Uptown / 23rd District

[Pete]

These are the plans for the replacement Sonic on the NE corner of NW 23rd and Penn.

If you notice by looking at the existing config in the bottom photo, they are effectively removing a whole row of park-and-order slots.

For the company as a whole, I suspect their business is strongly shifting to the drive-thru, as this is a big expense to replace a structure that is relatively new.

[shawnw]

I don't fully understand what's wrong with the existing config from a drive thru sense.

[Pete]

I don't fully understand what's wrong with the existing config from a drive thru sense.

The current config has the drive-thru approach behind the drive-in stalls.

I suspect that can create a problem with people trying to get into and out of the stalls when cars back up.

[shawnw]

I get that, but it just doesn't seem like *enough* to justify spending all that money to destroy/rebuild. Have backed out of those stalls without issue many a time over the last 20+ years.

[Bullbear]

I get that, but it just doesn't seem like *enough* to justify spending all that money to destroy/rebuild. Have backed out of those stalls without issue many a time over the last 20+ years.

While I have seen layouts very similar to this one.. not exact.. I know many times Sonic tries new concepts and layouts in the OKC market and maybe that is part of it as well

[Timshel]

^ Yeah I suspect that this being a corporate-owned store (this is my understanding at least) plays a big part in it - allowing them to test new configurations without working with franchisees.

[citywokchinesefood]

My extended family own quite a few Sonics, in a couple years pretty much every location will be on a similar layout. They require remodels quite regularly already, that may change with the new ownership, but they are shifting to a greater emphasis on drive through. We are really hoping that they reevaluate the menu, decrease the number of menu options and tighten up the quality. Growing my family absolutely loved the onion rings, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and parents made so many of those damn things over the years. The brand needs to get back to basics and focus on what made it successful in the first place.

[Pete]

Yes, this is a company-owned Sonic.

At least they own the land and building.

[GoGators]

23rd between Indiana and Gatewood Ave has been narrowed to two lanes for the past 3-4 weeks for resurfacing. There have been absolutely zero traffic issues during this time. I've noticed this while driving this stretch multiple times a day including 8am and 5pm rush hour.

Is there any type of discussion or desire at the city level to implement a road diet for streets like these? Two way traffic with a center turn lane and new bike lanes would be perfect for this area. Crossing 23rd or Classen is still a daunting task and a hindrance to the success of Uptown.

[Harbinger]

One of the guests on Steve's chat inquired about the old pawn shop next to Pizza 23, asking if it was still to become a cycling fitness center. Steve's answer:

"Dallas-based Zyn 22 signed a lease and landlord Andy Burnett reports the cycle studio has paid rent for the past two years. But the building remains empty. Burnett reports he is now in talks with two other prospective tenants to take the place of Zyn 22."
This is utterly baffling to me. Zyn 22 has paid rent on this place for two years, but then, after having never even opened, they decide they're not interested?? Does this happen more than I realize? Because it seems like a collosal waste of money for Zyn. While we're taking about this property, anybody know of who might be going here instead?

[Mott]

How about an artisan bread, pastry and coffee shop...

[Pete]

One of the guests on Steve's chat inquired about the old pawn shop next to Pizza 23, asking if it was still to become a cycling fitness center. Steve's answer:

"Dallas-based Zyn 22 signed a lease and landlord Andy Burnett reports the cycle studio has paid rent for the past two years. But the building remains empty. Burnett reports he is now in talks with two other prospective tenants to take the place of Zyn 22."
This is utterly baffling to me. Zyn 22 has paid rent on this place for two years, but then, after having never even opened, they decide they're not interested?? Does this happen more than I realize? Because it seems like a collosal waste of money for Zyn. While we're taking about this property, anybody know of who might be going here instead?

I was told Zyn was still paying rent over a year ago when I saw the 'for lease' sign go up. I didn't completely believe it then and now it seems more unlikely.

What I do know is they filed their building permit in June of 2017 and it was pretty much approved the next month but the tenant never followed up. And the property has been actively marketed by the landlord for well over a year.

People in real estate BS and work angles all the time.

[Uptowner]

23rd between Indiana and Gatewood Ave has been narrowed to two lanes for the past 3-4 weeks for resurfacing. There have been absolutely zero traffic issues during this time. I've noticed this while driving this stretch multiple times a day including 8am and 5pm rush hour.

