Dust Bowl-Fassler Midtown Okc, LLC - Oklahoma Company Profile (People Search and Company Search) (http://www.bizapedia.com/ok/DUST-BOWL-FASSLER-MIDTOWN-OKC-LLC.html)

Do we know who owns those lots? I wonder if there are plans for something more than just dining.

I attended. It was pretty interesting, nothing too groundbreaking though. Steve live-tweeted some of the most interesting parts last night, there was discussion of more on-street parking, ways to stimulate new parking garages in the area which will be needed in the near future, and ways the streercar's eventual route will have a tremendous impact on the development of lots in Midtown. They also referenced an upcoming but not publically announced full block development on 10th that could have a big impact on the area. I believe OCURA will be releasing the final Midtown Urban Renewal Plan in 60 days or so, and the full PowerPoint presentation for the meeting will be available at that time.

Was there any hint at which block it would be on? The most likely candidates seem to be north side between Francis/Shartel, south side between Walker/Hudson, and north side between Hudson/Harvey.

If the actual verbage was "could have a big impact" I'm thinking that's probably a St. Anthony's thing between Francis/Shartel.

Was there any hint at which block it would be on? The most likely candidates seem to be north side between Francis/Shartel, south side between Walker/Hudson, and north side between Hudson/Harvey.

If the actual verbage was "could have a big impact" I'm thinking that's probably a St. Anthony's thing between Francis/Shartel.

This was a lot they highlighted as a future private development. (Some are thinking residential -- maybe something like the Edge)

http://gyazo.com/21d094b1b63630caf8fc7fd92742a96b.png?1365269803

This was a lot they highlighted as a future private development. (Some are thinking residential -- maybe something like the Edge)

http://gyazo.com/21d094b1b63630caf8fc7fd92742a96b.png?1365269803

Just a shot in the dark here, but any chance it could be the GE Global Research Center?

Not a chance.

If they were to build in the core of OKC it would be in the CBD next to all of the other energy companies, in the OU research park,...or in C2S. That's pretty much confirmed to be going to Norman though.

The Revel 8 space will be at the far west end of the 10th Street frontage and then I believe Packard's will take everything east of there to the corner. There may still be some ground floor space facing the alley-come-courtyard on the north side.

Packard's is having a sneak peak benefit this Friday for Better Block OKC:

https://www.facebook.com/events/149854528514783/

You're forgetting about the Wine and Palette space in between.


Just a shot in the dark here, but any chance it could be the GE Global Research Center?

Not near enough land. As someone said they'll need massive warehouses and stuff for large equipment.

This was a lot they highlighted as a future private development. (Some are thinking residential -- maybe something like the Edge)

http://gyazo.com/21d094b1b63630caf8fc7fd92742a96b.png?1365269803

That property is owned by St. Anthony and I've heard that a large multi-family development is a "done deal".

I suppose the hospital has a development partner.

Should hear more soon.

That property is owned by St. Anthony and I've heard that a large multi-family development is a "done deal".

I suppose the hospital has a development partner.

Should hear more soon.

That's exciting news. I wonder who their partner is should they indeed have one?

Don't look now but with The Edge, the proposed development at NW 10th & Shartel and the rumored large MidtownR development at NW 10th & Hudson, three of Midtown's biggest holes are about to be filled.

And of course, there are scores of redevelopment projects already underway with plenty more planned.

Midtown is getting ready for greatness.

Has something actually been proposed for 10th and Shartel or are we dealing purely in speculation here?

Has something actually been proposed for 10th and Shartel or are we dealing purely in speculation here?

I've heard from several trusted sources that something is definitely going to happen at 10th & Shartel. Nothing officially announced or submitted for design review, however.

Don't look now but with The Edge, the proposed development at NW 10th & Shartel and the rumored large MidtownR development at NW 10th & Hudson, three of Midtown's biggest holes are about to be filled.

And of course, there are scores of redevelopment projects already underway with plenty more planned.

Midtown is getting ready for greatness.
That is great news. Midtown is one big Extreme Makeover.

Molly Fleming article on The Edge at Midtown apartments:

http://www.naisullivangroup.com/OKNews/Hominginonamenities-MidtownOKCapartmentsaimedatupscalemarket.pdf



The complex at NW 13th Street and N. Walker Avenue will include 250 units, including one-,
two- and three-bedroom units.

