Boulevard Cafeteria

[OKCretro]

Did the boulevard have like a fast/quick line as opposed to the regular line?

I remember the chrisms decorations at Queen Anne's in founder's tower. Sometime the line snaked all the way down that hallway.

[Urbanized]

The family doesn't own the building and has been unable to renew the lease. Seems likely the out-of-state property owner will sell to a developer at some point.

[zookeeper]

Did the boulevard have like a fast/quick line as opposed to the regular line?

I remember the chrisms decorations at Queen Anne's in founder's tower. Sometime the line snaked all the way down that hallway.

Yes! Though, they haven't operated both in years.

[Pete]

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/550...3b7e1cdc1a9815

Midtown Renaissance bought the property for $1.7MM; not sure of their plans yet.

Very glad to see this in their hands.

[Architect2010]

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/550...3b7e1cdc1a9815

Midtown Renaissance bought the property for $1.7MM; not sure of their plans yet.

Very glad to see this in their hands.

I had a gut feeling this would happen when discussing the closure of the Cafeteria with one of the owners of Irma's Burger Shack. I had told her I bet the property would be snatched up by a local developer. Especially considering the suburban nature of the existing structure, coupled with the efforts being made by Midtown Renaissance to create an urban, pedestrian friendly corridor along Walker. It's too prime of a site for it to exist in its current configuration and I'm glad MR are the buyers.

[AP]

My only hope is they don't sit on this site for 9 years, like they have with the 10th and Hudson property.

[sooner88]

I think it would look great to have a building similar to Plaza Court built out to the street.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/NW...226534!6m1!1e1

[dankrutka]

In this case, MR is likely they demolish the building, right? This is certainly a case where the layout and building materials seem to point to higher and better uses.

[LakeEffect]

My only hope is they don't sit on this site for 9 years, like they have with the 10th and Hudson property.

I think they've only owned that property for a couple years. The City/OCURA (?) owned it before that.

[AP]

I believe they bought the last piece of the block in 2012 and the first in 2007. Regardless, I'm excited to see what they draw up for this property.

[Urbanized]

Clearly demolition would not only be an acceptable option here but in fact the preferred one. While many like myself have a fondness for the business that was there, the building is nondescript stock and not itself historic nor would it qualify as a contributing property if the district were ever to pursue National Register designation (unlikely anyway). Higher and better use is guaranteed.

[catch22]

Good buyer. Is the site big enough for a new build grocery store?

[Pete]

Good buyer. Is the site big enough for a new build grocery store?

No.

It's only about 3/4 of an acre.

[Uptowner]

I can't see repurposing the cafeteria layout being more viable than demo and reconstruction. Plus that tilt panel concrete construction isn't exactly easy on the eyes. I just hope they don't build another freeway overpass like fassler hall. Doesn't anyone use bricks and cast stone anymore??

[HangryHippo]

Agree with the part about another overpass. That building is fugly.

[Pete]

Strongly disagree.

That design is bold and cool and has won some big awards.

[PhiAlpha]

Strongly disagree.

That design is bold and cool and has won some big awards.

You're referring to Fassler, not Boulevard....right?

[Pete]

You're referring to Fassler, not Boulevard....right?

Right.

[Uptowner]

Strongly disagree.

That design is bold and cool and has won some big awards.

The OKC munipal garage is bold and cool and has racked up some big awards.

That thing in midtown makes me wonder what it must be like to be a hobo living under an 8 lane freeway drinking quart sized beers and wishing for a better life.

[dankrutka]

When you're in Fassler Hall -- one of the most unique spaces in OKC -- that's what you think?

I like the design and space.

[AP]

I enjoy the interior. The exterior is pretty ugly, imo. It 100% looks like an overpass.

[shawnw]

During construction I kept thinking... surely it's not done yet... and then it was. Even the Dustbowl signage looks like there should be something else on the front of it. But I'm over it. Cool business and place that has come to define midtown and 10th street in particular.

[Bullbear]

I love the building. My partner hates the Dustbowl sign and complains every time we pass. he feels it should have lights behind it or something to make it more of an impact. he just doesn't think people can read it or even can tell it says Dustbowl. I am not bothered.

[Pete]

MidtownR has filed to have this building demolished.

Chris Fleming told me via email they have no immediate plans for the site and that parking won't even be added any time soon due to the split-level nature of the property.

[TeeDub2]

Drove by this morning and saw they have started the demo.