Chesapeake development announcement?

[wsucougz]

My feeling is that something big is about to be announced, and won't be limited to "just" a Whole Foods. The demolition of existing structures has been larger in scale than I originally thought, even stretching north of 63rd in at least one spot. Now there are large swaths of scraped land and a ton of sidewalks being laid. Further, Classen Curve is close to being wrapped up.

[OKCTalker]

In the triangle bounded by 63rd, Western and Grand they've cleared the buildings that were formerly Hahn-Cook and Reserve National, and they just removed the former King's Court condos on the north side of 63rd. IMHO it makes sense to bulldoze in order to reduce taxes, insurance and maintenance costs (Reserve National's porte-cochere collapsed after the 12/24 blizzard). I think that sidewalks are now a higher OKC priority since the City got its hand slapped recently by the feds.

Even if there isn't a pending deal, it makes economic sense to remove doomed structures, and it visually improves their own neighborhood.

[metro]

wsu, I also wonder because the Reserve National building demo, is now going a good distance underground. I'm not sure if this is necessary no matter what to remove/cap utilities, or if they are going to start prepping for something. I hope your hunch is right.

[benman]

My feeling is that something big is about to be announced, and won't be limited to "just" a Whole Foods. The demolition of existing structures has been larger in scale than I originally thought, even stretching north of 63rd in at least one spot. Now there are large swaths of scraped land and a ton of sidewalks being laid. Further, Classen Curve is close to being wrapped up.

Possibly the redevelopment of Nichols Hills Plaza north of 63rd and a boutique hotel or new apartments or new offices south of 63rd..?? any of that would neat.

[soonerguru]

I've heard from an inside source they will be developing an urban community garden; not sure where.

[OKCTalker]

wsu, I also wonder because the Reserve National building demo, is now going a good distance underground.

The hole was already there - the building had a huge basement.

[Spartan]

Well we've seen their masterplan on here before. Do you guys think that the buildings they're demo'ing go along with the masterplan for the mixed-use development they were planning? Of course, not that masterplans mean anything at all to Chesapeake..there's a new masterplan every year it seems. I don't think they even really know what they're going to do next with the development of their dream headquarters.

Do you think some of you guys could put together a map of what's being done right now? I just knew of Classen Curve and the funeral home, which is where Whole Foods will be built. I'm not sure if CHK or the City is paying for the new sidewalks.. I know it wouldn't be MAPS 3, but there was also sidewalk money included in the last huge bond issue we passed as well.

[securityinfo]

I've heard from an inside source they will be developing an urban community garden; not sure where.

Built. Just east of Shartel, between 61st and 62nd streets. Very nice.

[FritterGirl]

I've heard from an inside source they will be developing an urban community garden; not sure where.

Not a big secret. It was discussed in City Council meeting this past Tuesday. I believe it will be a coop garden open to employees. Part of the foods grown there will go to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, as I understand from what I heard during Tuesday's council meeting.

[Larry OKC]

So which post is correct? #8 (already built) or #9 (will be)

[Spartan]

If you look on Google streetview, it looks like they were doing the work on the site last year when they took the streetview pics.

[securityinfo]

So which post is correct? #8 (already built) or #9 (will be)

Well, they've built a block's worth of planters there... lots of chkers planting something.. drive by and have a look...

[metro]

It's already built, but it also looks like they continue to add on to it. I drove by yesterday and took pictures. I will post them soon. So far, it's a full block of a community garden.

[jbrown84]

I have a feeling something big is planned to go along with Whole Foods. More retail seems most likely, but they haven't exactly filled up CC.

[Larry OKC]

That was my impression too when I drove thru it a couple of weeks ago...interesting layout etc, but mostly empty (with nothing saying "coming soon".

[Spartan]

Well if the past is any indication, there will never be an announcement from Chesapeake.

[metro]

That was my impression too when I drove thru it a couple of weeks ago...interesting layout etc, but mostly empty (with nothing saying "coming soon".

There have been several retailers announced that have not put up any signage yet. See the Classen Curve thread.

[Larry OKC]

Not sure if I understand the reasoning....would much rather see a "________ Coming Soon" sign rather than just apparently empty store fronts. At least give some indication of life in the place other than the couple of eating places that are open

[metro]

Seems to be the status quo, and tuck can correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember seeing any signage "coming soon" for Republic, or 105 degrees, although Red Coyote, the Wood Fire Pizza place, Cafe 501 and Balliets did get signage up fairly early, although construction was already underway on them.

Classen Curve tenants I can think of off top of my head that have been announced

Balliets
Cafe 501
Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza
Red Coyote Running & Fitness
Winter House Interiors
Metro Shoes
Uptown Kids
RePUBlic Gastropub
105 Degrees Restaurant & Academy

[Spartan]

Thanks for the list, metro. Most of us aren't too inclined to go digging through a 20+ page OKC Talk thread..

[Steve]

Guys, take note of the question I asked this afternoon in the Whole Foods thread

[MikeOKC]

Hmmm. Maybe it's because the whole lifestyle center concept has been on my mind of late, but maybe a "town center/village" shopping area?

- Large swaths
- Sidewalks

Maybe there really is a master plan.

[foodiefan]

just thowing this out. . .anybody think a Container Store might "fit" in CC??

[mheaton76]

Guys, take note of the question I asked this afternoon in the Whole Foods thread

To Steve's point, other Whole Food locations do have some great retail located nearby. The location at Brentwood Square in St. Louis has a Container Store, Nordstrom Rack, and Rei. Other locations have Armani Exchange, and Ann Taylor Loft - not to mention some decent casual dining chains like California Pizza Kitchen. Hmmmm.

[Steve]

FYI - the Container Store has already confirmed it's coming to OKC, though we don't know where. Mr. Heaton, I think you may have given us our first potential piece of the puzzle... is it possible the Container Store is coming to Classen Curve?