Many times, we talk about certain locally-owned businesses going in (or worse, leaving) downtown, the creative re- and mixed-use of buildings, and high-quality urban design. We always want these local, creative-types to open places for us, but we don't really go out and do it ourselves...
So I'd like to challenge each of us on here to create an idea for a business of our own that incorporate all of these elements. I think it could be fun...
If you could open up any kind of business in downtown, what would you open and why? ...Or, if you don't want to open one, what would you like to see downtown?
Tell us:
-Your location/intersection (or current building) within downtown
-How you would re-use a current building or construct to match
-How many floors is the building?
-Who will occupy the upper floors?
-What would the inside look like? (Center 1-ish, or Cherry Street-esque?)
-Would you incorporate green building materials?
-What type of business is it? Restaurant/Retail/Entertainment, etc.
-What segment you cater to?
-How would you draw people in from outside the IDL (those who think downtown is so scary)?
-How large would it be?
Oh! This should be fun. I've had a concept for the past few years, but I've never pursued it. I'll sketch it out and post it in the next couple of days.
quote:
Originally posted by DScott28604
Many times, we talk about certain locally-owned businesses going in (or worse, leaving) downtown, the creative re- and mixed-use of buildings, and high-quality urban design. We always want these local, creative-types to open places for us, but we don't really go out and do it ourselves...
So I'd like to challenge each of us on here to create an idea for a business of our own that incorporate all of these elements. I think it could be fun...
If you could open up any kind of business in downtown, what would you open and why? ...Or, if you don't want to open one, what would you like to see downtown?
Tell us:
-Your location/intersection (or current building) within downtown
-How you would re-use a current building or construct to match
-How many floors is the building?
-Who will occupy the upper floors?
-What would the inside look like? (Center 1-ish, or Cherry Street-esque?)
-Would you incorporate green building materials?
-What type of business is it? Restaurant/Retail/Entertainment, etc.
-What segment you cater to?
-How would you draw people in from outside the IDL (those who think downtown is so scary)?
-How large would it be?
Oh great post!
Mine isn't downtown, but it's in an area that needs some revitalization. The Carpet City store at 15th and Delaware. It's been going out of business for about 5 years now! Anyway, I'd clean it up and keep it basically the same, kind of 1950's funky, but I'd tear the warehouse off the back to create additional parking. There is a brunch place in Houston called LaStrada, and basically, you go there on Sunday for the brunch, bloody mary's, and mimosas. They play music, the waiters are a ton of fun, and there is always a line to get a table. This place could be the same. Turn it into a huge, slightly cleaner and more energetic, Brookside By Day. Living in Florence Park, this is the kind of thing I would want to walk to. It would attract TU students on Sunday mornings for brunch after a night of drinking, Florence Park and Renaissance residents who could walk there, and I imagine it could do a pretty good lunch business, since that area of town seems underserved by restaurants.
I have a little warehouse at 1st and Detroit. It is just a shell of a building that needs a lot of work.
My dream is to make it into a grocery store...some place that sells lottery tickets and condoms to the bar crowd.
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
My dream is to make it into a grocery store...some place that sells lottery tickets and condoms to the bar crowd.
Sorry, but some bars give out free condoms.
I have wanted to take either the Tulsa Club or the green building at 6th and Cincinnati and do ground floor retail, upper floors residential and live there myself, offsetting much of the cost. Statistically myself, and a good portion of americans, work at least one day a week just to pay for housing anyway. If no-one wanted to move into the retail portion, I would open up my own retail. Stick in a few Redbox DVD rental machines, a small book/movie/cd store like airports have and a coffee shop/small menu restaurant.
I have no idea where I would want this business, but I would love to a have a place similar to this.
http://www.nickyblaines.com/ This was a very cool place that I went to a few years ago.
While I like the Cigar Box at Riverwalk it's too small and not as inviting as Nicky Blaines was.
quote:
Originally posted by DScott28604
Many times, we talk about certain locally-owned businesses going in (or worse, leaving) downtown, the creative re- and mixed-use of buildings, and high-quality urban design. We always want these local, creative-types to open places for us, but we don't really go out and do it ourselves...
So I'd like to challenge each of us on here to create an idea for a business of our own that incorporate all of these elements. I think it could be fun...
If you could open up any kind of business in downtown, what would you open and why? ...Or, if you don't want to open one, what would you like to see downtown?
Tell us:
-Your location/intersection (or current building) within downtown
-How you would re-use a current building or construct to match
-How many floors is the building?
-Who will occupy the upper floors?
-What would the inside look like? (Center 1-ish, or Cherry Street-esque?)
-Would you incorporate green building materials?
-What type of business is it? Restaurant/Retail/Entertainment, etc.
-What segment you cater to?
-How would you draw people in from outside the IDL (those who think downtown is so scary)?
-How large would it be?
The husband says I should post one of my zillion of ideas, so here is one of the zillions:
The Downtown Lunch Trunk
Tulsa area restaurants would sign on for week to two week stretches to provide the food and menu, splitting the proceeds with the owner and serving personnel for the truck. It would all be already cooked fare - scoop and serve style.
The truck would park at different sections/interesections of downtown - with the hopes of luring the workerbees away from from their in-house cafeteria and out to the sunshine.
The truck would be available for special downtown night events service.
So one week it might be Wilson's BBQ Pork sandwiches on the corner of 3rd and Denver. And the week after that, it might be Daylight Donuts that is the dedicated vendor, selling jalepeno sausage rolls and donuts over by TCC in one of the area's many, many surface parking lots. Another week, maybe Lanna Thai would be offering pad thai and spring rolls outside the downtown farmer's market.
Maybe there would be a web map tracking the lunch trunk and listing it's offerings. Maybe a big ol' grant or private foundation would want to fund the truck and employees of the trucks, themselves. Maybe the truck could also sell local baked goods or foodstuffs made by entrepreneurs who can source their own food certified kitchen and who have dreams of starting a food business but need a lowcost, low investment way to try out the product on an audience.
