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Talk About Tulsa => PlaniTulsa & Urban Planning => Topic started by: carltonplace on September 08, 2008, 10:49:27 am



Title: East End
Post by: carltonplace on September 08, 2008, 10:49:27 am
Now that the ballpark location is finalized and would appear to be moving forward and the BOK center is open for business, I was wondering what everyone thinks would be a good catalyst to move forward developement in the East End/Village. Hopefully some development will spill over into this area from the Greenwood, Blue Dome and Pearl Districts but probably not enough to create a critical mass.

There have been so many failed plans for the area, including a movie lot, Wal*Mart and GDP. What would you guys like to see?

Side Note: Kudos to Joe and Dillon at PlanB.


Title: East End
Post by: Renaissance on September 08, 2008, 11:08:39 am
I think it's prime for residential and services.  Bomasada-type developments would fit perfectly in that area.  Plus, it's a prime spot for a grocery store.  Something like that abandoned Wal-Mart plan wouldn't be the worst use possible of the site, in my mind.


Title: East End
Post by: FOTD on September 08, 2008, 11:40:48 am
It's not what you would like to see. It's what master plan fits best for inside the loop. You want residential? You better get schools.

You want offices? You better recruit a big national corporation.

Everyone wants to draw colors all over downtown. That's not realistic.

What should go where Tulsa Regional is?


Title: East End
Post by: sgrizzle on September 08, 2008, 11:44:23 am
I don't want big box downtown but I imagine this area being the more "medium box" stores. Movie theater, national brand restaurants, sports bars, and major chain retail intermixed with some local stuff. I would like to see Helmerich & Payne move their HQ here as a cornerstone of the whole thing.


Title: East End
Post by: carltonplace on September 08, 2008, 12:09:40 pm
Movie theater is a great idea with some sort of retail associated.


Title: East End
Post by: FOTD on September 08, 2008, 12:10:56 pm
quote:
Originally posted by sgrizzle

I don't want big box downtown but I imagine this area being the more "medium box" stores. Movie theater, national brand restaurants, sports bars, and major chain retail intermixed with some local stuff. I would like to see Helmerich & Payne move their HQ here as a cornerstone of the whole thing.



Good luck with that....H+P just reupped at 15th and Boulder...plus, they'll be smart and sell before the drill drill drill chants go silent.

There's no need for retail in the east end unless you start getting bigger residential demographics. The retail expansion you've witnessed since 1994 is over for quite sometime. The Big Box momentum is dead for now and the foreseeable future.


Title: East End
Post by: Renaissance on September 08, 2008, 12:26:13 pm
Tulsa is one of the tightest apartment markets in the country.  http://blogs.journalrecord.com/persquarefoot/2008/07/31/tulsas-hot-commercial-markets/  It also has one of the lowest condominium market availabilities.  http://rismedia.com/wp/2008-08-22/condos-keep-selling-despite-soft-market-many-opt-for-condos-due-to-price-and-convenience/.  

As the market meets that demand, I expect more new apartment and condo developments to spring up.  With gas high and urban lving becoming "trendy," national builders are looking to city centers.  If Tulsa wants residential downtown, the time is right to communicate with builders like Bomasada.  TDA and Jones Lang LaSalle should be marketing the city owned land to developers in order to try to catch this momentum.  What's more, the City should use remaining Vision 2025 housing grant money and try a second round to lure folks in and continue to build momentum.  

This worked for OKC in Deep Deuce.  It can work in Tulsa's East End.


Title: East End
Post by: carltonplace on September 08, 2008, 12:29:38 pm
Hm, actually downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods are growing; more slowly than Bixby and Owasso obviously but there are more people living there then there were even five years ago. It makes sense to make available goods and services to this growing demographic. The great thing about a movie theater is that it has the ability to attract people from a good distance. People who go to a theater might also have a bite before their show or shop or drink after.

For people in North Tulsa, downtown and mid Tulsa the closest first run movie houses are at 41st and Yale.


