I've lived at The Lofts since 12/2010 and have never heard this topic discussed in any of our HOA meetings. PM me if you need help getting in contact with our HOA directors. I don't believe that this is addressed in our by-laws, but certainly can be brought up for discussion.

I would not buy a piece of residential property at which I couldn't open windows. Geez.

I would not buy a piece of residential property at which I couldn't open windows. Geez.

Duly noted, thanks...
I keep my balcony door open regularly, so this has never been a concern for me.

Oh, yeah--if I had a balcony door to open, I wouldn't care so much about the windows, either.

Oh, yeah--if I had a balcony door to open, I wouldn't care so much about the windows, either.

That's fair I suppose - but 1) I don't feel like getting West Nile by allowing all kind of flying things inside and 2) if we can have balcony door that open, why can't we have windows that open?

That's fair I suppose - but 1) I don't feel like getting West Nile by allowing all kind of flying things inside and 2) if we can have balcony door that open, why can't we have windows that open?

2) It's probably some Oklahoma backwards law like how hotel windows higher up don't open cause they don't want to be held liable by you if someone were to be injured or died because, God forbid it, they lept through your window.

I live at The Lofts at Maywood Park and my windows open, although I have rarely used it due to street noise, etc. Also, I have been trying to get in touch with Pat Garrett concerning the Maywood Park on 2nd Street. I, too, agree that the landscaping on 2nd Street and the Park need to taken care of. Those temporary sprinklers that they NEVER use should be removed pronto. At very least, you know the ALOFT hotel will be vested in getting the park back in tip-top shape. I've been trying to get in contact with someone regarding these issues for over a month now (and I'm calling on behalf of all residents at THE LOFTS).

Another issue: I think The Lofts at Maywood Park need the original side replaced OR new signs. The place is difficult to find and needs some curb appeal now that LEVEL has opened and added nice signs, benches, etc - I plan to bring it up at the next HOA meeting. What do you all think?

Why is that stupid fence there anyway?

Why is that stupid fence there anyway?

The simple answer is egregiously poor planning followed by apathy and laziness.

e-mailed my contact at the city council re: that stupid fence. am also working on contacting the Maywood Park Owners Association - to no avail as stated earlier.

e-mailed my contact at the city council re: that stupid fence. am also working on contacting the Maywood Park Owners Association - to no avail as stated earlier.

I suspect that Aloft will take over landscaping and maintenance of the park on 2nd St. If they don't, I think we should get a neighborhood beautification committee together and spend some time there pulling weeds, planting seasonal plants and generally maintaining it. In Nichols Hills the residents take care of the horticulture at the parks and then all the city has to do is mow.

Perhaps a new thread? I actually have a meeting scheduled with the Parks Dept. to discuss the possibility of getting this parked improved. Especially with some kind of kid-friendly equipment. I am very interested in getting a small, pocket park in this area.

Sounds great. I will help in any way I can.

The Park, to my understanding, is the responsibility of the Maywood Park Owners Association which consists of: The Brownstones at Maywood Park, The Lofts at Maywood Park, LEVEL, and ALOFT hotel. What I suspect is happening is that they are holding off to make it look good again until construction on the hotel is done but I do not have this confirmed. I'm almost positive that the park is not owned by the city and that it is privately owned by the Maywood Park Owners Assoc. but let me know if you find out differently.

That park is owned by Ron Bradshaw & Co.

Who is that?

Developer of Maywood Lofts, Maywood Apartments, the Brownstones, etc.