The Lunch Truck would provide a kind of "Taste of Tulsa" for locals and visitors without the overhead of opening another location for Tulsa restaurants. It would be a point for conversation for downtown denizens. It would a quirky physical expression of hometown pride that would be unique to Tulsa. It might prove that there is a market for Thai or Indian or whatever down here - a kind of cuisine that isn't currently on the Tulsa scene.
I would consider calling the Lunch Truck the Lunch Taxi. I would not, however, call it the Vittles Van. Except maybe unofficially.
I think a small drug store, like Walgreen's, would do well right at fifth and main. It would be great to have a little card shop and a place to pick up things on my lunch half hour.
quote:
Originally posted by NellieBly
I think a small drug store, like Walgreen's, would do well right at fifth and main. It would be great to have a little card shop and a place to pick up things on my lunch half hour.
CVS would do well to break into the Tulsa market that way.
quote:
Originally posted by tulsa1603
quote:
Originally posted by DScott28604
Many times, we talk about certain locally-owned businesses going in (or worse, leaving) downtown, the creative re- and mixed-use of buildings, and high-quality urban design. We always want these local, creative-types to open places for us, but we don't really go out and do it ourselves...
So I'd like to challenge each of us on here to create an idea for a business of our own that incorporate all of these elements. I think it could be fun...
If you could open up any kind of business in downtown, what would you open and why? ...Or, if you don't want to open one, what would you like to see downtown?
Tell us:
-Your location/intersection (or current building) within downtown
-How you would re-use a current building or construct to match
-How many floors is the building?
-Who will occupy the upper floors?
-What would the inside look like? (Center 1-ish, or Cherry Street-esque?)
-Would you incorporate green building materials?
-What type of business is it? Restaurant/Retail/Entertainment, etc.
-What segment you cater to?
-How would you draw people in from outside the IDL (those who think downtown is so scary)?
-How large would it be?
Oh great post!
Mine isn't downtown, but it's in an area that needs some revitalization. The Carpet City store at 15th and Delaware. It's been going out of business for about 5 years now! Anyway, I'd clean it up and keep it basically the same, kind of 1950's funky, but I'd tear the warehouse off the back to create additional parking. There is a brunch place in Houston called LaStrada, and basically, you go there on Sunday for the brunch, bloody mary's, and mimosas. They play music, the waiters are a ton of fun, and there is always a line to get a table. This place could be the same. Turn it into a huge, slightly cleaner and more energetic, Brookside By Day. Living in Florence Park, this is the kind of thing I would want to walk to. It would attract TU students on Sunday mornings for brunch after a night of drinking, Florence Park and Renaissance residents who could walk there, and I imagine it could do a pretty good lunch business, since that area of town seems underserved by restaurants.
Heh, interesting you say that. I was just thinking the other day of what would be cool to really revitalize upper 15th. I drive past that store at least twice a day coming and going from work. More if I run an errand after I get home. There's also the abandoned Ray England TV around behind there as well.
I think you are right on with your idea.
Does anyone know what the odd white house is right on the NE corner of 15th and I think it's College or one of the Florences. It's got very high, small windows, and I never see anyone coming and going. Reminds me of some sort of headquarters for a weird cult.
Funny how we get so used to driving or walking past things, we don't even notice what cross streets are.
I've always wanted to open a Jazz club downtown. I'd do the decor in the 30's glam of the time, lots of stainless steel, blues, etc.
I'd serve a menu comparable to something like Flemings, with an extensive wine list and full bar.
I'd try to do the glasses in an art deco design and have the entire restaurant feel like you're back in the heyday of downtown.
I'd love to do it in the Tulsa Club building. I'd renovate the entire building and take the top two floors for my space. The rest would be converted into lofts with the lowest floor a jazz club/restaurant.
All I need to do now is win the lottery.
quote:
Originally posted by tulsa1603
Mine isn't downtown, but it's in an area that needs some revitalization. The Carpet City store at 15th and Delaware. It's been going out of business for about 5 years now! Anyway, I'd clean it up and keep it basically the same, kind of 1950's funky, but I'd tear the warehouse off the back to create additional parking. There is a brunch place in Houston called LaStrada, and basically, you go there on Sunday for the brunch, bloody mary's, and mimosas. They play music, the waiters are a ton of fun, and there is always a line to get a table. This place could be the same. Turn it into a huge, slightly cleaner and more energetic, Brookside By Day. Living in Florence Park, this is the kind of thing I would want to walk to. It would attract TU students on Sunday mornings for brunch after a night of drinking, Florence Park and Renaissance residents who could walk there, and I imagine it could do a pretty good lunch business, since that area of town seems underserved by restaurants.
Great idea! It's a neat building, convenient to Florence Park and Renaissance neighborhoods and the renovated Tulsa Little Theater, and with those big windows, it would attract the attention of people driving by. It would be an anchor for the whole area.
I know locally owned bookstores are almost extinct, but that would also be a great place for a big bookstore like Denver's Tattered Cover.
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
Does anyone know what the odd white house is right on the NE corner of 15th and I think it's College or one of the Florences. It's got very high, small windows, and I never see anyone coming and going. Reminds me of some sort of headquarters for a weird cult.
If it's the one I'm thinking of, at 1449 S. Florence Ave., in 1957 it was the "I Am Sanctuary of Tulsa reading rooms," according to that year's Polk Directory.
quote:
Originally posted by TURobY
quote:
Originally posted by RecycleMichael
My dream is to make it into a grocery store...some place that sells lottery tickets and condoms to the bar crowd.
Sorry, but some bars give out free condoms.
Yes, apparently you havent been out in the last decade or so. Most bars have them in a large bowl near the exits. Grab a few cuties then as your leaving grab a hanfull or two from the bowl. For an added bit of entertainment, get the glow in the dark ones. Creates a really fun strobe lighting effect.
So I hear...
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelBates
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
Does anyone know what the odd white house is right on the NE corner of 15th and I think it's College or one of the Florences. It's got very high, small windows, and I never see anyone coming and going. Reminds me of some sort of headquarters for a weird cult.
