Steve Lackmeyer: OKC Central Chat transcript, Dec. 21, 2012
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.
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Published: December 21, 2012
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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.
NewsOK
9:28 a.m.
Good morning everyone! Steve will be logging in at 10 a.m., but you can start submitting your questions and comments now.
10:04 a.m.
Good morning everybody.
10:04 a.m.
Good morning Steve. Sorry to hear about the loss of your father. From what I read about him, he seemed like a great man.
10:05 a.m.
Thanks. He accomplished quite a bit, fell short at times, and I appreciate the support you readers have given me through this time.
10:05 a.m.
What do you think of Kilroy’s (allegedly a pizza place) going in the Coin Laundry building in the Plaza district?
10:06 a.m.
I saw it earlier this week. I'm running behind on some items, so what I know is limited to that the building is owned by Steve Mason and it looks like a pretty promising renovation.
10:06 a.m.
Good morning Steve.
10:06 a.m.
Good morning.
10:06 a.m.
There has been a lot of debate on okctalk.com about why we need a 300,000 sq. ft. exhibition hall at the state fairgrounds and 200,000 sq. ft. of “contiguous space” in the new convention center. What are your thoughts on this argument?
10:07 a.m.
I think this is one of many questions and topics that should have been discussed during the MAPS 3 campaign and sadly, such discussions often did not take place.
10:07 a.m.
The north side of 6th street between Frances and Shartel is about half a block of open land that is for sale. Directly north of that are the more modern homes. Do you see those ever being built facing 6th street?
10:08 a.m.
Yep. That neighborhood is going to continue to evolve and turn into a showcase of modern design homes.
10:08 a.m.
Are there any updates with the Boulevard?
10:09 a.m.
Behind the scenes there are discussions underway to make Route A more pedestrian friendly. Friends for a Better Boulevard, meanwhile, is gearing up for a fight noting the consultant, Stantech, was not given the free hand to look at all options as was promised (engineers instructed that any scenario has to keep Reno open and result in construction of a full boulevard).
10:09 a.m.
Project 180 recently received a $750,000 grant for streetscape on EK Gaylord & will start quickly due to time constraints on the grant. What do you think would be the best used for and what do you think it will end up getting used for? Prepping for streetcar tracks?
10:11 a.m.
At the start of Project 180 I asked city officials about how they planned to rebuild streets and then tear them up again to add streetcar tracks. I'm not sure their answers settled everyone's concerns then, and it sounds like it's not ending debate today. I'll post that story on OKC Central later today.
10:11 a.m.
With the recent influx of large amounts of housing in Deep Deuce, how long until we see a grocery store larger than Native Roots?
10:12 a.m.
Hopefully a long time. Let Native Roots get rooted in, attached to the neighborhood, and fixed up on providing what's best for the neighborhood. Why bring in a larger grocery store to kill the investment this family has made downtown that was not being made by the large chains?
10:12 a.m.
Glad you're back Steve, sorry for your loss. Walker Avenue between 10th and 13th is exploding with the Edge Apartments, 1212, Osler conversion, and now the Saint Anthony's Hospital expansion. Are you aware of any additional developments around 10th street on some of those vacant lots? I realize that you don't report it until it is confirmed, but are there major housing projects, such as Edge, in the planning stages that you are aware of?
10:13 a.m.
Thanks Bethany. There will be more housing built in MidTown. Expect hundreds more apartments, some for-sale housing. And yeah, it's all in the planning stages.
10:14 a.m.
I am little confused on Meinder’s purchase of the NE corner of NE 4th and Walnut. Will he be keeping the metal building on the corner and redoing the building behind it? What about the larger metal building covered by trees to the east of these?
10:14 a.m.
Yes, he will be keeping the largest metal building covered with brush, and he'll be cleaning up the site and using it for storage. The older brick buildings will be redeveloped.
10:14 a.m.
Welcome back, Steve. My sincerest condolences on the passing of your father.
