OKC Central Chat transcript, Feb. 15, 2013

The Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer took questions from readers in today's OKC Central Live Chat. You can join Steve's Q&A's on Fridays at 10 a.m. and submit your questions about the happenings in and around downtown Oklahoma City.

By Steve Lackmeyer | Published: February 15, 2013 Comment on this article

The Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer took questions from readers in today's OKC Central Live Chat. You can join Steve's Q&A's on Fridays at 10 a.m. and submit your questions about the happenings in and around downtown Oklahoma City. Below is an unedited transcript of the chat.

Steve Lackmeyer 9:29 a.m. Good morning everybody.

Steve Lackmeyer 9:30 a.m. Let's get started, shall we?

Matt 9:30 a.m. Morning Steve! I know you discussed the Plaza District some in last weeks chat, but have you heard anything about redevelopment of the "Discount Dollar Store" in the middle of the block next to Urban Wine Works? The redevelopment of this space would really bring the whole district together IMHO...

Steve Lackmeyer 9:30 a.m. The 16th Street Plaza District is going through rapid, dramatic changes these days. Another update in the works.

The Plaza District is no longer struggling with empty storefronts. Instead, the challenge being taken on by the area’s civic leaders and property owners is to find a delicate balance between upgrading the quality of tenants along the block while maintaining the district’s uniquely funky and independent vibe. An example of this effort includes the departure of the mattress store, which was seen as having the same impact on NW 16 that the Hotel/Motel Furniture Liquidators has had on Uptown NW 23.
Will the Discount Dollar Store evolve into another venue someday? It’s quite possible.

G.Walker 9:30 a.m. Steve, I would just like to say thank you for taking the time to actually write great articles, and actually writing a story. Too many articles I read from certain reporters are just "blurbs", and not really catching the background information leading up to the story, or even following up. It seems that most articles I read from other reporters are rushed and with no passion or effort. I really do appreciate your dedication to your job, and providing us with good material to read on a daily basis. Thank You!.

Steve Lackmeyer 9:31 a.m. Thanks! You're very kind.

Russell 9:31 a.m. Steve, When will the next stage of 235/Broadway Ext & I-44 construction start?

Steve Lackmeyer 9:31 a.m. I’m still trying to recover from the trauma of the last round of changes. Must we rush it? But to answer your question, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation told Oklahoman reporter Zeke Campfield last summer the next phases of the interchange project are set to begin in 2017, beginning with the southwest quadrant of the intersection. Eastbound motorists on I- 44 looking to turn south onto I-235 will be affected at first, but all of that project's remaining phases should be completed within two years' time. Highway engineers also advised that the schedule could change, with work starting earlier than expected.

Steve Lackmeyer 9:32 a.m. Here’s a look at what the interchange will look like once completed:

9:32 a.m.

Eugene 9:32 a.m. what happened to all the buzz about new skyscrapers? Why no new announcements by now?

Steve Lackmeyer 9:32 a.m. Real estate transactions take time. And that’s exactly what is happening right now. This is not speculation, this is not a guess; I am telling you, a complicated real estate transaction is underway, and when the deal is done, that is when the involved parties will be ready to discuss what is planned.

Russell 9:33 a.m. What are the plans for the old store front just North on Walker & 24th? They have painted the building grey and looks as though they are doing some sort of build out right now.

Steve Lackmeyer 9:34 a.m. I believe you are talking about the old Overhead Garage Door place. It is being renovated into the base of operations for the Good Egg Dining Group, which owns Tuckers, Cheevers, Iron Star BBQ, Kitchen No. 324 and operates Republic.

9:34 a.m.

Nick 9:34 a.m. A lot of backlash to the recently proposed Staybridge Suites. Were you disappointed by the initial renderings?

Steve Lackmeyer 9:37 a.m. The Bricktown Urban Design Committee was certainly not satisfied with what they saw. But remember, this was a presentation for feedback, not an application. To judge what was presented in too harsh a light is like concluding your child is an idiot because they approached their parent halfway through a class project with an unfinished diorama asking for help. The developer was looking for feedback, and I did not sense that he was demanding that this be the final design.

Steve Lackmeyer 9:38 a.m. Read more about the Staybridge Suites here: http://newsok.com/bricktown-hotel-development-is-unveiled/article/3755167

Nick 9:38 a.m. I noticed a crew is out tearing up the foundation on the land between 10th and 11th and Harvey and Hudson that the Midtown R group recently purchased. Do they already have plans for this site?

Steve Lackmeyer 9:38 a.m. Yep, I noticed that too. Something's up, don't you think?

Nick 9:39 a.m. Skinny Slim's reportedly opened last night. Did they ever clean up the site? It looked pretty shabby there for awhile.

Steve Lackmeyer 9:40 a.m. Nick! Would it please you to know I was at Skinny Slim's last night? I talked to the owner. The inside of the place looks pretty nice. He said he plans to do the patio area next week. I'll have a story soon.

Mike 9:40 a.m. Why doesn't the City of OKC not have a city park north of North of Nw 122nd St. I have water, fire, and police service , but no parks! Ridiculous!

Steve Lackmeyer 9:40 a.m. Martin Nature Park is a pretty nice park.

Gary T 9:41 a.m. Good morning Steve. Any news on the retail infill at the Maywood Lofts?

Steve Lackmeyer 9:41 a.m. Are you talking about the 2nd Street Lofts?

Nick 9:41 a.m. What's the latest on the St. Anthony's expansion? Has it been approved?

Steve Lackmeyer 9:41 a.m. I believe so.

Gary T 9:41 a.m. Once the Aloft hotel is completed, what kind of retail can Deep Deuce expect to have?

Steve Lackmeyer 9:42 a.m. Jim Thompson, the developer of the Aloft, has indicated the hotel will include a restaurant and coffee shop on the ground floor.

Nick 9:42 a.m. What's going on with the Mercantile Building in Bricktown? There was a proposal of conversion to housing, but nothing seems to be going on now...

Steve Lackmeyer 9:42 a.m. Deals are being done. Real estate transactions take time.

Steve R 9:43 a.m. Any chance more media outlets will relocate from the Britton/Broadway area to downtown? This might bring better coverage of city, county & state issues than we see on the airwaves now. Of course, the transmitters would stay where they are.

Steve Lackmeyer 9:43 a.m. Yes.

Gary T 9:43 a.

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