Yep news 9 had a story on it also. Sorry for the double post.

actually, the late hours indicate the district must be successful - they want to clear parkers even late.

Midtown and AAlley aren't Hollywood and I wouldn't judge them the same. I don't recall too many late parkers in Hollywood, which is probably why there is no late enforcement. In OKC there's late parkers yet businesses want to stay open late - hence the request for enforcement.

IMO - a huge win for OKC depending upon enforcement, which I agree should move away from Police to a special enforcement arm of transit. We should just form Transit Police; we'll need for enforcement as rail options come online anyway; why not create the department now whether managed by OKC PD or Embark.

No late parkers in Hollywood!?! Lolol

No late parkers in Hollywood!?! Lolol
Funny thing is I read we are growing scores of almonds here that take up to 5 gallons of water for a single almond. That is f@cking insane and doesn’t help the Mead/Powell situation. But you are right the majority of water from the Colorado goes to AG and it’s never bothered me over using water or keeping “my pet lawn” green in the desert. Though I have turned against using pesticides and weed killers even in Oklahoma keeping more of a natural lawn for the most part to support the pollinators. I didn’t use any weed killers or pesticides on my lawns this year and the bees, wasps, butterflies, and flies are doing great and buzzing around. Hell I saw a bumblebee for the first time in awhile. I was very happy.

No late parkers in Hollywood!?! Lolol

last i was there, I didn't see any late parkers that were prohibiting business - if they were even open. Not saying there weren't any, but it didn't seem to be a big deal like it must be in OKC where folks drive/park more??

Felt brave.

Walked by sunset bar. Didn't get shot.

Lived.

Made a post about it.

End of message.

There is more development planned or in progress in Midtown than anywhere in OKC.

Here is a quick summary; I will add more detail about each project with time.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/midtown111723b.jpg

1. Primrose School (https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=46735)

2. Okay Bye

3. The Hub (https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45270)

4. Dolese Mixed Use (https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44512)

5. Dolese Shops (https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44512)

6. Villa Teresa Hotel (https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=29042)

7. Spaniard

8. Office

9. Make Ready

10. Cains

11. Pasteur Flats

12. Classen Marquette

13. Pedestrian Plaza

14. Housing and Garage

15. Palmomar

16. Entire Block

17. Brown's Bakery

18. Styrker

19. SoSA Condos

20. SoSA Townhomes

21. Saint Anthony New Entrance

22. G.I. Building and Garage

23. Phillips Murrah, Garage and Housing

24. 4-5 Story Residential

Did I miss an announcement on #16?

Did I miss an announcement on #16?

Nothing firm there yet, but Palomar will be moving in about a year, and at that point the entire block will be vacant.

Nothing firm there yet, but Palomar will be moving in about a year, and at that point the entire block will be vacant.

Would be really cool if they developed something similar to Santa Fe Square in Tulsa (but on a larger scale) on that block.

wasn't there also a bank midrise (i forget the name) and associated apartment complex to be built on 13th? or is that the HUB?

No doubt Midtown is the most urbanized area of OKC.

^

Yes, that is The Hub.

Nothing firm there yet, but Palomar will be moving in about a year, and at that point the entire block will be vacant.

The SW corner of #16 had a pretty cool looking setup of tents (looking like they were selling local crafts?) and what looked like a couple food trucks this weekend.

The SW corner of #16 had a pretty cool looking setup of tents (looking like they were selling local crafts?) and what looked like a couple food trucks this weekend.

Pop-up shops for the holidays.

Yes, pop-up shops plus a really nice Christmas tree lot.

Midtown Pop-Ups (https://www.okcpopups.com/) have been around since 2012. They started about a block away the first year (next to Kong's; currently construction staging site for Phillips-Murrah project) and moved to the current location after the first year. Single easiest way to shop local during the holidays in OKC. Initially started by Allison Barta Bailey (now a notable broker/developer specializing in local retail) as a privately-produced event, a few years ago all of the assets were converted to the ownership of a non-profit she helped form; the Independent Shopkeepers Association(ISA) (https://isaok.org/).

Midtown Pop-Ups (https://www.okcpopups.com/) have been around since 2012. They started about a block away the first year (next to Kong's; currently construction staging site for Phillips-Murrah project) and moved to the current location after the first year. Single easiest way to shop local during the holidays in OKC. Initially started by Allison Barta Bailey (now a notable broker/developer specializing in local retail) as a privately-produced event, a few years ago all of the assets were converted to the ownership of a non-profit she helped form; the Independent Shopkeepers Association(ISA) (https://isaok.org/).

