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Talk About Tulsa => The Burbs => Topic started by: erfalf on April 12, 2011, 10:14:35 am



Title: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 12, 2011, 10:14:35 am
Since there are no forums about Bartlesville, I am going to start a thread here.

I always follow what is going on in Tulsa, and it is definitely very exciting. However, just to the north, Bartlesville is making some good strides (despite a less than cooperative government) to redefine its downtown.

For a town of roughly 35k, Bartlesville has an amazing downtown area. Helped mostly by being home to a Fortune 100 company for most of 80 years or so, the town has recently diversified its employment base to further spur the community on. While growth in population has been stagnant, the town still makes strides, especially downtown. For example, in the last year Bartlesville saw a brand new 100 room hotel open downtown (while the design could have been somewhat more inspiring, it is progress none the same), a high end retail clothing and art store open, a top notch Pub in addition to some other new businesses. Currently the two major projects are the renovation of “The Johnstone” which was severely damaged in a fire in 2009. Thankfully, new ownership has taken over and saved this amazing piece of history. I hope the Tulsa Club has a future as bright as this one. Down the street is the former Bartlesville Office Supply. I am unsure of the future tenant, but major renovations are taking place and at least 2 new loft spaces will be available upstairs. Plus I see Ben Afflek frequent the building (or at least my wife does).

Speaking of lofts, conversions have also been done recently in at least three other buildings (The Buford Hotel, Curtis Sports, and a private residence in the 2nd floor of a building on Frank Phillips Blvd. The total number of rentable lofts in the CBD now sits around 22. Plus the periphery of downtown is very well connected with many multi-tenant buildings within walking distance (or less than 10 blocks).

Like Tulsa, Bartlesville’s downtown was a 9 to 5 area. While there are many good restaurants, most all were only open during the day. The first all night destination to open was Frank & Lola’s (2007 I think). Then in ’09 Two Sister’s Pub & Grille, and last year Ms. B Haven’s Uptown Oasis. F&L & Haven’s both offer live music several nights a week. While it’s only three, it is a start, and I believe more are in the works currently. In addition to dining options, there are several services open in the evening as well, including a new yoga studio and several hair salons. While services are never glamorous, it is a start, and necessary for a livable downtown.

Retail options, like every downtown, are tough to come by. Recently, Hopestone Studio (a local high end clothing designer and art gallery) has opened. Again, it is a start. Outside of this it is the standard fare for town’s this size: furniture store, home repair store, art/framing store, jewelry store, and gift store.

Another huge catalyst is the addition of Rogers State University to downtown. Thankfully, they have taken over and continue to restore the former Reda Pump/Citi Services building on 4th & Dewey. While they currently only occupy a few floors of the historic building, the plans are to continue growing and offering more programs every year. They recently began offering several business degrees that students are able to complete 100% in Bartlesville. This in my opinion will be a huge catalyst in the future. Not so much right now, but it will be.

While Bartlesville is not the glamorous downtown that I believe Tulsa has the opportunity to become, it has an amazing foundation to become a very family oriented, livable, exciting downtown. It’s greatest asset is the large inventory of original buildings from the early 1900’s. While Phillips did it’s fair share of devastation, it for the most part has replaced the old treasures with extremely beneficial buildings. These large office buildings provide downtown businesses with many customers and provide the town with a fantastic image/skyline for a town its size. Plus the other benefits that the town has reaped because of the Phillips Company is immeasurable. They are responsible for a world class Community Center that host one of only two classical music festivals in the country (OK Mozart). They also owned the Price Tower at one point before donating it to a local foundation to preserve. The Price Tower is currently in contention to be placed on the World Heritage Site list, one of only 20 U.S. sites that also includes The Grand Canyon, The Great Smoky Mountains, The Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall and Monticello. Even if it does not receive the designation, it is mentioned in pretty exclusive company.

This is just a start. I would like to see this first post as a stepping stone for comments on Bartlesville’s downtown. Surely there are more people on this message board interested in the Ville besides just me.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: RecycleMichael on April 12, 2011, 10:22:31 am
Murphy's Steakhouse has fed me many of the finest steaks and hamburgers I have ever eaten.

There is a forum on Bartlesville.net


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: sgrizzle on April 12, 2011, 11:33:37 am
+Kiddie Park


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on April 12, 2011, 12:12:47 pm
+Kiddie Park
(http://www.hisstank.com/forum/members/zefram-albums-anon-picture35062-pedobear.png)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: custosnox on April 12, 2011, 12:19:17 pm
(http://www.hisstank.com/forum/members/zefram-albums-anon-picture35062-pedobear.png)

http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Pedobear-The-New-Pedophile/jcdOrr1dzU2Pbv12JE4qZw.cspx


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 13, 2011, 07:49:09 am
+Kiddie Park

You're right, I failed to mention the already existing amenities that already exist around downtown. Kiddie Park in my opinion is a HUGE asset to the community and the people responsible for running it are a God send. This is the type of development that Bartlesville should embrace because it is plus for families which I think should be the target. I get that Bartlesville is not going to be a huge draw for young hipster types (no offense, used to be one). But even my family has moved back from Dallas (Uptown) to “settle down”. Bartlesville offers virtually everything we desire all within a 5 minute commute. This is a perfect family town.

Bartlesville also has a downtown ballpark. A fine one at that. Constructed in 1932 and tastefully renovated between 1998 and 2003 in time to host two American Legion World Series, it’s one of the finest ballparks in the state for sure. I’ve been to a couple of games and it is the most pleasant stadium to attend a game that I have ever been to, (including Arlington, Yankee, Shae, Bricktown, Frisco). Scoff all you want, but I can go to a game in August and not break a sweat.

In addition to the usual suspects (YMCA, newer Public Library, numerous churches), Bartlesville’s downtown has a lot going for it.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 13, 2011, 07:52:26 am
Just a couple of pics of the ballpark from the Bartlesville Sports Commission website.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TheArtist on April 13, 2011, 12:23:58 pm
  I enjoy my occasional visits to Bartlesville and have noticed in recent years the slow but steady improvements in its downtown.  It does have a few streets of great old, medium/small, pedestrian friendly, building stock that I would love to have in downtown Tulsa.  Though we did have much like that at one time, we destroyed it instead.  Now its nice to see you all seeing the potential those buildings have and to see them filling up.  Those, beautiful, boarded up, buildings are an asset with a lot of potential.  I wish Bartlesville success and hope its core continues to better itself, and for its population and jobs to turn the corner and steadily increase.  I have always wished Bartlesville and Tulsa had been just a little bit closer to each other. 


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Townsend on April 13, 2011, 02:07:02 pm
 I have always wished Bartlesville and Tulsa had been just a little bit closer to each other. 

Well, if we could get E5 high speed rail it'd be a 20 minute ride one way.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 14, 2011, 08:59:45 am
If Tulsa and Bartlesville were much closer I don’t believe Bartlesville would have developed the way it did. As it is, Bartlesville grew up with an economy basically independent of Tulsa. We had our own businesses and retail to support the community. With advances in transportation, Tulsa and Bartlesville have gotten closer and closer (time wise). It is no longer a day long outing to go to “The City”. I kind of think this has eroded Bartlesville’s retail base because it is no longer necessary for people to be able to purchase goods in town. And now, Bartlesville is too small to get the types of development that true suburbs of Tulsa are getting. We will never have a Target or most any new trendy chain restaurant. I’m alright with that though. I think most of it is perception, because virtually everything I NEED is available in town. Now, if you like big time concerts or going to a state school (until recently), you’d be out of luck.

Speaking of, I really hope that the continued expansion of Rogers State University in Bartlesville is a huge boost to the local and downtown economies. It has the potential to do great things, just as OSU-Tulsa has done for its area. Plus, they did the community a huge service by purchasing an amazing historic building to renovate as they expand. Since the departures of Reda Pump and Cities Services, I think this building has been under utilized. This is a huge improvement.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: SXSW on April 14, 2011, 06:09:51 pm
Bartlesville is pretty close.  45 min. from downtown Tulsa via 75, closer to 30 min. from Owasso/Collinsville.  It's a very interesting city and I encourage visitors to Tulsa to check it out to see the Price Tower and nearby Woolaroc.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on April 14, 2011, 09:12:36 pm
Don't forget the Tall Grass Prairie just a little further west of B'ville.  Wonderful place!



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 20, 2011, 08:17:01 am
More good news for downtown Bartlesville.

There will be a new restaurant opening downtown soon. The space left by the closure of La Pizza Nostra will now become Sweet Lou’s (at least according to the signage). Not sure of the ownership either, as it is listed as Kairos, Inc. I also don’t know what the menu will consist of but I know the previous restaurant was a brick oven style pizzeria. Hopefully they didn’t disassemble the only such oven in town. That would be unfortunate. The restaurant will have 50 seats and is also getting a $12,750 (or 17% of costs) TIF incentive from the city receivable over five years. (Hopefully it will make it that long). Restaurantering is a tough business where 50% are closed within five years, so here’s hoping. It will be located right beside 2 Sisters Pub (opened in 2009) which is doing very well. It is directly north of the block that the Plaza Office Building (ConocoPhillips) sits on and caddy corner from the new Hilton Garden Inn.

Bartlesville has been fortunate along with Tulsa to have a few locals who really are dedicated to seeing Bartlesville thrive. Coincidently they can whip up some good food too. If you can do that in this town, people will go anywhere, even the west side (Murphy’s Steakhouse for 65 years).

To sum up current downtown developments:

• Sweet Lou’s (New Restaurant)
• The Johnstone renovation (complete gut of building that suffered a major fire in 2009). To early to know new tenants. Speculation has said that the building may house 8 commercial interests on all three floors. It will definitely have a roof top deck that appears will be available to lease for events and such. This project is a huge deal in my opinion and saves the face of Frank Phillips (Main Street if you will). Clyde Sare is a huge asset to this community and has not been treated as such by our local government. A shame if you ask me.
• Renovation of old Bartlesville Office Supply that will include upstairs lofts. No tenant announced yet either.
• There is a Gorman Construction sign in the window of the old Aroma’s restaurant (Aroma’s and La Pizza Nostra were under the same ownership who had some personal financial issues that threw the restaurants under the bus with him). Doesn’t look like much has been done yet, but here’s hopin.
• The Johnstone Apartments – conversion of the old Hotel Phillips into a senior living apartment home. While not technically in the CBD it is a major historical structure and located only within blocks of most anything downtown.

Pretty good headway for a little ol’ 29 block downtown.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on May 04, 2011, 07:24:49 am
+Kiddie Park

Kiddie Park is having a season opening this Friday. My kids (well the one old enough to know) is excited to go.

It looks like there is still some work to be done on the website but here is the link anyways:

http://kiddiepark.net

25 cents a ride, can't beat that!


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Ed W on May 04, 2011, 04:25:18 pm
Now I'll have to do a photowalk around Bartlesville, too!  But not this weekend.  I'm working Saturday, and Sunday I've already decided to do some old airplanes at Gundy's and that private airfield out on 21st Street - if it's still there.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on May 04, 2011, 04:31:25 pm
Now I'll have to do a photowalk around Bartlesville, too!  But not this weekend.  I'm working Saturday, and Sunday I've already decided to do some old airplanes at Gundy's and that private airfield out on 21st Street - if it's still there.

You talking about Harvey Young (1H6)?  It's still there.  And it's not private.

http://www.airnav.com/airport/1H6


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Ed W on May 04, 2011, 05:21:04 pm
Yep, that's it - Harvey Young.  I took the kids out there when they were very small, so it's probably been 15 years or more.

I likes me some old, rusty cars and vintage flying aluminum.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Red Arrow on May 04, 2011, 08:14:50 pm
You talking about Harvey Young (1H6)?  It's still there.  And it's not private.

http://www.airnav.com/airport/1H6

Minor point just to confuse everyone, it's privately owned but open to the public.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on May 04, 2011, 10:52:16 pm
Now I'll have to do a photowalk around Bartlesville, too!  But not this weekend.  I'm working Saturday, and Sunday I've already decided to do some old airplanes at Gundy's and that private airfield out on 21st Street - if it's still there.

Harvey Young?  Best accessed from 11th, as I recall.  Between 129th & 145th.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on May 04, 2011, 10:59:00 pm
Harvey Young?  Best accessed from 11th, as I recall.  Between 129th & 145th.

Correct..that old sign that points to the airport still exists.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: qingfeng456 on June 24, 2011, 06:50:37 pm
if we could get E5 high speed rail it'd be a 20 minute ride one way.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: qingfeng456 on June 24, 2011, 06:52:38 pm
if we could get E5 high speed rail it'd be a 20 minute ride one way.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on August 12, 2011, 01:37:02 pm
It’s been a while, so I figured I needed to update you big city types about what’s happening to the north again.

Well, the biggest news is… there will now be two fortune 500 companies in downtown Bartlesville. Unfortunately (sort of) this is due to a split in ConocoPhillips. The move is strategic for the company and will create two completely autonomous companies that as far as I know will be keeping their shared services organizations in Bartlesville. It’s still early in the deal, so not much is known yet. It also sounds like this could bring some new jobs to town since some of the shared services groups cannot be split and still have the manpower needed to get the job done. But this by far is the biggest news as of late.

Updates on projects mentioned previously:

The Johnstone – Not sure what’s going on here, renovations seem to have come to a halt over the last month or so. I’ve heard mentioned that a Mexican restaurant is planned for the large commercial space. What makes these old buildings so great is that they housed so many businesses in such a small space. The main commercial space has now been expanded to include what used to be a barber shop, but that still leaves 3 other ground level spaces (previously a restaurant, preacher’s office, and a tiny (literally) cafe). Have not heard anything else about possible tenants or what the reason for the hold up is. Maybe it is just too stinking hot.

Kress Building – This one is moving along nicely. The owner is chronicling his experience on Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kress-Building-Bartlesville/184538088259313?ref=pb The Frank Phillips club is going to be the primary tenant, utilizing the downstairs space. Upstairs will be used for a single living space with some loft space for a new monthly publication – Bartlesville Monthly http://www.facebook.com/bartlesvillemonthly?ref=pb. This project is really awesome, and hopefully we can get him to do some more. PLEASE!