Regarding the above-ground utility grade - here's the email I received:

Hello Lindsey,
I received word back from City staff on this. It is actually a water utility box and the water meter(s) serves the development on the north side of NE 2nd ST between E.K. Gaylord and Oklahoma (the Maywood Park development). I was told that it’s a large vault. The meter box must have a flat surface top for safe access. Since there was a slope of the ground and it needed to be flat, the vault top stuck up on its west end and it was fenced to keep people from tripping on it. The installation has been checked by OKC's ADA compliance officer, Paula Falkenstein, as well as Utilities Director Marsha Slaughter and City Manager Jim Couch.
Here’s something that should be noted. The meter location was originally planned for the north side of the building and moved to the south side, along with some other site changes, which saved the development the cost of constructing a new water line but resulted in a meter box that is not flush with the sidewalk. This savings was approximately $100K for the developer. Contact me if you have any further questions.
Thank you –

This savings was approximately $100K for the developer.

There's your answer. They could care less what it looks like or who is inconvenienced. Or what the park looks like.

There's your answer. They could care less what it looks like or who is inconvenienced. Or what the park looks like.

One would think that an average developer would want the area around their development to look nice; are you implying that Ron Bradshaw doesn't really care about the neighborhood, but just his profits from it?

One would think that an average developer would want the area around their development to look nice; are you implying that Ron Bradshaw doesn't really care about the neighborhood, but just his profits from it?

I think developers care about a neighborhood if they live in it. And none of the Deep Deuce developers live here. I think they could care more.

And 100K price difference for a few degrees of slope, I find that hard to believe. Why couldn't they keep the utility flat as they state just. Few inches below ground and put a cover on the surface that is sloped? 100K to do that?

Maybe the underlying utilities weren't buried deep enough to start with.

Wow that is hilariously ridiculous.

It appears as they could just extend the 'flat surface' all the way across, and then have the newly created "step" slope off into the next concrete section at a more aggressive angle.

EG:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2847/loftfence.jpg

Exactly

Another thing I've noticed - people park in my parking spaces all the time. It's been different cars everytime but it's just mind-boggling to me - who is accessing the garage that doesn't have their own reserved space? Other than putting a note on the car and hoping they move it, is there anything else we can do?

Which garage do you park in - east or west?
Feel free to PM me your unit # and I will pass this on to our HOA directors. They have sent out communications for similar issues in the past.

I never have any issues with people parking in my spot in the West garage.

My answer to the City Council:
I'm wondering what other options there are besides fencing it in - perhaps creating a slope or slant to meet the sidewalk or something - is that possible?

Their answer back:

You may need to address that with the developer(s), as they are the ones who made the call for the location. The way I understood it and that the proposed location, on the north side of the building, was level and at grade. I would imagine that the cost would be prohibitive for creating a slope considering the current angle.

Wow that is hilariously ridiculous.

It appears as they could just extend the 'flat surface' all the way across, and then have the newly created "step" slope off into the next concrete section at a more aggressive angle.

EG:

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/2847/loftfence.jpg

This makes entirely too much sense.

Has anyone approached the developer to do this? Seems like a no-brainer for them. Can't cost more than a few thousand.

This makes entirely too much sense.

Has anyone approached the developer to do this? Seems like a no-brainer for them. Can't cost more than a few thousand.

It would have cost them no more than the guard rail they had built......or close to it.

Another question for 2nd Street Lofts residents: Several posts ago a few of us discussed why we can't have windows that open and the theories/hypothetical laws prohibiting it. Having accepted that, have any of you come up with good work-arounds to maximize fresh air entry while minimizing insect entry? I've found that it's actually not that big a deal to leave my balcony door open for awhile (don't seem to be that many bugs this high up), but was just wondering those of you who've lived here for a few years had any better ideas.
Thanks!

Another question for 2nd Street Lofts residents: Several posts ago a few of us discussed why we can't have windows that open and the theories/hypothetical laws prohibiting it. Having accepted that, have any of you come up with good work-arounds to maximize fresh air entry while minimizing insect entry? I've found that it's actually not that big a deal to leave my balcony door open for awhile (don't seem to be that many bugs this high up), but was just wondering those of you who've lived here for a few years had any better ideas.
Thanks!

if i was an owner at 2nd street lofts .. i would 100% install a screen door on my patio

I live in the Lofts and leave my patio door open all night alot of times when it is nice. The bugs havent been an issue so far.

