MidTown construction moves ahead with renovations of historic buildings
BY STEVE LACKMEYER
Published: December 19, 2008

http://photos.newsok.com/2/showimage/528600/lead620/
Windows are returning to 201 NW 10, a two-story building built in 1925 that was once home to a Packard dealership.PHOTO BY STEVE LACKMEYER, THE OKLAHOMAN

Construction is picking up again in MidTown, with Mickey Clagg and Bob Howard moving forward with renovations of several buildings purchased as part of their MidTown Renaissance development.

The most visible work under way is at 201 NW 10, a two-story building built in 1925 that was once home to a Packard dealership. Windows are being added to the property, which was boarded up for more than 30 years before it was acquired by the MidTown Renaissance development in 2006.

"We’re looking for a nice restaurant for the corner with shop space along 10th,” Clagg said.


Project motors on
Preparations also are underway to do a similar renovation at 1101 N Broadway. The building, built in 1929, was originally home to the Chieftain Motor Co. and is at the crossroads of Automobile Alley and the MidTown area.

Architect Mark Krittenbrink said the building is in "perfect” condition, though the showroom windows on the building’s first floor were replaced long ago with plywood.

Krittenbrink said the developers are working with the state historic preservation office on restoring the windows and securing tax credits for the building renovation.

"It’s a great building,” Krittenbrink said. "It was built as a car dealership and it has the ramp that was built in the back and the nice showroom in the front. It’s in the heart of Automobile Alley.”

Clagg said he has no tenants lined up yet for 1100 N Broadway, though he has interested parties for turning another old dealership across the street at 1101 N Broadway into Class-A office space.

Duplex makeovers set
Krittenbrink said construction permits should be filed next week for old duplexes along NW 12 that will be renovated into luxury apartments. Clagg said similar plans are underway for the old Cline hotel, Hadden Hall and Guardian garage, all along NW 10 and Robinson.

Clagg said a common area that will include a pool is being planned for Hadden Hall and the Guardian garage.

"It’s all about to start jamming,” Krittenbrink said. "The project signs go up next week. We’ll be meeting with contractors next week. I would think we’ll see some dirt moving and action by the end of January.”

I'm glad to see they are still moving ahead with all this.

News we needed. I am fired up again.

:congrats:

Me too, just wonder what ole Banta is up to these days.

MidTown’s ‘restaurant row’ mushrooms with new deli
BY STEVE LACKMEYER
Published: June 3, 2009

A pair of suburbanites who admit having little history downtown are the latest additions to MidTown, helping solidify the emergence of a true "restaurant row” along Walker Avenue.

The deli’s opening two weeks ago fulfills a longtime dream for the Lindsays, who initially hoped to open their first business in northwest Oklahoma City.
"That’s where we live and that’s the area we’ve known,” Bridget Lindsay said. "We fell in love with a location but it didn’t work out.”

Banta’s vision

The couple decided to "think outside the box” and contacted Greg Banta, who pioneered development of MidTown until selling his interests to partners Bob Howard and Mickey Clagg last year.

Banta was already developing the 1100 block of N Walker, including the former home of Reeser’s Eyewear.

"Banta did a magnificent job here with the outside of the building,” Bridget Lindsay said.

Dan Lindsay said even with the building’s interior stripped down to cinder blocks and a concrete floor, he had no trouble catching Banta’s vision.

The building is set up for two concepts: Dan Lindsay is promoting the deli with its Boars Head meats, salad bar and French bread pizzas for lunches, and sees it transitioning into a neighborhood bar with an abbreviated menu at night.

A ‘local’ alternative

With Clagg and Howard continuing redevelopment of MidTown and renovating several buildings into offices and residences, the Lindsays believe the area is emerging as a "local” alternative to Bricktown.

"The energy is awesome,” Bridget Lindsay said.

"I think of Bricktown as catering to the tourists, and it has so much to offer.
But I love that MidTown has so much to offer to our local community. It’s a ‘for us, by us’ mentality.”

http://newsok.com/midtowns-restaurant-row-mushrooms-with-new-deli/article/3374658?custom_click=lead_story_title

http://photos.newsok.com/2/showimage/573560/gallery_photo
Dan and Bridget Lindsey stand Wednesday in the bar area of their new restaurant, MidTown Deli, 1215 N Walker Ave. PHOTO BY JACONNA AGUIRRE, THE OKLAHOMAN


http://photos.newsok.com/2/showimage/573561/gallery_photo
MidTown Deli serves its signature sandwich, the "Monterey Club.”PHOTO BY JACONNA AGUIRRE, THE OKLAHOMAN

http://photos.newsok.com/2/showimage/573562/gallery_photo
MidTown Deli opened recently at 1215 N Walker Ave. PHOTO BY JACONNA AGUIRRE, THE OKLAHOMAN

Looks very slick!