Sweet Lou’s – In my opinion a resounding success. They have amazing and unique food offerings that you can’t find anywhere else in town, and it’s good too.

Former Aroma’s – the construction company sign has been removed. Not sure what’s going on here. I think the property is still owned by the bank.

The Johnstone Apartments – Now includes some rentable office space according to there website. I think this project will move slowly as it is a large property.

New Projects

Buffalo Run Townhomes – To the immediate east of the central business district, a new townhome project is about to get started. It has received a $102,150 forgivable loan for a five year period from the Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority on Wednesday. Some dilapidated residential structures on 3 lots were torn down (not a loss in my opinion) to make way for this project. It proposes 3 two-story townhouses with four units per structure. Good news for that area. This area just east of downtown is ripe for redevelopment. Properties values are extremely low and it is easily walkable to the downtown core.

The Really Old City Hall – Not that anybody would realize it due to renovations but the property at 128 W. 2nd St. was the first city hall for Bartlesville. It has been (and I believe continues to be) retail space for a hair salon and birthday/party space. The owners received approval to renovate the upstairs units into rentals and bring it up to code. The work has already begun. My guess is there are no more than 2, maybe 3, units. Small project. It would be awesome to have every building downtown 100% utilized downstairs and up. Slowly owners are renovating upstairs units which is a great thing. There is a huge gap in rental properties in this town. Many new ConocoPhillips employees can’t find adequate/clean rental properties. That would make it atleast 25 units in the CBD and many more in the immediate vicinity.

New Businesses -

Sugarica - New bakery, opening on the Osage side of the Curtis Building at 222 Frank Phillips. They have a website and Facebook and appear to already have a customer base and are now opening up a retail store.

Cup'N'Cake Cupcakery opened up just east at 5th & Shawnee. Another bakery/cupcake place. Haven't heard much about it so I can't really say much.

Falafel Ave. is a new greek restaurant that is opening up at 310 S. Dweey in the former Bogart's space. Don't know much again, but good luck with the greek food.

Well, that's all for now.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on August 12, 2011, 02:03:39 pm
Just wanted to give some visuals for the post above.

The Johnstone
Here is a historical picture:
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/5375_124193628067_671063067_2397701_1516705_n.jpg)

And a more recent photo, prior to the fire:
(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2676/238/125/144491325251/n144491325251_6823493_6917213.jpg)

A couple pictures of the fire and damage:
(http://kotv.images.worldnow.com/images/11017656_BG1.jpg)
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/9233_151498214427_831164427_3488771_5229800_n.jpg)

The Kress Building

Historical Photos:
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207034_184541131592342_184538088259313_440162_2996524_n.jpg)
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/227856_190459121000543_184538088259313_478436_8151726_n.jpg)

Progress so far:
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249600_195017300544725_184538088259313_505618_8156354_n.jpg)

The Johnstone Apartments:
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248376_128581803887718_119854704760428_206660_5962959_n.jpg)

And this is just an awersome picture of downtown Bartlesville taken by Mike Kinsch posted on the Downtown Bartlesville Facebook:
(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/163714_10150368203555252_144491325251_17042893_2198416_n.jpg)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: GG on August 12, 2011, 04:48:56 pm
Just wanted to give some visuals for the post above.

The Johnstone
Here is a historical picture:
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/5375_124193628067_671063067_2397701_1516705_n.jpg)

And a more recent photo, prior to the fire:
(http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2676/238/125/144491325251/n144491325251_6823493_6917213.jpg)

A couple pictures of the fire and damage:
(http://kotv.images.worldnow.com/images/11017656_BG1.jpg)
(http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/9233_151498214427_831164427_3488771_5229800_n.jpg)

The Kress Building

Historical Photos:
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207034_184541131592342_184538088259313_440162_2996524_n.jpg)
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/227856_190459121000543_184538088259313_478436_8151726_n.jpg)

Progress so far:
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/249600_195017300544725_184538088259313_505618_8156354_n.jpg)

The Johnstone Apartments:
(http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/248376_128581803887718_119854704760428_206660_5962959_n.jpg)

And this is just an awersome picture of downtown Bartlesville taken by Mike Kinsch posted on the Downtown Bartlesville Facebook:
(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/163714_10150368203555252_144491325251_17042893_2198416_n.jpg)

Seems like I read some where that it was a meth lab that started the fire you have pictured.   Is that true?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on August 15, 2011, 07:08:15 am
Seems like I read some where that it was a meth lab that started the fire you have pictured.   Is that true?

It is going through court right now. This is my version of the story (as it changes from person to person). I understand that Robert of the former Robert's Restaurant and someone else were possibly making meth in the building. It has been going through court for some time, also held up by the fact that he fled to Florida or something.

I remember thinking at the time that the fire seemed awefully suspicious. The primary tennant/building owner had just closed down after 99 years of service at that location. I didn't really want to think they would do anything like that since they are a very well respected family in town. Fortunately they had nothing to do with it. Also, I am very happy that the building was not just destroyed and made into a parking lot, which in many cases I imigine would have been the fate of a building that was burned to the extent this one was.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: CarolineMc on August 22, 2011, 06:19:13 am
The TIF Incentive awarded to Sweet Lou's was returned to the City of Bartlesville due to fraud in obtaining the funds.  The search warrants issued by the Bartlesville Police Department are available at the Washington County Courthouse that explain the fraud.  Thanks to a very observant former accountant from ConocoPhillips, the City of Bartlesville was able to recover the $12,750.  The DA declined to file charges (good ol boys club alive and well).

I have been to Sweet Lou's 3 times.  The first time I wanted to try it.  Went during lunch, took 20 minutes for our order to be taken.  Took another 25 minutes for lunch for 2 to arrive.  Ordered a Spinach Salad.  Basically it was side salad.  This restaurant does not have the proper dishes to serve what they have on the menu so my salad was served in a small bowl.  The waiter took $2 off but we both left hungry.  I took the time to have lunch and it turned into a big waste of time.  I had to hit the vending machine at 3:30. The next table waited 55 minutes for their lunch to arrive and they were noticeably upset about it.  The second time I went with friends that wanted to try it.  Had the same experience--slow service and marginal food.  Third time I had to be dragged--good thing they have a bar.  Food is not "amazing"--it's mediocre and over priced.  The service is slow and unprofessional.

The restaurant is basically overpriced and mediocre--teamed with the lack of integrity of the owners, I hope they close soon.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on December 06, 2011, 04:36:05 pm
Another update from the Ville:

Updates on projects mentioned previously:

The Johnstone – is still plugging along…really slowly. Still no word on what is going on here. In related news Robert pled guilty to arson in the fire that gutted this building.

Kress Building – As far as I can tell, this is complete. The ground floor space is used for get Frank Phillips Club/art exhibits/events while the upstairs is a living space/monthly magazine offices. I am still hoping Mr. Oldroyd gets the itch to do many, many more projects.

The Really Old City Hall – Still moving along on this one. They are applying for façade renovation grants. Here are some links to this building. It has obviously been covered with plaster at some point. Below are links to a couple of pictures of this building in case anybody is interested.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thomasfberger/3192563825/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/larrykathy/2170699026/

Buffalo Run Townhomes – Last time I was by, the dirt work was being done, so it excited to see something actually moving forward with regards to residential development.

New Projects –

City owned block bounded by Adams/Armstrong/8th St/Keeler - The city has owned most of this block for quit some time. The non-city owned parcels are an Arvest ATM, a single family home being renovated for Ameriprise Financial, a two unit duplex, and a parking lot owned by the postal workers. It has been cleared for 5 or so years and plans for townhomes have been thrown about multiple times. Apparently Commonwealth Development Corporation (out of Wisconsin) has applied to purchase this land. I don’t know much. There website has some decent looking developments. Honestly any decent market rate rentals would do great here. It is a little over a block from the ConocoPhillips campus and only about 5 to 7 blocks from all the restaurants/night life downtown.

210 E. 4th – I’ve seen some construction going on inside this building for a few months, but it has been extremely slow. They have recently applied for a façade improvement grant. Kallin Investments owns the building which appears to have been an old garage. Most of the building fronting 4th street were auto oriented even back in the 50’s. I’ve seen old pictures of a large Phillips 66 station accress from Frank Phillips Tower (currently the Phillips 66 Heritage Museum/old Arvest Bank Building). I’ve also heard that one of the largest Citgo’s in the county was at 4th and Osage, one block from their old headquarters at 4th & Dewey. Many other garages/filling stations fronted 4th street as well. Be interesting to see what turns up here. It sits caddy corner from the Rogers State downtown campus.

323 S. Osage – This building was about to be demolished as blight (and fairly so). The previous owners have let the building fall apart and the room was nearly to fall in. Randy Lawrence (who I think owns a lawn care business in town) swooped in and bought the building on the premise that he would secure the building so they don’t tear it down. This building is auto oriented as well, with a garage opening in front. I understand at one point the local newspaper owned the building but most recently it was an auto repair shop with this funky sign. http://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/3058130563/ Don’t know what the plans are but It seems workable for a home base for a lawn care business.

210 E. 2nd – The Lawrence’s also purchased this building. It is a single story 4,200 s.f. retail space. It has been empty as long as I have lived here (since 2006). They applied for development financing assistance for this and 323 S. Osage.


Oh and the new County Detention center is now open across the tracks. Maybe all of the officers will see the cameras before they beat the prisoners there.

New Business:

Sugerica is now done with their new digs in the Curtis Building. They have walk in Wednesday’s and I’m told their treats are fantastic. Have not had the opportunity to “test” them out yet.

Falafel Ave. is now open. I don’t go by often, but they always look really deserted at night. Maybe it’s more of a lunch place. And Greek is not my thing. Sorry.

Wassamiller Insurance isn’t really new, but they have moved downtown. They are right beside Frank and Lola’s on Second Street.

Bad News:

Jessica’s Tiny Café has closed. Used to be in The Johnstone in a really REALLY tiny space. Maybe all the extra square footage was too much to overcome. It is kind of in a bad spot too, many businesses come and go in The Professional Building annex.

Sweet Lou’s. Ok I’ll admit I have to eat my words here. The food was not interesting enough for me to go there more than once or twice. I always thought well such and such does this dish better. So I never went back. And apparently they are “taking the holidays off” I thought they meant Thanksgiving, but it is still closed. Same thing happened at Jessica’s above. Sign in the window saying we are taking a vacation, then bam closed. Plus the financial dealing mentioned previously are probably true. I have heard of a fund raiser not they hosted (10% of sales kind of thing) was never paid. I should have known that if they were giving pizza away once a week things were not going well.

Other:

On the Rock Ministries is a recreation center for teens located right across the rail road tracks from the old depot. It has indoor skate park, coffeehouse, concert stage, computer lab, and outdoor patio. They have recently purchased several of the surrounding warehouses (that were not utilized) to renovate for more recreation space. They have also purchased the office space adjacent to the new warehouses for a computer lab/learning center. They do this all on donations alone. Nice to see them expanding and doing good for the community. It is pretty remarkable what they have done and is just one more of those things that makes Bartlesville one of the most family friendly communities around.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Vision 2025 on December 08, 2011, 02:05:45 pm
Worked in Bartlesville for 8 years, sure do miss Dink's.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: AngieB on December 09, 2011, 12:23:44 pm
Seems like I read some where that it was a meth lab that started the fire you have pictured.   Is that true?

Not sure about the one pictured. It was the Mays Brothers building.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleid=20111130_11_0_BARTLE781982 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/site/printerfriendlystory.aspx?articleid=20111130_11_0_BARTLE781982)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on December 19, 2011, 09:14:16 am
City owned block bounded by Adams/Armstrong/8th St/Keeler - The city has owned most of this block for quit some time. The non-city owned parcels are an Arvest ATM, a single family home being renovated for Ameriprise Financial, a two unit duplex, and a parking lot owned by the postal workers. It has been cleared for 5 or so years and plans for townhomes have been thrown about multiple times. Apparently Commonwealth Development Corporation (out of Wisconsin) has applied to purchase this land. I don’t know much. There website has some decent looking developments. Honestly any decent market rate rentals would do great here. It is a little over a block from the ConocoPhillips campus and only about 5 to 7 blocks from all the restaurants/night life downtown.

Ok, huge disappointment reading the paper this weekend:

The city has owned almost an entire city block between Adams, Jennings, Armstrong & 8th for quite some time. The remaining single family homes were leveled something in the mid-2000’s in order to entice development (the homes were not a loss, trust me). The city council is acting on this property today and I’ve learned that the plan is still for Commonwealth Development Corp to construct 40 units on the 49,000 s.f. lot. However, they will be senior housing. BUMMER!!! I know this is Bartlesville and a small home closed down recently. But we just converted the old Hotel Phillips one block from this development to senior housing. It has somewhere between 80 and 90 units and seemed to be a good fit for the building. It will be four stories, but I already have a feeling this is going to be horrendous. In all fairness this lot is kind of going to be on an island. The Post office is to the north, industrial buildings/railroad to the west, sub $30K homes to the south, and a big empty lot to the east. On the upside (this only assumes that working people lived here) the IC Building (COP) is only a block away and the Phillips & Adams buildings are only 2-3 blocks away.

I also thing the developer is getting hosed on the sale price. $6.25/s.f. is pretty pricey. I understand it is a large cleared lot, but that would make each individual lot (50’x140’) $43,750. Pretty sure the houses on theses lots were worth nowhere near this, and the lot does not front the highly trafficked Adams Blvd. For goodness sake the city bought the property $2.22/s.f. in 2006. I doubt it has appreciated that much in five years. Oh, well. I’m sure they will “make it right” some other way.

