harding-photo.jpg

In today’s Oklahoman, you can read about the latest development about to start in Bricktown. And yes, this one appears to be very, very, very real. Veteran oilmen Charles Harding and John Shelton have spent the past two years planning and expanding their vision for this block, which originally called for renovation of 2 E California and 12 E California and construction of a two- to four-story parking garage. What they’ve ended up with is a plan that also will take in the grand old Rock Island Plow building at 29 E Reno (housing!) and constuction of a 376-space underground garage at 3 E Reno that would allow for future development above ground.

The city, meanwhile, is preparing to extend the canal, which stops at 2 E California, all the way to Reno Avenue.

Oh, did I mention you’ll have to go get a newspaper to see some of the detailed renderings of this development? You’ll also find a pretty interesting story inside the business section by Jack Money about a time when Oklahoma City ended up in a stand-off with the oil industry over drilling in town.

Ah, but here’s a bonus rendering not in the paper - plans for a “Cheer’s” style restaurant or bar entrance from Oklahoma Avenue just north of Reno Avenue.

hardingcheers.jpg