Classen Curve

[BBatesokc]

I don't agree with this, I walk the entire Utica Square because of the layout.

Agreed. Bet the distance from one end of the CC to the other isn't much further than opposite ends of Penn Square Mall or the Outlet Mall (though probably a bit further). Or better yet, Congress Ave. shopping in Austin. But - because of layout everyone walks the distance of those (and back again), but I wouldn't do it at CC in most instances (simply because it seems further and there is virtually nothing to get my attention between points A and B).

[onthestrip]

I don't agree with this, I walk the entire Utica Square because of the layout.

Exactly. Squares or plaza type centers are much better for pedestrians. A long snaking strip center is not.

[bchris02]

I like the design and agree it's unique and pretty sharp. In addition, all the store build-outs are well above standard and for the most part very interesting.

It's the lack of street frontage and general layout of the center itself that is the real issue IMO.

Agreed. Not being able to really see it from the road is a big problem. I like the general style of it though.

[bluedogok]

One of the worst is where I used to work, The Domain in Austin. I took my car in for service at the shop that was at Braker Lane & Burnet Road, a rather far walk in the Central Texas heat. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 portions have an anchor at each end (P1-Macy's, P2-Dick's) and nothing but a parking lot in between, the only sidewalk is all the way to the east along the road, I know of very few who ever walked from one phase to the other. Once you got past the P2 portion (by Dillard's) the sidewalks ended, just dirt paths to Braker Lane. There are plenty of examples of poor design in that complex, one of the accessibility advocate groups that my wife knew sued them for non-compliance with the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), the state version of the ADA that compels more compliance than the national (DoJ) version. They claimed "the economy" has hampered compliance as they haven't been able to put in the accessibility that was designed in the master plan. It really somes down to the fact they didn't want to spend the money until the area nearby was developed.

What I have seen of CC it isn't near as bad, not great but not a complete "turn your back" on walkability and connectivity like The Domain.

[Praedura]

I came across the EOA (Elmslie Osler Architect) site, which has some nice photos and info about the new Anthropologie in OKC:
ANTHROPOLOGIE OKLAHOMA CITY / EOA / ELMSLIE OSLER ARCHITECT

I have to admit, though, that the design is not really my cup of tea. Still, I appreciate having interesting and different building designs around the metro.

For comparison, the Tulsa store info is here:
ANTHROPOLOGIE TULSA / EOA / ELMSLIE OSLER ARCHITECT

(I think Tulsa actually got the better looking building)

[Pete]

Bizarre that that big space just west of Anthropologie is still vacant after all this time.

[MDot]

I also like the OKC version.

[Mr. Cotter]

From a exterior (and male) perspective, I like the look of the OKC store. My wife prefers the layout of the Tulsa location. Tulsa's is longer, and has three levels. She thinks that layout is easier to shop.

[ljbab728]

Since I will likely never be inside of an Anthropologie store I have to ask. Are they really that barren looking on the inside? It appears that they have almost no merchandise.

[Dustin]

Since I will likely never be inside of an Anthropologie store I have to ask. Are they really that barren looking on the inside? It appears that they have almost no merchandise.

I was in Anthropologie yesterday and it is HUGE! There is a ton of merchandise. It is definitely a girly store but there are a lot of interesting items for all us men that are dragged there.

[betts]

Since I will likely never be inside of an Anthropologie store I have to ask. Are they really that barren looking on the inside? It appears that they have almost no merchandise.

The windows are somewhat understated, as they like their artwork to be the primary focus, but the stores are loaded with varied merchandise. I always miss at least a third of the items when I go in, it seems, no matter how much time I spend in there.

[ljbab728]

The windows are somewhat understated, as they like their artwork to be the primary focus, but the stores are loaded with varied merchandise. I always miss at least a third of the items when I go in, it seems, no matter how much time I spend in there.

Actually I wasn't referring to the windows. Specifically the pictures of the Tulsa store shown earlier make the interior look very empty.

[betts]

I've never been to the Tulsa store. But, I've never been in an Anthropologie I thought looked empty. They have a visual manager for each store, and attempt to decorate the interior at the same time that they display merchandise. I wouldn't call them cluttered, however. The last time I checked, the Tulsa store was doing very well for a store of its size, though. As has the OKC store.

[Larry OKC]

Agree, the pics posted show a very sparsely stocked, wide open spaces store...the merchandise easily condensed into a store a fourth of the size. Also the earlier comment about Tulsa having 3 levels seemed odd as the exterior looks like a single story store. But went back and looked, and sure enough there are flights of stairs, so technically on different levels. But I was reading levels=story/floors

[Rover]

Better stores don't usually just stack merchandise up. Their display and merchandise spread is usually more sophisticated. Compared to a lower priced merchandise store where they need to create great amounts of sales of cheaper merchandise it will look more sparse. These guys have a pretty successful formula.

[ljbab728]

Better stores don't usually just stack merchandise up. Their display and merchandise spread is usually more sophisticated. Compared to a lower priced merchandise store where they need to create great amounts of sales of cheaper merchandise it will look more sparse. These guys have a pretty successful formula.

I certainly understand that, but the Tulsa store looks like they could taxi a 747 down the aisles and not hit anything. I've been in Neiman Marcus and some very upscale stores on Rodeo Drive and in New York City and they don't look like that.

[bluedogok]

Rent on Rodeo and in NYC are significantly higher, therefore a bit more utilization of space is necessary on a price per sf basis. From looking in the few visible windows the one in The Domain in Austin was "sparse" in comparison to those high dollar urban type of stores.

[ljbab728]

Well merchandising is very much out of my areas of expertise so I'll just have to assume they know what they're doing. It was just a casual observation.

[dankrutka]

It's a little surprising that Classen Curve doesn't have any type of drinking estabishment besides Republic, which is primarily a restaurant, not a bar. Wouldn't a pub, martini bar, or jazz club help to bring foot traffic on a regular basis. Just an idea since the place appears like it will be sitting half vacant for the near future.

[betts]

Interestingly, I was at Classen Curve on Saturday to pick up some cupcakes at Green Goodies and I noticed something. The entire parking lot was full of cars. Obviously people are eating and shopping there. I've heard rumors that Starbucks is moving out of the Plaza, but the person telling me that wasn't sure if they were moving to the Curve or the Triangle. I also heard Red Coyote is expanding and miving to a different space there. These are just rumors. But traffic is definitely picking up.

[onthestrip]

A wine bar seems like it would be a definite home run at CC

[metro]

Does CC really need any more bars and restaurants anyways?

[onthestrip]

Does CC really need any more bars and restaurants anyways?

Restaurants? No. A nice wine bar? Yes

[BBatesokc]

It's a little surprising that Classen Curve doesn't have any type of drinking estabishment besides Republic, which is primarily a restaurant, not a bar. Wouldn't a pub, martini bar, or jazz club help to bring foot traffic on a regular basis. Just an idea since the place appears like it will be sitting half vacant for the near future.

My fear with a popular pub at the CC would be that the parking lot would be dominated with those patrons. As pointed out by another poster, often times the parking areas already appear pretty full and the place is still pretty void of tenants. Sort of like what has happened at Plaza Court. McNellie's patrons dominate the parking lot from early evening on. I know it effects Subway, Irma's and even the YMCA. I love McNellie's, but an unfortunate consequence can be that it causes concern for other businesses. My wife and I looked to put in a nicer liquor store in at Plaza Court but decided against it when we were told we could not reserve any spaces directly in front of the business.

[Larry OKC]

What? Parking in OKC an issue? Say it isn't so (and many will)