Bodyworks Site

[catch22]

That property is owned by Fred Mazaheri who also owns the old lumberyard property just south of OKC Boulevard where they routinely charge people for overflow Bricktown parking.

I suspect that's what this will be as well, especially because Cowboy Ranch (just to the west) is drawing big weekend crowds.


BTW, city ordinance does not allow for parking on anything other than a hard surface, but it's rarely enforced.

Hard (concrete or asphalt) or improved? Would a crushed and compacted rock surface work, a la most of the cheap/free parking at the fairgrounds?

[Pete]

Would a crushed and compacted rock surface work, a la most of the cheap/free parking at the fairgrounds?

Nope, permeable surfaces of any type require a specific variance.

A homeowner can't just throw down gravel and park on it, for example.


But as I said, this isn't well enforced. But when someone starts charging in the downtown area, that should send up some flags.

Although the city itself is a huge abuser. There is a dirt lot just east of the convention center that is filled with cars most days. That started when the city began charging for the paved lot south of the CC.

[Pete]

This is the old Bodyworks site.

You can see the hotel to the north is already parking some cars there.

[rtz]

Who currently owns that piece of land?

[Pete]

Fred Mazaheri, who also owns the old Lumberyard property just south of Harkins theater and the old Goodwill site west of Scissortail Park.

[chssooner]

Fred Mazaheri, who also owns the old Lumberyard property just south of Harkins theater and the old Goodwill site west of Scissortail Park.

So the guy who sits on property he is supposed to be developing? I just hate how he is able to hold thee key properties, blatantly ignore development requirements, and get away with it.

[BoulderSooner]

So the guy who sits on property he is supposed to be developing? I just hate how he is able to hold thee key properties, blatantly ignore development requirements, and get away with it.

the only one with any development requirement is the old goodwill property

[soonerguru]

the only one with any development requirement is the old goodwill property

I forget, so help me here, what has Mazaheri actually developed?

[chssooner]

the only one with any development requirement is the old goodwill property

Fair enough, but the fact he is not complying lends itself to me believing he is a fraud who has just enough money to hinder OKC from moving forward.

[Rover]

I forget, so help me here, what has Mazaheri actually developed?

For one, a pretty large commercial development at the Kilpatrick Turnpike and May.

[HangryHippo]

For one, a pretty large commercial development at the Kilpatrick Turnpike and May.

Is it the one on the SW corner of May and the turnpike? If so, that’s one of the nicer looking strips in OKC. He could certainly pull off something nice on this site. It needs to be brought back to life.

[PhiAlpha]

Fair enough, but the fact he is not complying lends itself to me believing he is a fraud who has just enough money to hinder OKC from moving forward.

That's a bit harsh.

[chssooner]

That's a bit harsh.

Maybe. But that lot next to Scissortail Park has no business being empty or undeveloped like it is. This was basically supposed to be under construction by now, yet he has done nothing, no plans or anything. Why is this allowed?

It's almost criminal, and I hate that no one is holding him accountable, not even himself.

[Rover]

Is it the one on the SW corner of May and the turnpike? If so, that’s one of the nicer looking strips in OKC. He could certainly pull off something nice on this site. It needs to be brought back to life.

It is that one.

[Rover]

Maybe. But that lot next to Scissortail Park has no business being empty or undeveloped like it is. This was basically supposed to be under construction by now, yet he has done nothing, no plans or anything. Why is this allowed?

It's almost criminal, and I hate that no one is holding him accountable, not even himself.

You need to get into commercial development. It is so easy.

[chssooner]

You need to get into commercial development. It is so easy.

I'm not saying it's easy. But he's supposedly experienced with this, and has strict guidelines to adhere to. Sure, that governing body should hold him accountable, but he should also hold himself accountable. Just my opinion.

[Just the facts]

Implementing a Land Value Tax in the urban core would solve these types of issues virtually over night. Owners of vacant and under-utilized property wouldn't be able to build fast enough.

[onthestrip]

Implementing a Land Value Tax in the urban core would solve these types of issues virtually over night. Owners of vacant and under-utilized property wouldn't be able to build fast enough.

I vote yes to this. Vacant land property taxes should be at a higher rate, would end a lot of those who buy speculatively with no plans of doing anything.

[therhett17]

Why is this called the Bodyworks site? What is "Bodyworks"? Besides Bath & Body Works lol

[ManAboutTown]

Why is this called the Bodyworks site? What is "Bodyworks"? Besides Bath & Body Works lol

There was an auto body repair shop located there as recently as a few years ago. They had another location south of the Kilpatrick Turnpike between Western and Santa Fe.

[GoGators]

Why is this called the Bodyworks site? What is "Bodyworks"? Besides Bath & Body Works lol

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4652...7i13312!8i6656

[soonerguru]

For one, a pretty large commercial development at the Kilpatrick Turnpike and May.

Thank you. That is encouraging as that is one of the nicest strip developments in OKC, with an interesting mix of tenants. Not like it's groundbreaking or anything but it is much nicer than the status quo in this city.

[soonerguru]

Implementing a Land Value Tax in the urban core would solve these types of issues virtually over night. Owners of vacant and under-utilized property wouldn't be able to build fast enough.

I've been an advocate of that for more than a decade.