Bricktown Shakeup

[Pete]

9/12/14 Update

The sale of properties labeled 5 through 8 below has been recorded by the County Assessor.

Sales price for the four properties -- three small historic office buildings and a surface parking lot -- was $5.8 million. Total building square footage is 34,800 with the land comprising just under an acre.

The purchasing LLC tracks back to GFO Companies, the same Los Angeles based investment group that purchased the Sycamore Square Apartments and that has proposed to build the 700 West apartments along with a new apartment building at Sycamore Square.

Andy Burnett has been the front person on this transaction and previously worked for GFO; they have a small local office on NW Expressway.

The sale of the properties on the north side of Sheridan should post soon.

6/13/14

NewsOK Article

6/6/14

We've known for a while that a bunch of properties along Sheridan in Bricktown were under contract and set to close sometime this summer.

There are a total of 8 shown in yellow below. The buyers are being led by Andy Burnett (Mideke Building, 700 West) with others involved.

Most of the properties are owned by Don Karmcher who is also trying to re-work his large parking garage plan for the site labeled 'Karchmer 2'. We've also heard he plans to develop the 'Karchmer 1' parking lot into structured parking. Just recently Karchmer submitted plans to remodel his building at 4 E. Sheridan to provide office space about the ground floor Melting Pot restaurant.

We understand the Burnett group also want to buy the Spaghetti Warehouse building but the owners are reluctant to sell.

	#	Address	Tenant	Owner
	1	115 E. Sheridan	Club One15	Brewers
	2	114 E. Main	Parking Lot	Karchmer
	3	121 E. Sheridan	Tapwerks	Karchmer
	4	127 E. Sheridan	Parking Lot	Brewers
	5		Parking Lot	Karchmer
	6		Baden Buidling	Karchmer
	7		Glass Building	Karchmer
	8		Confectionary Building	Karchmer

[bchris02]

It looks like this may be a bigger shift than realized. This may be the end for Bricktown as OKC's entertainment district. I wonder if Tapwerks is also going to be shut down?

[Pete]

I doubt they would close Tapwerks or anything except Club One15.

I'm sure they'd love to convert the upper floors of the Spaghetti Warehouse to offices and then build some sort of parking structure to the east.

I'm sure they would no be any demolitions.

[CuatrodeMayo]

His involvement in the Sandridge demolition spree makes me a bit nervous. As we've see so often, our boards, commissions, review committees and design standards aren't much hindrance to certain individuals and organizations.

[zookeeper]

I hope they don't touch the Spaghetti Warehouse if only for the fact that they really started it all. They took a big chance and made a bold move by opening up into an empty old dingy warehouse district. It was the catalyst for the Bricktown boom. They proved it could work. I like to see it still there and hope it stays - they deserve it.

[Pete]

I agree that the Spaghetti Warehouse is a Bricktown institution.

I never hear about people going there, but I think they still do a decent business.

The place has a soft spot in my heart.

[RadicalModerate]

I hope they don't touch the Spaghetti Warehouse if only for the fact that they really started it all. They took a big chance and made a bold move by opening up into an empty old dingy warehouse district. It was the catalyst for the Bricktown boom. They proved it could work. I like to see it still there and hope it stays - they deserve it.

I hope They don't touch The Spaghetti Warehouse either.
Except for expecting better Pasta (and sauce) for The Dollar.
It really was the first kid on the block.
Back in the day.

Wasn't there once a place called "Piggy's BBQ" replete with an industrial ramp/loading dock/patio dining venue, etc. down there?
And, across the street some excuse for a semi-gypsy "Komedy Klub"?
Not to mention: Rocky's Bricktown Music Hall?
and Willard's Wholesale Roofing?

It Was All Good. And Will Be Even Better. (at least i hope so)

Edited to Add:
From a recent visit to the vicinity:



I hope The Developers don't mess with Ye Olde Railroad Spur Into the Former Industrial Warehouse District as well.
It's, like, Historical (and whatnot). Even approaching Art.

(or, at least, what "Art to Be" . . .) (not Stage Center . . . =)

[Teo9969]

Assuming that demolition were a possibility, why would you even do it, only to have to build something similar? Still has to be a brick building about yea-high. Ward could build a 6 to 10 story building on the #2 Parking lot if he wants to get the office space he needs.

[bchris02]

Assuming that demolition were a possibility, why would you even do it, only to have to build something similar? Still has to be a brick building about yea-high. Ward could build a 6 to 10 story building on the #2 Parking lot if he wants to get the office space he needs.

I doubt Tom Ward wants to be remembered as the man who destroyed Bricktown. This does seem kind of puzzling though. Anybody have any guesses at to why Tapstone is going this route rather than new construction?

[Pete]

My thought is that Ward in particular simply wants to control the area where he is running his company. That was certainly his m.o. at SandRidge.

I think they are hoping to acquire the Spaghetti Warehouse building and convert the upper floors and then build structured parking to the east. In that scenario, it might make sense to demo the Tapwerks buidling and then build back retail on the ground and parking above.

On the south side of Sheridan, I don't think they have any specific plans. In fact, I've heard they may flip the one building to ADG who presently occupies it.

[betts]

I don't want any buildings demo'd. And after what happened with their old company and properties, I don't think Tapstone should be given carte blanche to do anything.

