I have heard that Devon and Saint Anthony will make a joint announcement at 10:30AM on Monday October 15th, that will have a positive impact on Midtown. I don't know what the nature of the announcement is.

Banta's retail and restaurant row on Walker is really starting to come together. The exterisors of rest of the buildings should be completed in a month or so. Next on the street will be the major changes in use planned for the Osler Building on the east side.

Did anyone hear what the news was about this mornings 10:30am press conference? All I heard on the 8:00am news was that it was going to be some sort of beautification partnership announcement between the two mentioned above. I've searched on JR, OKCBusiness, newsok, and the other local news outlets websites and can't seem to find anything yet.

I drove down Walker today, the buildings north of 1492 now have windows and the exteriors were being painted by a spray gun. They should be taking shape very soon. Here is the latest with today's Devon/Saints announcement.

OKC's Devon Energy, St. Anthony’s Hospital announce renovation project
By Pamela Grady - 10/15/2007


St. Anthony Hospital President Joe Hodges today announced a major beautification project intended to enhance the hospital campus and spur Midtown’s ongoing renaissance.


“The contributions that St. Anthony is making today are invaluable to the city’s continued growth, development and prosperities,” said Devon President John Richels. “It’s our honor and responsibility as an Oklahoma City-based company to support community initiatives that enhance the quality of life for our employees, their families and all the citizens of this great city.”


The plaza will enhance the hospital campus and spur Midtown’s ongoing renaissance, the hospital said in a statement. It will provide more convenient access with a boulevard-style drive and surface-level parking area surrounded by trees, modern sculpture, park benches and other landscaping.


Slated to be complete in early 2008, the project will be funded through a $500,000 contribution from Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy Corp. It will serve the hospital’s east entrances as well as the entrance of the adjacent physicians’ building currently under construction.


Flintco Construction is the general contractor and ADG designed the project.

http://journalrecord.com/_images/articles/labsSt%20Anthonys%20-%20Jo%20Hodges%20-%20JP.jpg

Work is under way for a plaza at Oklahoma City’s St. Anthony Hospital made possible by a $500,000 donation from Devon Energy Corp. Visitors to the east side of the hospital will be greeted by a boulevard-style drive surrounded by trees and benches in a landscaped area. The project is in line with a more than $200 million renovation and renewal project at the hospital. Work is set for completion early next year.


Devon donates to plaza at St. Anthony Hospital

October 16, 2007
Journal Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – Thanks to a monetary donation by Devon Energy Corp., St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City will add a plaza in addition to other hospital renovations.

On Monday, Devon pledged $500,000 for construction of the Devon Energy Plaza, which will serve the hospital’s east entrances and an adjacent $15 million physicians building that is still under construction.

The plaza will incorporate a boulevard-style drive as well as a surface parking area surrounded by trees, sculptures, park benches and landscaped areas. Work began on the plaza in recent months and is set for completion early next year.

John Richels, president of Devon, said the company was approached by the fundraising committee at the hospital to help with the project.“They came to us with this idea and talked to us about the very, very significant investment that the St. Anthony foundation is making in the expansion of their campus and asked us if we would participate with them in the building of this plaza,” Richels said.

Devon has been a contributor to many downtown projects including more than $250,000 donated to the Myriad Gardens Foundation for the renovation of the Water Stage at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. Now Richels said the company wants to expand its presence, and giving, to Midtown.“This was pretty much in line with our philosophy of helping to support this downtown and Midtown community,” he said. “This has more to do with the resurgence of Oklahoma City and our view of our role and responsibility and being a good corporate citizen particularly in downtown and Midtown.”Other contributors to the plaza include the Oklahoma Radiology Group PC, which gave $200,000 and the Inasmuch Foundation, which donated $250,000 toward the plaza.

Sheradee Hurst, spokeswoman for St. Anthony, said the renovations on the hospital began late last year. Architectural Design Group is the architect for the more than $200 million hospital renovation and renewal project.

The hospital approached Devon with a design for the plaza, including artwork voted on by members of the community who voted in the hospital’s lobby. In recent years the hospital decided not only to remain in Midtown but to expand its presence in the area. Recent developments have also brought restaurants, retail and housing to the area.