If it's the one I'm thinking of, at 1449 S. Florence Ave., in 1957 it was the "I Am Sanctuary of Tulsa reading rooms," according to that year's Polk Directory.
That is the one. I looked as I drove past this evening- white building green shingles corner of Florence Ave & 15th.
I never see anyone around there, yet it is not run-down nor overgrown.
What sect or religion is it related to- anyone have an idea?
my dream is to find any suitable old brick warehouse and make it into indoor soccer fields for league and pick-up games...
basically, a downtown version of soccercity...
people play out there night and day, 365 days a year... all ages and all walks of life...
should be relatively cheap retrofit...
would be a great draw...
Smith Brothers Abstract and Title Co. needs to become an upscale steakhouse if there's enough square footage; if not it should be a martini bar.
So: gut rehab with an eye to modernizing the excellent deco shell. The inside would need the most work (installing a full kitchen is crazy-expensive), and of course all the design elements should be deco as well. 1950's ad-man chic. In tone, it has to take itself seriously; no kitsch allowed.
Food should be upscale and expensive (sorry guys, trying for a very specific crowd here), with an emphasis on beef, maybe buffalo, and as fresh fish as can be found here. Going as local as possible is imperative, both for product and for dishes. Local and regional.
Question: will the city give you a liquor license if you're across the street from a church?
Marketing will be crucial for this to work. There's no natural foot traffic, and as yet no one really living downtown. So to start, lunch and happy hour biz would drive profit. You'd have to align with as many of the downtown companies as possible -- "The Business Lunch is Back!", "Schmoozing at tables only!" "Gentlemen, leave your fedoras at the door" -- that kind of thing. The idea would be to make people downtown feel like swank business folk again, rather than going to Mazzio's for a quick desultory meal. Maybe emphasize that a proper sit down lunch is back in style. Tall order, I know, but important to the idea of the place.
Big thing would be to be part of the arena crowd and the upcoming Driller's stadium. Perhaps package dinner at The Title Co. with box seats? or something? There's a way to leverage that new business, but I haven't thought it through yet.
I'm serious about this, too: send gift baskets to each new condo owner downtown, at least through 2009. Something completely over the top. Make people feel like you're being a good neighbor.
Ok, that's all I've got for now. I took these pics this morning:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2080/2263459134_c55f34833b.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/2263457920_b2cce9728b.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2054/2262667439_6071b019aa.jpg?v=0)
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2123/2263458712_5ccdf32b07.jpg?v=0)
Is that Deco? I thought it was 60's modern. Love the idea though. When I worked downtown in the 70's we used to love "the Cog" (Incognito) bar and restaurant.
I know one thing, I want to be goofing off one night very late downtown and catch that 'Bebop' ****er and commit various acts of vigilante justice on his/her donkey.
that is a very sweet building. I never get into that part of town because construction is horrible.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
I know one thing, I want to be goofing off one night very late downtown and catch that 'Bebop' ****er and commit various acts of vigilante justice on his/her donkey.
Make sure you send out the bat signal - I'll be the first one there to help.
quote:
Originally posted by waterboy
Is that Deco? I thought it was 60's modern. Love the idea though. When I worked downtown in the 70's we used to love "the Cog" (Incognito) bar and restaurant.
I stand corrected. It is in fact 60's modern.
quote:
Originally posted by ttownclown
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
I know one thing, I want to be goofing off one night very late downtown and catch that 'Bebop' ****er and commit various acts of vigilante justice on his/her donkey.
Make sure you send out the bat signal - I'll be the first one there to help.
actually there is a company now that makes a camera that can be hidden. When it detects motion it will send a text message to authorities (or in my case a vigilante) who can then respond quickly.
I think we need to write 'sucks' under Bebob everywhere we see it and then hide one of these cameras nearby. When he/she/it comes back to paint over the sucks we can catch them.
quote:
That is the one. I looked as I drove past this evening- white building green shingles corner of Florence Ave & 15th.
If it's the place I'm thinking of, I think it was originally a gas station way back in the day. As of several years ago, it was an automotive upholstery shop. I think it was also a tv rental place a long time ago. I could be wrong on that and have buildings mixed up.
I'd love to open a real diner. You know, the 40's and 50's kind of diner. Buy an old one, refurbish and set it downtown near the new stadium, indoor dining and outdoor dining - with a drive-up.
PowerBall is up to 62 mil now - maybe, just maybe.
Right at the top of the Philtower are some unused floors. I think they no longer meet safety regulations as you have to walk up to them or change lift, but inside they still have all the original wood paneling and fireplaces. I think it would make a really nice private members bar, something very discerning, quite quiet and real find for the right people.
A bit like this place I've been to:
Milk and Honey (//%22http://www.mlkhny.com/newyork/index.html%22)
quote:
Originally posted by we vs us
Smith Brothers Abstract and Title Co. needs to become an upscale steakhouse if there's enough square footage; if not it should be a martini bar.
So: gut rehab with an eye to modernizing the excellent deco shell. The inside would need the most work (installing a full kitchen is crazy-expensive), and of course all the design elements should be deco as well. 1950's ad-man chic. In tone, it has to take itself seriously; no kitsch allowed.
That building was originally (or at least back in the '70s) the home of Ponca City Savings and Loan, which later became (I think) Frontier Federal Savings and Loan.
Love the idea of '50s (or maybe early '60s?) ad-man chic.
Anyone know what will become of the old 1st National autobank on the east half of that block? The little branch bank attached to it is an interesting modern building, not to mention the "Tom Tom Room" -- the meeting room that sits atop the parking deck.
quote:
Anyone know what will become of the old 1st National autobank on the east half of that block? The little branch bank attached to it is an interesting modern building, not to mention the "Tom Tom Room" -- the meeting room that sits atop the parking deck.
When we were house lease looking in November, on of the real estate agents told us about a studio apartment conversion on top of a downtown parking deck that would eventually be demolished. We were mildly interested, but couldn't imagine how the dogs would react to it. That might be your Tom Tom room.