I love all these places owned by locals and that are effectively great neighborhood hangouts.

Drove by it last night- Midtown Deli looks awesome. Very multi-purpose.

Good food, you should go check it out. They use Boar's Head deli meats and have a good salad bar as well. Had a beer at the bar on Fri. - they have a good, but small, selection but they are expanding their beer offerings and told me they will offer OKC crafted brews soon.

Here's a pic I snapped today on my phone at lunch of the building being restored at 11th and Francis. I will try and snap some pics of the other buildings soon.

http://www.okctalk.com/gallery/data/500/medium/11thandFrancis.jpg

Wow! Thats a great update, I need to swing by for a sandwich. I love the comment on how Midtown is becoming a "for locals" version of Bricktown. I live in the inner north side and I am in Midtown for a chunk of my day 3 days out of the week or more. I can't count how many times I've said nearly that same thing to my wife or friends. I'll be so happy to see it flesh out in to a first rate dining/entertainment district for us inner city folks.

Metro auto dealers group steers its way to Automobile Alley
BY STEVE LACKMEYER
Published: July 18, 2009

The Metropolitan Auto Dealers are returning home to where cars were first sold in downtown Oklahoma City, one of several signs that the recession hasn’t stalled development along Automobile Alley.

Peter Hodges, director of the association, said the two-story building, built as an apartment house in 1929, is a month away from being ready for occupancy.

"We were created along Automobile Alley in 1916 — we resided just down the street,” Hodges said. "We wanted to move back to the street where the car dealerships were first doing business.”

For the rest of Steve's article:

http://newsok.com/metro-auto-dealers-group-steers-its-way-to-automobile-alley/article/3386246?custom_click=lead_story_title

This article also talks about the house next to Sarasara cupcakes. I drove by it last night and it looks like the outside is very close if not entirely complete. Not sure about the inside.

Sounds like more progress is being made by Midtown Renaissance than I realized. Good news.

Sounds like more progress is being made by Midtown Renaissance than I realized. Good news.

Me too. I drove down there a couple of weeks ago and the building on the NW corner of 10th and Broadway had all of the windows out. Now most of them are in and all of the windows on the building on the NE corner are out and being replaced. Should be interesting to see what goes in there.

I'm totally relieved to see them restoring the original casement windows in those buildings instead of doing the ever-popular rip-out-and-replace-with-tinted-glass-in-alumimun-or-vinyl-frames bit.

Very few quality casement windows exist these days in OKC, and when I was involved with the Automobile Alley Main Street Program we fretted at times over whether good historic preservation would eventually happen on those particular windows or not. The way they are doing it is a little bit more difficult and probably a bit more expensive, but it will build so much value into the buildings and into the rest of the neighborhood to have those original windows. Kudos to them.

Hadden Hall got a new parking lot paved a week or two ago, they are almost ready to pave the parking lot at the Hotel Cline. The other properties on N. Francis between 11th and 12th have been under serious work for 2-3 weeks now, workers out there every day, new windows, and they have been leveling the dirt to get ready to pave it.

I know between Hadden Hall and Cline there are supposed to be 31 apartments/condo's available for sale or rent and the buyer has the choice to do the finishes, etc.

For MikeOKC and a few others that were looking for a cheaper alternative to live downtown, these two properties might be a good option for you.

I heard an Italian joint signed a lease in the bldg. next to 1492 where the Gaijin Sushi was going to go.

maybe they will serve pizza by the slice.

I heard an Italian joint signed a lease in the bldg. next to 1492 where the Gaijin Sushi was going to go.

The last word I heard on it, is that it isn't officially signed yet. That was from an extremely reliable source, but it has been a few weeks ago. Hopefully, its done by now, but yes, it is an Italian restaurant. People will definately recognize the group.

Hmmm.... "Flips".... could it be that Flips is adding a Midtown location? Joined a year ago and only 16 posts makes me wonder. I'd love to have a Flips nearby!

Also, I was driving around a few minutes ago around 12th and Hudson, there are two vacant lots being cleared. I'm wondering if Clagg/Howard are going to pave it for more MidTown parking or if something is going to be built? Anyone know?

I've heard that this is a done deal, but the group has changed players a bit. Should be a great addition to Midtown.