“St. Anthony Hospital has been here for 109 years, and this project demonstrates our commitment to remain in Midtown,” said Joe Hodges, St. Anthony Hospital president. “While health care is our top priority, we understand the correlation between trust and appearance. We are excited about this addition and the meaningful impact it will have on the lives of the people who come here.”The focus of the Devon Plaza will be easier access and convenience for patients, but also provide a peaceful setting for those seeking medical attention and treatment.“It’s going to be great for us and great for this community,” Hurst said. “Part of the healing process is feeling comfortable where you’re going. It’s going to look like a place you want to go to get health care.”

Prarie Thunder Bakery in Plaza Court sure has been shaping up the last few days. They've got tables and chairs now and I've seen the owners in there working late at night. If they aren't open by the end of October then something is wrong. Can't wait to see them open.

I hear the only hold up on the bakery opening is when will the ovens show up. The last I heard only one of the three ovens are in the country.

Could be, I talked to him a few months ago and one of them was in Miami waiting to be picked up. I know he had them shipped over from France I believe. The interior looks pretty much done. Can't wait to see them open.

Awesome, I love this area and can't wait to see it filled up.

I noticed that there was a new bike rack in front of Irma's today. It was really nice looking. There was also one behind 1492.

A Special Invitation To The OKCTalk Crowd . . . .

It's still a few days off, but this year's Midtown Redevelopment Corp. (MRC) Holiday Gathering, scheduled for Tuesday December 11th from 5:30PM to 8:30PM has a really nice twist to it this year.

The event starts off in the Plaza Court lobby where a few Midtown project boards will be on display, beverages will be available and people can meet up and chat with local developers and MRC board members. Then, it's off on a self-guided walk-a-bout to some of the area's restaurants to sample tapas size offerings from their menus and special treats prepared especially for this event.

Participating venues include:

Irma's Burger Shack - Linda Lee promises some mouth watering suprises.
Prairie Thunder Bakery - Not officially open yet, but a selection of breads and pastries will be laid out by John McBryde for this event, and he'll also show you around his kitchen outfitted with those (soon to be famous) French ovens.
1492 World Cuisine - Already very popular, this is a chance to taste several of their signature selections.
Cafe do Brazil - Anna will lay out a spread of her great Brazilian appitizers.
The Grateful Bean Cafe - I believe that Peter Schaffer will be serving up dips of that fabulous Kaiser's inspired ice cream.

The event is open to all Midtown Redevelopment Corporation members and our invited guests . . . so plan to attend as my guest. It should be a lot of fun and a good way to get better aquainted with these restaurants and their gracious owners.

Wow, THANKS ODTG! I'll be there!

Is there a charge for admission? Or is this event free? Sounds REALLY exciting.

There is no cover for the event. We'll have a tip jar at the Plaza Court lobby bar to raise some cash from the frequent visitors. I'm expecting big bucks from Doug.

Also, when I spoke with John McBryde this afternoon, he said that it might only be hot chocolate and marshmellows as he is still waiting on another oven, but, I'm sure he'll do something interesting and getting a guided tour of his kitchen will be worth the trip. I still think he'll come up with some goodies . . . he's a resourceful guy.

Also, I left out Subway at Plaza Court from the list of participating restaurants. They'll have a small portion assortment of their sandwichs out to sample along with some drinks.

Thanks ODG, I'll definitely be there if my schedule allows!

I'll be there. Heard McNellie's is BYOB though.

This is great. I hope more OKC people will attend.

Support Your City!!!! after all,

ITS FREE!!!!!!!

I'll be there. Heard McNellie's is BYOB though.


It's bring your own everything....they get open by St. Patty's day 2008.

Just FYI, I drove by the new bridal shop along Walker, one building over from 1492 restaurant. They had many bridal gowns set up in the windows and they had the sign up. I didn't go in to see if they were open but if they are not open now then they will be very soon.

Yeah, I noticed that to mecarr about a week or so ago. It looked like they were open to me, if they aren't, like you said, soon.

GRAND OPENING

MEG GUESS COUTURE BRIDAL & BOUTIQUE

Date: Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Time: 10am to 4pm
Location: 1227 N. Walker Ave.
Mid-Town Oklahoma City

Meg Guess has been in business for three years with 16 years of experience in designing gowns.

Meg’s new design studio and showroom is 2,000 square feet in the heart of the chic urban area of Mid-Town.