I now desperately want to name something "Tom Tom." Or maybe "Two Toms." A boat. A restaurant. A dog. Something.
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelBates
quote:
Originally posted by we vs us
Smith Brothers Abstract and Title Co. needs to become an upscale steakhouse if there's enough square footage; if not it should be a martini bar.
So: gut rehab with an eye to modernizing the excellent deco shell. The inside would need the most work (installing a full kitchen is crazy-expensive), and of course all the design elements should be deco as well. 1950's ad-man chic. In tone, it has to take itself seriously; no kitsch allowed.
That building was originally (or at least back in the '70s) the home of Ponca City Savings and Loan, which later became (I think) Frontier Federal Savings and Loan.
Love the idea of '50s (or maybe early '60s?) ad-man chic.
Anyone know what will become of the old 1st National autobank on the east half of that block? The little branch bank attached to it is an interesting modern building, not to mention the "Tom Tom Room" -- the meeting room that sits atop the parking deck.
That whole block really just reeks of mid-century awesome. I have no idea what a drive through bank branch like that can segue into, but I wish it would. It's still very pretty, and it's only used for parking right now. Even the parking structure on the north end of the block isn't too shabby. Actually, it is pretty shabby, but you'd think it could be restored easily to its former glory.
Does anyone know what's going on on the SW corner of Boston and 6th? What are they building?
My boyfriend and I were dicussing converting the Abundant Life building into a dinner theatre. Maybe place some yellow neon behind the yellow diamonds, etc. I was going to draw it, but I never got time. Maybe this weekend? [:)]
quote:
Originally posted by TURobY
My boyfriend and I were dicussing converting the Abundant Life building into a dinner theatre. Maybe place some yellow neon behind the yellow diamonds, etc. I was going to draw it, but I never got time. Maybe this weekend? [:)]
What kind of dinner theatre? Hopefully not like the one in
Connie and Carla [;)].
It was good seeing you at the tour--I didn't know you were TURobY, but I sometimes wondered!
What's the inside of the Abundant Life building like??? Granted, it's empty and falling to pieces, but is it a bunch of offices?
quote:
Originally posted by circassia
I've always wanted to open a Jazz club downtown. I'd do the decor in the 30's glam of the time, lots of stainless steel, blues, etc.
I'd serve a menu comparable to something like Flemings, with an extensive wine list and full bar.
I'd try to do the glasses in an art deco design and have the entire restaurant feel like you're back in the heyday of downtown.
I'd love to do it in the Tulsa Club building. I'd renovate the entire building and take the top two floors for my space. The rest would be converted into lofts with the lowest floor a jazz club/restaurant.
All I need to do now is win the lottery.
Damn, that was my idea. I;d like to have a place like the Continental that also serves an exquisite menu.
On to idea #2:
I would love to open a bohemian movie theatre/restaurant/bar in an old warehouse in the Brady district or perhaps the Blue Dome area. It would specialize in indie films as well as old classics, such as Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffany's. There would be a Continental American menu featuring reuben sandwiches, gourmet salads, and even steak and salmon choices. There would be appetizers like calamari, bruschetta, and gourmet artichoke nachos. The bar would be full service, with a great wine selection, and feature a street side entrance separate from the theatre seating. Waitstaff would cater to you at your seat throughout the movie. Low, ambient lighting would provide a good movie-watching atmosphere and just enough light for a perfect dinner setting. The decor would have a 1930s Hollywood theme, and the exterior of the building would have an old time movie theatre sign like The Brook does.
The Ponca City Savings and Loan as it was originally called was designed by Tulsa Architect Robert Buchman in the 50's.
The Autobank was designed by Tulsa architects McCune and McCune. It was featured by portland cement in several architecture magazines of the period.
there used to be a Bertoia sculpture in front of the Autobank, it has since been moved.
quote:
Originally posted by perspicuity85
On to idea #2:
I would love to open a bohemian movie theatre/restaurant/bar in an old warehouse in the Brady district or perhaps the Blue Dome area. It would specialize in indie films as well as old classics, such as Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffany's. There would be a Continental American menu featuring reuben sandwiches, gourmet salads, and even steak and salmon choices. There would be appetizers like calamari, bruschetta, and gourmet artichoke nachos. The bar would be full service, with a great wine selection, and feature a street side entrance separate from the theatre seating. Waitstaff would cater to you at your seat throughout the movie. Low, ambient lighting would provide a good movie-watching atmosphere and just enough light for a perfect dinner setting. The decor would have a 1930s Hollywood theme, and the exterior of the building would have an old time movie theatre sign like The Brook does.
Sounds like you and I have a very similar idea (just located in different buildings). If either of us stumbles across some money, we'll have to promise to call each other. [:D]
Since this thread is dedicated to downtown, and parking seems to be an omnipresent issue, I thought I'd sadly share this map I've created of parking lots in downtown... Note: It's not 100% accurate and the lines don't exactly match up--I was working with an overlay of a Google satellite image.
Maybe we should first decide which parking lot we're going to replace with our fantastic businesses [:P]
It's a sad thing to look at though... [V][V]
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/2294173881_98ba504649.jpg)
View it larger here (//%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/dscott28604/2294173881/%22).
Great map.
There's a surface lot missing along the south side of 6th just west of Elwood.
Also, isn't there a garage just east of the Community Care building, (just west of Cheyenne and south of 6th)?
There's also a surface lot at the bank at the southeast corner of Fifth and Boulder.
And another surface lot along the west side of Boulder in the middle of the block between 4th and 5th.
quote:
Originally posted by TheTed
Great map.
There's a surface lot missing along the south side of 6th just west of Elwood.
Also, isn't there a garage just east of the Community Care building, (just west of Cheyenne and south of 6th)?
There's also a surface lot at the bank at the southeast corner of Fifth and Boulder.
And another surface lot along the west side of Boulder in the middle of the block between 4th and 5th.
Thanks...