This is my opinion only, but I believe Bartlesville has a shortage of market rate apartments. Especially for young new single ConocoPhillips employees. A few years ago one of the major builders in town built the Price Lofts in the far south side of town. They are cramped in my opinion. Lofts are not supposed to be cramped, it’s just wrong. But they ask for and get premium rent for them. They offer the amenities that young very well paid people want (i.e. they are new). New hires would like to live close to work but it is virtually impossible with the limited non-ghetto selection.

So my question is, how do developments like the senior homes above keep getting financing assistance, when it would seem we have plenty of stock in that category. Also, why does it seem that market rate (small scale) apartments are not a profitable venture? Are they not right now? In every other large city, rentals are going up a mile a minute. I don’t think we need a huge complex or anything. Price Lofts for example only constructed 24 units with rents starting at $810 for a one bed unit. That ain’t cheap. And Taylor Homes (the developer) spares no expenses. They are also constructing suburban for sale condos that start well over $200K. Will be interesting to see how these pan out.

Is that what it takes, some people with money to lose to be the first to stick their toe in the water?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on December 19, 2011, 05:02:55 pm
Well, it's nice to here something's happening here. Not really much new outside of expected completion dates. Do you think Bartlesville has enough going on that I should more some of this to the Development & New Business thread, or is that only for Tulsa proper?

Steady progress being made on The Johnstone
By Emily Droege

edroege@examiner-enterprise.com

One of the best-known buildings in the area is on its way to becoming an anchor of the community — again.

Current owners of the iconic brick structure at the corner of Johnstone Avenue and Frank Phillips Boulevard are working to make the building a lively part of the downtown Bartlesville scene, a role it held for more than a century.

The former May Brothers Building – now called The Johnstone – has undergone extensive repair and renovation since it was heavily damaged in an August 2009 fire.

“It has gone slower than we’d like, but that’s part of the construction business,” said Crystal Sare of Centennial Restorations, which owns The Johnstone and the adjacent 1904 Building. “The record-setting snow and then the heat in the summer did play a factor. We also want to do this right, so the building can be in the community for at least another hundred years.”

While an official grand opening for the revitalized three-story building has yet to be announced, Sare indicated that the refurbishing process could be complete by spring of 2012.

“As we move in to next year, the community will start to see more visible progress,” she said.

One longtime resident with direct ties to the structure is especially enthused about the ongoing developments being made by the Sare Family.

“I’m so excited by what the Sares are doing to the building,” said retired business owner Mike May. “Once the work is complete, the public will see that the building will be the crown jewel of the community.”

For several decades, May owned the building May Brother’s Clothing Company, a family clothing business that was recognized as Oklahoma’s oldest clothing store operating at the same location under the same family management.

May’s father and uncle opened the clothing store on the ground floor corner of the newly complete three-story Johnstone building in 1910. The clothing shop’s grand opening came with great fanfare that included a band concert, free gifts for women and a wide offering in the finest fashions of men’s clothing.

Before retiring in 2008, May continued the family enterprise as an anchor of Bartlesville’s downtown commercial community. Then, two years later, in January 2010, a contract was signed between May and Clyde Sare — also a native Bartian – to transfer ownership of the May Brothers Building and Right Way Hotel Annex, popularly referred to as the 1904 Building. Both structures sustained damage in the 2009 fire.

Sare explained that he wanted to save the legendary structure from demolition so that one of the oldest treasures in the community could be preserved for future generations.

“No one was stepping up to the plate, and we didn’t want to see it torn down,” said Sare, who had an office in the building while serving as a state representative during the 1960s.

As part of the renovation process, the Sares explained that the building will be significantly more efficient to operate. In addition, the roof deck of the building will become a useable space for social gatherings and events.

The deck is estimated to be about 3,000 square feet, or nearly half the total roof area, with the remainder roof area used to hold mechanical equipment.

”You get a spectacular view of the whole town up here. I imagine this will really be popular during the summertime for receptions and to watch fireworks,” said Sare.

In addition, he explained that the “May Brothers” section of the building is being designed for restaurant use. He anticipates that a coffee bar will be in the lobby area, complete with a fountain, chandelier and plenty of seating.

To enhance a modern look and provide a feeling of openness, he said that the lobby will have plenty of glass and windows.

“It’s going to give off tons of light, and there will be lots of windows to look out of,” he said.

The Sares also said that a walkway will most likely be added between The Johnstone and the 1904 Building, with enclosed walkways will also be constructed on the second and third floors. An ADA compliant elevator has recently been installed, according to Sare.

Although specifics on possible building tenants are not yet ready to be announced, Crystal Sare said that there are “several interested parties” who are keen to occupy portions of the two structures.

The Johnstone was built based on the Chicago style of architecture, a popular commercial style at the turn of the 20th century, where technologies of steel-frame construction were promoted. During the rehabilitating phase, a sturdy superstructure was found.

“The vertical supports are sunk in solid limestone,” she said. “That’s why the building remained standing after the fire.”

As the Sare Family steadily continues the rehabilitation work on the beloved building, they said they’re looking forward to showing the community the finished product in the next year.

“We are near at point where the progress will become more noticeable by the public and the community will start to see a bigger, more aesthetic change,” said Crystal Sare.

“It’s going to be first-class and something really special,” said May. “I’m appreciative of the Sares’ efforts to preserve this building. I think my dad would be thrilled to know what’s being done.”

------------------------------------------------------
Shockingly, we have no downtown coffee shops. Java Dave's closed down over a year ago. Although it was replaced by a local favorite Quench Buds. Plus, it's tough to compete when Conoco Phillips has a Starbucks in its cafeteria.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on May 07, 2012, 08:41:01 am
Ok, haven’t done this in a while so here goes:

Article in the paper states that Bartlesville is getting a Schlotzky’s. Which I know isn’t a big deal at all except for I like them and I thought for a stretch they were going to shut down all together. Now some family in Stilly is going to open 6 in smaller cities: Stillwater, Enid, Bartlesville, Owasso, Lawton & Ardmore. I know Tulsa used to have several but were down to 2 at one point. I did notice one go in across from the Promenade though, so maybe they are making a comeback. Always was sad to see the one in Stillwater closed and replaced with one more Subway when I was in school.

New Developments:

City Facilities - The city is hoping to upgrade its central police and fire facilities. They want to combine the two at one location (the current central fire) and expand the current facilities to accommodate both. Doesn’t really matter to me, although it would be nice to get the police station out from in front of the ballpark. Just saying.

Old Voice of Martyrs Headquarters – Don’t know if any of you know what the VOM is, but basically they try to provide relief to persecuted Christians around the world. Apparently Christianity isn’t accepted quit as well in other countries. Anyways, since VOM has built their new mega-church esque facilities on the edge of town, their old HQ is empty. I’m not sure who is responsible for its current state (http://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/3055577945/) but yikes. In its day, it was far more attractive http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=184540938259028&set=a.184540931592362.40985.184538088259313&type=1&theater. Plans are for ground floor commercial and upper floor residential. Good news for this eyesore for sure.

Old Memorial Hospital – Apparently this one isn’t dead yet. It was actually sold to a developer with plans for market rate apartments. They are in the process of having the building placed on the National Register of Historic Places in order to qualify for the tax credits. Obviously this project was going to be costly so hopefully they get all the help they can. Don’t have a picture of this one either so http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevijo/4477217258/.
Upstairs Residential conversions are also planned for the Sweet Lou’s building and the Pythias Buildnig. Slowly all the upstairs spaces are being converted. Soon there won’t be any left. Hopefully that will be the tipping point, and we may see more new construction in the area.

Updates:

The Johnstone – Seems to be moving slow. They are working on the electrical now. Rumors have been shifting all the time on who the occupants will be. Now they seem to be pointing toward an independent book store and coffee shop as the primary ground floor tenants. As far as I know the upstairs is still going to be office space as it was before. A book store would be awesome. Since Borders shut down, the only thing that resembles a book store in Bartlesville is Hastings. Sad but true. I’ve always been jealous that Ponca City (where I grew up – Conoco town) has had such a great local book store, Brace Books & More. Hopefully someone with the same passion for books can pull that off here too.

Kress Building – This one is done from what I can tell and always seems to have a crowd every time I go buy. It is a unique space downtown. Primarily it hosts the Frank Phillips Club. But they also have parties, gallery viewings, and whatever else you could imagine. The owner has really done an amazing job here and really did his homework on the building. We need a dozen just like him.

Old City Hall – Work is almost complete downstairs and they plan on working upstairs to renovate the old apartments. More residential is always good. Far as I know there is one tenant (a salon) and the other half is vacant.

Buffalo Run Townhomes – Two buildings are complete (8 out of 12 units). I have no idea what the going rate is or if they are even available yet. Interesting to see what they can get in a very transitional neighborhood.

New Business:

Cup’N’Cake Cupcakery – Relatively new, but now has a storefront downtown. I know Bartlesville will always be a laggard on the trends, so here we are, three cupcake shops downtown. Two actually share a wall right next to each other. I’ve had all three and would rank them Sugarica, Cup’N’Cake, then Baby Cakes. Oh well, I have a sweet tooth, so I’m not complaining too much.

Springpoint Technologies – opened up across from the COP IC Building. With the split going on, they have been hiring IT people right and left, so this is a direct result of that. The split was official last Tuesday, so now Bartlesville has 2 fortune 500 companies with a  presence downtown, just like that.

ChateLaine Boutique – Trendy women’s clothing store opened in the ITIO Building. Looks like clothing young women would wear and very trendy, so good enough for me I guess. Any new retail right now is good retail.

Old Business:

Falafel Avenue Closed – Poorly run, under-funded unusual food places I doubt will ever make it here, or anywhere for that matter. Not a big loss, this space doesn’t seem to be working particularly well for anyone with 2 closings in less than a year.

Oh, KIDDIE PARK IS OPEN!!!


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on May 07, 2012, 06:41:57 pm
Ok, haven’t done this in a while so here goes:

Article in the paper states that Bartlesville is getting a Schlotzky’s. Which I know isn’t a big deal at all except for I like them and I thought for a stretch they were going to shut down all together. Now some family in Stilly is going to open 6 in smaller cities: Stillwater, Enid, Bartlesville, Owasso, Lawton & Ardmore. I know Tulsa used to have several but were down to 2 at one point. I did notice one go in across from the Promenade though, so maybe they are making a comeback. Always was sad to see the one in Stillwater closed and replaced with one more Subway when I was in school.




Schlotsky's appears to have changed the bread.  It is NOT the same.  And it was not a change for the better... big mistake.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Ed W on May 07, 2012, 08:19:41 pm
I've been looking at photographs of abandoned buildings in various cities, and it struck me that as we demolish or renovate old structures, we're also destroying some of our history.  I'm trying to photograph old structures around Owasso before they're over run by new development. It's something that each of us can do in our own way.  There's a Lost Tulsa on Flickr, and it would be easy to start an Abandoned Bartlesville or Abandoned Owasso group.   


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on May 08, 2012, 09:52:14 am

Schlotsky's appears to have changed the bread.  It is NOT the same.  And it was not a change for the better... big mistake.



WHAT!

It has been awhile since I have been to the ones in Tulsa (about a year or so). I didn't notice anything different then. That's too bad.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on May 08, 2012, 09:55:12 am
I've been looking at photographs of abandoned buildings in various cities, and it struck me that as we demolish or renovate old structures, we're also destroying some of our history.  I'm trying to photograph old structures around Owasso before they're over run by new development. It's something that each of us can do in our own way.  There's a Lost Tulsa on Flickr, and it would be easy to start an Abandoned Bartlesville or Abandoned Owasso group.   

That would be cool. Good idea.

I lived in Owasso for a stretch. When my parents visited for the first time, they were like "Show us downtown." I was like "are you sure". So there we went. all of one block or so. They were blown away that a town that size didn't have a real downtown. I had to explain to them that Owasso was no bigger than Tonkawa not that long ago. Of course, Tonkawa does have a real downtown. I never understood what happened to any old buildings in Owasso.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on May 08, 2012, 10:56:38 am
WHAT!

It has been awhile since I have been to the ones in Tulsa (about a year or so). I didn't notice anything different then. That's too bad.

He’s being a moron, the original bread is still the same.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on May 08, 2012, 12:18:25 pm
I've been looking at photographs of abandoned buildings in various cities, and it struck me that as we demolish or renovate old structures, we're also destroying some of our history.  I'm trying to photograph old structures around Owasso before they're over run by new development. It's something that each of us can do in our own way.  There's a Lost Tulsa on Flickr, and it would be easy to start an Abandoned Bartlesville or Abandoned Owasso group.   

On our weekend travels, we see a lot of those places in many of the little towns around Tulsa (100 mile circle).  Many times it is very sad to see these things go.  Broken Arrow has an old house on main street that was built around 1915 or so that is just sitting in place rotting (just north of Stinchcomb photography).

Hominy has the old city hospital that has been partially converted to a house.  Very cool old building.

There is an old hotel in Nowata that is now boarded up, so I think it is being worked on.  The sign on the side says, "Radium Baths", with an arrow pointing downstairs to what was a public bath.

Lots of this stuff around.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on May 08, 2012, 12:19:14 pm
He’s being a moron, the original bread is still the same.

Go to BA and check it out.  It is NOT the same.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Ed W on May 08, 2012, 03:13:35 pm
That would be cool. Good idea.

I lived in Owasso for a stretch. When my parents visited for the first time, they were like "Show us downtown." I was like "are you sure". So there we went. all of one block or so. They were blown away that a town that size didn't have a real downtown. I had to explain to them that Owasso was no bigger than Tonkawa not that long ago. Of course, Tonkawa does have a real downtown. I never understood what happened to any old buildings in Owasso.

I've visited the Owasso Historical Society's museum on Main Street a couple of times.  The volunteers are knowledgeable AND talkative.  They gave me some old calendars that show the dairies and other businesses that were here.  Most of the oldest buildings were wood construction and they're long gone.  But they've interested me in visiting some of the other town museums in the area.  Over the summer, I'm planning to do that.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on May 09, 2012, 07:55:21 am
I've visited the Owasso Historical Society's museum on Main Street a couple of times.  The volunteers are knowledgeable AND talkative.  They gave me some old calendars that show the dairies and other businesses that were here.  Most of the oldest buildings were wood construction and they're long gone.  But they've interested me in visiting some of the other town museums in the area.  Over the summer, I'm planning to do that.