Title: East End
Post by: FOTD on September 08, 2008, 12:37:43 pm
quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace

Hm, actually downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods are growing; more slowly than Bixby and Owasso obviously but there are more people living there then there were even five years ago. It makes sense to make available goods and services to this growing demographic. The great thing about a movie theater is that it has the ability to attract people from a good distance. People who go to a theater might also have a bite before their show or shop or drink after.

For people in North Tulsa, downtown and mid Tulsa the closest first run movie houses are at 41st and Yale.



They ain't coming into downtown to shop for groceries....and movies are dinoes.


Title: East End
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 08, 2008, 12:50:37 pm
I want to open a little neighborhood downtown grocery store. I see them in every other downtown I visit.

You know the places. They sell lots of the same stuff as a Quik-Trip but also include postcards and cheap souvenirs.

I told my wife that this was a dream of mine if we win the lottery. She was fine selling postcards, condoms, beer and overpriced deli sandwiches, but she said we couldn't be a store that sells cigarettes. She is anti-smoking.


Title: East End
Post by: carltonplace on September 08, 2008, 01:02:49 pm
1. How can they go downtown to shop for groceries? No grocery stores exist. How can you go downtown to shop for anything? There are only two or three retail stores inside the IDL.
2. The movie theater experience isn't going anywhere. People went to see movies in theaters at record rates this summer (I concede that this was due to a handful of movies).


Title: East End
Post by: FOTD on September 08, 2008, 01:12:35 pm
quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace

1. How can they go downtown to shop for groceries? No grocery stores exist. How can you go downtown to shop for anything? There are only two or three retail stores inside the IDL.
2. The movie theater experience isn't going anywhere. People went to see movies in theaters at record rates this summer (I concede that this was due to a handful of movies).



More due to the cost of gasoline. Movies suck. America is boring and lacking in creativity ever since the evolution of the internet.
Low attention spams.


Clear the lands. Wait years for new uses. Bring back Urban Renewal! (TDA).....


Title: East End
Post by: sgrizzle on September 08, 2008, 01:14:20 pm
What FOTD doesn't tkae into account is that theaters can be run for a fraction of the overhead they once had (see Riverwalk) and yet still charge higher than average rates.

If they had Wi-Fi in the theaters, you could even telecommute.


Title: East End
Post by: perspicuity85 on September 08, 2008, 09:08:54 pm
When we say "East End," are we talking about the same area as the "Pearl District?"  I haven't heard anything mentioned lately about the Pearl District, and I have honestly always been confused as to whether the two names were synonymous.  

I think all of you are dead-on with the grocery store ideas.  I would like to see a development in that area that featured a marketplace-style grocery store, brownstones, loft-style apartments, row houses, and lots of green space (see below).  6th St. should also have bike lanes that connect to Delaware Ave., and thus, TU.  The whole Pearl/East End area is unique in that it is the connecting space between TU and Downtown.  Someone should really take advantage of the TU-Downtown connection.
(http://www.interurbanbuilding.com/images/umd001.jpg)
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/550149872_c9d07f0c1a.jpg?v=0)

It would also be nice to see some sort of trendy  book store that could cater to TU and OSU-Tulsa students, as well as nearby residents and business professionals.  I'm thinking something like the Tattered Cover in Denver's Lower Downtown (images below).
(http://www.denvergov.org/portals/598/images/DOCA_CI_tatteredcover.jpg)
(http://www.howtoconserve.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/denver4.jpg)


Title: East End
Post by: TheArtist on September 08, 2008, 09:23:46 pm
The main front of the Pearl District actually starts on 6th street outside the IDL on towards TU. The East End is within the IDL, but also encompasses 6th street there as well. So they are connected and it would be logical for them to compliment each other where possible, aka trying to promote a continuous, walkable, pedestrian friendly "front" all along 6th street whether within the IDL or outside it.