Hmmm.... "Flips".... could it be that Flips is adding a Midtown location? Joined a year ago and only 16 posts makes me wonder. I'd love to have a Flips nearby!

Also, I was driving around a few minutes ago around 12th and Hudson, there are two vacant lots being cleared. I'm wondering if Clagg/Howard are going to pave it for more MidTown parking or if something is going to be built? Anyone know?

I've been watching this for the past few days and I suspect you are correct about the parking.

Don't Bricktown my Midtown.

Nice. I thought about creating a bumper sticker saying, Don't Edmond my Downtown!

Hmmm.... "Flips".... could it be that Flips is adding a Midtown location? Joined a year ago and only 16 posts makes me wonder. I'd love to have a Flips nearby!

Also, I was driving around a few minutes ago around 12th and Hudson, there are two vacant lots being cleared. I'm wondering if Clagg/Howard are going to pave it for more MidTown parking or if something is going to be built? Anyone know?


Sorry, metro. Not a flips. I actually stole my name from the Flaming Lips. Some fans call them the flips.

I live right down the street from there at Harvey Lofts, and I've seen the construction as well. I believe that one of the lots will be parking for the Sieber. I'll find out for sure Tuesday.

A new Italian place. I'm excited about that.

Looks like there are new plans for the Heritage Building in Midtown. According to the Midtown Renaissance website, it is entitled, "Twelve Twelve."

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb89/Classof20101992/dfghdf.jpg

Does anyone else know anything more on this?

Do these people know what they're doing? I know Banta's out of it now, but what do we know about the principals involved now?

It looks pretty decent to me. Certainly a lot better than what it currently looks like.

Do these people know what they're doing? I know Banta's out of it now, but what do we know about the principals involved now?

Same principals as before (Bob Howard/Mickey Clagg), the players with money are the same, they just hired experts that have more experience than Banta had. It's a good thing really.

I can't remember what it looks like currently, but that looks pretty good and that intersection is PRIME for housing. What about the Osler?

Italian place owned by Lori and Ty Tyler is what's going in that spot.

With all the talk about development of DT OKC, I am wondering if there has been more progress made in the Midtown Area? Ever since Greg Banta sold his interests I have not heard alot going on? Anything new? Does anyone feel that Midtown is right for mid rise development such as 10-15 stories? It would certainly make MT more dense. Too many empty lots.

Here's a MidTown development that should begin soon, although I'm getting skeptical of it as well:

A Downtown ontheRange: New loft project on Walker Ave/MidTown (http://downtownontherange.blogspot.com/2009/11/new-loft-project-on-walker-avemidtown.html)
http://www.midtownr.com/images/properties/1212.jpg

1212 N Walker, 21 units. Plus street retail.

It's very annoying to hear that a project can't proceed because of the "economy." That sounds like a great scapegoat for when a developer can't get a project off..even in bad economies there should be SOME little infill projects going on.

Its annoying that banks are getting all of this TARP money but not lending it out. THis is probably the only thing with which I agree with Obama on.

Well it was pretty short sighted to expect that banks would gladly just pass the money on to worthwhile investors.

I have a friend with major plans for Midtown. He quite talented and I believe some of his renderings have been posted. It will be reassuring to have someone who "gets" what people want.

Hip, functional, and affordable...something that has eluded downtown except for a few select projects.

I also understand that some of the larger renovations Banta planned are nearing completion. If so, that's a big deal..but I've seen very little reporting on all that.

Yes, more MidTown developments are coming soon.

It's official.

As soon as I can pop a story, I will.

Can't wait to hear about it, Steve. One of my favorite areas because of the massive amounts of grass and parking that can be replaced. This area is pretty much perfectly situated for great infill, and the progress with renovations on historic buildings in the last 5 years has been amazing.

http://www.rezoneokc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/midtown.jpg

It's very annoying to hear that a project can't proceed because of the "economy." That sounds like a great scapegoat for when a developer can't get a project off..even in bad economies there should be SOME little infill projects going on.

I totally agree, I hate hearing people are waiting on the economy or they cant get funding. Surely somebody can get something done housing-wise fairly soon.

Actually, it's the banks, and it's a real issue. I've seen some ridiculously-well structured deals go no where because the banks wouldn't lend to developers with even 60 percent equity. Just nuts what's going on.

Actually, it's the banks, and it's a real issue. I've seen some ridiculously-well structured deals go no where because the banks wouldn't lend to developers with even 60 percent equity. Just nuts what's going on.

I concur. Banks are making a choice of hoarding cash, some of it TARP money, or lending it out and they are currently choosing to hoard. They figure if they don't make a loan, it won't go bad.