Oologah has a little town museum on their main street - Cooweescoowee Street.  Kind of neat little place.  We go there about once every year or two just to look around a little bit.

And someone has gone completely insane - selling 5 (tiny) lots on C and Maple for 1.2 million.  Or trying to....
http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/13535348/Cooweescoowee-Street-Maple-Street-Oologah-OK/

Must be something in the water up there.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 08, 2012, 09:01:25 am
I've been looking at photographs of abandoned buildings in various cities, and it struck me that as we demolish or renovate old structures, we're also destroying some of our history.  I'm trying to photograph old structures around Owasso before they're over run by new development. It's something that each of us can do in our own way.  There's a Lost Tulsa on Flickr, and it would be easy to start an Abandoned Bartlesville or Abandoned Owasso group.    

When I first read this I thought it would be a good idea. But apparently Bartlesville is either really good at keeping up with maintenance on old buildings or they tear them down before they become forgotten. Off the top of my head I could only come up with two properties that I think are even close to being on the verge of being forgotten. So consider this the sad tiny little start to Abandoned Bartlesville.

Pawn Shop Building
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7523310418_e397608c4b.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/82103044@N05/7523310418/)

The property has been vacant since the 90's and is currently owned by the city. It even made it's way into the most recent comprehensive downtown "Master Plan" as a catalyst project or something. They have been marketing it for some time but it is in severe disrepair. Also, it is on 2nd street (a street with a rail road at one terminus and a dead end at the other) therefore it does not get the traffic that something on Frank Phillips or even Johnstone or Dewey would get. You have to be going to 2nd Street in order to have driven on that street. And right now just about all that is on 2nd street that draws a significant amount of people is Frank & Lola's. In addition, that whole block on 2nd between Keeler and Johnstone is pretty much vacant outside of a salon and HQ for a site maintenance company.

Ideal Cleaners Building
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/7523310048_4fd44df9bc.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/82103044@N05/7523310048/)

This building is purported to be the oldest existing building in the city. This property has not been vacant near as long. Ideal Cleaners closed in 2010 or 2011 (I can't remember exactly) after being in business since the 50's. The building has hosted a dry cleaning business since the 20's. The building was actually auctioned off last year, and I actually have been hearing that plans are in the work to fix the roof. So hopefully that's a good sign.

Anyways, it's a start. I'm sure there are some buildings on the west side that are being neglected, but I can't think of any off the top of my head that are significant enough to warrant any discussion. Maybe a couple of warehouses or something.

Can someone explain why my photos are not working when I try to insert them directly into the message? I tried mine from Flickr and just some random ones from Photobucket and it just shoes the broken link.

Edit: Thanks for the tip Hoss. So what is the point of the Insert Image function anyways? Does it work in any circumstances?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on July 08, 2012, 09:13:55 am
When I first read this I thought it would be a good idea. But apparently Bartlesville is either really good at keeping up with maintenance on old buildings or they tear them down before they become forgotten. Off the top of my head I could only come up with two properties that I think are even close to being on the verge of being forgotten. So consider this the sad tiny little start to Abandoned Bartlesville.

Pawn Shop Building
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/82103044@N05/7523310048/)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/82103044@N05/7523310418/in/set-72157630469529774

The property has been vacant since the 90's and is currently owned by the city. It even made it's way into the most recent comprehensive downtown "Master Plan" as a catalyst project or something. They have been marketing it for some time but it is in severe disrepair. Also, it is on 2nd street (a street with a rail road at one terminus and a dead end at the other) therefore it does not get the traffic that something on Frank Phillips or even Johnstone or Dewey would get. You have to be going to 2nd Street in order to have driven on that street. And right now just about all that is on 2nd street that draws a significant amount of people is Frank & Lola's. In addition, that whole block on 2nd between Keeler and Johnstone is pretty much vacant outside of a salon and HQ for a site maintenance company.

Ideal Cleaners Building
http://www.flickr.com/photos/82103044@N05/7523310048/in/set-72157630469529774/

This building is purported to be the oldest existing building in the city. This property has not been vacant near as long. Ideal Cleaners closed in 2010 or 2011 (I can't remember exactly) after being in business since the 50's. The building has hosted a dry cleaning business since the 20's. The building was actually auctioned off last year, and I actually have been hearing that plans are in the work to fix the roof. So hopefully that's a good sign.

Anyways, it's a start. I'm sure there are some buildings on the west side that are being neglected, but I can't think of any off the top of my head that are significant enough to warrant any discussion. Maybe a couple of warehouses or something.

Can someone explain why my photos are not working when I try to insert them directly into the message? I tried mine from Flickr and just some random ones from Photobucket and it just shoes the broken link.

Use the 'share' button, then grab the bbcode link and copy/paste directly into the post.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on August 15, 2012, 12:35:12 pm
Ok, it's been a while...but here is an update from your Northern neighbors

New Developments:

Right Way Annex (211 S. Johnstone) – It looks like they have started the renovation of the Annex. This building is also owned by Centennial Development, the same people doing the renovation on the adjacent “The Johnstone”. The façade on the first floor has been completely removed. There will be two separate store fronts facing Johnstone.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8434/7524858080_52d0a1713d.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/82103044@N05/7524858080/)
Right Way Annex (http://www.flickr.com/photos/82103044@N05/7524858080/) by erfalf (http://www.flickr.com/people/82103044@N05/), on Flickr

From Facebook (Downtown Bartlesville, Inc.)
(http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/304683_419065914798087_525365562_n.jpg)

NIPPER – Just rezoned the other day  from Industrial to Residential. A developer is going to attempt to convert the site to 38 low-income residential units. The NIPPER site’s history dates back to 1918. The Bureau of Mines was established and this was HQ. It was used as administrative offices and research and testing facilities. It has been vacant for some time and eventually the site was set for sale to private enterprise. I’m pretty sure there is going to be some major remediation issues with this site. But they are setting up a TIF district for this project, and it will get historic tax credits as well as supplementation for renting to low income tenants. For those that don’t know, the west side of Bartlesville (west of the rail road tracks that is) is an extremely depressed neighborhood. There were several smelter plants around 14th & Virginia and many of the workers lived nearby in very small houses. Recently there has been a push to save the west side. I look at it as more of a humanitarian effort than an economic development thing. It’s just the way people in Bartlesville are. This site is two blocks north of the newly renovated Frontier Pool.

https://maps.google.com/maps?q=220+N.+Virginia+Avenue,+Bartlesville,+OK&hl=en&ll=36.753929,-95.986261&spn=0.006868,0.009645&sll=36.747311,-95.980818&sspn=0.219803,0.308647&t=h&gl=us&hnear=220+N+Virginia+Ave,+Bartlesville,+Oklahoma+74003&z=17

(http://www.cardcow.com/images/set402/card00325_fr.jpg)
Historic Photo

Employability – Somehow this one has slipped under the radar (probably because it is on the so called wrong side of the tracks). Its history goes back a ways. Originally the “Mothers of Retarded Children”, Washington County ARC was formed in 1966. They opened a thrift store in order to fund programs for mentally disabled children. I could be wrong but I believe they also offer paper shredding and recycling services. They recently changed there name to Employability, Inc. They also built a new office type building over on the east side. But this will be a warehouse that will house all of the companies businesses. It will be 18,000 s.f. The employees are those with mental challenges. It’s really a pretty cool thing they do in town here. I know my office uses them for paper shredding in particular.

City Facilities – Bonds passed. So it looks like we are getting a new Police & Fire HQ. I'll expand on this later.

Updates:

The Johnstone – STILL working on this one, although it was a major renovation, it seems to have taken forever. The interior of the smaller space has some really cool wall treatments/built ins. The rumor is a bookstore and coffee shop. If so that would be great. Currently the only place to purchase books in town is Walmart and Hastings. Hastings ain’t bad, but no one there has a clue what you are talking about when you are trying to find books. It certainly doesn’t look like a restaurant in the larger space on the corner.

Old Grocery Store – One for rent sign up (thought all the spaces were taken. Don’t know any tenants. But they are getting close to complete, just building out for tenants. This was a pretty major renovation, complete gut job. The building looks way nicer, and since it was a bit of an eye sour before, a welcome change to Frank Phillips Ave.

210 E. 4th – Saw them working today. Don’t know what is going in. This was an auto oriented building that has a garage door in front. It was on our little auto alley back in the day where all the filling stations and garages were located. They have fixed up the exterior façade somewhat. Another eyesore removed.

New Businesses:

Shorties Grille Food Truck – First food truck in downtown, or Bartlesville for that matter. Although it couldn’t be further away from where it needs to be. Right now they park in a lot at Cherokee and 2nd Street. It’s about the furthest lunch option available downtown. In addition it is extremely hot this summer, and I don’t know how many are willing to stick it out. An article last month said he was getting 20-30 customers a day for lunch and early evening. Kind of low if you ask me. Compared to Rolling Pin who will do over 150 tickets a day, sometimes over 200. And they only serve breakfast and lunch, but most of the business is lunch. I hope it works and I hope it means that more will be allowed.

Emily Potts Photography – First off, let me say Emily is really good at what she does. That being said, I am extremely excited to see her opening up her first location outside of her home in downtown Bartlesville. She is taking over the old space that a recent defection left (Autumn Sun Productions). Bringing back the tin ceilings and making a sweet studio. She has been getting a lot of business lately as well from Bartlesville Monthly magazine. I believe she does most, if not all, of the photos for the monthly magazine.

Coran Deo Classical Academy – So apparently Bartlesville has another private school in town. I always forgot about this one. It was on the south edge of town and it was called American Christian School. They offer a “classical” education. It’s pretty small and only K-6. They are moving close to downtown at Virginia and Frank Phillips. Good for the west side.
Taj-The Flavor – This is pretty cool actually. Taj (same as the one in Promenade) is opening a temporary store front for three days. I guess to feel out Bartlesville. They will be doing it in the old Sweet Lou’s building. I think since Lou’s closed they have been using it as a temporary store for several things, in particularly an art gallery during OK Mozart. While I’m not an Indian food fan, this is cool to see Tulsans taking a shot at Bartlesville. People here are ready for some good food, anything to release us from the mediocrity that abounds.

Closures:

Autumn Sun Productions – closed down so owners could pursue professional music career in Tulsa. They did Bite Size Broadway where children would put on Musicals. It’s not a gigantic loss as we still have Children’s Musical Theaters, but sad nonetheless.

Baby Cakes – Could have seen this one coming. It was the odd man out in the cupcake arms race. It was actually pretty weird to see two cupcake places right next door to each other.

The Bartlesville Convention & Visitor's Bureau has finally updated their website. It is decidedly more sleek but still seems to be working out the kinks. http://www.visitbartlesville.com/


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 10, 2012, 12:57:24 pm
Any word on whether Taj is going to set up shop permanently in Bville?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 10, 2012, 01:12:17 pm
Any word on whether Taj is going to set up shop permanently in Bville?

I know little so...

The pop-up did go over very well. They ran out of food every night I believe. They say the odds of them opening up permanently are good. However, if they were to move to town, it would have to be in a different location (don't really know why) according to Downtown Inc. Maybe the building owner has other plans or something for that location.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 10, 2012, 02:46:44 pm
Camille's maybe?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 10, 2012, 02:48:48 pm
Camille's maybe?

I don't imagine that spot is going to be filled up anytime soon. Plus I think they would get far better business downtown. The clientele is far more diverse. Plus our mall just is not that big of a draw. About the only thing that is popular in the mall is Buffalo Wild Wings.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 12, 2012, 07:01:31 am
I don't imagine that spot is going to be filled up anytime soon. Plus I think they would get far better business downtown. The clientele is far more diverse. Plus our mall just is not that big of a draw. About the only thing that is popular in the mall is Buffalo Wild Wings.

It appears that Billy Sim BBQ is going to occupy the former Camille's. There's a sign in the window.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Townsend on September 12, 2012, 08:23:22 am
It appears that Billy Sim BBQ is going to occupy the former Camille's. There's a sign in the window.

No improvement there.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 12, 2012, 08:29:40 am
No improvement there.

That's surprising. Maybe it will do better. Camille's just offered subpar food and had to deal with McAlister's in the same parking lot, which I think is far more popular.

Actually never been to Sim's. I always assumed it was on par with Rib Crib. Am I wrong?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Townsend on September 12, 2012, 08:42:19 am

Actually never been to Sim's. I always assumed it was on par with Rib Crib. Am I wrong?

My experiences with Sims have been worse than Rib Crib.  That says quite a bit.  I've stopped abusing myself with boomer -que.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 12, 2012, 08:43:57 am
My experiences with Sims have been worse than Rib Crib.  That says quite a bit.  I've stopped abusing myself with boomer -que.



Ouch, that is bad.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on September 12, 2012, 08:49:47 am
Ouch, that is bad.

I never saw what the hype was.  I tried it once or twice.  Meh.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 12, 2012, 08:56:08 am
That's surprising. Maybe it will do better. Camille's just offered subpar food and had to deal with McAlister's in the same parking lot, which I think is far more popular.

Actually never been to Sim's. I always assumed it was on par with Rib Crib. Am I wrong?

I personally prefer it to Rib Crib, but you're right in that it's just another generic BBQ place.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 13, 2012, 12:14:41 pm
I personally prefer it to Rib Crib, but you're right in that it's just another generic BBQ place.

BBQ is extraordinarily depressing in Bartlesville. There is Rib Crib (and now apparently Sim's) and Dink's, the local flavor. Dink's has been here forever (well 1982, but it feels like forever) and people for some reason or another rave about it. I personally can barely handle it, where at least I think Rib Crib is close to palatable. Depressing, cause I love BBQ. Even more so since I grew up around Ponca City (Head Country & Dougan's), lived in Stillwater (Bad Brad's) during college. Since then I've been around Tulsa, which has plenty of decent/good BBQ and Dallas (NO GOOD BBQ). Every once in a while I have to make a trip west to Bad Brad's in Pawhuska (the original!).


