Classen Curve

[metro]

Northpark's not dead, it's more alive than Crossroads, and almost as much as Quail, its more leased than both.

[Larry OKC]

Last time I was in Northpark (admittedly been at least a couple of years) I would have to agree with the "dead and dull" comment. If spaces were leased most of the stores were closed (early evening). Place was essentially deserted of any foot traffic. Reminded my of Shepherd Mall, Crossroads, the now closed one over in Mid-Del the last time I was in them. Certainly no comparison to Quail or Penn Square crowds.

[Rover]

Northpark's not dead, it's more alive than Crossroads, and almost as much as Quail, its more leased than both.

The mortuary is more alive than Crossroads. Any comparison to Quail is ludicrous.

[Patrick]

If you are talking about Northpark Mall in OKC, you have to be kidding. NP is dead and dull.

Yeah, where have you been lately? Back in the late 80's, early 90's, it was empty and actually had the south end closed off, but the mall has actually made a revival in recent years, and is doing pretty well. Not 100% occupancy, but I'd be willing to bet well over 75% occupancy.

[Patrick]

Last time I was in Northpark (admittedly been at least a couple of years) I would have to agree with the "dead and dull" comment. If spaces were leased most of the stores were closed (early evening). Place was essentially deserted of any foot traffic. Reminded my of Shepherd Mall, Crossroads, the now closed one over in Mid-Del the last time I was in them. Certainly no comparison to Quail or Penn Square crowds.

Yeah, upscale stores tend to close at 5 or 6PM. So, of course it dies down after that, with the exception of the movie theater. And the stores there are mostly upscale boutique stores, so they're obviously not going to attract the traffic that national retailers attract. But, the mall itself is actually doing fairly well.

[Patrick]

The mortuary is more alive than Crossroads. Any comparison to Quail is ludicrous.

Been to Quail Springs lately? They're having huge problems with leasing, and aren't doing well financially. If you haven't noticed, a lot of the national retailers have started pulling out of Quail (the Abercrombie chain for instance, and The Limited might be next), because their same stores at Penn Square make more than double the amount. So, they've filled the empty space with lots of temporary tenants, and it's beginning to look a lot like Crossroads in its later days. I'm not saying Quail is going to die, because the demographics around it will keep it from completely going down, but right now things aren't looking rosey at Quail.

[MikeOKC]

Yeah, where have you been lately? Back in the late 80's, early 90's, it was empty and actually had the south end closed off, but the mall has actually made a revival in recent years, and is doing pretty well. Not 100% occupancy, but I'd be willing to bet well over 75% occupancy.

Absolutely. I think a big part of the perception is because many of the stores are locally owned boutique-type places. Everyone says we want locally owned retail - but if many don't see the logos they recognize - it's "dead."

[dankrutka]

Absolutely. I think a big part of the perception is because many of the stores are locally owned boutique-type places. Everyone says we want locally owned retail - but if many don't see the logos they recognize - it's "dead."

Yeah... if it's in a mall. Mall's are not places for local stores to develop an identity and base. Local stores should attempt to locate in places that, well, feel more local. Indoor malls were invented for the generic, national brands.

[BDP]

Everyone says we want locally owned retail - but if many don't see the logos they recognize - it's "dead."

I don't think many here say that at all. There has been a good push to eat locally that is catching on, but most people get more excited by national retailers for sure. I bet there are a lot of people here that literally never shop at a local retailer and only lament that we don't have stores every other city has.

[Patrick]

Yeah... if it's in a mall. Mall's are not places for local stores to develop an identity and base. Local stores should attempt to locate in places that, well, feel more local. Indoor malls were invented for the generic, national brands.

Well, I guess Northpark has gone against all odds then, because it's always been made up of mostly local upscale boutique stores.

[Snowman]

Yeah, where have you been lately? Back in the late 80's, early 90's, it was empty and actually had the south end closed off, but the mall has actually made a revival in recent years, and is doing pretty well. Not 100% occupancy, but I'd be willing to bet well over 75% occupancy.

Good to hear things have turned 180 degrees around from the last time I was their in the late 80's, when it almost all the store had either closed or felt on the verge of closing.

[bluedogok]

Well, I guess Northpark has gone against all odds then, because it's always been made up of mostly local upscale boutique stores.

Even the "chain stores" that it had for the most part were locally owned franchises. The Benetton store there in the 80's was owned by a local and a franchise location.

[Patrick]

And right now you could basically say that stores like Shoe Gallery, Genos Furs, Jerome's, and the cinema are the mall's anchors.

[metro]

Patrick, for not liking Northpark and Classen Curve, you sure do spend lots of time talking about it.

[dankrutka]

Patrick, for not liking Northpark and Classen Curve, you sure do spend lots of time talking about it.

Agreed. Gets old.


Moving on... Any rumors on other businesses moving into CC?

[Dustin]

What is going in next to the Anthropology?

[dankrutka]

I think others have indicated that it is supposed to be a bank...

[Tydude]

i think its a bank because its a big building

[betts]

The "drive-through" is gone and replaced by a giant tripod of beams the purpose of which is a mystery to me. Almost half of the building is glass. I don't think it's a bank, but it doesn't really look like an office building either. I'm not sure what it's going to be.

[dankrutka]

Are there any new stores/restaurants moving into Classen Curve (not counting the Triangle)? It seems like it's been a while since any tenants have been announced...

[metro]

Are there any new stores/restaurants moving into Classen Curve (not counting the Triangle)? It seems like it's been a while since any tenants have been announced...

Black Optical, Shave Shop, Winter House interiors recently moved in, and I think I'm missing one other.

[dankrutka]

Yeah. I knew those, but they were announced a while ago and have all been moved in and open for a while. Just seems like the first time there are no rumors, pending announcements, or anything else...

[Pete]

Plans submitted to planning commission for expansion of CC:

[BoulderSooner]

looks like the last hold out sold .... good to see the plans for the 2 new buildings .. that will really open up and connect CC and solve the future parking problem ..

[onthestrip]

Looks like those new buildings have a little more depth, should help attract some better tenants.