Meg Guess Couture offers her exclusive collection of silk veils, and specializes in custom designed jewelry.

In addition to her own custom gown collection, “La Femme”, she carries Kenneth Pool and Elizabeth Fillmore, both out of New York, and Peter Langer from Italy.

Filippa Scott and Fifi are two lines of silk shoes from Australia that will be available as well.

Boutique hours:
Monday – Friday 10am to 4pm
Evenings & weekends are reserved for private appointments
405.604.2727
Meg Guess Couture Bridal (http://www.MegGuess.com)

Sounds like she already has a business built up, just moving or expanding. Should be interesting to see how downtown deals with two bridal shops. There is one already in the Montgomery building that is also a couture bridal shop.

Also, I noticed yesterday FINALLY they are starting to put up the ornamental street light posts up on Walker from about 4th or so to 10th.

Any idea why there does not seem to be any work being done on the new Sushi restaurant right by 1492 restaurant on walker? For a while it seemed like significant progress was being made, then it just stopped.

I saw them out there working yesterday.

Sounds like she already has a business built up, just moving or expanding. Should be interesting to see how downtown deals with two bridal shops. There is one already in the Montgomery building that is also a couture bridal shop.

Also, I noticed yesterday FINALLY they are starting to put up the ornamental street light posts up on Walker from about 4th or so to 10th.

The bridal shop in the Montgomery has a very limited selection and is not a full-service retail shop, as much as it is an event planning service provider. It's called Dolly Levi's. They focus more on wedding and event planning, including catering, and happen to have a few dresses available. They don' have nearly the inventory that this other shop will have.

Trust me, a bride shopping for her wedding gown is tantamount to a search for the holy grail. She will search high and low until she has found "the dress," and won't stop until she has achieved her goal. A new shop - especially high end - is very good for the OKC market. In past years, we've had JJ Kelley and Ruth Myers (really a high-end fahsion house that dabbled in bridal). You have 1 or 2 mid-range bridal shops and go straight to discount from there. I've know many brides who travel to Tulsa, Dallas and KC (even NYC) in search of "the dress" because we've had a limited selection here. Another high end boutique should do well.

From what I've heard, the Sushi restaurant should be opening by February or March 2008. However, the wine bar that was planned for opening on the other side of 1492 is CANCELLED. One of the managers of 1492 told me that Banta and the person who was going to own the wine bar have abandoned the project, or something like that, I'm paraphrasing what I heard.

From what I've heard, the Sushi restaurant should be opening by February or March 2008. However, the wine bar that was planned for opening on the other side of 1492 is CANCELLED. One of the managers of 1492 told me that Banta and the person who was going to own the wine bar have abandoned the project, or something like that, I'm paraphrasing what I heard.

That's too bad about the wine bar being cancelled. Hopefully they put in something good in that spot. I think a Smoothie King would be great. There are no Smoothie shops in OKC. Granted there are places that serve them, but if you've ever been to a Smoothie King or Jama Juice then you know what I mean.

mecarr, we have quite a few Jamba Juices in the metro, there are several other smoothie shops around too.

Smoothie King or Jamba Juice would be a great addition for all of us and it seems like a good fit with the YMCA moving in....I still don't think the area has the head counts that these companies look for. Hopefully this will change very soon.

The wine bar is not dead just has been put on temporary hold. I have been told that Banta has two great tenants and they are trying to put one next to 1492 and one next to McNellies and they are trying to figure out which location works best for both. It seems like they don't mind waiting on deals. They just want what they want for the area. I also heard that they were trying to put a Jamba Juice in Plaza Court so that it would be near the YMCA. I think they were looking at building a space out underneath the parking garage so that they could have a drive thru. I guess only time will tell.

mecarr, we have quite a few Jamba Juices in the metro, there are several other smoothie shops around too.

Ah it seems that we do. Unfortunately the nearest one to me is 7000 NW expressway. I live in downtown, so that location is 8.5 miles away. I like the idea of a smoothie place by the YMCA. I think it would do great.

Wine bar(s)? Jamba Juice? Smoothie King? You can address all those questions directly to Greg Banta or someone from his office tomorrow evening at Plaza Court. For all of your folks with no electricity, all the fabulous food being offered up by those fine Midtown restaurants should be really appealing. At this point, the event is still planned to go forward . . . based on the temp getting into the low 40s tomorrow. 5:30 to 8:30 . . . meet up at the Plaza Court lobby to have a beverage, check out some upcoming development from the Banta Company, Wiggin Properties and Marva Ellard and then get signed up for the food tour.