“They are not loft or open-concept,” Brooks said. “They are more traditional, with the kitchen
and living room fairly open. They have bedrooms, walk-in closets and nice bathrooms.”

The project’s first part, which includes a clubhouse, parking garage and some of the apartments,
is expected to be done by April 2014. The project is expected to complete by September 2014.


http://journalrecord.com/files/2013/04/mf-the-edge-apartments-bbf-2_04-08-13.jpg



While there are a number of housing developments in the works downtown, Brooks said he
thinks the units will be efficiently filled, especially as progress in the area continues.

“I think the reality is that downtown is such a unique place and has sufficient demand to meet
a well-thought-out number of apartments coming online every year,” he said. “We are confident
that there is demand for people that want to live downtown and want to experience urban lifestyle.

When you have activity and energy downtown, people will want to be a part of it.

The Midtown Renaissance group just pulled a $2.2 million building permit to renovate 1101 N. Broadway.

(This is technically Auto Alley but I'll eventually make separate threads for these projects anyway).

This is an awesome building and will be directly attached to the new parking garage.

...

[CENTER]http://midtownr.com/img/1101/midtown-renaissance-1101-n-broadway-1.jpg

...
Yeah, definitely more Automobile Alley than Midtown.

That is an interesting building. When I was working for AA I was fortunate enough to tour most of the buildings in the district, including some mechanical and other out-of-view stuff. One of the things that stuck with me about this building is that on the roof, the supporting columns are topped out with rebar sticking out of them. This was so that future floors could be added on, and tied into the existing structure. This building could actually easily go up in height, if the developer wanted to do it. Perhaps an opportunity down the road? Like many of the buildings iin AA BTW, the roof is concrete and designed to be driven on by cars. Each floor (and the roof) is concrete, can support autos, and was (is, in some cases) accessed by automobile freight elevators. Iin many cases you can still see the striping of the parking spaces. On the roof.

I think this roof had skylights, but those could easily be filled in and replaced on the new roof if desired..

I feel like a somewhat centrally located Grocery store(within walking distance to all these new residences) in midtown would be a wonderful addition, but probably not likely anytime soon.

I feel like a somewhat centrally located Grocery store(within walking distance to all these new residences) in midtown would be a wonderful addition, but probably not likely anytime soon.

Not to be cynical, but they'll probably have that in Little Rock before we do in OKC.

First update on Midtown Plan?

ULI Oklahoma May Luncheon: Midtown featuring Cathy O'Connor (http://oklahoma.uli.org/event/uli-oklahoma-may-luncheon-midtown-featuring-cathy-oconnor/)


Midtown is hot right now. Historic buildings are being renovated into housing, new restaurants are opening, and a planned MAPs 3 streetcar is expected to run through the district in the near future, which makes it the perfect time to update the urban renewal plan that was first created in the mid-1990s to help revitalize the area around Saint Anthony’s Hospital. Oklahoma City’s Alliance for Economic Development recently hired local architectural and design firm Butzer-Gardner to update the plan to better capture the district’s current opportunities and challenges.Join Cathy O’Connor from the Alliance for Economic Development to hear the feedback they have gathered from the community and to see what the plan has in store for this exciting district.
Legacy Bank has graciously offered to sponsor public officials and first time guests who are accompanied by a ULI Member. Thank you Legacy Bank!
The monthly luncheons are limlited to the first 20 people so make plans to join us & register early.
See you Thursday, May 2!

Looks like the event is already full. Mostly business owners and such. I hope someone covers this and releases more details!

Isn't a little funny that the luncheon isn't actually in Midtown...

I feel like a somewhat centrally located Grocery store(within walking distance to all these new residences) in midtown would be a wonderful addition, but probably not likely anytime soon.

The best way for this to happen is support Native Roots in Deep Deuce now. No, its probably not practical for everyday grocery shopping, but its very good for meats and veggies.

I say this because given the low number of households, if Native Roots fails it will be a very long time before another grocery chain looks at this part of OKC.

Sid, are the owners of Native Roots pleased with their business volume thus far?

Here's an article about Group Fly Clothing (http://newsok.com/made-in-oklahoma-group-fly/article/3815254) and their plan for OKC. I found the last line to be the most intriguing. I wish Vernon Deas much success!