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on September 13, 2012, 12:22:45 pm
BBQ is extraordinarily depressing in Bartlesville. There is Rib Crib (and now apparently Sim's) and Dink's, the local flavor. Dink's has been here forever (well 1982, but it feels like forever) and people for some reason or another rave about it. I personally can barely handle it, where at least I think Rib Crib is close to palatable. Depressing, cause I love BBQ. Even more so since I grew up around Ponca City (Head Country & Dougan's), lived in Stillwater (Bad Brad's) during college. Since then I've been around Tulsa, which has plenty of decent/good BBQ and Dallas (NO GOOD BBQ). Every once in a while I have to make a trip west to Bad Brad's in Pawhuska (the original!).

Hmm.  Bad Brad's sounds interesting.  I may have to make the jaunt there.  Are there any second opinions?  Not that I don't trust yours, I just would rather see if someone else could chime in before I head out on Hwy 11 to try it.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on September 13, 2012, 01:22:44 pm
Hmm.  Bad Brad's sounds interesting.  I may have to make the jaunt there.  Are there any second opinions?  Not that I don't trust yours, I just would rather see if someone else could chime in before I head out on Hwy 11 to try it.

Last time I went to Bad Brad's in Stilly, wasn't so impressed.  And they've gotten expensive.

It's one thing to drop $15.00 at BurnCo, quite another at Bad Brad's.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 13, 2012, 01:38:45 pm
Yes, don't make the mistake of me thinking Bad Brad's is the greatest. It is not. It's just not terrible. I would not drive out of my way to go. But I still make frequent trips to Ponca (family) and it's not a bad pit stop.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on September 13, 2012, 01:40:01 pm
Yes, don't make the mistake of me thinking Bad Brad's is the greatest. It is not. It's just not terrible. I would not drive out of my way to go. But I still make frequent trips to Ponca (family) and it's not a bad pit stop.

Had a good meal at Head Country when I was through PC last month.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Teatownclown on September 13, 2012, 02:51:02 pm
Had a good meal at Head Country when I was through PC last month.

Was MC with you?  :-\


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on September 13, 2012, 03:24:07 pm
Was MC with you?  :-\

No, unfortunately one of those trips to Winfield, Ks I didn't know I was going to have to do until about 1pm.  :'( x 2


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 13, 2012, 06:35:25 pm
That's surprising. Maybe it will do better. Camille's just offered subpar food and had to deal with McAlister's in the same parking lot, which I think is far more popular.

Actually never been to Sim's. I always assumed it was on par with Rib Crib. Am I wrong?


They started out pretty good for almost the first year they were in business.  It has been a long downhill slide ever since.  First year, we were there at least once a month...sometimes more.  It has been a couple years now since the last time.  But then, we were badly spoiled by Black Jaxx, too....


Albert G's is still it.

Otherwise, just wait for the next McRib time.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on September 13, 2012, 06:40:34 pm
Yes, don't make the mistake of me thinking Bad Brad's is the greatest. It is not. It's just not terrible. I would not drive out of my way to go. But I still make frequent trips to Ponca (family) and it's not a bad pit stop.

Guess I'll have to make another trip up to Murphy's then...on my way to or back from getting Fat Tire.  Sad I have to drive to Caney for it.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 13, 2012, 06:57:29 pm
Guess I'll have to make another trip up to Murphy's then...on my way to or back from getting Fat Tire.  Sad I have to drive to Caney for it.

There are better options in Bartlesville than Murphy's. But then again, I think there are better beer options in Oklahoma than Fat Tire.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 13, 2012, 07:00:12 pm
Guess I'll have to make another trip up to Murphy's then...on my way to or back from getting Fat Tire.  Sad I have to drive to Caney for it.

Now that is worth a stop. If you have the extra cash, I highly recommend Frank & Lola's. Easily one of the best in town. Outside of that, the only other place I recommend in town is Casa Tamale's. They have some amazing beef and chipotle seasoned pork. Not fancy, walk up counter, styrofoam plates, but it is the best tex-mex. (Opinion alert) I even prefer it to anything I've had in Tulsa, although I haven't tried a boat load of mexican. What are some of the best you would recommend.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 13, 2012, 07:01:46 pm
Went to the Buffalo Wild Wings in Moore, OK a couple weeks ago for lunch.  Interesting thing happened.  Everyone at the table got a regular menu.  Since I actually AM so special, I got their special menu that has the calories next to each order.  Or maybe the girl thought I was the fattest one at the table.  (I was.)

6 wings has 670 calories.
12 wings have 1340.
25 wing bucket is huge number of calories
50 wing bucket is suicidal

I mentioned to the waitress that I was glad to see that and thought it was a great idea.  She FREAKED!!  Apparently this was an 'experiment' they tried for a very short time and it was not a time they wanted to revisit.  She was in near panic to get that thing back from me before the manager saw it.  

Mildly amusing interlude in the day.

Oh, and the wings tasted just as good at 670 calories as they did when I had no idea what they had.  And while the top two levels of hot sauce have a good flavor, I just can't quite do that much heat without diluting it with the 3rd level.  (Can't remember any of the names...just hot, hot, hot, hot.)





Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 13, 2012, 07:09:13 pm
Went to the Buffalo Wild Wings in Moore, OK a couple weeks ago for lunch.  Interesting thing happened.  Everyone at the table got a regular menu.  Since I actually AM so special, I got their special menu that has the calories next to each order.  Or maybe the girl thought I was the fattest one at the table.  (I was.)

6 wings has 670 calories.
12 wings have 1340.
25 wing bucket is huge number of calories
50 wing bucket is suicidal

I mentioned to the waitress that I was glad to see that and thought it was a great idea.  She FREAKED!!  Apparently this was an 'experiment' they tried for a very short time and it was not a time they wanted to revisit.  She was in near panic to get that thing back from me before the manager saw it.  

Mildly amusing interlude in the day.

Oh, and the wings tasted just as good at 670 calories as they did when I had no idea what they had.  And while the top two levels of hot sauce have a good flavor, I just can't quite do that much heat without diluting it with the 3rd level.  (Can't remember any of the names...just hot, hot, hot, hot.)

They did the same thing in Bartlesville (haven't been back to see if they took it back). Everybody at the table was shocked at the calories in the salads. Yikes!


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 13, 2012, 07:12:16 pm
They did the same thing in Bartlesville (haven't been back to see if they took it back). Everybody at the table was shocked at the calories in the salads. Yikes!

Oh, yeah...forgot about the salads.  They were 1400 to about 1700 calories, IIRC.  The average of what must be their best sellers were around 1500 calories +/-.
But I already "knew" that...and factored in when I eat there.  It is the only meal of the day.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on September 13, 2012, 07:32:07 pm
There are better options in Bartlesville than Murphy's. But then again, I think there are better beer options in Oklahoma than Fat Tire.

I know for a fact there are better options (Marshall).  But I also like Fat Tire and will drive to Kansas for it. I drink a ton of Marshall's. Fat Tire is a treat.

I'm sure also there are just as good or better options than Murphy's. I happen to like them once or twice a year.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Red Arrow on September 13, 2012, 07:43:09 pm
Oh, yeah...forgot about the salads.  They were 1400 to about 1700 calories, IIRC.  The average of what must be their best sellers were around 1500 calories +/-.
But I already "knew" that...and factored in when I eat there.  It is the only meal of the day.

Did they list the sodium content?  I'll bet that would scare anyone whether they are susceptible to sodium vs. blood pressure or not.  Except for a few things, like fresh sliced tomatoes, I don't add salt to much of anything.  Whenever I go out to eat (not often), everything tastes too salty and I am really thirsty for hours.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 13, 2012, 08:46:31 pm
Did they list the sodium content?  I'll bet that would scare anyone whether they are susceptible to sodium vs. blood pressure or not.  Except for a few things, like fresh sliced tomatoes, I don't add salt to much of anything.  Whenever I go out to eat (not often), everything tastes too salty and I am really thirsty for hours.

No salt info.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 13, 2012, 10:06:53 pm
No salt info.



One step at a time. We wouldn't want people's heads exploding when they realized how much salt they were ingesting in addition to the huge calorie counts.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on September 14, 2012, 07:56:08 am
^^The above posts are why MC and I eat 90-95% of our meals at home.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on September 14, 2012, 09:07:19 am
^^The above posts are why MC and I eat 90-95% of our meals at home.

I'm doing better about that.  I never add salt to any meal I prepare.  Hypertension runs in the family.  I'm sure BurnCo yesterday blew the cap off my sodium intake for that day.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on September 14, 2012, 12:35:57 pm
I'm doing better about that.  I never add salt to any meal I prepare.  Hypertension runs in the family.  I'm sure BurnCo yesterday blew the cap off my sodium intake for that day.

Blew the cap off mine for a week, I'm pretty certain.  They do rely heavily on the salt, don't they?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 14, 2012, 01:28:00 pm
Looks like our first food truck hasn't closed down like I had thought. They just moved (go figure). They were at 2nd & Cherokee, which I thought was a really terrible location not only because of the distance form the COP campus, but because it was on Cherokee, which is a through street with fast moving traffic. Plus it was on a giant cement lot that had to be a zillion degrees in the summer. It has moved to right in front of the Price Tower, which is within a block or two of most of the office buildings downtown.

Grill 66 opened back up the other day. It is still in The Phillips Hotel, now known as The Johnstone Apartments. I went a few times before it was closed. Nothing to write home about that's for sure. The pictures I have seen looks like it still belongs in a senior living residence (which it is).

And it looks like Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers may be moving to town.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 17, 2012, 10:35:03 am
Looks like our first food truck hasn't closed down like I had thought. They just moved (go figure). They were at 2nd & Cherokee, which I thought was a really terrible location not only because of the distance form the COP campus, but because it was on Cherokee, which is a through street with fast moving traffic. Plus it was on a giant cement lot that had to be a zillion degrees in the summer. It has moved to right in front of the Price Tower, which is within a block or two of most of the office buildings downtown.

Grill 66 opened back up the other day. It is still in The Phillips Hotel, now known as The Johnstone Apartments. I went a few times before it was closed. Nothing to write home about that's for sure. The pictures I have seen looks like it still belongs in a senior living residence (which it is).

And it looks like Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers may be moving to town.

The food truck also parks out in front of ABB during the lunch hour once or twice a week.
It's former Frank and Lola's bartender Chris Barnhill who runs it. Pretty good guy and pretty good food.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 19, 2012, 02:53:55 pm
The food truck also parks out in front of ABB during the lunch hour once or twice a week.
It's former Frank and Lola's bartender Chris Barnhill who runs it. Pretty good guy and pretty good food.

Now I'm not certain, but I could have sworn there was a guy named Chris that worked at the now defunct Sweet Lou's. And I was under the impression that it was the same guy that ran the hot dog stand downtown as well (which I haven't seen in a long time). I could be dead wrong, just wondering.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 20, 2012, 12:54:11 pm
Now I'm not certain, but I could have sworn there was a guy named Chris that worked at the now defunct Sweet Lou's. And I was under the impression that it was the same guy that ran the hot dog stand downtown as well (which I haven't seen in a long time). I could be dead wrong, just wondering.

That was actually Michael Wheeler. He still brings out the hot dog stand most Saturday nights at Frank and Lola's. 


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 20, 2012, 01:29:26 pm
That was actually Michael Wheeler. He still brings out the hot dog stand most Saturday nights at Frank and Lola's. 

That's good that he's still keeping it up. Is he working anywhere else?

It's amazing how many places open up and shut down in downtown. While I generally think most of it has to do with poor food, there are some that are just overpriced (or undervalued). Sweet Lou's was one of them. They had decent food but it was so astronomically expensive for what it was. It had a good location too, but they were so slow you could barely get in and out under an hour. That is way too long. I have the same feelings about 2 Sisters. They are really pricey for unspectacular food. I got on trip-advisers and many of the reviews were pretty critical. They are in a good location too, and a cool building. I honestly haven't been in so long. I hear people at work that are about to go out to lunch say "How about 2 Sisters". Then someone will say it is too much, then they will go to Frank & Lola's which is just as expensive. That's a bad sign.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 20, 2012, 03:12:51 pm
That's good that he's still keeping it up. Is he working anywhere else?

It's amazing how many places open up and shut down in downtown. While I generally think most of it has to do with poor food, there are some that are just overpriced (or undervalued). Sweet Lou's was one of them. They had decent food but it was so astronomically expensive for what it was. It had a good location too, but they were so slow you could barely get in and out under an hour. That is way too long. I have the same feelings about 2 Sisters. They are really pricey for unspectacular food. I got on trip-advisers and many of the reviews were pretty critical. They are in a good location too, and a cool building. I honestly haven't been in so long. I hear people at work that are about to go out to lunch say "How about 2 Sisters". Then someone will say it is too much, then they will go to Frank & Lola's which is just as expensive. That's a bad sign.

I'm actually not sure where he works now. I recommend the Seattle Dog though if you catch him slinging dogs one night.

I personally thought Sweet Lou's had a lot of potential. The location was great, the view was nice, the bar was well stocked. I really did enjoy my first few visits, but things started to go downhill right before it closed. It just seemed terribly mismanaged. Nothing was consistent, from the service to the specials.

As for 2 Sisters, I look past all of its glaring flaws and just love the place. It's a pub, the only pub we have. The bar is beautiful, and as long as I tell the bartenders how to mix my favorite drinks I'm perfectly content spending an afternoon or evening there. The food is average at best, but the atmosphere is right up my alley.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 20, 2012, 03:16:12 pm
I'm actually not sure where he works now. I recommend the Seattle Dog though if you catch him slinging dogs one night.

I personally thought Sweet Lou's had a lot of potential. The location was great, the view was nice, the bar was well stocked. I really did enjoy my first few visits, but things started to go downhill right before it closed. It just seemed terribly mismanaged. Nothing was consistent, from the service to the specials.