10:15 a.m.
Thanks Nick.
10:15 a.m.
When you get the opportunity could you do an update on the progress of the Project 180 streetscapes? What streets will ultimately be left out and whether there will be furnishings and public art. Also, how will the EKG construction affect the implementation of the Transit Hub and streetcar tracks.
10:17 a.m.
Yes, I have begun work on a Project 180 update this week. To be quite honest, the only delay in getting it done is myself. Again, have patience with me... I'm dealing with a lot of matters personally that have made it difficult to give 100 percent at work the past couple of weeks. I'm blessed with very patient editors who have been very understanding. I can tell you that the trimmings from Project 180 aren't as bad as previously thought.
10:17 a.m.
Steve, was the St. Anthony expansion approved at yesterday's meeting?
10:17 a.m.
No, it was delayed as St. Anthony works with the owner of Kaiser's to ensure he has a place for his dumpsters.
10:17 a.m.
What can you tell us about Marva Ellard possibly doing some housing in Bricktown?
10:18 a.m.
It's a possibility, but nothing firm yet to report.
10:18 a.m.
Steve, if you could have anything build downtown for Christmas, what would it be, and why?
10:23 a.m.
Oh wow, Santa... can you give $200 million to buy First National Center? Of course, I'd only need about $20 million of that to actually buy the buildings. The remainder of the money would go toward renovating the east tower facade so it can be a good Class B office building, while I'd convert the upper floors of the middle building into parking. The east tower is the Christmas star on this gift: I'd convert part of the tower into housing, part of it into a hotel. The Great Banking Hall would serve as a lobby for the hotel, with some of the space being converted into a bookstore and Internet cafe. And because you're giving this to me, I'd want to give back to my city by converting the old Beacon Club up top into the state's greatest community space for non-profits, civic clubs and average folks to enjoy for gatherings, meetings and banquets.
10:24 a.m.
Any talks of when and where the first restaurant on the Oklahoma River is pop up? Are there any spaces you can think of that you would like to see a restaurant on the river?
10:24 a.m.
Don't be surprised if one pops up with the White Water Rapids, which I think would be a great location.
10:24 a.m.
Any drawings on the apartments going up just North of the Brownstones along the railroad tracks in Deep Deuce?
10:26 a.m.
10:26 a.m.
Any ideas on what we can expect from McKown's new project in Deep Deuce?
10:27 a.m.
Not yet. Other than it will have underground parking and 97 units.
10:27 a.m.
Good morning, Steve. Any big predictions for downtown Oklahoma City in 2013?
10:27 a.m.
The skyline is going to grow.
10:28 a.m.
Does the Film District have a Committee/Association that is working on promoting the area or getting their name out there?
10:29 a.m.
They've got Chip Fudge....
10:29 a.m.
Do you have any leads on who might be moving in the Century Center offices once renovations are completed? Moreover, are the Sheraton Hotel owners planning to upgrade the facade of hotel to match new Century Center mall and garage?
10:29 a.m.
Yes. It will have a restaurant and office tenants. As for the Sheraton, good question... I'll ask.
10:29 a.m.
I noticed some of the neon is already going out on the new Tower Theater sign. Is there something on the horizon for this gem or is destined for disrepair once more?
10:30 a.m.
I fear that the owners are in over their heads... and this is based on conversations I've had with them. They're good people. But this isn't an easy project for those inexperienced on historic restoration projects.
10:30 a.m.
Is the Midtown Group waiting to begin the Marion and garage until they finish the Guardian?
10:31 a.m.
They've got an architect on board and a timeline to follow... it's coming.
10:31 a.m.
Will there be more Brownstones built to finish out the block(s)? Also, do you know how many more units are going to built at The Hill in this next phase?
10:31 a.m.
I suspect the remaining lots will be developed, but not with Brownstones. Not sure on the Hill expansion, but at least a dozen more units, I think maybe more.
10:31 a.m.
