Midtown

[Larry OKC]

No need to do that Metro, after all according to the Chamber, our economy is doing just fine as in on the verge of a major boom (recent sales tax revenues indicate it to)

[Spartan]

Well I'm quite sure that it will be developed commercial if anything, since it fronts Classen and is zoned commercial not that that means anything though. It might not end up ever being developed though if something is not done with the ghastly streetscapes along Classen.

[okclee]

I believe Classen has improvement on the way, complete with sidewalks and landscaping.

[Spartan]

From the bond issue?

[okclee]

Yes, Classen should be coming up soon for the scheduled work.

[Spartan]

I think this leads to another issue facing those bond issue street improvements in general. They've been impossible to get info on, I'm glad they're doing something about 23rd but I'm kind of underwhelmed by it from a streetscape perspective, where it had huge potential. Is 23rd enough? Western Ave has been planned for a new streetscape for years as well I believe, and I am still not sure how far off that is.

Something must be done about Classen soon, and I am certain that the bond improvements will put it in acceptable condition, but will that be enough? If we can get a bang-up streetscape for Classen, I think that the western edge of Mid-town really could take off, but it won't until then.

[okclee]

I've emailed the city about having a project schedule list. I suggested it include updates on which projects are on-going and completed. I also asked that they show the estimated costs and actual costs of such projects.

I received a standard thank you for your suggestion reply email.

[Spartan]

Yeah, and if you call anyone at the planning department you won't even get your call answered by a human.

[Urban Pioneer]

Western Ave has been planned for a new streetscape for years as well I believe, and I am still not sure how far off that is.

I am working on part of this project and the first round of drawings have been sent for approval. My guess is that it will be spring when obvious stuff starts to happen. It is a bid project from essentially 23rd street to I-44. It will not widen the street so much as make it more pedestrian and aesthetically better and more functional.

[Spartan]

I am working on part of this project and the first round of drawings have been sent for approval. My guess is that it will be spring when obvious stuff starts to happen. It is a bid project from essentially 23rd street to I-44. It will not widen the street so much as make it more pedestrian and aesthetically better and more functional.

I've heard it compared to the Brookside streetscape in Tulsa. If you're familiar with that, do you think it's an appropriate comparison? (aside from Peoria being 4-lane, Western being 2-lane)

[Urban Pioneer]

I've heard it compared to the Brookside streetscape in Tulsa. If you're familiar with that, do you think it's an appropriate comparison? (aside from Peoria being 4-lane, Western being 2-lane)

That might be fair. They are "squeezing in" some protected turns. So there will be some minimal expansion. Regarding the streetscape, the drawings do remind me of Brookside now that you mention it.

[soonerhcf]

On the NE corner of 10th & Broadway it looks like they're replacing that old, crappy storefront infill with new windows. I don't know why they're doing it, but I'm glad that they are. It sure looks better.

[metro]

OKC Cityscape is moving in that building (you know the lego version of Downtown). Article in Today's Daily Oklahoman. Anyhow I snapped pics of it on my way to work this morning. If my pics look dark, it's because I snapped them at the stoplight through tinted windows. The new windows are a huge improvement over the semi boarded up windows that were there. They were tan and green, you can kind of see similar to what they looked like in the first two pictures, you can see some of the green wood left towards the right or back end of the building.








With move downtown, OK Cityscape hopes to build more interest
OK Cityscape, the Lego re-creation of Oklahoma City, is moving downtown for its second season.

BY STEVE LACKMEYER Oklahoman Comment on this article 0
Published: September 24, 2010

After experimenting with Penn Square Mall for its debut, OK Cityscape — the Lego re-creation of Oklahoma City — is moving downtown.Exhibit to open Nov. 6

OK Cityscape is an annual, interactive exhibit launched by venture capitalist/philanthropist David Matthews in 2009 as a long-term fundraiser benefiting Oklahoma City Educare, a flagship early childhood education center. The exhibit is a toy replica of Oklahoma City built with Lego bricks and elements.

Lego Master Builder Kurt Zimmerle, one of the world's pre-eminent Lego brick artists, led the initial construction phase. More than 1 million bricks and elements were used to create lifelike streets scenes that featured Oklahoma City landmarks, including the Oklahoma National Memorial, The Skirvin Hilton, Myriad Botanical Gardens, Oklahoma State Capitol, Oklahoma City Museum of Art and The Bricktown Canal.

Recognized as one of the world's largest Lego displays, the exhibit is presented at kids' eye view, brought to life with lights, sound effects, robotics and animatronics. A "Kids Construction Zone" allows children to build their own Lego creations.The exhibit will open Nov. 6 and will run through Dec. 31. Crews have spent the past few weeks renovating the ground floor facade at 1100 N Broadway, a former automobile dealership that marks the northern gateway to Automobile Alley.


Read more: http://newsok.com/with-move-downtown...#ixzz10SPfW95A

[kimmi2408]

Does anyone know what vacant lots are up for sale in the Midtown area? I apologize if it has already been discussed on here. Lots of threads! My husband and I are looking to build a modern home in this area.

[OKC@heart]

That building is screaming for want of some well placed exterior lighting on the vertical elements between the windows and some really cool signage! Place some Black canvas awnings above the lower windows on the first floor and that building will look awesome!!!!

[Spartan]

The difference there on the first floor of that building is night and day. Wow. I'm sure that will get them a lot more interest in leasing those two buildings as well. What an awesome bldg, and I was never even really that gung ho about that one..the 1101 is the crown jewel of that street corner.

[metro]

According to MidTown Renaissance Group via the new issue of OKC Biz, Hadden Hall apartments will go from $700-$1000, they also have leased 15 of the 16 units at 12th and Francis, they intend to work on 1212 N. Walker sometime next year! I know many of you are interested in seeing this building redeveloped. It will be developed into 24 one bedroom apartments. Can't wait till they get to the Osler!

[Spartan]

I will be curious to see which of the two design schemes are closer to what they will do with 1212. I liked 'em both, but I think the Wade Scaramucci rendering was more modern.

[USG'60]

One new and interesting development is that Utopia Joe and Tiffany Michelle have been "given" a house on 9th St. to live in while they turn it into a work of art. You can follow the progress here. http://artistadventureblog.blogspot.....html?spref=fb. If anyone know more about it than that, I would be interested in hearing it.

[DammitDan]

Just drove by the building where the OKC Cityscape is moving to. Yikes...

[metro]

I saw that yesterday, glad you snapped a pic. Looks nice compared to the building before. It will definitely draw some eye appeal to AutoAlley. Hopefully we'll see some real retailers before too much longer.

[kevinpate]

That's downright adorable. Yeah, ok, it'd be lame if it wasn't the new home of LEGGOKC or whatever they call it, but all in all, too cute, and kiddies dragging their folks there, and versa-vicsa, will enjoy walking up to the building.

[metro]

Cityscape Project

[SkyWestOKC]

Looks fine. Adds some other colors to the mix when you view it. Think: fun, exciting, differentetc.

[CuatrodeMayo]

Not a fan.