As for 2 Sisters, I look past all of its glaring flaws and just love the place. It's a pub, the only pub we have. The bar is beautiful, and as long as I tell the bartenders how to mix my favorite drinks I'm perfectly content spending an afternoon or evening there. The food is average at best, but the atmosphere is right up my alley.

Just my opinion, but the atmosphere (building/bar/loft) is the only thing keeping people coming. Is the place as busy as it used to be. I quit going a while back but I used to frequent the place and it just seemed like it was sliding. My wife said something interesting. She said that if Frank & Lola's and 2 Sisters switched places, 2 Sisters would have been out of business months ago. I am still amazed that Frank & Lola's is as happening as it is considering it is on a street that has dead ends on both ends. You would have to be going to 2nd street to actually drive by F&L's. It's amazing what they have going on there.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on September 21, 2012, 08:55:10 am
Just my opinion, but the atmosphere (building/bar/loft) is the only thing keeping people coming. Is the place as busy as it used to be. I quit going a while back but I used to frequent the place and it just seemed like it was sliding. My wife said something interesting. She said that if Frank & Lola's and 2 Sisters switched places, 2 Sisters would have been out of business months ago. I am still amazed that Frank & Lola's is as happening as it is considering it is on a street that has dead ends on both ends. You would have to be going to 2nd street to actually drive by F&L's. It's amazing what they have going on there.

2 Sisters may be slipping in that their beer selection has been slashed since they opened, but the food and service has stayed pretty consistent since the beginning... for better or for worse.

It is amazing the notoriety that FnLs has built up in a rather short time. The food and friendly service speaks for itself though. I know it's the place that I bring all of my out of town friends and family to when they come to Bville.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 21, 2012, 02:01:57 pm
Everyone is getting Hollywood fever around here.

http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Stars-spotted-in-Bartlesville/-2KbZT8q6ES8nGTqAtQ3Cw.cspx


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 23, 2012, 07:43:14 pm
I went to Murphy's tonight for dinner. Had fifteen people and most of us had the hot hamburger. Everybody loved the place.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on September 23, 2012, 07:47:39 pm
I went to Murphy's tonight for dinner. Had fifteen people and most of us had the hot hamburger. Everybody loved the place.

Hope you had a side of cardiologist as well.   ;D

But yes, the hot hamburger is THE thing to eat at Murphy's.  I'll likely be there next week as I'm planning a Caney Fat Tire run next weekend.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Red Arrow on September 23, 2012, 07:54:24 pm
I went to Murphy's tonight for dinner. Had fifteen people and most of us had the hot hamburger. Everybody loved the place.

What does the Hot Hamburger have on it?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Teatownclown on September 23, 2012, 08:11:00 pm
Everyone is getting Hollywood fever around here.

http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Stars-spotted-in-Bartlesville/-2KbZT8q6ES8nGTqAtQ3Cw.cspx
.

This the reason RM was up there?
Lol

Tylerbgoode= great moniker!

Don?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: RecycleMichael on September 23, 2012, 08:47:37 pm
I was there for a soccer game. My son's team beat the Bartlesville team 3 to 1.

The hot hamburger is an open face burger on toast covered in french fries and brown gravy. It is a large dinner and only costs $7.25.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Red Arrow on September 23, 2012, 09:06:25 pm
The hot hamburger is an open face burger on toast covered in french fries and brown gravy. It is a large dinner and only costs $7.25.

Sounds good.  Being a hot pepper fan, I thought it might have some kind of hot peppers on it too. 


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on September 24, 2012, 08:04:38 am
What does the Hot Hamburger have on it?

A haystack of french fries and a dumpster load of brown gravy over that.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Teatownclown on October 03, 2012, 02:38:07 pm
http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-an-oil-boom-town-looks-like-once-its-gone-bust-2012-10


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Townsend on October 03, 2012, 02:44:56 pm
http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-an-oil-boom-town-looks-like-once-its-gone-bust-2012-10

Time to call the OERB.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on October 15, 2012, 07:45:40 pm
http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-an-oil-boom-town-looks-like-once-its-gone-bust-2012-10

I looked at those pictures and got a pretty good laugh. Yes Bartlesville is a company town and susceptible to booms and busts. Those pictures of uninstalled oil rigs were comical considering that is the yard for an oil supplies yard. Of course they are uninstalled. And most of those houses are in the middle of nowhere. Go out to the countryside anywhere in the country and I can take pictures just like that. If someone were to be serious and see what is going on in Bartlesville and Ponca City post exodus of HQ, they would see cities that have struggled financially but are making great strides to diversify their economies. They would see two cities that are making huge turnarounds in their historic center city areas, in the midst of a national recession no less. But that all has to be overlooked when you are trying to make a point.

In all fairness though, there are quit a few examples of oil field equipment in the field, left to rot. Goes on everywhere unfortunately. And those commercials the OERB runs make me want to vomit because I know how they really work. It is like pulling teeth to get them to do their job.

One more thing, since the merger in 2001, Bartlesville has actually fared relatively well, with employment from COP actually increasing.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on October 22, 2012, 10:05:03 am
http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Pop-Up-Restaurants-testing-the-market-in/zn-DWGmEOUa82rHUKLGeOQ.cspx?rss=77

Second Pop-Up restaurant this year. The first was Taj, which appears to be in the process of finding a permanent home downtown.

This is a pretty cool idea (if it is the case). Have a permanent pop-up location. Let people get their feet wet without the huge cost. The space serves as a rotating art gallery when not used for restaurant space. Pretty cool if you ask me.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on October 22, 2012, 12:25:37 pm
Do you plan on coming out for the Ghost Walk this year, erfalf?
They're using both the downstairs and upstairs of Sweet Lou's for stories.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on October 22, 2012, 12:46:48 pm
Do you plan on coming out for the Ghost Walk this year, erfalf?
They're using both the downstairs and upstairs of Sweet Lou's for stories.

Probably won't go until my 3 years old isn't so terrified of that sort of thing. Don't feel like going through by myself. I understand it's pretty neat, I just don't think the kids are ready yet.
 
My daughter is terrified of the loan manikin at Lowe's when we walk in the door she starts crying before we even walk in.

Regarding the Sweet Lou's building. I noticed a billboard the other day for The Dane Group between Lowe's and downtown going east. I know they had something to do with the first Pop Up restaurant. I think I read that they own the building now. Are they positioning it to be a permanant pop up, or is it that no one is interested in a permanent location?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on October 22, 2012, 01:01:09 pm
You know as much as I do. I was there yesterday helping set up for the Ghostwalk, but I didn't get any info on future plans for the building.

I know that having a space like that for different things such as popup restaurants and artwalk galleries is nice, but I would like to see a permanent establishment there at some point.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on October 22, 2012, 01:10:03 pm
You know as much as I do. I was there yesterday helping set up for the Ghostwalk, but I didn't get any info on future plans for the building.

I know that having a space like that for different things such as popup restaurants and artwalk galleries is nice, but I would like to see a permanent establishment there at some point.

It is nice to have, it just seems that real estate on the most highly trafficked street downtown would be too valuable to use that way. Something on 2nd Johnstone or Dewey would make more sense for that sort of thing.

I do wish I could do more stuff in town, but kids dictate my schedule. That's the phase of life that I'm in now and I wouldn't change anything.

Hope you had a good time setting up fort the ghost walk. I'm sure it will be fun.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: patric on October 22, 2012, 01:37:24 pm
http://www.businessinsider.com/heres-what-an-oil-boom-town-looks-like-once-its-gone-bust-2012-10

Well of course that park in Ponca City is derelict.... just look at the $hitty floodlighting.

 ;D


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on October 24, 2012, 10:05:14 am
Bartlesville's annual historic Ghost Walk will take place tonight and tomorrow (October 24th and 25th). I thought I would throw out some information about the event in case any Tulsans feel like making the trip up 75.

It should be a beautiful night tonight to walk the streets of Bville and check out the inside of some of downtown's more interesting buildings. We have 7 locations in which storytellers will tell short 10 minute ghost stories. One of the storytellers this year is professional actor Joe Sears (most famous for his 'Tuna' plays).

I'll be a tour guide and my wife is a story teller. Should be a fun time!



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on February 20, 2015, 07:26:34 pm
So, it has been a while I know, but life doesn't really care about my plans...so...one job and one more child later things are finally "cooling down". I say this as I am about to have another little Eric here in two weeks. Technically it will be little Nathen, but who cares about details right?

Any who, since my last post here was before tax season 2013, quit a bit has happened in our little slice of heaven. Considering the length of time since the last update, I am going to post a couple of updates. The first update will be restaurant activity.

Taj the Flavor - December 2012 - CLOSED October 2013
Taj started as a pop-up, then opened a permanent spot @ 322 S. Johnstone. It later added Starbucks coffee in the lobby (across from COP office building), and then closed in ten months (October 2013). The store front (formerly Aroma’s Italian) is still vacant to this day.

Top N' Dog - February 2013 - Sort of Closed sometime in 2013
Top n’ Dog was opened right next to the owners other shop Cup n’ Cake in the Professional Building on Keeler Avenue. This was a build your own custom hot dog shop. I don’t know the exact timeline, but at some point, operations were closed and were merged with Cup n’ Cake. As far as I know the store front is still vacant.

Indian Coffee Company - July 2013 - Sort of Closed in January 2015
In the former Sweet Lou's space, Indian Coffee Company opened with a breakfast and lunch menu in addition to the extensive caffeinated beverage menu. Mark Spencer, a local business man is the brains behind the operation. His other previous business downtown was Spencer Management, a property management firm, and he has since opened The Painted Horse Bar & Grille & Bit Brilliant, a media/marketing firm. Well received and consistently ranked as one of the favorite restaurants in town by local polls, in addition to Trip Advisor & Yelp. However, after a major property auction in town, Spencer was outbid by another local for their current location. While Indian Coffee was not forced out, the owner made it clear before the sale that the only way he felt this business could stay in business was to own the building.  Since opening Indian Coffee, Spencer also acquired the 2 Sisters restaurant next door to Indian Coffee, converted it to The Painted Horse, and has merged the two under one roof.

Taco Village - July 2013 - CLOSED November 2014
Taco Village opened again under new ownership at the same location at 609 W. Frank Phillips, across from the Schlumberger plant. I’m not really sure of the reason, but 16 monthly later the restaurant has closed again.

The Painted Horse Pub & Grille - November 2013
As mentioned above, 2 Sisters Pub underwent a re-branding into The Painted Horse Bar & Grille under the new ownership of Mark Spencer. In my opinion this was certainly an improvement as 2 Sisters had been faltering pretty significantly. The menu was also greatly improved. As mentioned above, the Indian Coffee Company menu/brand has been absorbed under its roof as well recently.

Hideaway Pizza - May 2014
Probably the most ballyhooed restaurant opening in Bartlesville since I moved here originally in 2006. Hideaway Pizza opened in the historic, recently renovated, Johnstone-Sare building. This was quit a “catch” for Bartlesville in that it was a major local brand and first franchised Hideaway outside of the two major metro areas in Oklahoma. And second, it became the anchor tenant in an incredibly important building in downtown Bartlesville at one of the most visible intersections downtown. I really could not have foreseen a better tenant (that Bartlesville would have actually been able to get) for that particular location. Hideaway seems to be doing quite well to so far, and is consistently ranked as the favorite restaurant in town. Sadly, Clyde Sare, the civic leader who saved the building after two major fires, recently passed away. He will be greatly missed in the community.

Two restaurants that are soon to open (soon being a relative term, however they are both in process of construction/design)

Heartland Roasters
A local coffee company, that has previously sold only raw product (beans), is opening up a storefront in the historic Brilliant Bronze Station. It will be caddy corner from the Rogers State University Building at 4th & Dewey. This seems to have been in the works for at least a year and a half. However, in their defense, the building needed a lot of work, being vacant for years.

Sonic
Not as exciting and hotly contested, Sonic will be opening a drive in at Adams & Keeler. South of Adams is considerably more residential in nature, so it was met with significant resistance from neighbors including St. John’s Catholic school which is just down the street from this site. Sonic has earlier attempted to construct a drive in at the site of the former Oakley dealership at Frank Phillips & Cherokee. That also met heavy resistance and was shut down. That site would have involved the demolition of a building that until recently had served as an auto dealership for nearly 100 years, while this site was vacant land in an area that was unlikely to be developed any time soon.

As you can tell, 2013 was a busy year...2014, not so much. I imagine a significant reason for the reduction in activity likely has to do with the uncertainty in the economy. Since the split of ConocoPhillips & Phillips 66 into two separate companies, there has been a significant amount of uncertainty in the community as to the commitment either firm is willing to make to the community in the long term. It seemed much more positive looking before the split.

So long for now. Next up retail in the downtown area.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TheArtist on February 20, 2015, 07:32:11 pm
Thanks for the update.  Bartlesville is a nice little city and one would like to see it grow and prosper but you really wonder what they can do to diversify their economy to get things moving. Phillips will not be there forever and I hope the city leaders realize that.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: swake on February 20, 2015, 07:33:05 pm
So, it has been a while I know, but life doesn't really care about my plans...so...one job and one more child later things are finally "cooling down". I say this as I am about to have another little Eric here in two weeks. Technically it will be little Nathen, but who cares about details right?

Any who, since my last post here was before tax season 2013, quit a bit has happened in our little slice of heaven. Considering the length of time since the last update, I am going to post a couple of updates. The first update will be restaurant activity.

Taj the Flavor - December 2012 - CLOSED October 2013
Taj started as a pop-up, then opened a permanent spot @ 322 S. Johnstone. It later added Starbucks coffee in the lobby (across from COP office building), and then closed in ten months (October 2013). The store front (formerly Aroma’s Italian) is still vacant to this day.

Top N' Dog - February 2013 - Sort of Closed sometime in 2013
Top n’ Dog was opened right next to the owners other shop Cup n’ Cake in the Professional Building on Keeler Avenue. This was a build your own custom hot dog shop. I don’t know the exact timeline, but at some point, operations were closed and were merged with Cup n’ Cake. As far as I know the store front is still vacant.