I'd hoped that I'd added some that weren't there instead of having too few [V]
I love this thread. I have always wanted to open a bakery/ cafe downtown. There is this place called Cafe Lalo in New York City that I love. Picture the cafe where Meg Ryan meets Tom Hanks in "You've Got Mail". They have a dessert counter that goes on for yards with every kind of sweets you can imagine. They also serve mamosas and irish coffee, etc. I think that a place like this would be great downtown to draw people in after they go see a show at the PAC or BOK Center. It could also sell soup and sandwiches for the lunch crowd. If they stayed open late, then they could also serve the bar crowd who get hungry late.
I have also always wanted to open a donut shop that serves cheap but good diner-style coffee in the small attendant's area with the large glass window front in the Mayo parking gargage between 4th and 5th and Cheyenne.
It would be great to take some of the vacant buildings on Harvard we were talking about a while ago and have a Italian Deli/Grocery like Jimmy's in Dallas, a Hispanic Market, a bakery (NOT Panera)a butcher (like Perry), an Amish Jelly/Jam/ Dessert(?), and a Farmers/Produce Market all in a row...within walking distance. Then some of the storefronts could be renovated into mini cafe's that guest chefs could use to try out concepts.
It could be the "Foodevard" on Harvard.
(Hides as tomatoes fly...)[B)]
quote:
Originally posted by Kashmir
It would be great to take some of the vacant buildings on Harvard we were talking about a while ago and have a Italian Deli/Grocery like Jimmy's in Dallas, a Hispanic Market, a bakery (NOT Panera)a butcher (like Perry), an Amish Jelly/Jam/ Dessert(?), and a Farmers/Produce Market all in a row...within walking distance. Then some of the storefronts could be renovated into mini cafe's that guest chefs could use to try out concepts.
It could be the "Foodevard" on Harvard.
(Hides as tomatoes fly...)[B)]
Hey, that's a great idea! I'm sold on encouraging districts like that in Tulsa. . . there's a degree to which it naturally happens already (for instance, the aforementioned antique stores), but with some support from the city, it could really become something special.
And really, it's all about marketing more than anything. Maybe a small tax break here or there, and some infrastructure support (new sidewalks!), but the lion's share would be helping to brand the district and advertise on it's behalf.
Thanks!
Maybe someone can come up with a better name...
quote:
Originally posted by perspicuity85
quote:
Originally posted by circassia
Damn, that was my idea. I;d like to have a place like the Continental that also serves an exquisite menu.
On to idea #2:
I would love to open a bohemian movie theatre/restaurant/bar in an old warehouse in the Brady district or perhaps the Blue Dome area. It would specialize in indie films as well as old classics, such as Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffany's. There would be a Continental American menu featuring reuben sandwiches, gourmet salads, and even steak and salmon choices. There would be appetizers like calamari, bruschetta, and gourmet artichoke nachos. The bar would be full service, with a great wine selection, and feature a street side entrance separate from the theatre seating. Waitstaff would cater to you at your seat throughout the movie. Low, ambient lighting would provide a good movie-watching atmosphere and just enough light for a perfect dinner setting. The decor would have a 1930s Hollywood theme, and the exterior of the building would have an old time movie theatre sign like The Brook does.
A movie theatre with food and bar service at your seat is exactly something Tulsa needs. Like Alamo in Austin (dirty and fun) or Magnolia in Dallas (more upscale).
Unfortutely, we will need to change Oklahoma law in order for this to happen.
Currently, one may not serve alcohol in a movie house. Can you believe that's actually on the books?
quote:
Originally posted by BierGarten
quote:
Originally posted by perspicuity85
quote:
Originally posted by circassia
Damn, that was my idea. I;d like to have a place like the Continental that also serves an exquisite menu.
On to idea #2:
I would love to open a bohemian movie theatre/restaurant/bar in an old warehouse in the Brady district or perhaps the Blue Dome area. It would specialize in indie films as well as old classics, such as Casablanca and Breakfast at Tiffany's. There would be a Continental American menu featuring reuben sandwiches, gourmet salads, and even steak and salmon choices. There would be appetizers like calamari, bruschetta, and gourmet artichoke nachos. The bar would be full service, with a great wine selection, and feature a street side entrance separate from the theatre seating. Waitstaff would cater to you at your seat throughout the movie. Low, ambient lighting would provide a good movie-watching atmosphere and just enough light for a perfect dinner setting. The decor would have a 1930s Hollywood theme, and the exterior of the building would have an old time movie theatre sign like The Brook does.
A movie theatre with food and bar service at your seat is exactly something Tulsa needs. Like Alamo in Austin (dirty and fun) or Magnolia in Dallas (more upscale).
Unfortutely, we will need to change Oklahoma law in order for this to happen. Currently, one may not serve alcohol in a movie house. Can you believe that's actually on the books?
Totally classic movie line exchange which came to mind due to your post:
"Vincent: Alright, well you can walk into a movie theater in Amsterdam and buy a beer. And I don't mean just like in no paper cup, I'm talking about a glass of beer. And in Paris, you can buy a beer at McDonald's. And you know what they call a, uh, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?
Jules: They don't call it a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
Vincent: Nah, man, they got the metric system, they wouldn't know what the **** a Quarter Pounder is.
Jules: What do they call it?
Vincent: They call it a "Royale with Cheese." "
quote:
Currently, one may not serve alcohol in a movie house. Can you believe that's actually on the books?
Nothing surprises me about the archaic liquor laws in this state anymore...
I would really like to see a bowling alley downtown. It would be nice to have one more thing to do downt there on a night out with friends or a date.
I would have it so that all 4 outside walls were glass. At night driving by you could see all the action inside and even the machinery working behind the pins. I would put the whole thing on the second floor of a building, perhaps parking underneath with shops etc. on some of the street level. Would be neat to have it all kind of modern with a mix of art-deco. Lots of glitz, silver and gold. Would love to have it somewhere in the blue dome area so that when your inside you could see out and see the downtown skyline. On the rooftop, a put put course and wine bar (hows that for a combination lol) Have the put put course "upscale" with a dramatic "Metropolis" deco theme. Perhaps have a special night with Jazz music and a dress code, a tux/suit and tie, evening gown or black tie, type affair. [8D] People like to dress up, socialize, people watch, have a drink and have fun and its rare to have a place and time where you can really do that here.