I live in the Brownstones, not the Lofts, but I leave our bedroom door open at night all the time (3rd floor) and have never had an issue with bugs.

We have bugs this <~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> big in Ohio in the summer and I leave my windows open all the time, but my flat is also above the street level...

For those of you that live in the Maywood Lofts, what is your biggest complaint? (excluding the random sidewalk fence over underground utility)


I am taking a serious look at some of these units later this week as I just acquired a job downtown and will be relocating.

There certainly have been some frustrations during these first couple years as control of the building transitioned to the owners, but now there is a solid HOA in place and enough residents who care to keep things running smoothly. Normal growing pains, but no real complaints to speak of…I’m very happy there.

PM me if you want to look around the building some time.

I agree. It’s a great place to live especially if you work downtown. I frankly location wise it’s the best for sale property in DT/DD. Also, the use of the club room is a plus in my book. I have had many parties and get together there. Also, the neighborhood is getting to have such a great feel and vibe with all the new residents in the Lofts and Level, and all the other downtown housing.

For those of you that live in the Maywood Lofts, what is your biggest complaint? (excluding the random sidewalk fence over underground utility)


I am taking a serious look at some of these units later this week as I just acquired a job downtown and will be relocating.

I really like it here too. I'm renting, moved in a few months ago and overall am very happy with it. My biggest complaint is that the windows don't open - whether that's actually due to a local ordinance or not is questionable. Having a balcony is nice, but there's no screen on the door to keep flying things out (my next project). The trains can be obnoxious at times but for the most part I sleep right through them now (quiet zone anyone?). All my friends who've visited are pleasantly surprised and impressed by the urban feel of this neighborhood. It'll be fantastic having Native Roots right next door too. Several more units have been leased out/sold since I moved in too so there's definitely a ton more interest living downtown.

Had a neighborhood associating meeting tonight - I think some good things are going to start happening in the Maywood Park area of Deep Deuce...especially with the landscaping.

That is great to hear - very welcomed news!
Thanks for representing us there

Neighborhood association meeting?

Just a guess, but probably Urban Neighbors.

Neighborhood association meeting?

It was a meeting of the Maywood Park property owners. An area bounded by 2nd on the South, 4th on the North and The RR tracks and Walnut on East and West.

The developers and property owners agreed last night that critical mass has been reached, and it is time for the Homeowners to take over management of the association.

Only a few of the Brownstones remain uncommitted - Level Urban is finished and full - Only 2 or 3 of the Lofts are not yet sold - Aloft is coming along nicely - Ron Bradshaw is on target to complete BOTH of his apartment structures in the next 18-24 months, all in addition to other announcements that are not mine to make. (How does Lackmeyer keep his mouth shut about not yet public data?) :)

It's a great time to be in The Deuce!

Then we really should be talking. I have been working with Georgie to put together an official Deep Deuce Neighborhood Association.

urban neighbors is your neighborhood association

Had a neighborhood associating meeting tonight - I think some good things are going to start happening in the Maywood Park area of Deep Deuce...especially with the landscaping.

home owners association is a better way to describe what your talking about

Yes I know. I am a member.

which precludes the ability to create a "deep deuce neithborhood assoc"

Actually, there is now enough neighborhood differentiation and enough people living downtown that it might not be a bad idea to have subgroups within Urban Neighbors to represent the different neighborhoods, separate from a homeowners association. I don't know if there's any precedent for that, but I don't see why it would be a problem.

Thanks. I am actually quite aware of what we can do. :)


http://www.austinchronicle.com/binary/950b/ppfj.jpg

Splitters!!