Is there any type of discussion or desire at the city level to implement a road diet for streets like these? Two way traffic with a center turn lane and new bike lanes would be perfect for this area. Crossing 23rd or Classen is still a daunting task and a hindrance to the success of Uptown.

I’ve been advocating this for years. My compromised suggestion is that try Robinson to sharel first and see how it goes. But no one, most adamantly the uptown board, is willing to let go of the landscaped dividers. To that I say “widen the sidewalks and install planters!” Obviously this money is hard to come by, but they have been planning a tax bid for quite some time.

[Uptowner]

Btw there are zero traffic issues when the speed is supposed to be 25mph. Western is a good local example...although I don’t agree or like the way it was executed. Chicanes???

[turnpup]

Btw there are zero traffic issues when the speed is supposed to be 25mph. Western is a good local example...although I don’t agree or like the way it was executed. Chicanes???

Have the chicanes gotten narrower, or am I just used to them?

[Harbinger]

I saw that one of the boards covering up the entrance to the storefront of the building directly west of Craig's Emporium was off and that people were going in and out of it. I hope this signifies something positive.

[MagzOK]

I’ve been advocating this for years. My compromised suggestion is that try Robinson to sharel first and see how it goes. But no one, most adamantly the uptown board, is willing to let go of the landscaped dividers. To that I say “widen the sidewalks and install planters!” Obviously this money is hard to come by, but they have been planning a tax bid for quite some time.

I don't ever see the city taking away lanes through there as it's a major arterial road that also has an underpass under the railroad to help traffic cross the city.

[Plutonic Panda]

Huge no from me on any proposal removing lanes from 23rd St.

[rte66man]

I used to agree with PluPan about lane removal on 23rd but have changed my mind given the change in the businesses. The newer ones are generating a great deal of pedestrian traffic yet the cars still speed along at an unsafe rate. The traffic calming proposals upthread are worth taking a serious look into.

[shawnw]

I had a walk sign at the Tower mid block crossing and still almost got hit by a car that barely stopped in time and honestly didn't seem like he wanted to even though I was in the crosswalk.

[MagzOK]

We ate on a sidewalk bench this afternoon at Honey Bunny Biscuit Company and witnessed cars whizzing by much faster than the speed limit. Even witnessed a car take off through a red light at the pedestrian stop light after there was nobody walking across -- just hit the gas and sped through it. Crazy.

[catch22]

We ate on a sidewalk bench this afternoon at Honey Bunny Biscuit Company and witnessed cars whizzing by much faster than the speed limit. Even witnessed a car take off through a red light at the pedestrian stop light after there was nobody walking across -- just hit the gas and sped through it. Crazy.

Honestly, that pedestrian crosswalk should have a proper pedestrian crossing that allows drivers to proceed when the intersection is clear.

[GoGators]

Huge no from me on any proposal removing lanes from 23rd St.

Honest question is why? A two way left turn lane road has the same capacity to move cars as a 4 lane road with no turn lane. This design actually reduces overall travel times for drivers because through traffic is not impeded by other drivers making left hand turns. It also reduces crash rates, reduces vehicle speed, and makes it easier for pedestrians to cross.

The businesses in the district would benefit greatly with a more pedestrian friendly environment. It would almost certainly spur new development as well.

Its literally a win/win for every party involved.

Do you just want to keep lanes for the sake of keeping lanes?

[Plutonic Panda]

Honest question is why? A two way left turn lane road has the same capacity to move cars as a 4 lane road with no turn lane. This design actually reduces overall travel times for drivers because through traffic is not impeded by other drivers making left hand turns. It also reduces crash rates, reduces vehicle speed, and makes it easier for pedestrians to cross.

The businesses in the district would benefit greatly with a more pedestrian friendly environment. It would almost certainly spur new development as well.

Its literally a win/win for every party involved.

Do you just want to keep lanes for the sake of keeping lanes?

Because there are turning lanes and that aspect doesn’t apply. So your comparing a road that has turning lanes to one that doesn’t. In the areas that do not have turning lanes, add them.

You want real pedestrian safety? Grade separate crosswalks. But then that’d be too expensive. I stand by my original point. No reduction in lanes. Reducing capacity will not increase business. It’s most certainly not a win win.

[Casafras]

Because there are turning lanes and that aspect doesn’t apply. So your comparing a road that has turning lanes to one that doesn’t. In the areas that do not have turning lanes, add them.

There are no left turn lanes along 23rd Street between Robinson and Western.