At a Crossroads in MidTown
Even if Greg Banta never takes another step into MidTown, his place in the district’s history is already secure. In today’s Oklahoman, I’m reporting Banta’s departure from the MidTown Renaissance development. Partners Bob Howard and Mickey Clagg, whose financial backing was critical to Banta’s success to date, have bought out his interests and they say [...]
West End Update
For those interested in what’s going on in Dallas’ West End district - an early model for Bricktown - here’s the latest from a poster at Dallas Metropolis Online:
“Despite the WE Marketplace being vacant the West End is actually thriving from a commercial aspect. The Awalt and Moline buildings are 100% occupied, Landmark is at95% [...]
BREAKING NEWS! (Yep, McNellie’s is Open!)
The wait in MidTown is over. McNellie’s is open at the Plaza Court - and everybody can decide for themselves whether this much beloved Irish pub in Tulsa is as great as everyone says it is.
(For what it’s worth, I visited prior to the opening and couldn’t help but be impressed by what these folks [...]
MidTown - Thriving, But Trouble Ahead?
Quick comments about catching dinner last night at 1492 New World Cuisine in MidTown:
- The restaurant was doing great business. Bar had patrons, about half to two-thirds of the dining room stayed full from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.
- I observed similar business at nearby Irma’s and Cafe do’ Brasil.
- With all the old trees [...]
The Plaza District Gets Lively
Things are cooking up in the Plaza District. Here’s the latest from the Plaza District Association:
Second Fridays in the Plaza will never be the same, as Live on the Plaza walks transform the district streets into an open atmosphere of art and entertainment.
The Live on the Plaza walk, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, will feature Plaza [...]
The Hard Part
Steve Mason and architect Tony Blatt - one year ago - and now certified, battle tested preservationists and urban developers. Mason’s journey actually started even earlier - when he bought up the 1000 block of N Broadway, one of the last unimproved stretches of Automobile Alley.
1015 N Broadway is now fully rebuilt and home to Mason’s [...]
Grant’s New Toy
Grant Humphreys submitted the winning bid for the Ferris Wheel at the legendary Santa Monica Pier. I’ve got what no other television station or newspaper has - an interview with Grant. Full story in tomorrow’s paper and at www.newsok.com.
More Updates
If you haven’t cruised along Sheridan Avenue lately, the Hampton Inn is really beginning to take shape. The nine-story, 200-room hotel will be the tallest building in Bricktown when it opens later this year. But that honor may be surpassed by the Cotton Exchange, a 12-story building proposed for the corner of the Bricktown Canal [...]
Update
Ok, first things first…. hopefully this post is not as challenging as my past ones. I’ve tried to follow Mr. Hill’s instructions on making photos easier to download. This is especially important today as I provide some quick blog only updates on downtown projects. The above building is the future Candy Factory, which is being developed by Jeff [...]
Burning Design
Will anyone fight to save this fire station from being torn down in 50 years?
Oklahoma City Fire Station 37, built in 1996, Oklahoman Archives
I’ve been thinking more about the city’s decision to build a new fire station at the east entrance to Bricktown. Old Downtown Guy suggests we shouldn’t be trying to mimick designs of [...]
