Film Row General Thread

[metro]

Urban likes grungier rows of older buildings for their stores. American Apparel tends to go in in similar locations and stores. I've always been surprised there isn't an UO in Norman, but if they have no plans for one, people will drive to go to one.

Yeah, their stores in Vegas, Dallas, Cali and other places are real "grungy." I've been to about a dozen of UO stores about half in older buildings and half new flashy stores. I do agree they prefer them but the foot traffic pattern has to make sense and unfortunately Film Row does not yet, Auto Alley would, and has more storefronts for a decent sized retail district.

[metro]

The Journal Record - Article

Film Row welcoming two new neighbors
by Kelley Chambers
The Journal Record April 10, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY – In 2004 Chip Fudge began buying run-down buildings in a forgotten corner of downtown. Five years later his investment in six buildings is paying off.


The area was once a thriving film distribution district, but since the 1960s had fallen into disrepair.Fudge saw merit in the old buildings and believed in the vision of designer David Wanzer for the area.

In the last three years several of the buildings have been renovated, and two new neighbors are joining the district, defined as the 600 and 700 blocks of W. Sheridan Avenue.

The Independent Artists of Oklahoma gallery and offices are moving from Automobile Alley to Film Row, as is residential mortgage company Insight Funding Group, Wanzer said.

A streetscape will be funded by tax increment financing money and a general obligation bond.

Wanzer said the streetscape should go out to bid in the next 30 to 45 days; work is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Fudge said he enjoys buying old, historically significant properties.

“I love finding dilapidated, run-down projects and putting them back together again,” he said.

Fudge admitted the road has been long, and expensive, to bring Film Row back to life.
He said he would rather do a project right than do it under budget, an idea that might give his banker some sleepless nights.

Wanzer’s belief in the area’s future was strong enough that he moved his design firm to Film Row. He was joined by a group of architects and engineers that set up shop on the second floor of a renovated building at 628 W. Sheridan Ave.

Wanzer said he felt early on that Film Row was worth saving. The area is only a block from the site of Devon Energy Corp.’s planned world headquarters, which will include a 54-story skyscraper.

“This is one of the last quadrants of the CBD to receive significant attention and investment,” Wanzer said.

Fudge and Wanzer spoke Thursday at the Oklahoma City Commercial Real Estate Council luncheon. CREC President Tim Strange said he wanted the Oklahoma City real estate community to be up to date on all the work Fudge and Wanzer were doing in that area.

[Shipwreck]

Just wanted to weigh in here...

I have been both heavily involved in the formation of the district since 2003 and the keeper of its unique history. I have a website with a lot of info about it all. I am updating it constantly. There area lots of photos and such on it now. Take a look:

OKC Film Exchange District Homepage

Bradley Wynn

PS - if for some reason you get an error page or anything other than the Film Exchange site, just keep checking back. I have been dealing with some techincal issues but hope that the site will finally be at peace within a week. Ahh, the miracle of modern technology.

[urbanity]

Individual Artists of Oklahoma switches sets to make new scene in downtown?s Film Row | OKG Scene.com

[metro]

Speaking of Film Row, is the street construction they are doing now, the long overdue and anticipated streetscape project?

Also IAO is seriously needing support right now to stay afloat since they moved. If you can support them, please do. This is a BIG asset to our community and downtown.

[loulang2000]

By all means, IAO has been a huge asset, one Mr Fudge is obviously banking on to do a repeat of it's success on Automobile Alley. Unfortunately, I think it will take more support that IAO has been shown these past couple of years. IAO seems to work really hard just to stay afloat. Now in an area in shambles during construction, alone on a street with no other nighttime venues...While the future of the area is bright, how will a little organization like this stay afloat when it's struggles to increase it's presence, increase attendance and thereby support?

[metro]

Please support IAO's 30th Birthday party tomorrow night. I posted a thread on it. As you mentioned, they need the support to stay afloat during these tough times.

[jbrown84]

Speaking of Film Row, is the street construction they are doing now, the long overdue and anticipated streetscape project?

I've wondered the same. The article doesn't outright say so, but seems to imply it.

[metro]

Found out last week a local creative agency is moving to Film Row soon. I will be able to release more details soon. Glad to see more positive momentum coming to film row.

[Shipwreck]

Wasn't sure where to put this in the forum...

My website began getting a lot of hits about the District and I had to take it down to revamp it for 2010. HOWEVER, the research and efforts I've put into the District since 2003 are now being uploaded to my Facebook page for the Oklahoma City Film Exchange District. You will also find notes on current events, along with a slew of photos through every stage. I wanted to share the link here:

FACEBOOK: Oklahoma City Film Exchange District

I just recently updated the photo albums with some great new old pics of the Warner Brothers and R.K.O. Pictures building, along with the Video Vumore Tele-TV (former Paramount Pictures) building, and so much more.

I really need some help gathering more photos and am sending out this ...---... (SOS) to all of you: Ask your family, friends, neighbors, and the guy sitting next to you if they have any photos from Oklahoma City within the portion bound by SW 1st/Colcord, Walker Ave., SW 2nd, and Classen Blvd. from years gone by. I also need recollections and memories from long ago about the place. For example, the large open lot on the SW corner of Walker/Sheridan (now a parking and staging area for Devon construction) - what was there?? I found some but need SO MUCH more. Can you help??

Most photos from Sheridan (formerly Grand) Avenue are looking East and are mostly centered around the Colcord Building. There are even fewer photos from California and Main if that area too, with the exception of the former Model T factory on Main and Classen Ave.

This portion of Oklahoma City has its own unique history. But this history and all still images of it are either lost, misplaced, or fading fast as its former residents and employees pass away. Help me preserve this history!

