The Flatiron
A neighborhood emerges… so what’s next?
This flat iron style building at NE 5 and Harrison has stood empty for years, and not too long ago it was threatened with demolition as developers sought to replace it with a truck stop. Now we know what’s about to happen next…
You may have read last week’s story about Grant Humphreys moving ahead with plans to renovate the old flat iron building and build an adjoining five-story retail, office and housing complex. The design changes, which included a glass elevator rising up to a rooftop garden, was approved by the Oklahoma City urban Renewal Authority.
The above view is what one will see from Interstate 235, which makes me wonder how this project might change the downtown skyline. We’ve already seen how Humphreys’ Block 42 changes the view from southbound I-235. The design is certainly unique – I can’t think of anything like it downtown or elsewhere in this city.
Grant says he has the financing to get this done. He’s overcome the obstacles and is ready to move forward this spring. And observers are intrigued by his reports of promising discussions with a potential grocery. So … what will this all mean for the emerging Flat Iron and Deep Deuce neighborhoods?
-Steve
"Talk amongst yourselves … I'll give you a topic"
I’m out chasing news for you folks today, so for now, I’m going to borrow a tactic from Coffee Talk’s Linda Richman. Here’s a question to ponder this morning, especially for those of you who work and/or live downtown:
If given the choice, would you rather have a small specialty grocery store (maybe a half-size local version of Whole Foods) or would you rather have a full size Walgreens and Braum’s with a fresh foods market?
-Steve