The waitresses should be dressed like the girls towards the end of this video [:D]...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVxgLiNGBvI&feature=related
and if I could fit in that silver, deco stairway somewhere... lol [:P]
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist
I would really like to see a bowling alley downtown. It would be nice to have one more thing to do downt there on a night out with friends or a date.
I would have it so that all 4 outside walls were glass. At night driving by you could see all the action inside and even the machinery working behind the pins. I would put the whole thing on the second floor of a building, perhaps parking underneath with shops etc. on some of the street level. Would be neat to have it all kind of modern with a mix of art-deco. Lots of glitz, silver and gold...
A bowling alley was one of the things I wanted to include in my little DIY downtown thing, but yours sounds much cooler! I love the idea of all-glass--it gave me lots of ideas, like color-changing lights along the inside perimeter... I don't know how to explain it, but I took some pics of a shop in Milan in December that illustrates it:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2052/2230504996_0978b44283_m.jpg) (http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2194/2230504696_161da83028_m.jpg)
Why is there not a Senate/House committee whose full charge is to bring our liquor laws out of the 1800s?!
There's also surface parking lot on the northwest corner of 7th and Main. And technically, there is a Bank of America drive in bank on the southwest corner of 7th and Main that takes up about a half of the block in both directions, so that entire area isn't really parking.
I like your map, it's an excellent visual on downtown parking!
quote:
Originally posted by DScott28604
Why is there not a Senate/House committee whose full charge is to bring our liquor laws out of the 1800s?!
Many people don't have a problem with them as they are.
I am part of the group that owns both the bank and the Smith Brothers building as well as the Chamber building across the street. We currently have no idea what to do with the empty buildings. We own Equity Insurance Company, located in the Chamber building and bought the bank and the Smith Brothers building from Chase primarily because we needed parking for our employees and the other tenants of the Chamber building. As far as the drive through area goes, we are working to rework it to maximize parking without too much structural change. We live in Texas and had discussed remodeling the Tom Tom Room into an apartment for extended stays. We'd love to get some sort of restaurant in either or both buildings. There is 15000+ sf of basement under the bank too. We're using it as storage. The Smith Brothers building will take a bit of work, but, again, we'd love a restaurant. The new park is so much nicer than the parking lot that was there, our employees love it, it just doesn't help with the parking situation.
We love Tulsa and love being downtown. Equity is a big piece of our business so we will remain committed to Tulsa, downtown specifically.
I've really enjoyed reading the history of the buildings and seeing some of your ideas. I'm passing these on to the powers that be and we'll see what we can make happen.
Thanks,
Mike
quote:
Originally posted by we vs us
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelBates
quote:
Originally posted by we vs us
Smith Brothers Abstract and Title Co. needs to become an upscale steakhouse if there's enough square footage; if not it should be a martini bar.
So: gut rehab with an eye to modernizing the excellent deco shell. The inside would need the most work (installing a full kitchen is crazy-expensive), and of course all the design elements should be deco as well. 1950's ad-man chic. In tone, it has to take itself seriously; no kitsch allowed.
That building was originally (or at least back in the '70s) the home of Ponca City Savings and Loan, which later became (I think) Frontier Federal Savings and Loan.
Love the idea of '50s (or maybe early '60s?) ad-man chic.
Anyone know what will become of the old 1st National autobank on the east half of that block? The little branch bank attached to it is an interesting modern building, not to mention the "Tom Tom Room" -- the meeting room that sits atop the parking deck.
That whole block really just reeks of mid-century awesome. I have no idea what a drive through bank branch like that can segue into, but I wish it would. It's still very pretty, and it's only used for parking right now. Even the parking structure on the north end of the block isn't too shabby. Actually, it is pretty shabby, but you'd think it could be restored easily to its former glory.
Does anyone know what's going on on the SW corner of Boston and 6th? What are they building?
We spend quite a bit of time and money erasing both Bebop and Tron and just get hit again shortly after.
quote:
Originally posted by inteller
I know one thing, I want to be goofing off one night very late downtown and catch that 'Bebop' ****er and commit various acts of vigilante justice on his/her donkey.
that is a very sweet building. I never get into that part of town because construction is horrible.
Wow, very cool... somebody who actually owns property open to ideas :) I think I know the building you are talking about. In general I would say we need residential and some convenience stores and stuff for people who live downtown to shop at.. that kind of stuff. I assume there are hurdles to overcome or reasons a lot of people haven't made it happen.
Downtown needs to have so many people who live there that the vagrants will be afraid to be seen by them and fear for their lives :) People to claim it and protect it as their home would be nice. Empty parking lots don't complain much when you graffiti the building next door.
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
quote:
Originally posted by NellieBly
I think a small drug store, like Walgreen's, would do well right at fifth and main. It would be great to have a little card shop and a place to pick up things on my lunch half hour.
CVS would do well to break into the Tulsa market that way.
I'd love to see a classic downtown Walgreen's, I was looking through a book of old Tulsa photos and saw a great picture of an old Walgreens - sure would be cool to emulate the original.
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelBates
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Originally posted by tulsa1603
Mine isn't downtown, but it's in an area that needs some revitalization. The Carpet City store at 15th and Delaware. It's been going out of business for about 5 years now! Anyway, I'd clean it up and keep it basically the same, kind of 1950's funky, but I'd tear the warehouse off the back to create additional parking. There is a brunch place in Houston called LaStrada, and basically, you go there on Sunday for the brunch, bloody mary's, and mimosas. They play music, the waiters are a ton of fun, and there is always a line to get a table. This place could be the same. Turn it into a huge, slightly cleaner and more energetic, Brookside By Day. Living in Florence Park, this is the kind of thing I would want to walk to. It would attract TU students on Sunday mornings for brunch after a night of drinking, Florence Park and Renaissance residents who could walk there, and I imagine it could do a pretty good lunch business, since that area of town seems underserved by restaurants.