GrpFly has been around several years now, not sure what it has to do with MidTown though, he's located in Piedmont.

deleted

Will be good to see some more retail in Midtown. Wonder what building he plans on setting up shop in?

Will be good to see some more retail in Midtown. Wonder what building he plans on setting up shop in?

I was wondering that myself.

GrpFly has been around several years now, not sure what it has to do with MidTown though, he's located in Piedmont.

The last line of the article says, "Deas said he is working to open a store at NW 10 and Walker Avenue in Midtown."

10th & Walker?

Perhaps in the same building as Saturn Grill?

The last line of the article says, "Deas said he is working to open a store at NW 10 and Walker Avenue in Midtown."

Thanks. Totally missed that somehow.

10th & Walker?

Perhaps in the same building as Saturn Grill?

Or maybe in the store fronts along Walker north of the circle between 10th and 11th?

Or maybe in the store fronts along Walker north of the circle between 10th and 11th?Yes. I think they are working with one of the salons over here.

Yes. I think they are working with one of the salons over here.

Hair Cafe is right there south of Cafe do Brasil. Wonder if they are in cahoots with each other?

An interesting interview and video about a recent renovation here.

Air Force veteran tackles MidTown renovation project | News OK (http://newsok.com/air-force-veteran-tackles-midtown-renovation-project/article/3844656)

A new Urban Renewal plan for Midtown.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3854378


The plan would also allow Urban Renewal to acquire blighted properties from owners and historic buildings in danger of being lost, or land that is necessary for public use.

However, Urban Renewal will try in MidTown to move away from its past strategy of acquiring real estate and then soliciting proposals to redevelop the property to private developers, said Leslie Batchelor, general counsel for authority.


The participation agreements would require property owners to redevelop their property in MidTown in ways that will be beneficial to the neighborhood. While new residential and retail development have begun to revitalize many parts of MidTown over the past few years, there are still pockets of vacant and blighted properties that the authority hopes to combat.

Urban Renewal commissioned Oklahoma City-based Butzer Gardner Architects for a new MidTown plan. The draft plan includes narrowing MidTown streets in favor of angled parking in the area to combat some of the area's ongoing issues with a lack of parking, and also includes suggestions for a planned streetcar route through the area.

A new Urban Renewal plan for Midtown.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3854378

If they're going to do angled parking, I really hope they make it consistent. Western Ave is a great example of how badly angled parking can turn out if it's not implemented consistently across the board.

Better that they not even do angled parking (and I'd be in favor of parallel over angled) and just plan out garages strategically, after the one currently under way + the one that will likely spring up around 11th/walker, Midtown ought only need 2 more structures, considering that Edge will have one and presumably MidtownR with their assumed big development ~10th/Hudson. If so, the city should subsidize MidtownR's new project to include space for public parking and they could work with St. Anthony to develop parking.

As has been mentioned before, street parking can be a traffic calmer if done correctly and it shouldn't be abandoned in favor of only parking garages.

Really glad to hear this, because as even though there is much happening now in Midtown, we still have a long way to go:


The draft plan also targets 23 blighted or vacant areas in the MidTown area termed critical for the area' redevelopment. While the key areas, identified in the plan as “Catalytic Sites,” are scattered throughout MidTown, they are predominantly centered around vacant lots in the area around St. Anthony Hospital's MidTown Campus.

A new Urban Renewal plan for Midtown.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3854378

This is good news. I am really hoping its not long before Midtown separates itself out from the pack and becomes a premier urban district, reaching critical mass.

Found a fascinating blog entry by okcmidtowner. Urban exploration through midtown, with camera in hand.

Matt Landry went about midtown attempting to find interesting places to gather images of the district -- garage tops, alleyways, hidden corners. Capturing the grit along with the glory.

His results are here:

Urban Exploration in SW OKC Midtown | Midtowner (http://okcmidtowner.com/?p=743)


Here's a few of the images he captured.

http://okcmidtowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BeFunky_June15iPhone-0751.jpg1.jpg

http://okcmidtowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BeFunky_IMG_8077.jpg-1024x683.jpg

http://okcmidtowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BeFunky_IMG_8074.jpg-1024x683.jpg

http://okcmidtowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BeFunky_June15UrbExp-014.jpg.jpg

http://okcmidtowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BeFunky_June15UrbExp-044.jpg.jpg

http://okcmidtowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/q3.jpg

http://okcmidtowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BeFunky_June15UrbExp-059.jpg.jpg

http://okcmidtowner.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BeFunky_June15UrbExp-085.jpg.jpg


More photos at the link. Check it out.

