Broadway becomes downtown retail hub
IN JUST TWO YEARS, STREET TRANSFORMS INTO HOME FOR VARIETY OF BUSINESSES
BY STEVE LACKMEYER
Published: December 17, 2008



PHOTO BY PAUL HELLSTERN, THE OKLAHOMAN

Neon signs are popping up all along Automobile Alley, shown Tuesday, as Broadway is transformed into downtown’s retail corridor.

Broadway — once a dilapidated urban stretch of empty and boarded up buildings — is quickly becoming the retail hub of a resurging downtown Oklahoma City.

In just the past two years alone, the corridor known as Automobile Alley has become home to Red Prime Steakhouse, Coffee Slingers, Cricket Communications, Schlegel Bicycles, First Fidelity Bank and Bicycle Alley.

Add to that mix a dry cleaner, office supply store, an art gallery, a music store, a screen printing shop and a couple dozen residential lofts.


Offering atmosphere
For David Lack, such a mix made Broadway his top pick for opening his store, Broadway Wine Merchants.
"With all that’s going on downtown, with all the renovations, we thought it was time for another option for a wine shop,” said Lack, who is very aware that liquor retailing giant Byron’s is just north of downtown.

"We’re just trying to offer a little different atmosphere, top notch service, more knowledge, a different shopping experience,” Lack said. "All the residential development coming in downtown was part of our decision to put the store in, as well as the NBA coming to town. The way downtown Oklahoma City is going, it’s thriving. And either you get in now or you might miss out.”

Lack said he jumped at the opportunity to move into the first floor of the European Motors building, 824 N Broadway, when the space recently was vacated by the leasing office for the Block 42 condominiums. He loved the high ceilings, the corner lot and the large windows. He also kept the wood floor installed as part of a showroom for the condominiums.

Joining Lack on Broadway is OhSo Blush, a florist that opened a block south.

Steve Schlegel, owner of Schlegel Bicycles, 900 N Broadway, said he’s not surprised by the influx of retailers.

"We love it down here,” Schlegel said. "It’s met our expectations in every way.”


Targeting customers
Schlegel said when he first opened about two years ago, he targeted customers from throughout the city.

"Downtown was the central location,” Schlegel said. "We beat the rush, but now I’m seeing more interest. I really envision this being a neat little market where you have a lot of little shops known for quality and selection.”

Continuing trend
Alison Oshel, a retail analyst with the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, said she is expecting Broadway retail development to continue.
"Automobile Alley is one of the few districts downtown that has the high ceilings and the transparent glass that allows you to do displays,” Oshel said.

"It’s a natural fit. And they’ve done a wonderful job at mixing up the products.

"But it’s taken some owners to provide the capital investment. There had to be a dream and belief it could happen.”