Nic's Diner + Lounge

[Pete]

The fact they continue to paint and finish the exterior of this building tells me that whatever the design issues were, they clearly aren't holding up the progress.

They are moving pretty fast now.

[Tundra]

The fact they continue to paint and finish the exterior of this building tells me that whatever the design issues were, they clearly aren't holding up the progress.

They are moving pretty fast now.

Breakfast is getting closer!

[Pete]

A new filing to the DDRC explains the situation with the paint in detail:

[2Lanez]

As a business owner when you have multiple locations , you have to have consistency with decor , plates, forks, menus, signage, food, it's what people recognize and it triggers something in your brain.

I think we all understand the value of a brand. But in this context this argument is asinine. There are tons of restaurants, even in this market, even within the burger/grill-centric category, that have significantly different exterior architectural features at different locations. I'm thinking of S&B and Tucker's specifically. For those two it's a positive attribute that they've designed to fit their neighborhoods, versus slapping a generic corporate exterior wherever they invest a location.

This seems like a typical second wave in urban investment. The first wave is a small group passionate about urban living and historic preservation. The second wave sees the opportunity for investment created by the first wave, but doesn't understand the passion for urbanism and historic integrity. The question is how the city (this part has been answered) and the consumer (to be determined) stand for it.

[Tundra]

I think we all understand the value of a brand. But in this context this argument is asinine. There are tons of restaurants, even in this market, even within the burger/grill-centric category, that have significantly different exterior architectural features at different locations. I'm thinking of S&B and Tucker's specifically. For those two it's a positive attribute that they've designed to fit their neighborhoods, versus slapping a generic corporate exterior wherever they invest a location.

This seems like a typical second wave in urban investment. The first wave is a small group passionate about urban living and historic preservation. The second wave sees the opportunity for investment created by the first wave, but doesn't understand the passion for urbanism and historic integrity. The question is how the city (this part has been answered) and the consumer (to be determined) stand for it.

Well seeing how Nic's been operating in the 10 penn district before it was cool, That might make him a trendsetter. Regardless just ready for some breakfast

[Paseofreak]

Application including paint approved (reapproved?) by DDRC. Note that although the color matches pretty closely, the brick above the windows (previously behind the removed awning) had been painted for years. Also, prior paperwork and staff advice supported prior approval.

[2Lanez]

Article from Steve: City Planning Staff Screwed Up? | News OK

[Pete]

^

Article doesn't mention: 1) Part of the original brick had already been painted; 2) They had to add a brick column and could not find matching bricks; 3) Pickering did reapply to the DDRC to gain specific approval for the exterior painting and the City planning staff recommended approval; and 4) the DDRC voted in favor in today's meeting.

[Bullbear]

^

Article doesn't mention: 1) Part of the original brick had already been painted; 2) They had to add a brick column and could not find matching bricks; 3) Pickering did reapply to the DDRC to gain specific approval for the exterior painting and the City planning staff recommended approval; and 4) the DDRC voted in favor in today's meeting.

But But But... FACTS aren't that much fun

[ctchandler]

But But But... FACTS aren't that much fun

Bullbear,
No, but as many folks have said (after the original quote by John Adams) "Facts are stubborn things".
C. T.

"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

John Adams

[Paseofreak]

Lackmeyer is really starting to lose a lot of ground with me. His handling of this issue and the Elliot Nelson/Sisters issue have led me to believe ego is coming into play and fair play is a lesser concern. When you have the bullhorn, there is an implied responsibility to not just question and then imply fault or culpability, but to speak to fact and respect when parties can't speak because of on-going negotiations or desire to not reveal plans for other valid reasons. I've been told the Tower/OKC Community Church deal exemplifies this as well.

[Pete]

Took this today from a south window looking north.

Will only be about 40 seats in the main dining room plus another 16 in the a private dining area and then of course the basement bar.

[OkiePoke]

I haven't seen much going on at this site.

[Urbanized]

Project manager is trying to wrap Cultivar.

[dankrutka]

From Saturday.

[zookeeper]

From Saturday.

Thanks for all these photo updates, Dan. It's good to see these things come along as they are discussed. Some are further along than I thought and others are behind what I thought, but it's helpful to see it all. You covered a lot this weekend - thanks again!

[OkiePoke]

I walk by this pretty regularly. I think they have been cooking some mornings, testing the kitchen/recipes. I may be mistaken though. But I don't know where the smell of breakfast could come from otherwise.

[Pete]

Peaked inside last night...

The interior looks much like the last photo I posted above, but all the wood has been stained dark brown.

I'm sure when Larry Pickering (designer) more or less wraps up Cultivar, he'll then turn his attention to this project and I bet it will move fast from that point.

[Pete]

Learned last night that all the kitchen equipment is in and they've been doing their menu testing.

The basement bar will feature a lot of blue velvet and be intimate.

Hope to be open within 30-60 days.

[Head]

Learned last night that all the kitchen equipment is in and they've been doing their menu testing.

The basement bar will feature a lot of blue velvet and be intimate.

Hope to be open within 30-60 days.

GREAT! This has been bugging me for a long time. Can't wait to get in there!

[OkiePoke]

I took this on Friday.

[Head]

Still crickets. Did they grow special trees for lumber on this remodel? Oh well, it'll just make it that much better!

[Pete]

Things are still moving forward, just slowly.

They should be open in about a month.

[OkiePoke]

They took the blue awnings off of the exterior.

[HangryHippo]

That interior picture looks awesome.