This trip down memory lane made me suddently whistful for Deluxe. I miss deluxe

R.I.P. Deluxe

I live just east of Midtown and it is my favorite area of the city. Even with the recent closures in the area, it's vibrant, busy, and full of great places. Completing the residential units currently under construction will only help and I see this area only getting better.

The closed restaurants will all soon have new operators.

Great space with existing kitchens goes very fast. As with everything else Midtown Renaissance does, they take their time and try to find the best fit for the entire district.

Plus, much more is coming with restaurant space in Phillips Murrah, Brown's Bakery and certainly with new developments yet to be announced.

Walker is now kinda dead, north of 11th. With 1492 and Louie's gone, hopefully those get replaced sooner rather than later. But I don't doubt Midtown Renaissance. They have a proven track record.

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I've been parking in the SSM lots and walking to places. I've seen pay parking lots like at Brown's bakery.

Has anyone ever heard SSM towing cars on busy evenings/weekends?

I'm planning to use the SSM lot as a park and ride lot for catching the streetcar to head toward the paycom.

I've been parking in the SSM lots and walking to places. I've seen pay parking lots like at Brown's bakery.

Has anyone ever heard SSM towing cars on busy evenings/weekends?

I'm planning to use the SSM lot as a park and ride lot for catching the streetcar to head toward the paycom.

I doubt it because the hospital gets so many visitors they would have a hard time tracking and knowing who might be a patient parked there or a visitor to hospital. They have a lot of parking spaces so they probably don’t care.

I doubt it because the hospital gets so many visitors they would have a hard time tracking and knowing who might be a patient parked there or a visitor to hospital. They have a lot of parking spaces so they probably don’t care.
I would think that parkers would value the access to parking for visitors to a hospital over saving a couple of dollars. Courtesy and compassion should trump $2

Ludivine is the next Midtown restaurant to announce its closing. It joins Brown's, Louie's, Cafe do Brazil, City Garden/Bleu Garten, Elk Valley and Sunset Patio (am I missing any?) as Midtown spots to shut down in recent months. Brutal!!

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/lifestyle/food/2023/12/02/oklahoma-city-fine-dining-to-lose-ludivine-in-midtown-at-2023s-close/71768756007/

Yeah, there's definitely a theme there. With all of these restaurants closing all of the sudden, are the rents just too high for an operator to be able to make it on typical restaurant margins?

Yeah, there's definitely a theme there. With all of these restaurants closing all of the sudden, are the rents just too high for an operator to be able to make it on typical restaurant margins?

that was the case for Louies and 1492 ...

Cafe do Brazil the owner retired (she also owns the building)
Browns owned the building ..

and Ludivine's chief investor owns the building it was in .. they are still going to cater out of the kitchen and R&J is staying open in the back of the building ..

that was the case for Louies and 1492 ...

Cafe do Brazil the owner retired (she also owns the building)
Browns owned the building ..

and Ludivine's chief investor owns the building it was in .. they are still going to cater out of the kitchen and R&J is staying open in the back of the building ..

Well Browns is actively being built in as we speak.. or at least it appears changes have been made very recently. Cafe do Brazil was a great operation, but I can see how a business owner with the $/sq ft in the area being what it is would want to go ahead and take profit. I currently office in Midtown (hence the handle) and I assume my building where my family has officed for 30+ years will go up for sale in the next few months or years. I'll move before I'll pay ridiculous rents.. even if it means I have to drive 5 extra minutes to the courthouse.

I really have to wonder about these landlords and their business plans and how they make money on empty buildings with huge asks for rent.

Restaurants already run on pretty low margins, so large rent increases are going to kill a lot of their business models.

Theres been a lot of doom and gloom from people about these recent midtown closures but Cafe do Brazil, 1492, Ludivine, Louies, Browns all had been in business for many years. Sure you hate to see a business closing but they had done well relative to most restaurants. It was a good run for them.

Personally Im happy to see something new and fresh go into the 1492 and Louies spaces. It was time for something different.

I really have to wonder about these landlords and their business plans and how they make money on empty buildings with huge asks for rent.

Restaurants already run on pretty low margins, so large rent increases are going to kill a lot of their business models.

browns buildings sold to Midtown R ... after they decided to close ..

and i think your comment is very very fair ..

I think there are just several Midtown R tenants who's leases are expiring. And Midtown R wants to set the rents at today's rates. These are aging concepts and the operators would have to remodel and reinvigorate on top of the higher rent. Might as well move on to a different location and concept. It's hard to raise prices 40-50% at a place that has a reputation at a certain price level.
Also, Phillips Murrah is coming in, along with other larger tenants, and it would be nice to have fresh faces operating in the area.