Title: East End
Post by: TulsaEx on September 08, 2008, 11:44:06 pm
I think the next step would be to build a multi-purpose museum space in downtown.  This would be a non-collecting museum that is designed specifically to host large, touring exhibitions such as Body Worlds, Titanic, Treasures of the Czars, etc.  I have noticed that none of these exhibits ever make it to Tulsa and I suspect that is because there is not a museum with enough open exhibit space to accomodate them.  A space like this could be used in partnership by Philbrook, Gilcrease, Air and Space, etc. to host larger exhibits.  For an example, the Titanic exhibit drew 71,000 people over a two month period in Wichita and 278,000 over a 5 month period in Kansas City.  I noticed while at the Body Worlds exhibit in Houston (which drew 500,000+ people), that there were very few restaurants near the museum, so people were forced to eat in the museum restaurant or the McDonalds counter in the museum while waiting for their admission time.  

Incorporating a museum like this into a neighborhood like the East End could potentially bring more people downtown in 6 months than the Drillers will bring in their entire season.  It would also attract people from a much larger area.  

If the city wouldn't want to build a new structure for this, I think it would be an excellent re-use of the Library building if they do decide to build a new one or it could possibly fill parts of the convention center or it's new ballrooms in between bookings.  Honestly, I think this would have been a much better use for Union Station, but it's probably too late for that.

On another note, I think that even with Philbrook's renovation of the Matthews warehouse, it would be great for Tulsa to have a true Modern Art Museum.  

A Movie Theater would also be great, but it would be even better to make it a destination type theater that serves good food and alcohol, kind of like the Alamo Drafthouses in Austin.

Ken Busby has also talked about the need for a mid-size theater at the PAC.  Maybe it's time to start thinking about that.  

Sorry I'm so long winded, but these are just a few of my thoughts.



Title: East End
Post by: FOTD on September 09, 2008, 08:52:24 am
Busby? He's too pumpass?


Title: East End
Post by: carltonplace on September 09, 2008, 10:02:20 am
A museum is another fine idea. I agree that we need housing in every price range, grocery stores, retail etc. What would the catalyst be to kick start new development in the East End (3rd to 7th, Elgin to the IDL).


Title: East End
Post by: PonderInc on September 09, 2008, 02:17:32 pm
Local, unique, interesting places to live, work and play.  No national chains needed, thank you (Unless it's an Trader Joe's).  Save all the old buildings that remain, so that funky, new concepts have a place to grow.  (To paraphrase Jane Jacobs: New ideas need old buildings.  New buildings demand old, proven ideas...)  

I think that there's a tremendous need in Tulsa for a midsize performance space with great accousitcs for up-and-coming musicians.  There are a ton of muscians that aren't big enough to perform at the bigger venues, or they can't afford all the sound equipment or to pay a sound guy b/c they're just getting started.  Some of the existing venues charge so much to rent the space that you have to charge too much at the door to get a crowd.

Imagine a non-profit performance space that catered to talented musicians, provided the sound guy, amps and speakers, great accoustics, and cool venue for patrons...and WHAMO!  You've got a place to hear great, local music every night of the week.  It could be the music version of the Circle Cinema.  You could serve drinks and snacks and charge a pittance at the door.  Imagine live local music every night of the week.  Imagine a place that helps young musicians get started.  Imagine a place to enjoy fresh, new original music from future stars.  Imagine how it would draw people from all over the region to Tulsa....


Title: East End
Post by: TheArtist on September 09, 2008, 03:39:39 pm
I think the East End should be more of an "urban neighborhood" type area. With lots of housing and basic services like a grocery store. Multi level housing with retail on the first floor on the "A" streets. Just housing on the "B" streets. All buildings of course up to the sidewalks and of pedestrian friendly design.  

I would still like to see these things go downtown in the Blue Dome, Brady Arts, and Greenwood districts.

A fun movie theater with private balconies and food/drink serice.

Bowling alley/ martini lounge. Parking underneath. The second floor bowling alley, glass all the way around so you can see in at night and even see the mechanics moving in the back all lit up in neon colors. Trendy, comfortable, lounge seating and table at each one of the lanes. Outside balcony/bar on the front of the building.  

Modern art museum.