It may be wrong, but I love the Classen Inn Motel.

It may be wrong, but I love the Classen Inn Motel.

"If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right..."

:Smiley112

It's got that retro, mid-century mod, route 66 look down to the hilt. Probably one of those you love it or hate it kind of things. I think it's got character.

I like it too. I get to drive past it twice a day.

The apartments just south of there would look just as nice if they got a fresh coat of paint.

I don't dislike it, but it needs to be rejuvenated. I bet they could pull some serious money if they found a way to make it super appealing.

It would make an interesting private residence.

You know...I think I'd prefer it not be razed, if there is a good rehab of the venue.

Midtown Urban Renewal Plan Draft Now Available for Public Comment | Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City (http://www.theallianceokc.org/blog/2013/06/midtown-urban-renewal-plan-draft-now-available-public-comment-0)

It may be wrong, but I love the Classen Inn Motel.
I get that. The building is cinematic, in a way.

It may be wrong, but I love the Classen Inn Motel.

Perhaps it loves you back, as well.

Regardless, it will probably give you something to remember it by...

"If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right..."

:Smiley112

It's got that retro, mid-century mod, route 66 look down to the hilt. Probably one of those you love it or hate it kind of things. I think it's got character.

I love the look of old mid-century roadside motels that have been kept up over the years. Unfortunately, most of them are dives these days. They really do have character unlike today's McHotels at every Interstate exit.

Perhaps it loves you back, as well.

And I'm sure there has been a lot of "loving" that has occurred at that motel. LOL

Grody.

And I'm sure there has been a lot of "loving" that has occurred at that motel. LOLcheap hotel with the right girl = fun time ;)

cheap hotel with the right girl = fun time ;)

Plus bed bug bites and some strange rash on your leg.

Plus bed bug bites and some strange rash on your leg.

And teh AIDS. You forgot teh AIDS.

If they're going to do angled parking, I really hope they make it consistent. Western Ave is a great example of how badly angled parking can turn out if it's not implemented consistently across the board.

Better that they not even do angled parking (and I'd be in favor of parallel over angled) and just plan out garages strategically, after the one currently under way + the one that will likely spring up around 11th/walker, Midtown ought only need 2 more structures, considering that Edge will have one and presumably MidtownR with their assumed big development ~10th/Hudson. If so, the city should subsidize MidtownR's new project to include space for public parking and they could work with St. Anthony to develop parking.

Not sure if it has been mentioned elsewhere, but 9th street between Walker and Hudson is now 2 lane with on street angled parking on the north side (westbound) side of the street. Used to be 2 lane but unmarked parallel parking on both sides. (Basically a 45 foot wide 2 lane road)

I like it too. I get to drive past it twice a day.

The apartments just south of there would look just as nice if they got a fresh coat of paint.

They're condos and the Classen Glen HOA recently passed an assessment that will repaint the property a two-tone grey color scheme. Some of the paint has already been done, you should drive by and see for yourself. I'll try and post pics soon.

Midtown Plaza (July 8 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634593570181/)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/9261476931_1a2fa5bc4b_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9264308364_e6166fd6e8_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7391/9264308656_b2d0b721c2_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3742/9264262280_8a2e98e2d8_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3730/9264255668_d79a0e6dcb_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5325/9264254252_849f8fa6bf_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/9261477945_b287e2fe1f_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/9264573534_f4de53b8f7_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/9261796021_96132b1281_b.jpg

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http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/9261805905_06a4930437_b.jpg

Devon Energy Center Aerials (July 26 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634839526279/)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/9390592865_0692fc7a1d_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9393374232_758d6c922d_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/9393372792_deecd9dc4e_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/9393373458_a04cc35b1d_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/9393372148_1a47f06811_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/9393363816_1f0722b11b_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9390588647_083ab67d96_b.jpg

This has probably already been talked about several times...but where is the nearest grocery store if you live in the Midtown area?