Maybe, maybe not. I've also talked to bankers who say they're terrified of making any loans that might be frowned upon by regulators. Essentially, what's going on is the president, etc., are urging bankers to loosen up by federal regulators are sending an opposite message (if we're to believe what's being said). Typical case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing.

Again, I agree. I was around to see the regulators when Penn Square Bank closed. Arrogance doesn't even begin to describe their attitude then. Today its probably not quite that bad but I can imagine mixed messages of needing to maintain extra high levels of capital while also making loans. The other direction to turn is private equities/REIT's and venture capitalists. If they can make their case, the developers should be able to access funds.

Actually, it's the banks, and it's a real issue. I've seen some ridiculously-well structured deals go no where because the banks wouldn't lend to developers with even 60 percent equity. Just nuts what's going on.

^^^^^^Hitting the nail on the head, with an animated exclamation point!^^^^^^

The big banks got the TARP funds and have failed to trickle the money down. It's actually a big story today as President Obama firmly came down on the side of business and said this wasn't the agreement. He's winning some accolades for that, and as mad as I've been at him, I'll give him this one. He's right.

Yes, it's happening right here in OKC. It's ridiculous. Steve is absolutely right in his post above.

Obama today - "America's banks received extraordinary assistance from American taxpayers to rebuild their industry," the president said after the meeting. "And now that they're back on their feet, we expect an extraordinary commitment from them to help rebuild our economy." President Obama added that he expected not just effort but "results." The guest list for the meeting included the top executives of 12 of the nation's largest banks.

Let's hope we some of those billions actually translate into many more real and sizable loans to help power a stronger recovery. There are qualified borrowers waiting for funds to get projects off the ground, finished, etc. For the credit to still be this tight, at this point, just makes no sense at all.

One of the problems is that few understand OKC and that conditions here aren't as bad as they are in the rest of the country and that some projects really may be worthwhile.

I've got a column coming one of these days on this topic, but it's going to require a lot of brain power, and well ... maybe after Christmas!

I've got a column coming one of these days on this topic, but it's going to require a lot of brain power, and well ... maybe after Christmas!

No elves to help? You could outsource some of the research to the North Pole! :Smiley199

I've got a column coming one of these days on this topic, but it's going to require a lot of brain power, and well ... maybe after Christmas!

I wish you luck! It would be great to see that kind of work. Too bad you couldn't play borrower and do an undercover report of some kind.

I talked to a commercial banker who flat out told me: "We're not doing any lending. We're just putting it into reserves." Keep in mind this is a bank that has a huge positive balance sheet. I asked if their lending standards had changed and they said no.

Some of this is just a pack mentality, but it's brutal. I actually had the nerve to ask "why?" The banker said it had to do with "national conditions," even though this is a locally chartered bank.

It's appalling.

And then I've actually heard some of them say the financial crisis was the result of "too much regulatory interference."

After repeated rejections, I know a man (widely respected) who took ALL of his business (loans, checking, savings, everything) from Bank of America and said he marched it over to Valliance Bank and is back to doing business. I think this is a perfect example of an interstate bank versus a progressive locally owned and operated bank. When you have a President/CEO who was born and raised in Oklahoma City, along with most of the staff, its got to make a difference.

I talked to a commercial banker who flat out told me: "We're not doing any lending. We're just putting it into reserves." Keep in mind this is a bank that has a huge positive balance sheet. I asked if their lending standards had changed and they said no.

Some of this is just a pack mentality, but it's brutal. I actually had the nerve to ask "why?" The banker said it had to do with "national conditions," even though this is a locally chartered bank.

It's appalling.

And then I've actually heard some of them say the financial crisis was the result of "too much regulatory interference."Lending standards have changed in my experience especially for retail projects. And not just by banks but all throughout the rather complicated chain of players that make up the sector.

Just getting banks to lend doesn't really address the problem.

I can understand the statement about regulatory interference.

Back to the point of this thread... The current ownership group is more about getting work done than showing people work is coming/going on. A good amount of hidden work and historic preservation is going on, which is more time consuming.

This current group is definitely not about hype, that's for sure.

Urban-
You said your friend is doing some of the developing and some renderings have been posted. I take it you dont want to say who the developer is, but can you say where these renderings are posted? Thanks.

There is residential (assisted living??) under construction now at 11th and Hudson called Palo Duro II.

he is talking about mode homes and their soon proposal

I think the folks at Mode homes would be the first to say their proposal isn't ready for prime time yet.