Canal side renovation plan includes parking, restaurant, office

[ChristianConservative]

I agree. It will go the way of West End if Hogan, Brewer and others don't give in to cheaper parking and lease rates.

Hogan is actually offering free parking. It's Brewer that's the problem.

[gsan]

If you can not afford $5 parking; park a little further out and walk. Everybody whines way too much about the parking. Take a look at other cities, they wish they had $5 parking.

[ChristianConservative]

If you can not afford $5 parking; park a little further out and walk. Everybody whines way too much about the parking. Take a look at other cities, they wish they had $5 parking.

That's not the point. The point is that Jim Brewer and others are stifling growth in Bricktown by their narrow-minded thinking.

[Watson410]

You have to make money to spend money right?

[Patrick]

You have to make money to spend money right?

They've more than made their money, and spent little.

[Midtowner]

True, but wouldn't it be even better if the parking lords thought about the long term, and actually tried to help grow the district by offering free parking, instead of thinking about the short term and the profits they can get from parking now. Oh, remember, these are the same people that continue to sit on properties on the canal and refuse to come down on their leasing rates. They're either going to have to give in soon, or Bricktown is going to dry up and blow away.

Why would they do that?

They invested money (not much and with insider information and connections) -- but they still invested. They have a right to make money off of that investment just as you have the right to get the going (too high) rate for energy resources instead of voluntarily selling it for less than it's worth.

I do think these guys could stand to help Bricktown by backing off a lot on the prices for lunch. The downtown community would really make use of Bricktown for lunch were it cheap to park down there, but it's not. Watch for the new Plaza Court area to become the next lunch mecca.

[ChristianConservative]

The parking lords are much like parasites that live within the body. They only see the profits they can make in the short term and don't look at the long term. They suck people for all they're worth. Eventually, they die (stop coming to Bricktown). Then the money dries up. They've lost everything, all the money they had invested in their properties and structures.

If Brewer would allow free parking on his lots, maybe he'd be able to lease his properties for the amounts he's asking.

[Midtowner]

There is ample free parking in Bricktown. You just have to walk a little ways to get where you want to go. Personally, I have no problem with that. There is even a free shuttle service provided by the city.

Like many things in life, if you want luxury, you have to pay extra. Parking next to the place you're going to in an entertainment district like Bricktown is easily worth $5.00 and up. As far as people not going because of this, keep on dreamin'. They're coming in droves, and there's no likelihood of them stopping.

[ChristianConservative]

There is ample free parking in Bricktown.

Thanks to Randy Hogan.

[metro]

There is ample free parking in Bricktown. You just have to walk a little ways to get where you want to go. Personally, I have no problem with that. There is even a free shuttle service provided by the city.

Like many things in life, if you want luxury, you have to pay extra. Parking next to the place you're going to in an entertainment district like Bricktown is easily worth $5.00 and up. As far as people not going because of this, keep on dreamin'. They're coming in droves, and there's no likelihood of them stopping.

I agree with everything you said Midtowner, the thing is, most people aren't like you and I the majority of the population, will not pay for parking, especially on a regular basis. You and I and others know where to get the free parking if you look a little harder for it, but most people, especially during busy times don't want to make the effort.

[okrednk]

I agree with everything you said Midtowner, the thing is, most people aren't like you and I the majority of the population, will not pay for parking, especially on a regular basis. You and I and others know where to get the free parking if you look a little harder for it, but most people, especially during busy times don't want to make the effort.

Then maybe there should be some sort of sign system for free parking?? I do agree that if you want to park next in an entertainment district then you might have to fork out a few bucks to get there. Fine, thats life and in most cities next to a stadium like the Ford center you will always see someone out there lurching the parking lot for parking fees.

[OU Adonis]

I find it amazing that people complain about $5 parking.

If I go to bricktown for the entertainment value I am guarenteed to spend $5 for just one drink, and pay over 5 to get in just one club.

Back when there was a parking problem, people hated going to bricktown because you coudn't find a space. Now I rarely hear about people complaining about parking(including the cost).

[metro]

Then maybe there should be some sort of sign system for free parking?? I do agree that if you want to park next in an entertainment district then you might have to fork out a few bucks to get there. Fine, thats life and in most cities next to a stadium like the Ford center you will always see someone out there lurching the parking lot for parking fees.