Concentrate most of the "fun/entertainment" venues in a few areas. Sure have housing in them too. But make the East End more of a quieter, urban neighborhood, type area with basic retail, restaurants, grocery, small playground, a school possibly?  




Title: East End
Post by: carltonplace on September 09, 2008, 03:51:08 pm
quote:
Originally posted by PonderInc

Local, unique, interesting places to live, work and play.  No national chains needed, thank you (Unless it's an Trader Joe's).  Save all the old buildings that remain, so that funky, new concepts have a place to grow.  (To paraphrase Jane Jacobs: New ideas need old buildings.  New buildings demand old, proven ideas...)  

I think that there's a tremendous need in Tulsa for a midsize performance space with great accousitcs for up-and-coming musicians.  There are a ton of muscians that aren't big enough to perform at the bigger venues, or they can't afford all the sound equipment or to pay a sound guy b/c they're just getting started.  Some of the existing venues charge so much to rent the space that you have to charge too much at the door to get a crowd.

Imagine a non-profit performance space that catered to talented musicians, provided the sound guy, amps and speakers, great accoustics, and cool venue for patrons...and WHAMO!  You've got a place to hear great, local music every night of the week.  It could be the music version of the Circle Cinema.  You could serve drinks and snacks and charge a pittance at the door.  Imagine live local music every night of the week.  Imagine a place that helps young musicians get started.  Imagine a place to enjoy fresh, new original music from future stars.  Imagine how it would draw people from all over the region to Tulsa....



Have you been to Exit 6C?


Title: East End
Post by: PonderInc on September 11, 2008, 01:10:34 pm
Not yet.  Tell me more...


Title: East End
Post by: carltonplace on September 11, 2008, 02:11:45 pm
Jeff Martinson runs it. All local talent.

222 E First (Elgin) in the Blank Slate complex where VooDoo Room/Piano bar once was.

There can be several things going on at once in the overall complex, There is a Jazz happy hour on Friday.

Here is there My Space Page: Exit 6C (http://"http://www.myspace.com/exit6ctulsa")


This is where American Idol Dave Cook was performing/bartending before he auditioned for the show.


Title: East End
Post by: USRufnex on September 11, 2008, 05:59:30 pm
1.  I wish the new arena had been built there.
2.  I wish the soccer stadium and 40 acres of mixed-use had been built there.
3.  I wish the ballpark and 20 acres of mixed-use had been built there.
4.  I wish a super WalMart had been built on the "superblock" as part of a TIF district that included acres and acres of mixed-use development.
5.  I wish the DESCO project woulda gone through.
6.  You know, even a movie studio and set woulda been nice...... [B)]

I just don't think anything's gonna happen without some major league heavy lifting by developers and the city.... so much of that area is NOT something that can simply be rehabbed.



Title: East End
Post by: TheArtist on September 11, 2008, 07:54:39 pm
quote:
Originally posted by USRufnex

1.  I wish the new arena had been built there.
2.  I wish the soccer stadium and 40 acres of mixed-use had been built there.
3.  I wish the ballpark and 20 acres of mixed-use had been built there.
4.  I wish a super WalMart had been built on the "superblock" as part of a TIF district that included acres and acres of mixed-use development.
5.  I wish the DESCO project woulda gone through.
6.  You know, even a movie studio and set woulda been nice...... [B)]

I just don't think anything's gonna happen without some major league heavy lifting by developers and the city.... so much of that area is NOT something that can simply be rehabbed.





Wow, I for one am really glad your wishes dont come true lol.



Title: East End
Post by: cannon_fodder on September 11, 2008, 10:57:08 pm
Maybe we could get the giant naked Indian relocated?  [;)]


Title: East End
Post by: Townsend on September 12, 2008, 08:45:23 am
quote:
Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Maybe we could get the giant naked Indian relocated?  [;)]



Problem would be do you face giant naked indian donkey at the overpass on 75 or towards downtown?


Title: East End
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 12, 2008, 08:48:39 am
Always face the donkey towards Texas...I think it is an Oklahoma state law.