Do you think once the downtown park is build that The Great Lawn will serve at the New Years Eve, gathering place?
10:32 a.m.
I've yet to hear how the park will be viable in the near future, so I don't know how to answer your question.
10:32 a.m.
Glad you're back Steve, sorry about your loss. Do you have an opinion on the current 'fiscal cliff' issues with regard to slowing down development in the CBD. Thanks
10:33 a.m.
I am a political agnostic. I tend to think the worst of our Congress... it's a lot of theater....
10:33 a.m.
Steve, you said earlier that the skyline will grow. By how many buildings if you had to guess?
10:38 a.m.
Consider this: we already know there will be a 13-story Main Street garage with housing going up this next year, along with the new elementary. Of course, you all want to know about the towers. I see two towers going up ...
10:38 a.m.
Who is building the new tower downtown? Name names.
10:38 a.m.
No. I'll do that on the front page of The Oklahoman!
10:38 a.m.
The Capitol area seems to have new building going up along Lincoln... whats the outlook of this part of town?
10:39 a.m.
Lincoln will see a slow but steady improvement if all continues as planned. It's a lot better than it was a decade ago.
10:39 a.m.
What happened with Mark Beffort's prediction of a new tower in 2012?
10:39 a.m.
He recently adjusted it to early 2013. These projects have a timeline of their own.
10:39 a.m.
What are you most excited about for downtown in 2013?
10:40 a.m.
I can't tell you. I wish I could. And I can't wait until I am able to. And no, it doesn't involve a tower.
10:40 a.m.
Steve, perhaps this question is beyond your expertise, but it's been on my mind lately: do you think OKC now has conditions similar to those of when downtown suffered from the oil bust? It does seem to me like we're all energy in our town and lack diversity in the major businesses down there. i guess i remember what downtown was like when i was a kid in the early 80's, and i'm frightened by the thought that this could all tank again.
10:40 a.m.
Is it 1982 again?
10:41 a.m.
Yes. And no.
10:43 a.m.
We actually do have more ,diversity in some sense than we did in 1982, but, we also have far less manufacturing. Devon and Continental seem solid and strong. Enogex is strong. Sonic is good. BancFirst is solid. But we are seeing a shareholder battle over at SandRidge, and Chesapeake's challenges have been well covered by other reporters.
It's not 1982. It's 2012, about to be 2013, and we just don't know what that really means.
It's not 1982. It's 2012, about to be 2013, and we just don't know what that really means.
10:43 a.m.
Any plans for a new entertainment district outside of bricktown that has more bars and restaurants. Besides Plaza, Western or Midtown? There are a lot of older empty buildings along Classen and Main, any rumors around that area?
10:43 a.m.
Not that I know of.
10:43 a.m.
To follow up on the growing skyline, any idea on how tall any of the potential new buildings will be?
10:44 a.m.
I previously reported one is expected to hit 40 stories.
10:44 a.m.
HAHA, Steve, you tease!
10:44 a.m.
What is happening in the space west of Cafe 7? Looks like a new place is going in.
10:44 a.m.
I don't know.
10:45 a.m.
Nice.
10:45 a.m.
Why can't OKC get an apartment development like this to take place?
10:45 a.m.
Maybe we will at some point.
10:45 a.m.
I can tell you developers read this chat. Hopefully that rendering might give them some inspiration.
10:46 a.m.
Maybe somewhere on the north side of downtown...
10:46 a.m.
Something a little more modern and a lot taller.
10:46 a.m.
When do you think you might be able to tell us what you're most excited about?
10:46 a.m.
I really hope it won't be much longer.
10:46 a.m.
We all know about SandRidge having negative comments from stock holding investors. We're not seeing another CHK are we ?
10:47 a.m.
I don't know. The energy team is far more qualified to answer this question than I.
10:47 a.m.
Steve, is there any planned development along classen? especially near the tiny mod-style homes?
10:47 a.m.
Not that I know of.
10:48 a.m.