I don't think that would work either. Most of the free parking is minimal such as parking meters (don't have to pay after 6pm or on weekends) Or you can park on the street in deep deuce or in the very far public lot south of Bass Pro on the South side of I-40. You don't want to have a weird sign saying park at the parking meters after 6pm!!! when it is pay during the eariler part of the day. The signs would be just too awkward and more hassle than they ae worth. With any of these you will have to walk a decent distance but it is free. The only reason it is minimal is most people don't want to walk that far.

[BricktownGuy]

You don't want to have a weird sign saying park at the parking meters after 6pm!!! when it is pay during the eariler part of the day. The signs would be just too awkward and more hassle than they ae worth.

I am currently in London, England.. and signs like these exist all over this city.

[Patrick]

I don't think that would work either. Most of the free parking is minimal such as parking meters (don't have to pay after 6pm or on weekends) Or you can park on the street in deep deuce or in the very far public lot south of Bass Pro on the South side of I-40. You don't want to have a weird sign saying park at the parking meters after 6pm!!! when it is pay during the eariler part of the day. The signs would be just too awkward and more hassle than they ae worth. With any of these you will have to walk a decent distance but it is free. The only reason it is minimal is most people don't want to walk that far.

Ummm, all of the parking arounf the movie theater, Toby Keith's, etc. is free. Randy Hogan doesn't have any pay parking. The Bass Pro lot is free.

The only lots that charge are 3 or 4 small lots right in the middle of Bricktown and the Bricktown Parking Garage.

[johnnyboyokc]

First of all no one here gives Mr. Brewer any respect, you would'nt even have a place to go if it was'nt for him.........Randy Hogan bought the whole lower bricktown for a dollar a foot, so does any business man know what that means. (every plat in upper bricktown is controled by many different investors) So i will tell you what the problem is RESTAURANT OWNERS they dont want to pay the parking owners.....

in example you pay 1 million for a piece of land at 6% for 30 yrs it costs you 6000 or more a month....how does jim brewer get return on his investment if he gives away the parking

here is the problem you guys have never invested money and jim brewer has, tough luck i dont see you bitching at a bob howard just because he makes money

answer quit going to bricktown, ha ha nobody else will

[jbrown84]

It just simply doesn't bother me that the closer Bricktown parking lots charge a few bucks. The lazies can pay or stay away and I'll park a little farther away and get some exercise. Anyone who's been in other urban entertainment districts knows they are going to have to pony up for the good parking. I went to a suburban shopping center in Colorado Springs that had parking meters on all the spots closest to the buildings!

[johnnyboyokc]

you are exactly right! So why does it matter who owns them.......

[BDP]

here is the problem you guys have never invested money

Here's the real problem: making idiotic assumptions like that tend to invalidate all of your other sentiments. If you have access to every registered user's portfolio, then maybe you can talk. You might be surprised to find out who you just accused of not having made any investments.

[metro]

back to topic: I drove by a few days ago and it appeared they were gutting out the building. I didn't notice any new windows but a dumpster is out back and guys were hauling out debris of the building.

[jbrown84]

Moving fast. I like that. If Cheesecake Factory can come in and build a restaurant in three months, then there is no reason for all these downtown projects to take YEARS.

[BDP]

Well, to be fair, building from the ground up can be a lot easier that renovating old buildings. Also, the Cheesecake Factory already has a model and they just tweak it for their locations. I'm guessing there is more than one CF that has the same design and floor plan as the Penn Square one. It's more plug and play.

That being said, things do seem to move slow around here. I doubt they could be Cheesecake fast, but it does seem many drag their feet for some reason.

[Patrick]

To be honest with you, I hope the north canal regains it's prominence and fills up over the next few years. The empty buildings are ideal for unique shops, not pad-type businesses like Randy Hogan is offering. When you see pictures of Bricktown, it's not Lower Bricktown you see....it's the north canal along California Ave.

[jbrown84]

Well, to be fair, building from the ground up can be a lot easier that renovating old buildings. Also, the Cheesecake Factory already has a model and they just tweak it for their locations. I'm guessing there is more than one CF that has the same design and floor plan as the Penn Square one. It's more plug and play.

That being said, things do seem to move slow around here. I doubt they could be Cheesecake fast, but it does seem many drag their feet for some reason.

All true, but I was also talking about "ground up" projects like The Hill, Legacy Summit, etc.

[johnnyboyokc]

basically what you are saying is no matter who owns them lets build to suit to make it all better however things are growing at a very rapid pace and nobody in okc should have a complaint, mr brewer is not a rich man(but everyone thinks so) and doesnt want to build out his property in case his sons have to take on all the debt ( oh how i wish i were a son)