Hope to see all of you tomorrow evening.

It doesn't look good for the Midtown event this evening. Plaza Court is still without power as is 1492. We will likely reschedule. Stay tuned . . . we'll keep you advised.

Thanks ODG, I think it is smart by rescheduling, otherwise it will be a bad turnout. Let me know and I'll be there if I'm in town.

We are talking about moving the event to spring and do it up big. There will be at least two more restaurants by then. . . . may do more of a "Taste of Midtown" public event with sponsors, music, vendors etc. on a Saturday afternoon and early evening with a VIP pre-tasting on Friday evening.

Also, Anna Davis at Cafe do Brazil is talking about doing something with 1492 for Cinco de Mayo next year . . . street festival, music etc. . . . should be fun.

well i'm sad that the weather stopped this for happening .. but the event your talking about would be great ..

i am lucky i guess to have power as i only live a block east of 1492 ..

Custom bridal shop opens in Midtown
The Journal Record
December 19, 2007

OKLAHOMA CITY – When Meg Guess decided to open a bridal shop to showcase her custom-made gowns, she looked around Oklahoma City before settling on an old eyeglass shop in Midtown.

The building, at 1227 N. Walker Ave., had been uninhabited for years and was in a state of disrepair. Fortunately the building was a project of Greg Banta’s Midtown Renaissance, which strives to revitalize and renovate old buildings in the Midtown area.

Guess’ shop, Meg Guess Couture, joined the newly opened 1492 restaurant along a stretch of Walker Avenue just north of the Plaza Court building that Banta has also renovated and is filling with retail tenants and a branch of the YMCA. The shop carries custom-made wedding dresses and custom bridal accessories handmade by Guess as well as wedding gowns from several top designers including Kenneth Pool and Peter Langner. Guess also sells her bridal gowns and accessories online.

Guess, who is self-taught in designing clothes, began designing items more than a decade ago and earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion marketing from the University of Central Oklahoma. Over the years she designed items for friends and family in addition to working at a bridal shop.

A desire to offer her unique dresses at a shop led Guess to set out on her own and offer an alternative to bridal wear shops in the area. “Traditional bridal wear is covered here,” she said. “The thing that I felt was needed was a bridal shop that girls were leaving here for and going to Dallas and New York and bigger cities for the fashion-forward bridal wear. That’s who I wanted to cater to.”

Many of Guess’ silk bridal dresses are designed specifically for a particular client and can take 150 to 200 hours to create and sew by hand. She described her dresses as having a more vintage look and the designs are only limited to a bride’s imagination and budget. “Usually the girls are my inspiration,” she said. The custom bridal dresses start at about $3,000 and go up to about $8,000. And rather than build a new shop or move to an existing established retail space, Guess saw potential in the dilapidated shop in Midtown and realized the potential as more businesses and people move into the area.

Her building is just over 2,000 square feet and features a shiny epoxy floor with gold highlights, and chic furnishings and fixtures selected by Guess. The exterior renovations were completed by the Banta Companies, which owns the building.

Ashleigh Heffernan, design and construction manager for Banta, has planned and overseen the renovation of several of the company’s Midtown buildings.The bridal shop is in a 1950s building, and while it is not listed on the National Historic Register, the goal, as with other Midtown properties, is to try to maintain and improve the existing buildings rather than razing them and starting over.

“Our goal is always to enhance the historic nature of the area,” Heffernan said. “It would have been much easier to have started fresh than to start with that building (but) these buildings have a historic presence and you don’t get that from new construction.”Heffernan said the bridal shop building had three layers of brick, two different floor levels and a crumbling roof that had to be adapted for the shop.

After renovation plans were approved by the city and a review board in Midtown, construction began in October. The shop opened late last week. For now Guess is running the store as a one-woman operation, but said she plans to hire more staff after the first of the year so she can devote the bulk of her time to creating and sewing custom wedding gowns.

In addition to wedding dresses and accessories Guess also designs dresses for formal events and any other occasion where someone might need a unique customized dress or gown.“All my gowns are so different,” she said. “They really are one-of-a-kind.”

