Coop Aleworks had announced plans in June of 2022 after a deal was struck with the state to purchase the property on NE 23rd between I-235 and the Capitol complex. The plans at that time called for a hotel, brewery, and restaurants.
Shortly thereafter, Coop was sold to OKC-based Mark Fischer, and things went quiet as the new owner contemplated the best way to move forward.
Now, Fischer Companies has entered into a joint venture with Beaty Capital Group of Rogers, Arkansas and together they will tackle the ambitious remodel.
In a release, the project was described as a scalable 4,500-capacity theater under the Temple Live brand, plus a small 500-person emerging artist venue to support local acts.
Included will be a state of the art audio and lighting, plans also call for a 360-degree immersive visual system.
The venue will offer several viewing levels and VIP sections with catering and suites.
A restaurant, pub, and microbrewery will also be included.
Temple Live is involved in multiple popular music venues, many remodeled historical structures. They will bring strong booking credentials to the Armory.
Temple also took a hard run at the Gold Dome at NW 23rd & Classen a couple of years ago, but those plans never solidified. Recently, Kismet Koncerts - a Tulsa-based concert and event company - announced the intention to bring live music to the Dome, as Kismet owner Mike Brown had been a part of the Temple Live group when they first drafted plans.
If both venues move forward, they will be significant additions to the growing OKC music scene, just over a mile apart with that short strip of NW 23rd already including Tower Theatre, Pony Boy, and Blue Note Lounge as well as scores of restaurants and bars in the Uptown District.