[adaniel]

Yeah I'm not too sure I am completely thrilled about an entire company, particularly someone with Tom Wards past, buying up whole blocks to control them. This is a dense urban environment after all and you will naturally have a diverse array of businesses around.

Also, now that I've thought about it, the nightclub backlash is in danger of becoming an overreaction. If a pretty decent club like One 15 is forced out why would anyone else, even with a high end concept, try in the future?

[RadicalModerate]

I agree that the Spaghetti Warehouse is a Bricktown institution.

I never hear about people going there, but I think they still do a decent business.

The place has a soft spot in my heart.

Nice. Don't let it go to your head.
(you know that i'm kidding, right? at least i hope that you do.)
(thanks, again, Pete)

[zookeeper]

Wasn't there once a place called "Piggy's BBQ" replete with an industrial ramp, etc. down there?
And, across the street some excuse for a "Comedy Klub"?
Not to mention: Rocky's Bricktown Music Hall?
and Willard's Wholesale Roofing?
I hope The Developers don't mess with Ye Olde Spur Into the Former Industrial Warehouse District neither.
It's, like, Historical (and whatnot). Even approaching Art.

I remember when it was Spaghetti Warehouse, Piggy's, the Irish pub (Kelley's? I'm not sure on the name), and the comedy club. I'm not sure what was literally the first, but it was The Spaghetti Warehouse taking the chance with a large full-service restaurant that was the real seedling of modern Bricktown.

[RadicalModerate]

I don't want any buildings demo'd. And after what happened with their old company and properties, I don't think Tapstone should be given carte blanche to do anything.

Do you suppose that Mr. Pei is on speed dial on their Ouija Boards?
Regarding "a Plan"?
Or are they using The Magic Eight Ball?

[RadicalModerate]

I remember when it was Spaghetti Warehouse, Piggy's, the Irish pub (Kelley's? I'm not sure on the name), and the comedy club. I'm not sure what was literally the first, but it was The Spaghetti Warehouse taking the chance with a large full-service restaurant that was the real seedling of modern Bricktown.

I seem to recall a Bunte Candy Company . . . a Bosco's Hardware Wholesaler . . . and Mideke/Hajoka (Plumbing) Supply.
"Modern Bricktown" is more . . . what? . . . Flexible? . . . Spineless?
Perhaps a "Neighborhood/The Reason We Moved Here" Committee might be established? =)

And, following that, demand better sidewalks and ziplines that don't embarrass the Mayor?

[betts]

Yeah I'm not too sure I am completely thrilled about an entire company, particularly someone with Tom Wards past, buying up whole blocks to control them. This is a dense urban environment after all and you will naturally have a diverse array of businesses around.

Also, now that I've thought about it, the nightclub backlash is in danger of becoming an overreaction. If a pretty decent club like One 15 is forced out why would anyone else, even with a high end concept, try in the future?

Tom Ward is pretty straight and narrow and he doesn't mind forcing his mindset on things around him, I've heard. It wouldn't shock me to hear he doesn't want clubs and such around his business. I remember someone telling me that when he was part owner of the Thunder he insisted the Thunder girls costumes be more modest than some other teams' cheerleaders.

[Spartan]

Welcome to the new Tom Ward Bricktown. They say they do energy, but they really do real estate, the energy way.

[zookeeper]

I seem to recall a Bunte Candy Company . . . a Bosco's Hardware Wholesaler . . . and Mideke/Hajoka (Plumbing) Supply.
"Modern Bricktown" is more . . . what? . . . Flexible? . . . Spineless?
Perhaps a "Neighborhood/The Reason We Moved Here" Committee might be established? =)

And, following that, demand better sidewalks and ziplines that don't embarrass the Mayor?

Modern Bricktown is, you know, a place to go that you can take people to eat, have fun? Entertain? I didn't mean to suggest that the old warehouse district was void of business. A factory, hardware store, a plumbing supply store, and other places that date back to the '20s was not the kind of thing I was talking about. But, I think you knew that already. You're in full-form tonight. And that's okay! We wouldn't want you any other way!

[okcRE]

#5 the parking lot is a very attractive piece of real estate. don't be surprised if a sexy urban high rise hotel is going to be built there in the near future.

[soonerguru]

Karchmer seems like a wild card to me.

[soonerguru]

I hope they don't touch the Spaghetti Warehouse if only for the fact that they really started it all. They took a big chance and made a bold move by opening up into an empty old dingy warehouse district. It was the catalyst for the Bricktown boom. They proved it could work. I like to see it still there and hope it stays - they deserve it.

Ok. Maybe. But I wouldn't really shed a tear if we lost Spaghetti Warehouse.

[boitoirich]

Count me out. I'm glad Tapstone's doing what they are to Mideke, but what we don't need is a loss of urban fabric for parking garages. Place your parking garage on the land north of Main that is already used for parking if you must. Unless you're going to build an awesome mixed use structure that add's to the district, Bricktown's stock needs to be left alone.

[bchris02]

Count me out. I'm glad Tapstone's doing what they are to Mideke, but what we don't need is a loss of urban fabric for parking garages. Place your parking garage on the land north of Main that is already used for parking if you must. Unless you're going to build an awesome mixed use structure that add's to the district, Bricktown's stock needs to be left alone.

Completely agree. Are there really rumblings about demolitions?

[GaryOKC6]

I like Spaghetti Warehouse but the building is way under unitized. I would like to see the leave Spaghetti Warehouse alone and develop the upper floors.