I drove by the place yesterday and today ... no camera with me ... several beautiful wedding gowns are in the windows facing Walker. Very nice.

I got some 1492 to go for lunch today. The Gaijin Sushi place was coming along and they had several workers there. They were painting the "crown moulding" on the outside of the building an olive green type color. Also, along Walker workers were planting some trees. The work on the St. Anthony's/Devon Plaza is really shaping up now and it should be done in the near future.

Such a nice afternoon ... good time to take some more pics! Mainly I was east of Santa Fe and those are being posted in that thread this afternoon but here are a couple of Midtowns ... the bridal shop and a Sieber pic. Click on links for larger views:

Bridal Shop on Walker
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/midtown/12_19_07_bridalshop.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/midtown/12_19_07_bridalshops.jpg

Sieber on Hudson
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/midtown/12_19_07_sieber.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/midtown/12_19_07_siebers.jpg

The way these buildings look is amazing. I am glad to see this area to continue to make progress.

Sieber on Hudson
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/midtown/12_19_07_sieber.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/midtown/12_19_07_siebers.jpg

Man.....
Seeing the Seiber looking like that.....

There's no words, man. Thanks for posting that pic.

What is Sieber? Are those apartments?

Originally the owners (Sieber) had their family grocery store on the first floor and lived on the second floor (see the smaller 2 story building on the right). Later on they used their profits to build the Sieber Hotel (the two mid-rises on the left). Now Marva Ellard (an urban preservationist) and her investors are restoring the structures to turn it into apartments and ground level retail. She was going to make them for sale units, but since government money was involved, the stipulations are that it become rental units for "x" amount of years. I believe they have to be rentals for 3 years if memory serves right. There are several threads on the Sieber if you do a search.

It's all rental at this point. Apartments on the upper floors and retail in the ground level. I think a kitchen design showroom has signed a lease for a pretty good chunk of the first floor . . . may be located in the two story portion on the north.

I was amazed to see brick layers working on the new Saint Anthony building on Sunday. The building is really moving along. Does anyone know when it is scheduled to be completed?

I drove by on Walker today. The Midtown Update pics that were posted a few days ago in another thread are already outdated big time at St. Anthony's. They've already poured the concrete driveways, curbs, and sidewalks, and have now put up stone pillars every 10 feet or so (I'm assuming they'll put iron fencing in between them.

I spoke with John McBryde about a week ago and he plans to have Prarie Thunder Bakery open by March 17th, Saint Patrick's Day. He is certain that he will make that date. McNellie's hoped to be serving green beer last year, but their space looks more like it will be ready to go in mid-2008. There are far too many construction delay issues associated with both of these eateries to bother talking about . . . and what's the point.

I read a couple of posts on another thread about parking at Plaza Court; construction parking is taking a lot of space and the lunch traffic is a lot of one person per vehicle . . . this is OKC remember. There is limited upper level parking at Plaza Court. At one time, a lot of the roof was just paved for additional parking, but most of that has been eleminated due to the structural damage it was causing to the building and the upper level parking is now only a few spaces at the top of the ramp on the north side of the building. There are still plenty of parking spots available in the surrounding parking lots, which are for the most part still unrestricted at this point, but that could start to change this summer. Evening parking is much less of an issue.

The Midtown Redevelopment Corp. has suggested to the City that it better use the existing existing fleet of rubber tire trolleys to create a new route from downtown to Plaza Court . . then east to The HSC . . . south and west to Deep Deuce . . . across the new Walnut Avenue bridge into Bricktown and back west into downtown. This is roughly the route associated with the streetcar proposal from the recent "Fixed Guideway Transit Study". That could help a lot with the mid-day Plaza Court lunch crowd parking in the future and give the growing population of downtown dwellers a convenient public transit connection to surrounding employers, restaurants, entertainment and services.

all sounds good ODG

I haven't seen any work being done in several weeks for the Sushi restaurant, across from 1492. Ironically, the building to the other side of 1492 which is not even leased has been getting a lot of work done lately.

I hear the Sushi Restaurant is tied up trying to get their permit from the city. You would think that they would want to get this opened so that they can collect their sales taxes.

Their Park Harvey location is coming along very nicely. Should be open in the next month.

I haven't seen any work being done in several weeks for the Sushi restaurant, across from 1492. Ironically, the building to the other side of 1492 which is not even leased has been getting a lot of work done lately.