Theres been a lot of doom and gloom from people about these recent midtown closures but Cafe do Brazil, 1492, Ludivine, Louies, Browns all had been in business for many years. Sure you hate to see a business closing but they had done well relative to most restaurants. It was a good run for them.

Personally Im happy to see something new and fresh go into the 1492 and Louies spaces. It was time for something different.

Yeah but that's what I'm concerned about. Are there concepts lining up to go into those spaces? If not, I'd prefer the restaurants that had been there for 10-20 years over an empty retail corridor (I realize it's not completely empty but it's certainly not what it was even 3 years ago.)

[/B]

Yeah but that's what I'm concerned about. Are there concepts lining up to go into those spaces? If not, I'd prefer the restaurants that had been there for 10-20 years over an empty retail corridors (I realize it's not completely empty but it's certainly not what it was even 3 years ago.)

I think Midtown Renaissance owns almost all the property on Walker in that stretch. And I'm convinced they have new stuff lined up for the spaces. I also think they worked with the operator of Sunset Patio in order to reset their clientele. I think their ultimate goal is to get it all lined up with the Phillips Murrah completion.

I think Midtown Renaissance owns almost all the property on Walker in that stretch. And I'm convinced they have new stuff lined up for the spaces. I also think they worked with the operator of Sunset Patio in order to reset their clientele. I think their ultimate goal is to get it all lined up with the Phillips Murrah completion.

if they had things lined up for 1492 and louies building they would already be under construction/renovation

if they had things lined up for 1492 and louies building they would already be under construction/renovation

Yes, but I would suggest the Midtown Renaissance investment in the area is in the hundreds millions dollars. They might leave a building empty for a year, or so, in order to get the best tenant mix for the area.

Built-out restaurant space with a full kitchen has been going very fast all over town.

I suspect MidtownR will have not trouble leasing the spaces, they will just be selective.

I walked by Capitols ice cream on Saturday night at 7 pm and it was closed. Their Google hours now say "permanently closed". Another one bites the dust?

Yeah, they're closed. Its been mentioned in a couple of spots. They were never my favorite at the best of times, but especially with the opening of Boomtown (which is GOAT IMO) there's been no reason to stop by here other than proximity if I was in the area.

Yeah, they're closed. Its been mentioned in a couple of spots. They were never my favorite at the best of times, but especially with the opening of Boomtown (which is GOAT IMO) there's been no reason to stop by here other than proximity if I was in the area.

I wonder if their Edmond location (in the Railyard) is still operating?

I wonder if their Edmond location (in the Railyard) is still operating?

no longer on the Railyard website .. and google shows as closed

I really have to wonder about these landlords and their business plans and how they make money on empty buildings with huge asks for rent.

Restaurants already run on pretty low margins, so large rent increases are going to kill a lot of their business models.

More and more of the successful local restaurant operators are taking a much stronger negotiation stance, as every landlord and developer wants them to anchor their development. Several are now seeking an equity position in the property, and often getting it.

Yeah, they're closed. Its been mentioned in a couple of spots. They were never my favorite at the best of times, but especially with the opening of Boomtown (which is GOAT IMO) there's been no reason to stop by here other than proximity if I was in the area.

Thanks. Missed it.

no longer on the Railyard website .. and google shows as closed

Yes, Cities Ice Cream in Edmond closed very recently. They put up a now leasing sign last week. It was always dead in there starting a few months ago.

More and more of the successful local restaurant operators are taking a much stronger negotiation stance, as every landlord and developer wants them to anchor their development. Several are now seeking an equity position in the property, and often getting it.

Yeah I think the free market working itself out is the answer on rent, etc. It sucks to lose restaurants but if rent is really the reason, it will come down or the retail spaces will stay empty. It just won’t happen overnight.

I've been wondering what "all the restaurant closings" talk was all about but this list is no big deal really. Cafe do Brasil was great but the owner was just straight up, I always planed to quit this year, and I am. Browns was terrible and ancient, 1492 was awful and I honestly have no idea how it lasted so long, Louies is just the literal worst restaurant in Oklahoma by a mile. Capitals was cool, but yeah Boomtown rules so oh well. But, RIP Ludivine, it was too expensive most of the time, but what a magnificent space and one of the best bars in town. I can't believe they survived both Jonathan Stranger and COVID only to be finally closing now. It will be missed. But I definitely don't think these are like, "a sign of the times" all these spaces will be filled and I'm so so stoked at the boggest waste of an amazing space (Browns) being finally filled with something cool.

