Deep Deuce still developing
The Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer fielded questions from readers Friday during his OKC Central online chat. This is an abridged version of that conversation. To see the full transcript, or to participate in next week's chat, go to NewsOK.com.
Q: Are we still seeing infill around Deep Deuce or is the market starting to tighten? It seems like there's a good amount of green space in that area.
A: Most of the infill spaces are on the alleyway immediately north of the Brownstones, where we have seen a couple of homes built this past year. I suspect the remaining lots on that stretch will develop in similar fashion as interest continues to build for sale product.
Pat Garrett, who owns the big lot at NE 3 and Walnut, tells me they are looking at a slightly larger project for the corner but they have nothing definitive as of yet.
The only other major lot is also at NE 3 and Walnut, and it is part owned by the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority, part owned by developer Richard McKown. I suspect we will see a development proposal for the corner over the next couple of years.
Q: Any updates on what is going on in the Wheeler District?
A: Blair Humphreys reports work is wrapping up on the infrastructure and crews will start pouring home foundations by May. The development has sold 26 homes to date and the first home should be ready for occupancy by Thanksgiving.
Q: If you had to guess, when is the property between the Myriad Gardens & Scissortail Park going to begin being developed? Seems like it could be a big eyesore in the near future with all that is being developed around it.
A: Bob Howard and his partners Mickey Clagg and Chris Fleming own the former Fred Jones Ford dealership and their work in Midtown should give everyone confidence the time they take will be well worth it when it comes to thoughtful, appropriate development for the site.
They know what they have, they know how it fits into an area that is about to undergo dramatic change, and it is smart for them not to rush into any decisions until we see the rest of the picture start to emerge.
What we don't want is a developer who rushes in and builds a couple of budget hotels, a fastfood restaurant and a gas station.
Q: Have you heard anything about possible future development of the old Holiday Inn at Main and Walker?
A: The building is listed by hotel broker Peter Holmes and it is being eyed by potential developers, Will it be bought and renovated back into a hotel or turned into housing? I think that's the big question ahead.
Q: Sandridge CEO out, company consolidation? Thoughts?
A: It doesn't sound good, does it? Midstates moved from Houston to Tulsa and it's my understanding they lease their space. If a merger takes place, the investors seem to want the Midstates folks to call the shots. Will they move everything to Oklahoma City where they will own their headquarters, or will they consolidate everything in Tulsa? We need to be prepared for both scenarios.
Q: You have mentioned that Native Roots is now sourcing from Uptown Market. Has that helped store traffic? Do they carry toilet paper, Diet Coke, M&M's — you know, the staples of life? Or is it gourmet soda, etc.?
A: Well, I haven't mentioned Uptown until now because they didn't want that to go public. But since they're putting their name on the cash register receipts, yeah, it's being operated by Uptown Market. Everything you're asking about is now on their shelves, the prices are competitive, and it's time for everyone downtown to give Native Roots a fresh look.
Q: What would you like to see happen to Bricktown? Obviously, you are not a fan of entertainment for young adults.
A: I am a fan of bars like Skinny Slims that bring life to the district seven days a week and adds to the area's charm and vitality. The dueling piano bars are a nice contribution to the area, and the Dollhouse is a popular draw as well.
I am not a fan of nightclubs that are open three nights a week after 8 p.m., attract a demographic that is into drugs and violence, and the owners don't care about Bricktown. Ask the families of the young people who were killed at RokBar if they think the nightclub was entertainment for young adults.
Q: What's the best part of being a downtown development reporter? Thanks!
A: Meeting a great diversity of people, hearing their dreams and then being trusted to tell their stories.