So, dig out your old shoeboxes filled with photos and work those little gray cells to help me share the wonderful story of our new downtown Oklahoma City Film Exchange District!

[betts]

This is a great area with a lot of potential. I'm really excited to see what's being done there. Can't help you with its history however. I discovered it a few years back when I took a wrong turn. I think that was the first time I'd ever seen it. I remember thinking what a great group of buildings it was, and how cool it would be to see it developed. So, good luck to you in your search.

[Shipwreck]

So maybe you guys can help me confirm something - and forgive my historic research ignorance, btw. I am learning as I go where to find things

So I am chasing a rumor that the cotton exchange once occuppied the Film Exchange building back in the day. How would I track that tid bit of info down? I'm not sure where to begin, as when I look up the coton exchange I keep getting info nowhere close but the source I have is pretty good. Help?

[Pete]

Shipwreck, our resident history experts are Steve Lackmeyer (username: Steve) and Doug Loudenback.

Since no one responded to your inquiry, you might try shooting both of them a PM.

[Doug Loudenback]

Sorry ... I didn't pick up on this one. After I finish my MAPS obsessing, I'll return but maybe Steve or someone else will chime in sooner.

[flintysooner]

Maybe you've tried Hillerman Collection - Oklahoma Historical Society but thought I'd post it

[Shipwreck]

Just wanted to follow-up...

I just added a lot more photos to the facebook page I set up for the Oklahoma City Film Exchange District research I've been doing since 2003.

I really would like to get as many people aware of this page as possible as it can help with telling the story of the Film Exchange network and help save these historically significant buildings. Right now, I'm looking at the original Film Exchange building from 1928 that is destined for destruction but its current owners would like to see it saved. I have presented a map of the building location in the Core to Shore rendering and have shared my argument for why it should be saved and how it could be a contributing structure.

Anyhoot - here is the link to the page. SHARE IT!! I really need historical input from folks who may know something about or worked in that area. I also need PHOTOS of this portion of downtown. Feel free to email me via the facebook page or simply post a comment or response. THANK YOU!!!

LINK to the Oklahoma City Film Exchange District research Facebook page:

Oklahoma City Film Exchange District | Facebook

- Bradley

[Platemaker]

Recognize this Art Deco Building???


Of course you don't!
It's 11. N. Lee and metal sheeting was just removed from it's facade and workers are cleaning up the exterior. Snapped this photo on my lunch break.

Film Row coming along nicely.

[jonno]

Thanks for the photo. Looking at google street view it looks like they had to tear out several Bradford Pear trees. Maybe they can be replaced with trees better suited to an urban environment.

[MikeOKC]

Recognize this Art Deco Building???


Of course you don't!
It's 11. N. Lee and metal sheeting was just removed from it's facade and workers are cleaning up the exterior. Snapped this photo on my lunch break.

Film Row coming along nicely.

Are those windows glass blocks? Very nice.

[metro]

Nice find Platemaker. I hope they are able to restore the theatre in that building. I went to a screening there a few years back when I was working for a movie company and they were trying to get Film Row off the ground back then. What a beautiful facade.

[USG '60]

That should clean up quite nicely.

[Shipwreck]

First let me apologize. I haven't posted here in a loooooong time.

As many of you know, there are a lot of things happening on that short stretch of Sheridan Avenue in between Walker and Classen. I wanted to make this post so that those who were interested could learn more.

I have setup a Facebook page for my research efforts in the Film District, as it was MUCH easier than trying to keep a webpage going. Here is the link: Oklahoma City Film Exchange District

I have also revived the original newsletter I conceived in 2006 for the District Planning, and now use it to share the history of the area, along with current events there. You can find the newsletters here: OKC Film Exchange District Newsletter Homepage I've also included an historic directory of exchanges just along Sheridan Avenue from 1926-1965 in the second issue which some of you might find fun to read.

I have a book coming out under Arcadia Publishing soon entitled Oklahoma City: FILM ROW and am pretty excited about that as it will no doubt bring a lot more info and images to the forefront for a second and more thorough work. I don't do any of this for the money (because us Historians know there ain't none of that in the 'treasures' we find) but I do love it. So if you can help in any way with info, photos, contacts, and tidbits along the way from your own extensive research and knowledge, it will be most welcome.

This is a unique chapter in OKC's history and I hope to share it with as many as possible and preserve it for future generations. - Bradley

[metro]

Hey Brad good to hear from you again. Yes Film Row is shaping up. I shot some video there this past week and plan on posting it soon for everyone. Glad that you are ramping up efforts again. The old (Paramount building I think) is looking nice now that the aluminum cladding has been torn off. The side streets are really cleaning up as well. Can't wait to buy the book.

[Shipwreck]

Hey Metro - great to hear from you again too! Yep - lots happening and I've photographed and filmed it every step of the way, since starting in 2003. I now have literally thousands of images of the area, before and after.

The historic images have been surprising too - what few I've been able to find. I can't wait to share them all in the new book. Here is a link to the cover that we approved:

Oklahoma City: FILM ROW from Arcadia Publishing

I'm looking forward to learning more after the book comes out, as I'm sure people will suddenly remember this or that and provide even more for a second book. I'm also already planning another book about our amazing Drive-In history too!

I would love to see what you've captured over time in the area. I go there every Wednesday and then on to the History Center. I was followed one day too. Here is a great little number that Channel 9's Darren Brown did (THANK DARREN!):

Digging Up Oklahoma City's Reel History

Bradley

[metro]

I remember the old Film Row meetings we used to have. I think I saw myself in 1 or 2 of those photos. Miss working in that industry, it was fun.