Title: East End
Post by: USRufnex on September 12, 2008, 01:20:17 pm
quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist

quote:
Originally posted by USRufnex

1.  I wish the new arena had been built there.
2.  I wish the soccer stadium and 40 acres of mixed-use had been built there.
3.  I wish the ballpark and 20 acres of mixed-use had been built there.
4.  I wish a super WalMart had been built on the "superblock" as part of a TIF district that included acres and acres of mixed-use development.
5.  I wish the DESCO project woulda gone through.
6.  You know, even a movie studio and set woulda been nice...... [B)]

I just don't think anything's gonna happen without some major league heavy lifting by developers and the city.... so much of that area is NOT something that can simply be rehabbed.





Wow, I for one am really glad your wishes dont come true lol.





You do realize, Artist, that ANY of those wishes would be a huge improvement over what's there right now... that area has been the same for decades.  Sorry to interrupt everybody's pipedreams for that area.... but any buildings resembling Persi's pics on pg 1 would have to be replicas built from scratch...

Most of the East End/East Village is and has been a wasteland of ugliness with a handful of decent buildings on its outskirts that may or may not be rehab-ready....

IMHO, even the older buildings that could be rehabbed in that area are unremarkable.

It's a shame that the area has sat there mostly dormant for such a long time... most of my trips downtown involve taking the exit off the BA that loops off 7th? and Frankfort westbound...

I liked the idea pursued for years by one who used to post here (remember JDB?) about making a "micro-hood".... but sustaining some little microhood in such an isolated area in the IDL would be next to impossible if there's not something credible and tangeable to walk to other than those old decrepit Nordam warehouses...

Makes me wonder if LaFortune was re-elected if there'd be something there right now, instead of the laissez-faire approach by Mayor Taylor that enabled the WalMart versus Global Development property wars...

I remember when we talked of things that were going to be exciting for that area; with an out-of-state developer who had experience and expertise... and had moved money from other projects to dedicate to pursuing mixed-use including the ballpark....

I remember all the talk of LaFortune and all the cries of cronyism... now, let's compare those people and that approach to those from Mayor Taylor and her puppetmasters... rinse, repeat...  [B)]






Title: East End
Post by: carltonplace on September 12, 2008, 02:43:41 pm
With the exception of the Wal*Mart I agree with you. I want something to happen in this part of town and I guess I have to admit I don't really care anymore if it is completely "urban". I know we only get one change to get it right, but so far every chance we've had has been a pipe dream.

What is the status of the lots in the area? We know GDP purchased a few. The Wal*Mart guys had a contract on a tract and they turned that contract over to the city (probably expired).

I think a shopping, entertainment area could work. Not a Tulsa Hills type big box development, more of a downscale Utica Square type place.


Title: East End
Post by: USRufnex on September 12, 2008, 09:47:47 pm
I just don't see the demand for it..... I'd like to see some "regional attractions" make that area a "destination".... for that "superblock" that has really good access from the highway, I'd propose...

1.  Tulsa Children's Museum -- could be reasonably easy to do, maybe this could be part of the next third-penny...

2.  Oklahoma Oil and Aerospace Museum -- after KT's support for state money for OKC's NBA team, maybe some state money can come to the other side of the turnpike for this... a museum that's alot like Chicago's "Museum of Science & Industry" with lots of hands-on stuff would work really well... would compliment the Children's Museum...

3.  A Tulsa Central Library that has more computers and internet access than books; a library that would be a community center... the basement of Chicago's downtown library has a 2,000 seat auditorium... for Tulsa, how 'bout a large room that could host traveling art exhibitions and recitals and theater groups etc... something multipurpose that would be different from other venues in town....

3 projects with 3 potentially different funding sources... something that could connect the east village area to the Virginia Lofts on one end and the Blue Dome on the other...