There was a major holdup during the icy weather, but the unifying crown moulding style cap that all of the buildings in this strip except 1492 now share seems to be that task at hand which seems to be pretty much complete. The entrance doors haven't been installed and there is obviously a lot of interior work yet to complete. Looks like a late spring opening. Still a long way to go on the building north of 1492.

What the heck do they mean Automobile Alley is almost finished, it's not even a destination yet. There are tons of boarded up buildings yet to be leased out. Hopefully more restaurants and much needed retail will come to fruition there. Typical Oklahoman article.

Midtown Update: Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Oklahoman

Automobile Alley is almost finished; more is planned for MidTown
Steve Mason's redevelopment of the 1000 block of N Broadway in Automobile Alley is nearing completion.

Corporate offices for his two companies — Cardinal Engineering and Earl's Rib Palace — are scheduled to move into the 1015 N Broadway building by March 1.

Bicycle Alley and Coffee Slingers (which Mason promises will offer "high quality coffee prepared by a trained barista”) will open in the building's first floor within the next few weeks.

Cricket Communications, meanwhile, is scheduled to open at a renovated 1001 N Broadway by April 1.

Mason has altered plans for the reopening of the Iguana Mexican Grill, however, after discovering more extensive roof damage than expected in the 1015 N Broadway building.

The restaurant now is scheduled to open at 9 NW 9 by June.

From Staff Reports

What the heck do they mean Automobile Alley is almost finished, it's not even a destination yet. There are tons of boarded up buildings yet to be leased out. Hopefully more restaurants and much needed retail will come to fruition there. Typical Oklahoman article.

Not really. More restaurants and retail would be great, but there is really very little left that is sitting empty and "boarded up", as you say. In fact, I can't think of a single building on Broadway that is literally boarded up.

It's referring only to Steve Mason's developments, not to AA as a whole.

Not really. More restaurants and retail would be great, but there is really very little left that is sitting empty and "boarded up", as you say. In fact, I can't think of a single building on Broadway that is literally boarded up.

There are a few buildings left that are boarded up. Heck a large building of Banta's on the NE corner of 10th is boarded up. Also specifically north of 10th there are a few. I also meant just vacant spaces as well. I'm sure on streets off Broadway (4th-9th) there are some as well. As the article mentioned, Iguana Lounge is moving to NW 9th instead of Broadway now. This is good as we need to fill in the side streets as well to create a true nightlife. Unfortunately Broadway has been marketed mostly to office tenants which don't help with creating nightlife too much. A good visionary would have made the office space on the upper floors and allow retail and restaurants to fill in the ground floors. I CAN'T BELIEVE Banta is marketing his flagship property on the NW corner of Broadway and 10th and his other one on the NE corner as Class A office space. While yes, we need more of it downtown, let the demand create more vertical Class A office space. Keep these prime properties and establish much needed retail. I could totally see H&M, Urban Outfitters or GAP using these spaces. They love spots like this in most urban environments. To not take advantage of it is foolish. I like what Banta has done on Walker, but he's marketing too much prime space as office space on Broadway and NW 10th.

There are a few buildings left that are boarded up. Heck a large building of Banta's on the NE corner of 10th is boarded up. Also specifically north of 10th there are a few. I also meant just vacant spaces as well. I'm sure on streets off Broadway (4th-9th) there are some as well. As the article mentioned, Iguana Lounge is moving to NW 9th instead of Broadway now. This is good as we need to fill in the side streets as well to create a true nightlife. Unfortunately Broadway has been marketed mostly to office tenants which don't help with creating nightlife too much. A good visionary would have made the office space on the upper floors and allow retail and restaurants to fill in the ground floors. I CAN'T BELIEVE Banta is marketing his flagship property on the NW corner of Broadway and 10th and his other one on the NE corner as Class A office space. While yes, we need more of it downtown, let the demand create more vertical Class A office space. Keep these prime properties and establish much needed retail. I could totally see H&M, Urban Outfitters or GAP using these spaces. They love spots like this in most urban environments. To not take advantage of it is foolish. I like what Banta has done on Walker, but he's marketing too much prime space as office space on Broadway and NW 10th.

PREACH BROTHA!