I've been wondering what "all the restaurant closings" talk was all about but this list is no big deal really. Cafe do Brasil was great but the owner was just straight up, I always planed to quit this year, and I am. Browns was terrible and ancient, 1492 was awful and I honestly have no idea how it lasted so long, Louies is just the literal worst restaurant in Oklahoma by a mile. Capitals was cool, but yeah Boomtown rules so oh well. But, RIP Ludivine, it was too expensive most of the time, but what a magnificent space and one of the best bars in town. I can't believe they survived both Jonathan Stranger and COVID only to be finally closing now. It will be missed. But I definitely don't think these are like, "a sign of the times" all these spaces will be filled and I'm so so stoked at the boggest waste of an amazing space (Browns) being finally filled with something cool.

Don't disagree with some of your assessment but the slander of Brown's is near blasphemy. lol

Browns was good in the early 2000s they went on a slow and steady downhill IMO.

Don't disagree with some of your assessment but the slander of Brown's is near blasphemy. lol

I mean, I have felt it was awful for decades. It was mostly a like, zillion square feet donut shop, and they weren't even one of the best donut shops. The service was always bad, it was always pretty dirty.

It was just old, and old sometimes means interesting and cool, but I never understood why people were romantic about that place, I went there my whole life, it was always because some older guy, my dad, a friends dad, etc loved it and I just never got it. But if you miss it, I'm sorry it is gone.

However, it's a great building and I can't wait for it to be something else

I miss the sausage rolls and it was a great source for an old-school birthday cake. Donuts were fine but not great. I never saw much dirtiness there; only clutter. But the Brown's Bakery worth missing was the one they were in before that, now a parking lot west of the Garage Lofts on the NE corner of 13th and Robinson.

I mean, I have felt it was awful for decades. It was mostly a like, zillion square feet donut shop, and they weren't even one of the best donut shops. The service was always bad, it was always pretty dirty.

It was just old, and old sometimes means interesting and cool, but I never understood why people were romantic about that place, I went there my whole life, it was always because some older guy, my dad, a friends dad, etc loved it and I just never got it. But if you miss it, I'm sorry it is gone.

However, it's a great building and I can't wait for it to be something else

lol, now if we want to talk about old and wacky, not good, but unique enough to matter, how is coney Island still open?!?! That one is literally my dads favorite and while it is terrible food wise, I have to admit, I'm massively impressed that a boiled hotdog stand has somehow survived and with the tragic demise of The Lunch Box (RIP, cross over heart, pour one on the curb) I'm quite thankful Coney Island has survived. It's like the last piece of sketchy downtown of my early 80's childhood still alive. I think all the time about going to pawn and junk stores all over Broadway when I was a kid, stopping by at Benchmark to get Lotus brochures and then popping in to Coney Island for hotdogs and chips.

lol, now if we want to talk about old and wacky, not good, but unique enough to matter, how is coney Island still open?!?! That one is literally my dads favorite and while it is terrible food wise, I have to admit, I'm massively impressed that a boiled hotdog stand has somehow survived and with the tragic demise of The Lunch Box (RIP, cross over heart, pour one on the curb) I'm quite thankful Coney Island has survived. It's like the last piece of sketchy downtown of my early 80's childhood still alive. I think all the time about going to pawn and junk stores all over Broadway when I was a kid, stopping by at Benchmark to get Lotus brochures and then popping in to Coney Island for hotdogs and chips.

Right! I have memories of rollerbladding in the mid 90's around there and downtown. You would see a rent boy get out of car and then grab a dog and and a drink. Sketchy, sketchy, sketchy, but good for people watching.

lol, now if we want to talk about old and wacky, not good, but unique enough to matter, how is coney Island still open?!?! That one is literally my dads favorite and while it is terrible food wise, I have to admit, I'm massively impressed that a boiled hotdog stand has somehow survived and with the tragic demise of The Lunch Box (RIP, cross over heart, pour one on the curb) I'm quite thankful Coney Island has survived. It's like the last piece of sketchy downtown of my early 80's childhood still alive. I think all the time about going to pawn and junk stores all over Broadway when I was a kid, stopping by at Benchmark to get Lotus brochures and then popping in to Coney Island for hotdogs and chips.

Hear hear! I agree with all of this, starting with Lunch Box - tragic, irreplaceable loss.

I'm so down for Coney Island I think I'll go there for lunch next week.