***you notice I said nothing about a soccer stadium.... problem is, due to increases in construction costs for a stadium and all the mixed-use commercial/residential that would pay for it through use of TIF, that financial model just doesn't hold up the way it did even a few months ago... KC bumped their request from $10mil in state money to $30mil in state money after already securing a local TIF and a pivital decision for state funding is coming up in the next week... make fun of Jenks' TIF all you want, but that $1bil plan is looking more stable than the plan in Collinsville, IL for  investors to fund a $573 million mixed-use retail/residential that includes the cost of a  soccer stadium complex for a St Louis MLS team...




Title: East End
Post by: TheArtist on September 13, 2008, 08:32:25 am
quote:
Originally posted by USRufnex

quote:
Originally posted by TheArtist

quote:
Originally posted by USRufnex

1.  I wish the new arena had been built there.
2.  I wish the soccer stadium and 40 acres of mixed-use had been built there.
3.  I wish the ballpark and 20 acres of mixed-use had been built there.
4.  I wish a super WalMart had been built on the "superblock" as part of a TIF district that included acres and acres of mixed-use development.
5.  I wish the DESCO project woulda gone through.
6.  You know, even a movie studio and set woulda been nice...... [B)]

I just don't think anything's gonna happen without some major league heavy lifting by developers and the city.... so much of that area is NOT something that can simply be rehabbed.





Wow, I for one am really glad your wishes dont come true lol.





You do realize, Artist, that ANY of those wishes would be a huge improvement over what's there right now... that area has been the same for decades.  Sorry to interrupt everybody's pipedreams for that area.... but any buildings resembling Persi's pics on pg 1 would have to be replicas built from scratch...

Most of the East End/East Village is and has been a wasteland of ugliness with a handful of decent buildings on its outskirts that may or may not be rehab-ready....

IMHO, even the older buildings that could be rehabbed in that area are unremarkable.

It's a shame that the area has sat there mostly dormant for such a long time... most of my trips downtown involve taking the exit off the BA that loops off 7th? and Frankfort westbound...

I liked the idea pursued for years by one who used to post here (remember JDB?) about making a "micro-hood".... but sustaining some little microhood in such an isolated area in the IDL would be next to impossible if there's not something credible and tangeable to walk to other than those old decrepit Nordam warehouses...

Makes me wonder if LaFortune was re-elected if there'd be something there right now, instead of the laissez-faire approach by Mayor Taylor that enabled the WalMart versus Global Development property wars...

I remember when we talked of things that were going to be exciting for that area; with an out-of-state developer who had experience and expertise... and had moved money from other projects to dedicate to pursuing mixed-use including the ballpark....

I remember all the talk of LaFortune and all the cries of cronyism... now, let's compare those people and that approach to those from Mayor Taylor and her puppetmasters... rinse, repeat...  [B)]








Its not that some of those things may have been an improvement to what is there now... its that many of those things would be better placed in other areas.

I would rather have the non-pedestrian friendly arena for instance placed in a non-pedestrian friendly area. The East End has more potential to become a pedestrian friendly area than the location where the arena was placed. Plus it can work in concert with the Convention Center for larger events, and the large parking garages that are also right by it.

I would rather have the ballpark go where it may end up going in the Greenwood district. Development around it at this time will help solidify and connect the developments going on in the Brady Arts and Blue Dome districts. I think this is the better outcome than having yet another development isolated in yet another area of downtown. We need at least one area of downtown to get that "critical mass" and show some real, positive, results, and soon. The baseball stadium in the Greenwood district will do just that.

I dont know what the DESCO project is or was. Must have been before my time lol.

A movie studio?... bout as likely as the Disney Theme park going in somewhere around Tulsa or BA that is rumored to happen every decade or so.

The most likely scenario is to have the ballpark go in Greenwood. Once that happens you will definitely see development happen around that. Once people see results in  that area and the Brady, Greenwood, Blue Dome areas knitting together and filling in.... development will begin to spill over into the East End. Seeing positive results will also allow the city to begin talking about something like a Childrens Museum, Modern Art Museum or some other public or partially publicly funded project for downtown, possibly for the East End. But at the moment I think people are not going to be willing to sink another dime into downtown without seeing some real life and results happening down there. The ballpark, boulder bridge... thats enough, thats all ya getting for a while. Plain and simple. Once the other areas begin taking off and fill in, the East End should grow organically all on its own. No "fertilizer" needed. We can then begin turning more of our attention to other parts of the city, like development along the river on the west side. If the ballpark goes in, downtown should be able to take care of itself from now on. IF we are going to spend any more money downtown at all, I would say it should go for the Starter Line. The main reason for that is so that we can begin spreading out to other areas of the city and get renewed growth and opportunity in those areas.