Indian Coffee Company - July 2013 - Sort of Closed in January 2015
In the former Sweet Lou's space, Indian Coffee Company opened with a breakfast and lunch menu in addition to the extensive caffeinated beverage menu. Mark Spencer, a local business man is the brains behind the operation. His other previous business downtown was Spencer Management, a property management firm, and he has since opened The Painted Horse Bar & Grille & Bit Brilliant, a media/marketing firm. Well received and consistently ranked as one of the favorite restaurants in town by local polls, in addition to Trip Advisor & Yelp. However, after a major property auction in town, Spencer was outbid by another local for their current location. While Indian Coffee was not forced out, the owner made it clear before the sale that the only way he felt this business could stay in business was to own the building.  Since opening Indian Coffee, Spencer also acquired the 2 Sisters restaurant next door to Indian Coffee, converted it to The Painted Horse, and has merged the two under one roof.

Taco Village - July 2013 - CLOSED November 2014
Taco Village opened again under new ownership at the same location at 609 W. Frank Phillips, across from the Schlumberger plant. I’m not really sure of the reason, but 16 monthly later the restaurant has closed again.

The Painted Horse Pub & Grille - November 2013
As mentioned above, 2 Sisters Pub underwent a re-branding into The Painted Horse Bar & Grille under the new ownership of Mark Spencer. In my opinion this was certainly an improvement as 2 Sisters had been faltering pretty significantly. The menu was also greatly improved. As mentioned above, the Indian Coffee Company menu/brand has been absorbed under its roof as well recently.

Hideaway Pizza - May 2014
Probably the most ballyhooed restaurant opening in Bartlesville since I moved here originally in 2006. Hideaway Pizza opened in the historic, recently renovated, Johnstone-Sare building. This was quit a “catch” for Bartlesville in that it was a major local brand and first franchised Hideaway outside of the two major metro areas in Oklahoma. And second, it became the anchor tenant in an incredibly important building in downtown Bartlesville at one of the most visible intersections downtown. I really could not have foreseen a better tenant (that Bartlesville would have actually been able to get) for that particular location. Hideaway seems to be doing quite well to so far, and is consistently ranked as the favorite restaurant in town. Sadly, Clyde Sare, the civic leader who saved the building after two major fires, recently passed away. He will be greatly missed in the community.

Two restaurants that are soon to open (soon being a relative term, however they are both in process of construction/design)

Heartland Roasters
A local coffee company, that has previously sold only raw product (beans), is opening up a storefront in the historic Brilliant Bronze Station. It will be caddy corner from the Rogers State University Building at 4th & Dewey. This seems to have been in the works for at least a year and a half. However, in their defense, the building needed a lot of work, being vacant for years.

Sonic
Not as exciting and hotly contested, Sonic will be opening a drive in at Adams & Keeler. South of Adams is considerably more residential in nature, so it was met with significant resistance from neighbors including St. John’s Catholic school which is just down the street from this site. Sonic has earlier attempted to construct a drive in at the site of the former Oakley dealership at Frank Phillips & Cherokee. That also met heavy resistance and was shut down. That site would have involved the demolition of a building that until recently had served as an auto dealership for nearly 100 years, while this site was vacant land in an area that was unlikely to be developed any time soon.

As you can tell, 2013 was a busy year...2014, not so much. I imagine a significant reason for the reduction in activity likely has to do with the uncertainty in the economy. Since the split of ConocoPhillips & Phillips 66 into two separate companies, there has been a significant amount of uncertainty in the community as to the commitment either firm is willing to make to the community in the long term. It seemed much more positive looking before the split.

So long for now. Next up retail in the downtown area.

My son had a basketball game in B'ville a few weeks ago and we ate at the Painted Horse after the game and it was really good. We are going back tomorrow for a tournament and will likely eat there again.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on February 20, 2015, 07:53:49 pm
Thanks for the update.  Bartlesville is a nice little city and one would like to see it grow and prosper but you really wonder what they can do to diversify their economy to get things moving. Phillips will not be there forever and I hope the city leaders realize that.

Bartlesville has made quit a change since it's Phillips Petroleum days. Once Boone Pickens came in that was all the warning they needed. The economy is far more diverse than it was in the early 80's, although those days are still taking a toll on the town. The population of Bartlesville has remained essentially unchanged since the 80's layoffs. It took nearly a decade to recover. Recently there have been major expansions of high tech jobs at ABB & the addition of the Walmart Distribution Center as well as several other manufacturing businesses. Where Phillips used to employ 50% of the working population, it is now somewhere around 15%.

Recently, a study was conducted to determine why people were not selecting Bartlesville to reside, especially when the city has been adding several thousand jobs over the last decade, is consistently named in good places to live reports, and has top notch schools. Instead many are deciding to commute from the Tulsa metro. Specifically Owasso, Skiatook, Collisville and even Tulsa proper. The study found that one of the main reasons was that people believed that the school system was sub par. This caught me off guard considering Bartlesville is almost always ranked at the top of large school in terms of academic performance. However, when you dig deeper, those polled said this because our athletic facilities (read football field) is quite sad looking. The perception is that if the district won't spend money on that facility, they won't spend money in the classrooms. I guess we need a new football stadium. Honestly, even I agree that it is pretty depressing.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on February 20, 2015, 07:57:17 pm
My son had a basketball game in B'ville a few weeks ago and we ate at the Painted Horse after the game and it was really good. We are going back tomorrow for a tournament and will likely eat there again.

Can't say you are making a bad choice. However, if you haven't been to Frank & Lola's I would highly suggest it (closed on Sunday). Easily my wife & I's favorite restaurant in town. Calamari is off the hook, and the "Johnny" burger is so good.

(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQVDCsW5BPcK-kYh571rAuTM3CE_l64ZR2B6O6OrW4UZHll_d5W)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on February 21, 2015, 12:28:51 am
I’m hearing Murphy’s steak house is on its last leg.  Any truth to that?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TheArtist on February 21, 2015, 08:06:43 am
Bartlesville has made quit a change since it's Phillips Petroleum days. Once Boone Pickens came in that was all the warning they needed. The economy is far more diverse than it was in the early 80's, although those days are still taking a toll on the town. The population of Bartlesville has remained essentially unchanged since the 80's layoffs. It took nearly a decade to recover. Recently there have been major expansions of high tech jobs at ABB & the addition of the Walmart Distribution Center as well as several other manufacturing businesses. Where Phillips used to employ 50% of the working population, it is now somewhere around 15%.

Recently, a study was conducted to determine why people were not selecting Bartlesville to reside, especially when the city has been adding several thousand jobs over the last decade, is consistently named in good places to live reports, and has top notch schools. Instead many are deciding to commute from the Tulsa metro. Specifically Owasso, Skiatook, Collisville and even Tulsa proper. The study found that one of the main reasons was that people believed that the school system was sub par. This caught me off guard considering Bartlesville is almost always ranked at the top of large school in terms of academic performance. However, when you dig deeper, those polled said this because our athletic facilities (read football field) is quite sad looking. The perception is that if the district won't spend money on that facility, they won't spend money in the classrooms. I guess we need a new football stadium. Honestly, even I agree that it is pretty depressing.

Probably a "visual perception" thing.  They drive by and see an old football field and facilities then make an assumption.  Which is kind of stupid really. A good parent would simply look online at the scores and rankings to start with and ask around from there.  And I actually doubt that that is truly the problem.  I know people who take their kids to other school districts which are much smaller and have less facilities than Bartlesville because of the school actually being a better school.  Sometimes people will just grab onto whatever, and when you "fix" that, they still have another reason.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on February 21, 2015, 08:07:30 am
I’m hearing Murphy’s steak house is on its last leg.  Any truth to that?

If it is it would be from mis-management.  It was pretty full last time I was there (about three weeks ago).  And that was during off-peak (2pm).


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: rebound on February 22, 2015, 09:23:15 pm
Probably a "visual perception" thing.  They drive by and see an old football field and facilities then make an assumption.  Which is kind of stupid really. A good parent would simply look online at the scores and rankings to start with and ask around from there.  And I actually doubt that that is truly the problem.  I know people who take their kids to other school districts which are much smaller and have less facilities than Bartlesville because of the school actually being a better school.  Sometimes people will just grab onto whatever, and when you "fix" that, they still have another reason.

"I actually doubt that that is truly the problem."    Almost certainly true.  I've been in sales (in some way) most of my career, and years ago I took a Dale Carnegie training class.  While I don't remember much of it, the one thing I do remember is "the real reason is the third thing they say".  If someone is stalling or hedging, they often either (a) don't want to tell you the real reason or (b) maybe they aren't even consciously aware of it.  It's almost never the first answer they give, but keep asking and third or fourth thing that comes out is the real sticking point.  It's weird, but it works.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on February 23, 2015, 11:54:39 am
"I actually doubt that that is truly the problem."    Almost certainly true.  I've been in sales (in some way) most of my career, and years ago I took a Dale Carnegie training class.  While I don't remember much of it, the one thing I do remember is "the real reason is the third thing they say".  If someone is stalling or hedging, they often either (a) don't want to tell you the real reason or (b) maybe they aren't even consciously aware of it.  It's almost never the first answer they give, but keep asking and third or fourth thing that comes out is the real sticking point.  It's weird, but it works.

I agree. Even goofier is the fact that some of our facilities are top notch in the state, although some suffer from the problem that they are not on campus.

Softball
Tennis

The Good:
* Bruin Field House (Basketball/Volleyball/Westling) - While it is not the UMac, it is arguably the second best high school stadium (tied with Skiatook).
(http://www.bartlesville.k12.ok.us/bhs/construction/3seats.jpg)
* Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium (Baseball) - Fantastic facility, but most may not make the connection to the public school.
(http://www.digitalballparks.com/KOM/Doenges_-_Panoramic_Left_640T.jpg)
* Phillips 66 Aquatic Center - Great facility, also may not make the connection as it is corporate owned.
(http://www.phillips66splashclub.com/oscpsc/UserFiles/Image/Pool%20Locations/DSC_1250.jpg)
Hillcrest Country Club (Golf) - Also privately owned, which in this case is on par with many golf teams I assume.
Bruin Activity Center (All Sports) - We also have this going for us. Quit nice. Can't imagine everyone has one of these.
(http://www.amblerarchitects.com/caffeine/uploads/projects/project1111/1111_1.jpg)

The Not so Good
Custer Stadium (Football/Soccer/Track) - The most visible sports facility in the district is sadly one of the most worn looking.
(http://www.bartlesville.k12.ok.us/bhs/photos/LyonField2012.jpg)
Sooner Park Tennis Courts (Tennis) - Leaves a bit to be desired, although I can't say that I know too much about our piers facilities.
Softball Fields - I can't find a picture. But they are located at a middle school across town. Would have never known they played there had someone not informed me.

Sometimes perception is reality, but in this case, it is most definitely not. It is unfortunate.

Here is a link to a Tulsa World article. Makes it sound like a Target is nearly a done deal. Hard to believe in my opinion. Although some of the places like Olive Garden would make a killing. I mean, Chili's is packed every day of the week and for what... sub-par burgers and skimpy booze.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/retail/bartlesville-seeks-to-keep-workers-in-town-as-residents/article_1d01a693-e0ef-5826-a9aa-ea819ffb0d22.html (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/retail/bartlesville-seeks-to-keep-workers-in-town-as-residents/article_1d01a693-e0ef-5826-a9aa-ea819ffb0d22.html)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: shavethewhales on February 23, 2015, 02:25:38 pm
Sometimes people will just grab onto whatever, and when you "fix" that, they still have another reason.

Yup. People love to dog on Bartlesville. It's just a bit too far outside of any metro to be a cool suburb like BA or Owasso, so everyone who hasn't been there thinks it's just another OK cow town.

I grew up there and couldn't be happier with my experiences there. The old oil wealth still really shines through with great amenities such as the giant community center, price tower, and the neat art deco high school. It's not too far away or too close to any big city, and the size of the town is just perfect for me. If I ever settle down a have a family it will be at the top of my list to move to.

I can kind of understand a less than impressed reaction to the high school football stadium. I don't know how much its been fixed up in 6 years, but the top level with the bathrooms was completely derelict when I was there. I heard they built a new locker room and fixed some of the seating/roof though. It's still a decent stadium, I wouldn't expect more from a typical high school.

The old gymnasium at the high school is another issue. Most of the building is unusable due to fire code/egress issues. I'm pretty sure it was a big WPA project or similar and it used a ton of concrete. Parts of it are practically like a bomb shelter, making it expensive to remove or renovate, so it just sits there taking up a massive space in the middle of campus.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: davideinstein on February 23, 2015, 07:11:36 pm
Bartlesville is a good town. One of the stores I operate is there. It's small, but still well refined.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on May 14, 2015, 12:45:00 pm
Not to steal Erfalf's thunder here, but there are a couple of noteworthy additions to downtown Bartlesville that have emerged in the last month or so.

Shortie's Grille, formally a popular food truck in town, has opened up a brick and mortar location in the former Indian Coffee building next door to the Painted Horse.

The Extra Pint is going to try to give the old Hotel Phillips (now Johnstone Apartments) a go. If I recall, once they turned the hotel into apartments the Grill 66 was brought back but didn't go over too well.

Samantha's at 601 E 4th St has been open for a few months now but I think it's a great addition to downtown. They are always packed to the brim for lunch.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Tulsasaurus Rex on August 04, 2015, 09:04:25 am
Quote from: Tulsa World
Downtown Bartlesville undergoes changes in 2015

Downtown Bartlesville leaders have developed a proven formula for success over the past five years, but they have decided to alter the recipe slightly for 2015.

The Bartlesville City Council gave its approval this week to a resolution of support for the Main Street Bartlesville program, which is continuing its mission of revitalizing the central business district, but is taking on a more independent role locally.

“They have made great progress,” Councilor Ted Lockin said. “It’s been wonderful.”