Public financing helps boost downtown renovations

By Steve Lackmeyer
Business Writer
After conquering the once blighted 1100 block of N Walker, developer Greg Banta is moving his construction crews to the intersection of NW 10 and Robinson, where the task of renovating old buildings is even more challenging.

The sound of jackhammers has been bellowing the past few days from inside the former Packard dealership on the northwest corner of NW 10 and Robinson. For years the building was boarded up and home to a single derelict bar. "This building was tough,” Banta says while surveying the vast expanse of the building's second floor. "It was boarded up since 1957. There were a lot of unknowns. There were a lot of structural issues that would have scared off a lot of people.” Banta thinks plenty of developers might have razed the structure. He suspects the same fate might have awaited a series of buildings he just renovated at NW 10 and Walker — properties now home to restaurants and shops that are doing so well that the area is experiencing a parking shortage.

He expects to complete the Packard building renovation within one year — and hopes to lure restaurants and retail to the first floor. While Banta might lease the second floor to an office tenant, he's hoping a restaurant might be attracted by an attached rooftop patio.

Banta is confident he could easily lease or sell the adjoining buildings to office tenants. But he's taking the plunge into housing — but only with a $1 million boost from the city's tax increment finance (TIF) district. "Doing housing is very expensive, almost cost prohibitive,” Banta said. "The biggest risk is you don't know what the market is. We know there have been sales, we know what those units have sold for, but we don't know how deep the market it is.”

Banta isn't alone in the quest to obtain TIF funds to close a deal. Just last month the committee charged with overseeing such expenditures has authorized similar payouts including $1.75 million for development of the Overholser Greens condominiums at NW 13 and Dewey.

Past beneficiaries have included the Legacy at Arts Quarter apartments, where TIF funds helped pay for a parking garage; the Brownstones at Maywood Park, where TIF paid for a new streetscape, park and sculpture; and Block 42, where TIF paid for a courtyard.But while demand for such funding is high, there is also more money available for such development than first anticipated. The tax increment finance district was created eight years ago as a way to boost downtown development. The district is based on growth in downtown property taxes being re-invested into the area instead of being paid to various taxing entities, including public schools, libraries and the county.

At the time the district was formed, the TIF was expected to generate up to $42 million. That forecast is now at $52 million, including a $5 million sales tax TIF restricted to the Skirvin Hilton Hotel. To date, $32.6 million has been allocated, including $13.3 million for residential projects like the ones being tackled by Banta. A revised budget released by the city's finance department shows $19.8 million remaining available for projects ranging from residential and commercial development to parking, and $4.5 million dedicated to a future downtown school.

Assistant City Manager Cathy O'Connor predicts with more money coming in than originally forecast, the budget may once again need to be revised. "This is an indication of the economic activity stimulated by all the investment we've seen downtown,” O'Connor said. "It (the TIF district) really has done very well. And the private sector has stepped up and made the investment we've been looking for downtown.”

For Banta, the TIF helped make the difference in deciding to convert the Osler building at NW 10 and Walker and Hadden Hall at NW 10 and Robinson into housing. "We would love to see people live here,” Banta said. "We know what the commercial market is and we're quite comfortable with what the office and retail market is. So it would be easy to do that, because we know what the risk is. But we want to have a true mixed development here, so we're taking the bigger risk.”

Oklahoma City currently has six districts that support redevelopment in the Oklahoma Health Center, Downtown, renovation of the Skirvin hotel and creation of the Dell campus along the Oklahoma River.

TIF is great.. Robbing the school district of income so that we can help developers to build when maybe it would not be profitable to do so.

I hope Banta's projects ring up at less than what most developers are asking for the area. The $200+/sq. ft. prices are just obscene for Oklahoma City.

TIF is great.. Robbing the school district of income so that we can help developers to build when maybe it would not be profitable to do so.

I hope Banta's projects ring up at less than what most developers are asking for the area. The $200+/sq. ft. prices are just obscene for Oklahoma City.

Maybe I'm not looking at this the right way, and if so I'll be happy to stand corrected, but if we have an area where housing costs are that high, isn't it great to bring those kinds of owners into OKC where they'll be paying property taxes? In the long run isn't that a good thing for the city and the school systems? Especially if the new homewowners are leaving suburbs? I agree that we need more affordable housing too, but I see this as a good thing. And I'll feel very small and stupid if there's a glaring reason why I'm wrong.