I've been wondering what "all the restaurant closings" talk was all about but this list is no big deal really. Cafe do Brasil was great but the owner was just straight up, I always planed to quit this year, and I am. Browns was terrible and ancient, 1492 was awful and I honestly have no idea how it lasted so long, Louies is just the literal worst restaurant in Oklahoma by a mile. Capitals was cool, but yeah Boomtown rules so oh well. But, RIP Ludivine, it was too expensive most of the time, but what a magnificent space and one of the best bars in town. I can't believe they survived both Jonathan Stranger and COVID only to be finally closing now. It will be missed. But I definitely don't think these are like, "a sign of the times" all these spaces will be filled and I'm so so stoked at the boggest waste of an amazing space (Browns) being finally filled with something cool.Anyone who thinks Louie's is "the literal worst restaurant in Oklahoma" needs to have their head examined or hasn't eaten out much. Sorry.

Anyone who thinks Louie's is "the literal worst restaurant in Oklahoma" needs to have their head examined or hasn't eaten out much. Sorry.

I wouldn't say it is the worst restaurant in Oklahoma but reminds me of a college bar with so-so food/menu and drinks that are usually prepared well but isn't very exciting or inspired. It serves a purpose and some of my staff would eat there for lunch occasionally. I think it is the weakest of the Hal Smith brands. Pub W is similar type concept but the menu/food/drinks are much more interesting and flavorful.

Anyone who thinks Louie's is "the literal worst restaurant in Oklahoma" needs to have their head examined or hasn't eaten out much. Sorry.

I wouldn't call it the worst and I actually like the food, but the atmosphere sucks and sometimes the place is a little dirty. I just don't ever think about it as an option, kind of like Toby Keith's bar and grill.

And yet, every time I pass Louis on the lake, the parking lot is packed. I guess some people like it well enough.

Diversity in types of eating establishments is important too. Every dining experience doesn't have to be "fabulous". Sometimes it's just fun to go meet your friends in a regular bar and grille and have nachos or a hamburger. Louis is just fine and you might argue an important piece of the dining fabric.

I wouldn't call it the worst and I actually like the food, but the atmosphere sucks and sometimes the place is a little dirty. I just don't ever think about it as an option, kind of like Toby Keith's bar and grill.I frequented the Louie's in Midtown for years until its unfortunate demise. I visit the Louie's on Lake Hefner frequently, too, and the one on Campus Corner in Norman on most OU game days. The atmosphere at those locations is/was just fine and exactly what you would expect from a neighborhood pub-type operation. They must have at least 10 or more locations or so in Oklahoma, including Stillwater, Yukon, Midwest City, etc., so it's not like the concept is a failure.

Look, Louie's is obviously not Pub W, Cheddar's, Cheesecake Factory or Charleston's, but it's not supposed to be. It competes in the Chili's / Applebee's / Red Robin casual/neighborhood pub market and, in my opinion, does a pretty good job of it. No, it's not fine dining, but it's a local chain that I would much rather visit than those others. The food is decent and reasonably priced, the beer is cheap, and there are plenty of TV's to watch games on. Ain't nothing wrong with that. I just wish they would bring back the Gobble Gobble turkey sandwich! :)

I frequented the Louie's in Midtown for years until its unfortunate demise. I visit the Louie's on Lake Hefner frequently, too, and the one on Campus Corner in Norman on most OU game days. The atmosphere at those locations is/was just fine and exactly what you would expect from a neighborhood pub-type operation. They must have at least 10 or more locations or so in Oklahoma, including Stillwater, Yukon, Midwest City, etc., so it's not like the concept is a failure.

Look, Louie's is obviously not Pub W, Cheddar's, Cheesecake Factory or Charleston's, but it's not supposed to be. It competes in the Chili's / Applebee's / Red Robin casual/neighborhood pub market and, in my opinion, does a pretty good job of it. No, it's not fine dining, but it's a local chain that I would much rather visit than those others. The food is decent and reasonably priced, the beer is cheap, and there are plenty of TV's to watch games on. Ain't nothing wrong with that. I just wish they would bring back the Gobble Gobble turkey sandwich! :)

I think you sparked why I don't really go that often. I grew up going to Chili's and Applebee's. I don't hate any of that food, but it just wasn't exciting to me and I like diversity of flavors. If I need a no nonsense meal I will definitely be going to Louie's. There are just so many options now and it isn't one that I think of often, especially now that the Midtown location is closed. I live in the Urban Core so driving out to the other locations isn't really on my to do list.

Anyone who thinks Louie's is "the literal worst restaurant in Oklahoma" needs to have their head examined or hasn't eaten out much. Sorry.

It's definitely not "the literal worst" but it's definitely not among the "literal best" either.

I went to the Midtown location three times. Once more for drinks than food. The food was OK but I didn't even care for their French fries. Simple diner food is actually better, tbh. Certainly nothing special, and definitely considering there are like a million locations elsewhere.

A neighborhood pub is a great idea for that space. Maybe something a little more unique with slightly better execution will take that spot.