South of St Anthony

[OKCMallen]

I'm not big on SOSA, but it's better than Cottage District, IMO.

[onthestrip]

Does Fitzsimmons only design and build residences for his customers or can he just do the design/consultation of a residence. Alos, Im assuming he probably is, but is Fitzsimmons fairly expensive to hire.

[bella]

As a licensed architect, he can handle all aspects of commercial and residential projects, from concept, feasability, designing, research, coordination with contractors and construction Administration. His fees are typical of the market in Oklahoma, for the size and experience of his firm. The actual build of a project is something else, and the firm carefully selects which projects they will be the contractors on.

[jbrown84]

I'm guessing what onthestrip is asking is if you have to hire Fitzsimmons to design a house from scratch or if he will sell plans for existing designs. Most new homes are not a unique floor plan and it adds a lot of cost to have one designed.

[CuatrodeMayo]

I can guarentee Fitz will not just sell you a house plan.

[onthestrip]

It wouldnt be something from existing designs. It would most likely be something from scratch. Just was wondering if he has to be the contractor on any residence he designs. I like his work, but I have the ability to be my own contractor.

[dkbrewer]

As a licensed architect, he can handle all aspects of commercial and residential projects, from concept, feasability, designing, research, coordination with contractors and construction Administration. His fees are typical of the market in Oklahoma, for the size and experience of his firm. The actual build of a project is something else, and the firm carefully selects which projects they will be the contractors on.

Bella-you sound like his PR person! and onthestrip-why don't you just call the guy?

[bella]

Bella-you sound like his PR person! and onthestrip-why don't you just call the guy?

Well, in the interest of full disclosure... I am his wife!

[autoMATTic]

What is the latest on this area? I could see myself building there and being a part of it. However, I worry about the potential investment risk if only three or four houses get built and it fizzles out. I realize its not a neighborhood development but I'd like to ensure my neighbors arent serial killers or crack heads. Anyone know how many houses are currently in process? What about the crime rate of that area?

I love the architecture. While some of it is a little much for me, I could see myself living in a home built with those materials but less dramatic angles/corners and more wood and landscaping. More importantly, the view a rooftop terrace (NYC style) would provide of downtown would be incredible.

Thanks for the info., whoever provides it.

[okyeah]

What about the crime rate of that area?

I did a Crime Tracker search.....found mostly burglaries in the surrounding area. There weren't any on NW 7th though

[Urban Pioneer]

Ha ha. At least three of those were from my place. Uhhhh... I take that back. Heather Keith, and I are on fourth and fifth. I guess were in the lowly vortex of "no man's land" on the edge of SOSA. Not sure if were in it or not. If we are, I'm quite sure my welcome basket was stolen. I can attest that we have a full-fledged gypsy camp in the over grown lot on 5th. Tents, fires, mandolins and more.

[kevinpate]

fires and overgrown lots ... not a pretty mental picture.

[Urban Pioneer]

well, it's funny. When I first moved here little old ladies would come up to me at St. Joseph's and let me know they were praying for me- quote " to avoid being shot by the gang bangers in Deep Deuce". That was 8 years ago. I kinda want the prayers now- particularly avoiding being knocked unconscious by a beer bottle or two. Rick Dowell's mega office park and the gated compounds of "Legacy" and Sycamore Square do little in terms of positive pedestrian movement to counteract all the questionable characters. It does create continuous sources of ammusement though.

[metro]

What is the latest on this area? I could see myself building there and being a part of it. However, I worry about the potential investment risk if only three or four houses get built and it fizzles out. I realize its not a neighborhood development but I'd like to ensure my neighbors arent serial killers or crack heads. Anyone know how many houses are currently in process? What about the crime rate of that area?

I love the architecture. While some of it is a little much for me, I could see myself living in a home built with those materials but less dramatic angles/corners and more wood and landscaping. More importantly, the view a rooftop terrace (NYC style) would provide of downtown would be incredible.

Thanks for the info., whoever provides it.

Not much as far as the official SoSA movement. We had to put it on hold as I was working on other projects, etc. Now that I am done with Downtown Living Tour and other projects. I hope to get some official momentum going on SoSA. The Lovallo residence (already posted) was the last one to break ground, there is also a remodel/construction on the corner of NW 8th and Francis (it's going to be half old/half modern). There are also several others on the drawing boards and in the pipeline. This area is definitely not going to die, unless a major unforeseen problem hits the metro. It's too close to downtown not to evolve naturally in a more progressive way. It's about the only swath of land downtown with reasonable houses and vacant land. I've lived in "SoSA" for 3 years now going on 4 and no problems.