Great idea! It's a neat building, convenient to Florence Park and Renaissance neighborhoods and the renovated Tulsa Little Theater, and with those big windows, it would attract the attention of people driving by. It would be an anchor for the whole area.
I know locally owned bookstores are almost extinct, but that would also be a great place for a big bookstore like Denver's Tattered Cover.
We were just talking recently at work about how there should be a Tulsa Tattered Cover downtown. It would be a great anchor for some of the new gallery spaces.
Glad to see a downtown property/business owner joining our discussion and resurrecting this thread.
My dream is to build old style brownstones and apartments between Denver and Cheyenne, 11th and 8th. I would leave the few apartment buildings that still stand there, and try to make the price points cover the gamut so that there is both affordable and high cost. Each group would face front and meet the street with a little garden and gate with street facing balconies and each cluster would have a rear public area courtyard. I would want each cluster to have its own style. The whole complex would have at least one gym, children's park and pool. On the 8th and Denver side it would be nice to have a little community pub or restaraunt.
quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace
Glad to see a downtown property/business owner joining our discussion and resurrecting this thread.
My dream is to build old style brownstones and apartments between Denver and Cheyenne, 11th and 8th. I would leave the few apartment buildings that still stand there, and try to make the price points cover the gamut so that there is both affordable and high cost. Each group would face front and meet the street with a little garden and gate with street facing balconies and each cluster would have a rear public area courtyard. I would want each cluster to have its own style. The whole complex would have at least one gym, children's park and pool. On the 8th and Denver side it would be nice to have a little community pub or restaraunt.
Use something other than real "brownstone". I've read that the Brownstones in Boston are having structural difficulties after all these years. Nice style though.
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist
People like to dress up, socialize, people watch, have a drink and have fun and its rare to have a place and time where you can really do that here.
I know I'm a minority in this respect but I never really have liked getting dressed up. Something like Dockers and a button down shirt with a collar is about as fancy as I like to get. The rest is fun.
quote:
Originally posted by cmiked
I am part of the group that owns both the bank and the Smith Brothers building as well as the Chamber building across the street. We currently have no idea what to do with the empty buildings. We own Equity Insurance Company, located in the Chamber building and bought the bank and the Smith Brothers building from Chase primarily because we needed parking for our employees and the other tenants of the Chamber building. As far as the drive through area goes, we are working to rework it to maximize parking without too much structural change. We live in Texas and had discussed remodeling the Tom Tom Room into an apartment for extended stays. We'd love to get some sort of restaurant in either or both buildings. There is 15000+ sf of basement under the bank too. We're using it as storage. The Smith Brothers building will take a bit of work, but, again, we'd love a restaurant. The new park is so much nicer than the parking lot that was there, our employees love it, it just doesn't help with the parking situation.
We love Tulsa and love being downtown. Equity is a big piece of our business so we will remain committed to Tulsa, downtown specifically.
I've really enjoyed reading the history of the buildings and seeing some of your ideas. I'm passing these on to the powers that be and we'll see what we can make happen.
Thanks,
Mike
quote:
Originally posted by we vs us
quote:
Originally posted by MichaelBates
quote:
Originally posted by we vs us
Smith Brothers Abstract and Title Co. needs to become an upscale steakhouse if there's enough square footage; if not it should be a martini bar.
So: gut rehab with an eye to modernizing the excellent deco shell. The inside would need the most work (installing a full kitchen is crazy-expensive), and of course all the design elements should be deco as well. 1950's ad-man chic. In tone, it has to take itself seriously; no kitsch allowed.
That building was originally (or at least back in the '70s) the home of Ponca City Savings and Loan, which later became (I think) Frontier Federal Savings and Loan.
Love the idea of '50s (or maybe early '60s?) ad-man chic.
Anyone know what will become of the old 1st National autobank on the east half of that block? The little branch bank attached to it is an interesting modern building, not to mention the "Tom Tom Room" -- the meeting room that sits atop the parking deck.
That whole block really just reeks of mid-century awesome. I have no idea what a drive through bank branch like that can segue into, but I wish it would. It's still very pretty, and it's only used for parking right now. Even the parking structure on the north end of the block isn't too shabby. Actually, it is pretty shabby, but you'd think it could be restored easily to its former glory.
Does anyone know what's going on on the SW corner of Boston and 6th? What are they building?
This made my day. Thanks for posting and resurrecting this thread.
Even with the Daily Grill opening, I think the Smith Brothers building could still make it as a steakhouse.
And if the old bank drive thru building is up for grabs, it would be nifty to have a walk-up/drive-thru donut shop downtown - especially a Daylight Donuts.
Simple.
Cheesecake Factory needs to move downtown.
71st is the wrong market for them. It was a poor decision. Woodland Hills is no Plaza.
Their receipts are dismal.
Moving near the BOK and presenting a fantastic facade like they do in other markets will be a boom for them.
If they are wise, they will cut bait and do so soon, or abandon this market.
What about the donut shop at 427 S Boston? I think it's a Paradise Donuts.
Ooh yeah.. a Daylight donuts, walgreens, apartments..... why is this stuff not here???
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
What about the donut shop at 427 S Boston? I think it's a Paradise Donuts.
Jeez, I had no idea. Does it have a street presence? Or am I just blind?
How about if the coney island dogs place moves out of the decrepit motel across from the bus station and over to the drive thru bank, and that whole building gets razed for something less terrifying to tourists?
the coney island hotel has potential to be something special if it were fixed up to embrace its fifties cheesiness. Install neon, paint in muted pastels etc.
quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace
the coney island hotel has potential to be something special if it were fixed up to embrace its fifties cheesiness. Install neon, paint in muted pastels etc.
