What's the location? When the Tulsa World say's "north of downtown," I think Brady Heights. I think they think north of the RR tracks.
Can someone explain what corner /street we're talking about? Is this that lot between Guthrie and Elwood, just north of the tracks?
I'm more concerned with what they build and the way it impacts the street than I'm worried about the building's use. So if they build another dead, blank wall and line it with barbed wire, yes, I have a problem. If they build something with a decent urban street front that has some dignity, it will be fine.
I have always been fascinated by the little intact block of Guthrie just north of the tracks. If this were located anywhere else downtown, it would be a thriving entertainment district. As it is, cut off by the highway, RR tracks, super-blocks, one-way streets, the BOK Center...it's like a little eddy in a river where stuff collects, but nothing flows through.
If they plan to build something nice across the street from these buildings, there is potential for those buildings to maybe create some synergies with the juvenile center. Maybe some non-profits, offices, or other support professionals would locate there. (And I DON'T mean bail bondsmen!) Maybe tutors, therapists, something... Who knows... I'm probably being overly optimistic, but I'm tired of everyone always assuming the worst. So I'm pitching a better case scenario. Fingers crossed.