The core, midtown and downtown will be rocking along, South Tulsa is doing fine and can take care of itself, we can then begin focusing on spurring growth and redevelopment in North, West, and East Tulsa. It may just be that a "starter line" downtown sending out tendrils to those areas would be an interesting thing to consider. TOD growth and "town square" type nodes around the stations in N, E and W, Tulsa could be a great way to go. Giving people in those areas access to mass transit, job access and development, renewed sense of optimism from the growth in those areas, and another sense of pride/identity from the "places" that can grow up around these town square, station nodes. But you have to have that main station downtown, a thriving and growing downtown, in order to have something positive for those nodes to "connect" to.  


Title: East End
Post by: USRufnex on September 13, 2008, 07:35:07 pm
How soon they forget......

Friday, May 31, 2002
DESCO, MLP to develop urban village in Tulsa
St. Louis Business Journal

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2002/05/27/daily72.html

The DESCO Group will team with the Tulsa (Okla.) Development Authority and MLP Investments to create a mixed-use development in downtown Tulsa.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

The companies will create East Village, a pedestrian-oriented retail, residential, cultural and entertainment district, aiming to revitalize an old downtown site. DESCO will handle the commercial aspect of the development, while St. Louis-based MLP Investments will handle the residential aspect, the companies said.

The East Village, on a 115-acre site, will be designed by St. Louis-based Suttle-Mindlin architects, and will include 760,000 square feet of retail space; 50,000 square feet for entertainment venues; 100,000 square feet for offices; a 12-story hotel and multi-family and single-family residences.

St. Louis-based DESCO Group is a commercial real estate, development and management firm.

------------------------------------------------

http://www.tulsanow.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2007

"$500 million facility for Tulsa

Other incentives enacted last week will award state income tax credits of up to 25 percent to companies that build production facilities in Oklahoma and give state taxpayers who invest in projects produced in Oklahoma a 25 percent income tax credit on profits made, if they reinvest their profits in another Oklahoma project.

The former comes just in time for an investor group called East Village Studio Project, which is planning a $500 million production facility and hotel on 115 acres in downtown Tulsa, with retail shops and different architectural developments on different streets.

"We've been negotiating with the city for the past 15 months," said Pete Rommel, owner of Hotel Savoy and a partner in the project.

Construction is expected to begin by the fourth quarter, Rommel said.

The reinvestment incentive was the brainchild of his partner and certified public accountant Fred Imel, said Paul Tompkins, president of Crazy Fish Films and Vision Pix.

"It's a no-lose proposition for the state," he said. "It encourages local and studio companies to come here and reinvest. And if they don't have any income to offset, it doesn't matter anyway."

Tompkins, an Oklahoma City native who spent 20 years behind the camera in LA working on "Dallas," "LA Law," and "Matlock," is trying to raise $12 million to shoot three films and a TV series in Oklahoma, including a comedy titled "There Goes the Groom" about a man turned on his head two days before his wedding to a Nichols Hills' heiress. "



Title: East End
Post by: TheArtist on September 13, 2008, 09:10:05 pm
May 2002?.... good gawd, its not a matter of forgetting. It WAS before my time on here lol. I dont even think I had a computer back then. As for the studio project, it was a crock of bull and I heard that from several people. Bout as real and probable as the Heavenly Hospitality people and proposals. Just some yahoos making a lot of noise, and not any ability to make it happen other than a song and a prayer. Surely you can tell the difference between something thats real and smoke being blown up your @rse lol. If not,,,, I got some property in Florida you might be interested in. [8D]