I was in Pensacola, FL last weekend visiting family, and there is a hotel there that is being remodeled to be just that! Same style, but they've painted the brick light gray and the doors are neon colors. I can't remember the name and i didn't take pics... I"ll try to do some research on it and see if I can't find some. And this wasn't even in a nice part of town like downtown. I think if someone did that to the coney island downtown, and charged reasonable rates, that place woudl constantly be booked with people from out of town going to concerts and such at the BOK.
quote:
Originally posted by Red Arrow
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist
People like to dress up, socialize, people watch, have a drink and have fun and its rare to have a place and time where you can really do that here.
I know I'm a minority in this respect but I never really have liked getting dressed up. Something like Dockers and a button down shirt with a collar is about as fancy as I like to get. The rest is fun.
I hear ya. I have a friend who wears "nice" all day at work and cant wait to get home and into something less formal. I on the other hand spend my days covered in paint and grime, and in the summer mostly wear shorts and sandals. So when fall hits and or I get a chance to go out and dress up I enjoy it. Nice to play the "classy/preppy living in a city" thing and not always look like something that just staggered out of the hills.[:P]
Hey Artist... do you know who did the huge mural on the side of Dirty's? (At least I think it's Dirty's caddy-corner from 1974.)
I think it adds a ton of character to the sometimes neglected bricks of these old downtown buildings. A few more things like that downtown would brighten and spice it up nicely. I wonder if we could get someone to commission some more goodies in honor of Mayfest next year?
I like to dress up. It is probably because I work in the trash business. I don't have many fine manners or anything to match my fancy duds, though.
I am training my kids for this fine life, however. It is hard. My son is only the third generation of my family to regularly wear shoes.
Bottom level used to be a Walgreen's in the 50's and I believe was another drug store before that.
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b11/jnemusic/4thandMain.jpg)
What's here now? Sure would be nice to see one of these downtown again...
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=4th+and+Main,+Tulsa,+OK&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.214763,77.255859&ie=UTF8&ll=36.156631,-95.989695&spn=0.008403,0.019312&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=36.152418,-95.99066&panoid=9wue9BDSH32b9SFRSW8hKg&cbp=2,14.848842443729495,,0,-3.8263665594854563
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle
quote:
Originally posted by DScott28604
Why is there not a Senate/House committee whose full charge is to bring our liquor laws out of the 1800s?!
Many people don't have a problem with them as they are.
We have dug ourselves in a hole. If we tried to get the liquor laws changed, we would see alot of opposition from current liquor store owners. If we started selling in the grocery stores...alot of the little guys would go out of business.
Currently with our laws, you can only own one (there's ways around it)...if we let corp come in & open multiples...the same would happen
quote:
Originally posted by Gaspar
Simple.
Cheesecake Factory needs to move downtown.
71st is the wrong market for them. It was a poor decision. Woodland Hills is no Plaza.
Their receipts are dismal.
Moving near the BOK and presenting a fantastic facade like they do in other markets will be a boom for them.
If they are wise, they will cut bait and do so soon, or abandon this market.
"Their receipts are dismal."
The Factory opened Aug. 26, 2007 and hit 1 million in just bakery sales in December 2007.
How often on the weekend do you go by there and they are not the busiest restaurant? I wish that I could create something like what they have.[:P]
I wish Loveras (//%22http://www.iloveitalian.com/%22) would open up a location in Tulsa with fresh Sausage and caciocavallo made on site, maybe in the Mckee sewing center building at 15th and Atlanta.
quote:
Originally posted by Double A
I wish Loveras (//%22http://www.iloveitalian.com/%22) would open up a location in Tulsa with fresh Sausage and caciocavallo made on site, maybe in the Mckee sewing center building at 15th and Atlanta.
I know someone who was interested in buying that McKee building - according to him, the owners own the entire strip there along 15th including Brothers Houligan, and they want to sell the entire strip together - they aren't interested in splitting it up - kind of a shame, seems like that would make it harder to sell. I'd love to see more restaurants on this end of 15th.
quote:
Originally posted by Double A
I wish Loveras (//%22http://www.iloveitalian.com/%22) would open up a location in Tulsa with fresh Sausage and caciocavallo made on site, maybe in the Mckee sewing center building at 15th and Atlanta.
Me too, I would encourage them to think about it.
Eatzi's (//%22https://eatzis.catertrax.com/shopportal.asp?pageid=40&pageref=Home%22) (from Dallas) would be a great addition to Tulsa.
On the corner of 4th and Elgin, (//%22http://maps.google.com/maps?ndsp=20&hl=en&q=4th%20and%20elgin%20tulsa%20ok&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=il%22) there's a two story building with seafoam green tiles, vintage upper story windows that louvre out, and a strangely inviting street presence (hit "streetview" on the google map to check out a pic). There're even some cool garage doors around the side. It looks abandoned, but would make a really fantastic gym. It's the building that the Powerhouse guys should've looked into after being so unceremoniously dumped by the Presbyterians.
Granted, the place needs some work, but there's a ton of square footage, and undoubtedly -- especially if it was a garage, as it seems -- there'd be a lot of empty space for the weight machines.
quote:
Originally posted by we vs us
On the corner of 4th and Elgin, (//%22http://maps.google.com/maps?ndsp=20&hl=en&q=4th%20and%20elgin%20tulsa%20ok&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=il%22) there's a two story building with seafoam green tiles, vintage upper story windows that louvre out, and a strangely inviting street presence (hit "streetview" on the google map to check out a pic). There're even some cool garage doors around the side. It looks abandoned, but would make a really fantastic gym. It's the building that the Powerhouse guys should've looked into after being so unceremoniously dumped by the Presbyterians.
Granted, the place needs some work, but there's a ton of square footage, and undoubtedly -- especially if it was a garage, as it seems -- there'd be a lot of empty space for the weight machines.
I am not 100% sure that is abandoned.. but I think it is the old Riverside Chevrolet if the ghost of the sign on the bricks serves my eyes right :) It had some of its nice metal fascia damaged when some storms blew through last year and they just snipped the twisted portion off and now one of the corners is exposed brick :(