Classen Curve

[Rover]

Heard from a good source they already have multiple legit offers...at least one for both properties. Includes additional residential development. National real estate investment company likely.

[Just the facts]

Wonder if Aubrey will be part of a new development group....

Personally, I would prefer AM stick to growing an oil/gas company and keep his hands of real estate/neighborhood development (unless somehow he gets a lot better at it).

[kevinpate]

If I ever sell a car instead of driving it until the wheels fall off, I hope AM is the guy who responds to the CL ad.

[Rover]

Some smaller properties at 63rd Western have been, or are in the process of selling off now.

[OKCTalker]

Some smaller properties at 63rd Western have been, or are in the process of selling off now.

C'mon, Rover - you can't tease us like that!

[Rover]

I also can't breach confidences with specific information. Sorry. I value my friendships and it would be wrong. Just wanted to say that it seems to be occurring NOW, not happening at some future date. And it seems like there will be buyers....local for the smaller properties and national for the larger ones. At least that seems to be where the interest is coming from.

[Pete]

Uptown Candy -- owned by the same people that operate Uptown Kids -- to open in Classen Curve.

https://www.facebook.com/Uptowncandyokc

[Pete]

The Journal Record - Business Intelligence for Intelligent Business

Uptown Candy to open at Classen Curve
by Molly M. Fleming
Published: September 30th, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sweet or sour,
chocolate or vanilla, all of those flavors
and more will be available at Oklahoma
City’s new boutique candy store, expected
to open in the middle of November.
The store is being opened by Gary and
Carolyn Goldman, a couple who already
operate Uptown Kids, a clothing store in
the Classen Curve shopping center.
Their new store, Uptown Candy, will play
off the same name and be joined next
door.

Uptown Candy will include 941 square feet
of retail space filled with the heart’s desire
of candy lovers.

Gary said the couple did not plan on being in the candy business when they opened Uptown
Kids.

“(Opening the store) is probably in part due to the inspiration of our product mix sales at
Uptown Kids,” he said.

He said the sales trends of the customer and the lack of a boutique candy shop in the area
led them to create the plan for the store.

Carolyn said the store will be similar to a Dylan’s Candy Bar.

“We’re going to do more of a modern candy store,” she said. “We want to do today’s
generation of candy store. For example, instead of doing gift baskets, we’re going to do sugar
cubes, which will use Plexiglass boxes instead of wicker baskets. We’re going to have really
cool, modern, edgy designs.”

The interior of the store will have bright-colored cubic designs, displaying the bulk candy and
packaged candy for sale. The interior was designed by architect Rand Elliot.

Gary said the store will sell candy in options for people who have various dietary
requirements, such as sugar-free and natural ingredients.

They are also working on their own line of candy.

“Our goal is to really break through the market and do things you see in big cities,” he said.
“We looked to see what other people are doing around the country and then we put a
Classen Curve twist on it.”

Part of that twist will be a caramel apple bar in the store.

People will be able to choose from either hot caramel or chocolate and then dip their apple in
a variety of candy toppings.

The store will have fudge available too, though the Goldmans are still deciding if it will be
made in-house or purchased somewhere and sold in-store.

But Uptown Candy isn’t confined to its four walls. The other part of the business will be a
candy bar catering service, where people can treat guests at parties or events to a largeselection of their favorite candies.
“We just think there’s a need for that in the city,” Carolyn said.

Gary said they want the store to be a place where people can rekindle some of their favorite
childhood memories, while also making new ones with their own children.

“Candy is something that puts a smile on everyone’s face,” he said.

Complete URL: Uptown Candy to open at Classen Curve | The Journal Record

[AP]

I guess I don't get why the stores are referred to as Uptown.

[Pete]

I'm sure the uptown reference has to do with "upscale" (think Uptown Girl by Bill Joel) rather than geography.

[Praedura]

I'm sure the uptown reference has to do with "upscale" (think Uptown Girl by Bill Joel) rather than geography.

The youngsters on this board probably have no idea what you're talking about there.

[Pete]

More on Uptown Candy:

[warreng88]

Steve's chat today mentioned Aubrey McClendon buying back Nichols Hills Plaza and Classen Curve. Not sure how far into negotiations they are at this point. It would be good for AM to finish what he started and had envisioned.

[Pete]

Steve's chat today mentioned Aubrey McClendon buying back Nichols Hills Plaza and Classen Curve. Not sure how far into negotiations they are at this point. It would be good for AM to finish what he started and had envisioned.

I really hope that happens.

Especially because it would be interesting to see what he is willing to pay with his own money rather than that of shareholders.

[warreng88]

I really hope that happens.

Especially because it would be interesting to see what he is willing to pay with his own money rather than that of shareholders.

And it is hard for someone to finish what they thought someone else had in mind. If he can fill back up NHP and make it like CC, it would be great for that area of town. I am curious if he is still set on a grocery store over there and local stores only. I know CC has welcomed Lululemon and rumors of a Ruth's Chris Steakhouse are still swirling.

[Praedura]

More on Uptown Candy:

That pic makes me feel like I'm on an acid trip.

[warreng88]

That pic makes me feel like I'm on an acid trip.

Imagine what Wayne Coyne would do when walking into this place...

[Mississippi Blues]

That pic makes me feel like I'm on an acid trip.

Maybe you are on an acid trip.

[Pete]

Okay, I went back through all the building permits and have pieced together the latest plans for Classen Curve.

They will be adding two buildings.

The one on the east end is about 8,500 square feet and is the likely spot for the long-rumored for Ruth's Chris Steakhouse; their typical size is 7,900 to 10,000 SF. Also notice the tons of parking behind.

The other building (to the west) looks to be more retail shops.

Note they plan to take out the awkward double entry drive off Grand just north of Cafe 501.

The plans at this point are only for the parking and landscape. When they file the plans for the buildings, we'll be all over it. Plus, they'll have to file for a liquor license.

[betts]

I'll still be going to the Ranch, Red Prime and the Metro for my steaks. Eat Local and all that. Our restaurants are as good or better, IMO. Hope Ruth's Chris doesn't drive anybody out of business.

[poe]

Thought of something that might fit nicely in CC or NHP: Dean & Deluca. They seem to be rather exclusive with their locations and their merchandise is on the higher end of the price spectrum. But, it would be fun to see, even with Whole Foods nearby.

[Teo9969]

I'll still be going to the Ranch, Red Prime and the Metro for my steaks. Eat Local and all that. Our restaurants are as good or better, IMO. Hope Ruth's Chris doesn't drive anybody out of business.

They might be the death blow for Opus (how that place is still open boggles my mind)…but they're not going to beat out Ranch, Red, or Mickey Mantle's for sure.

[bchris02]

No potential tenants listed other than what we already know, but interesting read nonetheless. Will be looking forward to seeing big names announced to really generate excitement.

Hopes high for further development at Nichols Hills Plaza, Classen Curve | News OK

[Just the facts]

As I posted on the article itself, the original design problem (store fronts facing an interior parking lot) is going to be hard to over come. The stores should have faced the street.

[bchris02]

As I posted on the article itself, the original design problem (store fronts facing an interior parking lot) is going to be hard to over come. The stores should have faced the street.

I think it can work if there are some big name tenants announced that will draw in customers. It has to become a destination though.