Two bicycle shops planned for Automobile Alley
I believe Metro posted about this some time ago, but I couldn't find the thread.
This is a *great* sign for downtown and the city's core. I'm an avid cyclist myself (actually, more of a triathlete) and bikes and the people that ride them are a big part of any urban culture. Not only are they needed retail, they help organize active, motivated people through rides, lectures, etc.
And all this AA development is really going to help bridge Midtown & downtown.
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Fri April 27, 2007
Broadway ‘Alley' becomes block for bicycle buyers
By Steve Lackmeyer
Business Writer
Broadway, once Oklahoma City's original automobile row, may soon become its bicycle row with two competing shops opening for business.
At 900 N Broadway, Steve Schlegel, owner of The Bicycle Store Too in south Oklahoma City, is opening Schlegel's Bicycles. Across the street at 1001 N Broadway, Terry Enos is celebrating his opening this week of Bicycle Alley.
Schlegel, who has been in the business for 14 years, said his expansion responds to a growing base of customers who live in north Oklahoma City and Edmond and who work downtown.
"Automobile Alley seemed like a great location,” Schlegel said, noting continued development downtown and the growing popularity of the nearby Oklahoma River trails.
Schlegel, who hopes to open by mid-May, plans to operate Schlegel's Bagels and Brew, a coffee shop, in conjunction with the bicycle store. He is also in talks with the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments to open a "commuter station,” complete with lockers and showers for urban bicyclists.
Enos said he's not worried the two shops are opening at the same time, though it caught him by surprise. He compares it to two automobile dealerships or drug stores opening on the same corner.
"It just brings more people to Automobile Alley when they're looking at bicycles,” Enos said. "I've got wonderful brands, as will my ‘partner' across the street.”
Schlegel agreed with Enos, calling their shops anchors of a "bodacious block of bikes.”
Enos said his plans date back two years to when he decided to pursue his dream of opening his own business, combining it with his passion for bicycling.
"In 2004, I felt that Oklahoma City was getting to a spot where we didn't need just a basic bicycle store anymore. We're growing up like Dallas and Kansas City, where we are closer to the tier-one cities. So we need to bring something new and exciting into the bicycling community and help us become a healthier community.”
Enos promotes a "healthier lifestyle” as the goal of his new store, saying it's not just about bicycles.
"Bicycles are just what provides the health benefit,” Enos said. "It's easy on the knees, easy on the back, as long as the fit is proper.”
And that's why Enos does more than sell bicycles. The store includes a special computerized fitting area that allows its crew to custom-size bicycles for customers.
The store's stock includes bicycles designed for urban living and outdoor enthusiasts, an area tailored for women and a full range of clothing and accessories. The selection includes retro-style Cruiser bicycles for casual neighborhood riders, Felt brand bicycles (which Enos says are "undersold” in Oklahoma), off-road and mountain bikes and Breezer bikes for urban enthusiasts.
"I didn't locate in the suburbs because I've lived in Heritage Hills for 21 years,” Enos said. "I live five blocks from here. This is my community, this is where I've worked, and this is where I will continue to work. With the resurgence of downtown and Bricktown, all the apartments and condominiums going up, there are several hundreds of units coming on line. And the president of Downtown Oklahoma City Inc. has predicted there will be several thousand more residents in 10 years.”
Showers planned, too
Enos envisions his customers riding bicycles from their homes to work, to Harkins Theater in Lower Bricktown, to downtown restaurants and attractions, and of course, to his shop. Enos promises his current location, which includes a waiting area with flat screen television, is just a hint of what's to come this summer.
Within the next few months, Bicycle Alley will move to a permanent storefront on the first floor of 1015 N Broadway, the former home of Habitat for Humanity's Renovation Station. The building, being renovated by Enos' landlord Steve Mason, will allow the shop to include showers, bicycle lockers and a coffee bar.
"There is a lot of change going on,” Enos said. "All the way from downtown Oklahoma City to past 13th and the Mercedes Benz dealership, you can see BMI's wonderful add-on next door, Mr. Mason is doing this block, and you have the Oklahoma City Community Foundation's beautiful new building across the street. The Oklahoma City downtown revitalization is just moving north. You're going to see more retail like myself, more offices. ... Parking is a little more available here, and that's very important.”
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Originally Posted by jbrown84
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