How soon until we see another crane going up for another hotel?
10:48 a.m.
Probably within the next two years if not sooner.
10:48 a.m.
Are you hearing any rumblings about development plans in the Core to Shore area, or is it still too early?
10:49 a.m.
There is a lot of interest in developing housing around the new park. Some folks would like to see older buildings retained, redeveloped. We'll see what happens.
10:49 a.m.
What's the status of the Holiday Inn in Bricktown?
10:49 a.m.
Expect an update in early 2013.
10:49 a.m.
So is the hype validated for Kitchen 324? I here they officially open today.
10:50 a.m.
Kitchen No. 324 is the most urban restaurant downtown. It's an incredible space in an incredible building. Good Egg Dining did a good job at creating a new concept, new menu, and I was quite impressed by my visit on Wednesday.
10:50 a.m.
I realized yesterday how badly Classen needs a makeover ala Project 180.
10:50 a.m.
I hear ya.
10:50 a.m.
What are your thoughts on the Civic Center's new lawn? It seems a little out of place to me, doesn't really fit with the building...thoughts?
10:51 a.m.
The Civic Center park was forced through over a public protest and concerns by council members under the argument that it had a hard and fast deadline that had to be met (the 75th anniversary celebrated this fall).
10:52 a.m.
It's actually not a bad road at all to travel north on from Reno Ave as there is some historic charm along the way, but it's a seriously blighted road for most of the journey until 23rd.
10:52 a.m.
Did the Holiday Inn Hotel across from CityWalk not get approved?
10:53 a.m.
It's not officially been submitted to Bricktown Urban Design yet. But it shouldn't have much of a problem once that happens - they all seemed very happy with the first presentation.
10:53 a.m.
So are the Tower Theater guys willing to sell their property? If they can't redevelop it I'd think that's the next option. Maybe to the group that bought Hotel Motel Liquidation or Wayne Property...
10:53 a.m.
Not so far.
10:53 a.m.
Any news on the 2 proposed boathouses, OU & UCO ?
10:53 a.m.
Progress is being made on both.
10:54 a.m.
anything about a small plane crash at will rogers?
10:54 a.m.
If something like that has happened, NewsOk will keep you informed.
10:54 a.m.
I'm pretty excited for the Main St garage. I think it's going to be a nice addition.
10:54 a.m.
Main St. has a lot of nice potential.
10:54 a.m.
I really do think OKC might be overextending itself with all this development in all these different areas. We stand a real chance of getting ahead of ourselves if we don't see two or three areas to fruition.
10:55 a.m.
That concern has been voiced quite a bit in regard to Core to Shore.
10:55 a.m.
There's an older looking building on Robinson and NW 11th street that looks vacant, do you know what the building was used as?
10:55 a.m.
Are you talking about the old First Scientist Church?
10:55 a.m.
i have to agree with Guest about the new park in front of the civic center. i know i'm assuming my opinion is authoritative here (probably isn't), but why does it seem like we're just not as good as other cities when it comes to really impressive public aesthetic space?
10:56 a.m.
I understand your concern.
10:56 a.m.
ok steve, in 2012 the Devon Tower, New Crosstown and Chesapeake Boathouse were completed. The Chesapeake Arena is almost done, what other big projects to you see completed in 2013?
10:56 a.m.
Completed? Nothing completed, a lot being built.
10:56 a.m.
So, I took a lengthy drive through downtown yesterday and noticed two things that were really annoying/disappointing.
10:57 a.m.
1) There's far too much brown downtown. It seems a ton of what is built in this city is brown and it's depressing.
10:57 a.m.
Then you must like Level and Legacy!
10:57 a.m.
Folks, I've got to log off now
10:58 a.m.
Please consider visiting me from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday) at the Myriad Gardens restaurant (next to the ice rink), where Jack Money and I will be signing copies of our new book, "Operation Scissortail" in the "pop-up" shop operated by Full Circle Bookstore.
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