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152857.jpg

There's a listing up for Apt 315:

1 NE 2nd Apt 315 (http://singleentrylisting.com/virtualtour/3728/1_ne_2nd_apt_315)

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152879.jpg

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152858.jpg

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152863.jpg

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152878.jpg

$338,000 -- chump change :wink:

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152857.jpg

There's a listing up for Apt 315:

1 NE 2nd Apt 315 (http://singleentrylisting.com/virtualtour/3728/1_ne_2nd_apt_315)

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152879.jpg

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152858.jpg

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152863.jpg

http://singleentrylisting.com/media/min-520x439/1152878.jpg

$338,000 -- chump change :wink:


Wow, that listing is a bit misleading. The 2nd and last pictures are not part of the units; they're part of the common area all residents have access to.

EDIT: NEVERMIND! I clicked on the link and looked at the actual listing and, at least to me, it doesn't appear like they're trying to say it's actually part of the unit for sale.

Wow, that listing is a bit misleading. The 2nd and last pictures are not part of the units; they're part of the common area all residents have access to.

EDIT: NEVERMIND! I clicked on the link and looked at the actual listing and, at least to me, it doesn't appear like they're trying to say it's actually part of the unit for sale.

Well, I was fooled. I wondered how all that fit into 1400sf! Ok, well it's a nice common area, but still, it should be identified clearly as such in the listing.

Well, I was fooled. I wondered how all that fit into 1400sf! Ok, well it's a nice common area, but still, it should be identified clearly as such in the listing.

I can see how someone would easily be tricked by that, so they probably should make that clear in the listing. The only reason I was able to quickly identify that as part of the common area is because I toured the building right before it opened and I remembered really liking the common area.

I don't know about the Common Room, but I do know that the rooftop deck is very frequently utilized, as I see/hear people up there all the time. It looks like a fun place to hang out.

For 338K you'd think they could take some new stock photos lol..

For 338K you'd think they could take some new stock photos lol..

Haha right - unit looks quite nice (with downtown view) - but wow that's a pretty hefty price. Are people really paying around that much for these units? Amazing - I guess I'm still suffering from a bit of sticker-shock, especially since all you hear about is OKC's "low" cost of living.

I think most present day suburbanites - like me - get a case of sticker shock when they first start looking in the newer downtown developments. It took the wind out of my sails when I first looked at The Hill. I keep hoping for homes in the $200-300K range with decent square footage to be built - I think $175-200/ft2 will be a sweet spot if it is economically feasible for a developer to build a quality product at that price point. I think ICF construction should come down in price and that will be the best alternative.

Haha right - unit looks quite nice (with downtown view) - but wow that's a pretty hefty price. Are people really paying around that much for these units? Amazing - I guess I'm still suffering from a bit of sticker-shock, especially since all you hear about is OKC's "low" cost of living.

Yes, they're good units. I was referring to the glaring pre-Devon skyline view

Yes, they're good units. I was referring to the glaring pre-Devon skyline view

It's been at least 3 years, might as well wait another 3 or 4 so they get the Mystery Towers!

Hello All,

I'm happy to report that the turn over to the residents (from the developers) of the Maywood Park Owners Association consisting of EK Gaylord to Walnut and NE 2nd to NE 4th Streets is almost complete. And I am the new President. I plan to work closely with the new President of the Brownstones, the HOA at The Lofts and LEVEL. Among other things (like landscaping, irrigation system repair, trash collection) some of my big actions items this year are: (1) dog poop signs displaying the city ordinance and bags to pick up dog waste scattered around the neighborhood; (2) taking the fence down around the utility grade on 2nd street and putting in the sloped sidewalk to increase pedestrian friendliness (by the way - does anyone know a company that might want to bid for this project? I'm hoping you all might own or know of someone who also wants this done that wont be looking to turn a huge profit on it); (3) install trashcans on 2nd St in front of The Lofts; (4) get the City to re-install the missing light poles on 2nd Street; and (5) sharrow bike lane painted on the streets.

Any other ideas?

Thanks!

Congrats President Lindsey!

Love your action items. Thanks for stepping up and investing your time and energy to make that neighborhood a better place.

If you actually get that fence removed, the visual appearance of the street will improve ten fold. It looks like there is constant construction in that little square, so unappealing.