Film Row General Thread

[Pete]

Need photos!

Or better yet, we need to get William over there with his video camera.

[BoulderSooner]

heard a strong rumor that a pizza place with a bar in comming to the film district

[metro]

Drove down film exchange today and the streetscape is finally done! It looks great!

I drove by today as well and they were still working on it, and they have yet to stripe the road; but it won't be long.

[betts]

heard a strong rumor that a pizza place with a bar in comming to the film district

That would be great. The area looks fabulous, and it just needs more diversity to make it more of a destination.

[Shipwreck]

I work across from the old Film Exchange building on Robinson, and it is slated for demolition soon. There is a beautiful concrete sign built into the building that says "Film Exchange". It is located above the main door on Robinson. It would be great if somebody could work a deal and save this when they demo the building.

Chris S.
Sokol Photography

Just FYI about the SW 5th/Robonson Film Exchange:

It was the second of three known dedicated film exchange buildings erected in Oklahoma City from 1920 to 1926. The exchanges hosted there included Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Radio Keith Orpheum Distributing (R.K.O Pictures), Pathe Films, Producers Distributing, Fox Films, First National Pictures, Vitagraph Incorporated, and Warner Brothers. Film exchanges vacated the building by 1932 due to larger space needs, amenities, and consolidation of exchange offices along Film Row. In this 1946 image (below), the former exchange hosts other businesses that include Western Tire and Equipment Co. In July 1943, the upper floors were converted into housing units for thirteen families as a federal housing project, which included nine four room and four three room apartments. From 1968 to around 1984, the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission provided services from this location with the motto "soup, soap, and salvation." It remained vacant for many years until acquired by the Asset Group in Oklahoma City in 2009.

The third Film Exchange would be built at 700 W. Grand in 1926/27.



You can view more images on the Film Exchange District facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...d=184232698210

[Shipwreck]

This building being mentioned on Robinson is very dilapidated and in poor shape. Not to mention there is nothing worthwhile around it either. It sits next to the Salvation Army that I volunteered at numerous times. The homeless liked it.

I know it may be sad, but I just don't see this one being salvaged.

Just FYI, this building is actually amazingly solid! The walls are over 12 inches thick and the floor better than that. It was built to be fireproof and still is. It was gutted as far as interior walls long ago but it makes it perfect for build-out now. This building could be EASILY saved. The Asset Group had high plans for the building but have been stopped by the city when applying for permits because someone thinks the building stands in the way of progress. The building stands along Robinson, which would become the east eadge of the new park plans. This building would make an awesome retail and residential space! The upper floors could be subdivided and the old second floor exterior doors could be used as apartment entrances. This is only one of three historic film exchanges constructed after new building codes were put into effect for film exchanges.

[Shipwreck]

I just don't see this area amounting to much unless the homeless facilities are relocated. I don't know how often any of y'all are down there, but probably THE best place to pick up indigent manual laborers in OKC is right at Sheridan and N. Robinson and there are always a lot of loiterers in the area. I don't see too many folks being comfortable visiting retail and outdoor café establishments in that area until the vagrancy issues are addressed. That may sound tacky, but it's true.

Here's an article I wrote in the Film District's newsletter THE ROW regarding the homeless: http://www.scriptfolio.net/AUGUST2010ISSUE.pdf

[Shipwreck]

I have an elderly relative that used to work for United Artists on Film Row. It's amazing how they booked the films, delivered the reels, etc. Several studios were along that strip. I'm glad to see the development coming along.

I would really like to talk to them!! Would that be possible?? Email me: bradley@scriptfolio.net

[Shipwreck]

That is KILLER. Great renovation. Perfect.

What will that building be used for?

Here is a photo from the good ole days of this entrance: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...698210&theater

The tile is a deep crimson in real life but was covered up for decades by a buff colored brick. It was doen in 1953 by Video Independent Theatres, when Henry Griffing renovated the place so he could move his offices into the space. Here is a view of that: http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.ph...698210&theater

In the first photo, behind the car, right above the doors it says Film Row Coffee Shop.

[Shipwreck]

heard a strong rumor that a pizza place with a bar in comming to the film district

700 Space will host... (see attached)

[Spartan]

Joey's Pizzeria. Sounds yummy.

[okclee]

I was in the Film Row district this morning, and..............WOW!!

I thought I was dreaming as I drove along and witnessed REAL BICYCLE LANES!!

Not share the road with a faded marking in the road or a flimsy sign saying share the road. REAL dedicated lanes with the Full striped marking to define the lane. Unbelievable in Okc!

This is the Renaissance which is alive in Okc.

[okclee]

700 Space will host... (see attached)

So Joey's is moving from their Classen location to Film Row?

[metro]

Okclee, I must have just missed you. I took pics of the bicycle lanes and will post soon.

[okclee]

Okclee, I must have just missed you. I took pics of the bicycle lanes and will post soon.

So it wasn't a dream of mine?

People will be blown away after seeing your pics. I can't wait to ride my bike down this street and all of the future bike lanes thanks to Project 180 and Devon Energy! I will try to get over this weekend and just cruise up and down this street in a real Okc dedicated bicycle lane!

[betts]

700 Space will host... (see attached)

I drove by yesterday and saw the neon sign but couldn't read it. It looked great though. I'm so glad to see it coming to Film Row. That area is really looking good.

[mcca7596]

Glad to see the relocation; there won't be a lack of quality pizza options downtown with Hideaway, Falcone's and this.

[okclee]

Wedge too.

[betts]

Is this a different Joey from the one who owns Joey's on Classen? If not, is Joey moving or expanding?

[mcca7596]

Oh yeah, forgot about that one.

Now for some real retail please!!!

[Shipwreck]

Here are some images I took today. Yes - Joeys from Classen is moving. Open April 1st, is my understanding at the new space! I know where I'm gonna start having business meetings.

I also caught a pic of the Paramount's continuing restoration/revitalization efforts. ALL of the awful stainless steel siding is GONE and work continues. Now if we could just find those letters that used to hang on the front...

[Spartan]

Mcca, Falcone's not so much...lol

Awesome pics Shipwreck. Wow that is looking good. Bike lanes. Holy crap. Holy crap. I can't say that enough.

[BG918]

I was in the Film Row district this morning, and..............WOW!!

I thought I was dreaming as I drove along and witnessed REAL BICYCLE LANES!!

Not share the road with a faded marking in the road or a flimsy sign saying share the road. REAL dedicated lanes with the Full striped marking to define the lane. Unbelievable in Okc!

This is the Renaissance which is alive in Okc.

Norman city leaders need to take a look. For a city that probably has more bicyclists than anywhere else in Oklahoma there are no on-street bike lanes anywhere.

[metro]

Wedge too.

And Hobbys

[CuatrodeMayo]

Drove down their last week and about crapped myself when I saw the bike lanes...more please.