[autoMATTic]

Not much as far as the official SoSA movement. We had to put it on hold as I was working on other projects, etc. Now that I am done with Downtown Living Tour and other projects. I hope to get some official momentum going on SoSA. The Lovallo residence (already posted) was the last one to break ground, there is also a remodel/construction on the corner of NW 8th and Francis (it's going to be half old/half modern). There are also several others on the drawing boards and in the pipeline. This area is definitely not going to die, unless a major unforeseen problem hits the metro. It's too close to downtown not to evolve naturally in a more progressive way. It's about the only swath of land downtown with reasonable houses and vacant land. I've lived in "SoSA" for 3 years now going on 4 and no problems.

Thanks for the update. I worry about my wife more than anything. I like to think I can "hold my own" but would worry about her getting in and out of the car, house, etc. Especially at night. Maybe I could create my own compound! haha

[soonerguru]

I think your wife would be safe. The types of charcters one would encounter are mostly homeless, drug addicts, etc. Not really violent criminals.

People shouldn't be afraid -- fear is recognizable to the bad guys, and they will prey on fearful people. Just use your big-city instincts and remain aware of your surroundings.

There is no gang activity in that area that I'm aware of. There are a few pimps and hos and pushers, but nothing really threatening.

Small property crime could be a concern, such as car break-ins, etc.

[metro]

My wife and 3 yr old nephew have been safe the last 3 years. As with anything, yes there is a risk, but I wouldn't be too concerned about it. There are several families with kids in the area and I don't see them worrying. I only see the area getting better every month.

Another update - went home for lunch today and crews were out building forms for the west wall of the Lovallo residence.

[Luke]

You guys haven't heard? That area is like the Crossroads Mall of neighborhoods.

BEWARE!!!!





/sarcasm

[bella]

Ha ha. At least three of those were from my place. Uhhhh... I take that back. Heather Keith, and I are on fourth and fifth. I guess were in the lowly vortex of "no man's land" on the edge of SOSA. Not sure if were in it or not. If we are, I'm quite sure my welcome basket was stolen. I can attest that we have a full-fledged gypsy camp in the over grown lot on 5th. Tents, fires, mandolins and more.

You're considered neighbors! Welcomed ones at that. You and the Pauls however ARE in the Downtown district. And yes, the empty abandoned and unkempt lots are magnets for people who have no other place to go, to congregate. They do tend to want to be left alone and over the 3 yrs, I noticed they have gotten the message that my husband & I aren't going anywhere so they leave us alone more and more.

[bella]

Here's my 2 cents. Over the last 3 years, as more people move in, it's naturally become more hospitable. The former habitat home has a new resident. The Brownstone on Francis across the way has a fabulous young family (2 adorable school girls to boot!). I frequently see that family out front enjoying themselves. The house N of Lovallo's future home has been renovated, the property East of that belonging to Brad Edmonds is in process. The Wells have been here a season or two, now, and another Young *wink* couple are planning to build on 8th just East of Francis. Rob Elliott moved his architecture firm onto 6th just E of Francis. & it looks like the rooftop residence on the City Glass building is about done. Imagine his view!
We've been fortunate that so soon after we moved in, we gained neighbors, and having friendly eyes about certainly helps to keep any trouble makers away. Still in 3 years we've not had any serious problems. No break in, no thievery, no real vandalism. Yes, empty beer cans in the yard, and errant dog poop, sometimes!
The area is not for everyone- I get & respect that. There's always the city soundscape in the background, the faint hum of highway, the roll of the train, punctuated by occasional sirens. There's also always activity outside, people walking by, conversations (sometimes loud ones) drifting up. If an unknown face in the neighborhood sends you dialing 911, you're going to be on the phone a lot down here! But, if you're wanting the downtown vibe, and want to be part of a growing community ( I actually know and enjoy many of my neighbors!) you can design a house that is safe and allows you to enjoy the neighborhood while still providing security and privacy. Hope this helps, either way!

[bluedogok]

How many of those empty lots are for sale? Whenever I do a search nothing comes up for the area.

[tuck]

I think more than 1/2 of the empty lots between Walker/6th and Shartel/4th are for sale.

[Urban Pioneer]

oh. I'm not worried about it. It does seem though that 4th and 5th are a serious corridoor for vagrants and the misplaced. The crew putting on my roof today asked me permission to put the uninstalled gutters inside the house. They were actually afraid someone would climb up on the roof and steal them if they were left up there unattached. I do think that things will improve once more people are actually living down there. I have a few break in stories for later. Regarding lots, they are around and can become available at a reasonable price- you haveto work hard and research owners/ask often.

[metro]

Urban Pioneer's place isn't in SoSA but it is close, his place is more MidTown or Arts District, although it's kind of no mans land too. Technically SoSA's south border is NW 6th street. The East/West boundaries vary, but pretty much encompasses Classen to Walker. For a map of the district go to:

Free SoSA

[Urban Pioneer]

Since that had been made abundantly clear to me, maybe we should start our own district!! Lol. I guess we might be part of arts.