Mark Haskell, Main Street Bartlesville chairman, speaking to the council Monday said business and volunteers have worked together to provide “significant progress” in the five years since the kickoff of the program, which formerly was known as Downtown Bartlesville, Inc.

There have been 228 jobs created downtown, 18,000 volunteer hours dedicated, 52 net businesses created, 33 buildings sold, 33 building facades rehabilitated and 56 other building projects in which structures were renovated or constructed in those five years.

“Most of all it really comes down to people — the individuals that are willing to take a risk and open a business or move it downtown or buy a building and renovate it,” Haskell said.
“We are really blessed with a lot of people willing to do that.”

Bartlesville’s nonprofit Main Street program and the city’s downtown division — Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority — previously shared a paid director in Chris Wilson who was overseeing tasks for both agencies.

However, Haskell explained local stakeholders in the Main Street program decided it would be better for the nonprofit group to exist independently of the city agency.
From the public’s standpoint, much of the day-to-day activity will remain the same, but there will be more faces out in front, he said.

The trust authority in June voted to continue its contract with Wilson in the executive director’s role overseeing the city work, which involves approving grants of tax increment district funds for both commercial and residential projects in the downtown district.

Meanwhile, Main Street Bartlesville is eliminating paid staff for six months and will operate with volunteer leadership that will continue local activities and work with the state program to define what type of staff is needed here and how to pay for the cost, Haskell said.

The new office for the program is 312 Johnstone Ave. A temporary board is overseeing the group and an annual business meeting is set Aug. 25, Haskell said.
Despite the changes, the workload has remained consistent for both groups.

The Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority has a full agenda for its meeting Wednesday, including a fiscal year 2016 budget and several requests for funding for various property improvements.

Main Street Bartlesville meanwhile is fresh off of helping to host the State Historic Preservation Conference, which brought 300 attendees to town, as well as the summer tourism season, which included many more guests for OK Mozart music festival in June.

The organization’s committees are hard at work now planning the big Bruins Tailgate Rally to be held Sept. 10.

Next up will be the popular Ghost Walk tours and Christmas Holidays in the Ville promotions.

“It’s a good group of people,” Councilor Dale Copeland said. “Look for great things to come out of it.”

http://www.tulsaworld.com/communities/bartlesville/downtown-bartlesville-undergoes-changes-in/article_dcadc573-8f8b-5884-a087-495248515b56.html


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on January 12, 2016, 09:43:37 am
Been a while, but there are actually good things happening in Bartlesville.

First the not so good. With the shake up between ConocoPhillips & Phillips 66 came a large number of lay offs by ConocoPhillips in particular. This has been extremely trying for many of the retail shops downtown. The shop in my building is closing down soon (although i believe it to be more for personal reasons). I have yet to hear of any other closings yet. Hopefully they can all weather the storm. It seems Phillips 66 is still doing well, and is maintaining its workforce here in Bartlesville, although that seems to be a point of concern in the future as they are nearing completion on a rather ambitious and expensive new headquarters in Houston that is much larger than there current space. We will see.

As Tyler mentioned there are some new restaurant choices downtown. Shortie’s is good (although never that busy). Their street tacos and elote are awesome. I have not been to Samantha’s (even though I work a block away) but have heard it is good, but fancy. And apparently Extra Pint closed in August. That was a good run. That has got to be the worst location for a restaurant. No one is ever going to notice a restaurant there.
Enough shops have opened downtown that it has spawned the “Boutique District”. Apparently that is just another name for Frank Phillips Blvd. But place making none the less apparently.

Elsewhere:

Omega Chocolates – Opened in September in the Johnstone-Sare building next to Hideaway Pizza. Haven’t been yet, but I hear good things.

Zat’s Boutique – moved downtown to the ITIO building. This seems to be a trend lately. Shops will move downtown (almost always to the ITIO first) increase the customer base and then move in to a more permanent larger location downtown. Curbside Closet & Lubella’s Boutique are recent examples.

Sweet P’s Too – has extended into the building next door to carry consignment (not cheap) furniture. It is a very nice space and just enhances the store overall. Very nice addition.

Kid’s Corner – spawned from the owners of One Good Turn that has been in the ITIO building for quit a while. Only true toy store in town. A huge selection of Melissa and Doug toys.

The Club Teen Center (Boys & Girls Club) has now occupied the former Oakley dealership building at the corner of Frank Phillips & Cherokee. With help from Sutterfield Financial who I believe recently purchased the building from the out of state developers who sat on it for years.

And most significantly, the derelict properties on 2nd street are finally getting a new life, thanks to Tulsa developer Ross Group. This is a pretty big deal in my opinion as Ross Group appears to have a high level of credibility and resources. They could have (and do) developed elsewhere, but chose the development. It will be called the W.D. Noble lofts. It will include store fronts and 11 loft-style apartments.

(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7523310418_e397608c4b.jpg)

(http://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/tulsaworld.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/b1/fb1b8556-0ae7-592a-ad70-1ebd2c17c398/5640ca12a7d9e.image.jpg?resize=300%2C208)



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on February 24, 2016, 02:13:42 pm
The Great American Conference (DII) basketball tournament is coming to Bville next week.
It's March 3rd through the 6th at the Bruin Field House on the high school campus.
Pretty cool event for basketball geeks like myself.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on March 29, 2016, 06:40:02 am
The Great American Conference (DII) basketball tournament is coming to Bville next week.
It's March 3rd through the 6th at the Bruin Field House on the high school campus.
Pretty cool event for basketball geeks like myself.

What kind of crowds do these games get? Just curious. Bartlesville has been able to snag this the last few years, so I figure there is a reason.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on March 29, 2016, 07:03:37 am
Nothing really noteworthy is happening (that hasn't already been mentioned), however that does not stop the paper from writing the obligatory article on all that is going on downtown. The rather lengthy article only really mentions two projects. The Noble Lofts which have been mentioned here before are still under construction. I expect it to take some time as this building was in poor shape, and that is being quit generous. It will add 11 more living units in the CBD and 4 small retail spaces (which is more desirable at the moment. 2nd street is pretty dead most of every day except for Frank & Lola’s. They have done some landscaping/lighting upgrades recently, so hopefully this is the beginning of reactivating this area. The biggest problem will be the half block parking lot behind the Arvest building. Kind of a buzzkill for the area.

It also mentioned Memorial Hospital. This is mentioned virtually every time a write up like this is done. It has been “in the works” since 2011 (at least). I have major doubts anything gets done..Ever. It’s catty corner from my office and at the very least the upkeep on the grounds has improved.

Elsewhere

"5 for 5 So dubbed because it is 5 projects for $5 million. They include:

  1. Pathfinder Extension & Way finding
  2. Centennial Park Improvements – similar in my mind to Guthrie Green. Activity space and stage, in addition to dedicated spaces for food trucks.
  3. Johnstone Park Upgrades & Skate Park
  4. Community Center/Price Tower Green Space & Amphitheater – Close street between two faciliaites (which is hardly used anyway) and adding performance spaces/arts areas. Creating an “Arts District”.
  5. Frank Phillips Park Splash Pad/Ice Rink – The example given was in Bentonville just north of 21C. This would replace the pavilion currently used for Farmers Markets.

Guthrie Green is actually referenced in the presentation. Tinyurl.com/bville5for5 (http://Tinyurl.com/bville5for5). Funding for this will depend on funding received to renovate/expand the YMCA. Which in my opinion needed it 30 years ago. But that's another story. It always amazes me that towns like Ponca City and Enid can do large public projects, yet Bartlesville is always "out of money". Bartlesville shares a similar trait with Tulsa in my opinion. Rarely can we get our government to do anything, but there are many many individuals that go above and beyond with their time and money to make this place a great place to live.

A sad note, Frank & Lola's has discontinued it's live music offerings. The promoter Cris Cunningham has taken an out of state job. Paul Benjamin Band played the final show on Feb 27th.

Another sad...ABB has laid off a handful of people. Rather unexpectedly. The oil crunch is really starting to hit home now.

In suburban news, there is rumblings of a rather large development next to Lowe's at Silver Lake and Adams called Silver Lake Village. Your basic strip mall type stuff. I think they are trying to attract an Academy Sports to anchor this. It will also include market rate apartments to the south of Lowe's as well as a bit of park space/frisbee golf course. TIFs are in the works of course.  ::) I'll believe this when I see it. In the short time I have been here, I have seen several large projects announce and then just disappear.

(http://examiner-enterprise.com/sites/examiner-enterprise.com/files/styles/large/public/field/media/web1_BDADevelopment-WEB.jpg?itok=X-pPSoms)

Also, on the south side of town on Washington, Atwoods is constructing a new larger location. I had no idea Atwoods was in an expanding mode until they did so recently in Ponca City and here (that I am aware of at least).

Considering the economy, it seems things are going quit good. Fingers crossed.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: cannon_fodder on March 29, 2016, 07:12:56 am
Thanks for the update!


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 04, 2016, 12:05:42 pm
New Leaf has begun marketing The Noble Lofts. Studio for $700 & 1 bedrooms starting at $900. Wow. That's pretty high for this area. I can't speak to the quality but I thought the lofts down the street were going for around $600, but they are much small I think. Considerably more than the Price Lofts that are also very new and relatively similarly sized. Seems $1,000 is some sort of mythical barrier for rent in Bartlesville. I have a hard time figuring too many people are going to bite at that level as you can rent an entire house for less in nice parts of town.

http://newleafdev.com/projects/view/7/the-noble-lofts (http://newleafdev.com/projects/view/7/the-noble-lofts)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: shavethewhales on April 05, 2016, 09:18:17 pm
^It's a bit high, but I'd definitely go for it if I was a young professional working for Phillips.

I'm blown away by these huge projects that are suddenly converging on Bartlesville. The centennial park project is a game changer for the city, and I love how Pathfinder is tied into it. Pathfinder is such a huge resource for Bartlesville.

I'm just amazed that so many major developers are working in Bartlesville, even with Oil being down, and that the city is starting to look around and compare itself to other cities in the region instead of keeping it's head stuck in the sand. They've come a long way since I lived there as a kid, which wasn't all that long ago.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: davideinstein on April 05, 2016, 11:08:45 pm
^It's a bit high, but I'd definitely go for it if I was a young professional working for Phillips.

I'm blown away by these huge projects that are suddenly converging on Bartlesville. The centennial park project is a game changer for the city, and I love how Pathfinder is tied into it. Pathfinder is such a huge resource for Bartlesville.

I'm just amazed that so many major developers are working in Bartlesville, even with Oil being down, and that the city is starting to look around and compare itself to other cities in the region instead of keeping it's head stuck in the sand. They've come a long way since I lived there as a kid, which wasn't all that long ago.

Phillips has done really well compared to other companies.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: dbacksfan 2.0 on April 07, 2016, 02:51:06 am
Phillips has done really well compared to other companies.

Conoco/Phillips/Union 76/Unocal

Quote
Conoco Inc. was an American oil company founded in 1875 as the Continental Oil and Transportation Co. Based in Ogden, Utah, the company was a coal, oil, kerosene, grease and candles distributor in the West. Marland Oil Co. (founded by exploration pioneer E. W. Marland) later acquired the assets (subject to liabilities) of Continental Oil Co., or DC, merged by Bryan M. Metler, David L. Kinney, and Justin J. Stockburn of Delta Constructors for a consideration of 2,317,266 shares of stock. On June 26, 1899, Marland Oil changed its name to Continental Oil Co. and moved its headquarters to Fargo, North Dakota. The acquisition gave Conoco the red bar-and-triangle logo previously used by Marland. Conoco used the logo between 1930 and 1970, when the current red capsule logo was adopted.

The Conoco headquarters were in Ponca City until 1949, when it moved to Houston, Texas. In 2002 Conoco Inc. and Phillips Petroleum Co., whose headquarters were in nearby Bartlesville, Oklahoma merged into ConocoPhillips

Numerous state corporation filings are identified "Continental Oil Co." and "Continental Oil Corp." and "Continental Oil Co. of Texas" as recorded with the Texas Secretary of State and Delaware Secretary of State. Merger of San Jacinto Petroleum Corp. and Continental Oil Corp. is recorded in 1964 with Delaware Secretary of State.

In 2005, ConocoPhillips began rebranding its (Union) 76 gas stations, which Phillips had acquired from Tosco Corp. before the merger with Conoco. The move prompted a petition campaign by fans hoping to save the historic 76 orange ball signage.[6]

In March 2006, ConocoPhillips bought Wilhelmshavener Raffineriegesellschaft mbH in Germany, and Burlington Resources in the United States.[7]

On May 10, 2006, Richard Armitage, former deputy-secretary of the U.S. State Department, was elected to the board of directors of the ConocoPhillips oil company.[8]

In 2007, the Chevron Corp. converted all of the Conoco gas stations in Mississippi to the Texaco brand.

In late 2009, the company announced asset sales to increase investor returns. Included are debt reduction and stock buy back. In March 2011 the program was enlarged up to $10 billion assets sales in the next two years.[9]

ConocoPhillips intends to implement a floating liquefied natural gas facility by 2016–2019, and has completed quantitative risk analysis of a design that will undergo pre-feed study in 2011.[10]

On July 14, 2011, ConocoPhillips announced its intent to separate the company's upstream and downstream businesses into two stand-alone, publicly traded corporations, with the intent of maximizing shareholder value.[11] On May 1, 2012, all midstream, downstream, marketing and chemical operations were separated into a new company named Phillips 66, headquartered in Houston.[12] As a result, ConocoPhillips continued its operations as an upstream (exploration and production) company.[13][14]

In April 2012, ConocoPhillips sold its Trainer Refinery to Monroe Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines.[15]

In January 2013, Conoco announced that it would sell its Rocky Mountain assets to Denbury Resources for $1.05 billion.[16]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ConocoPhillips (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ConocoPhillips)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 07, 2016, 07:14:40 am
^It's a bit high, but I'd definitely go for it if I was a young professional working for Phillips.

I'm blown away by these huge projects that are suddenly converging on Bartlesville. The centennial park project is a game changer for the city, and I love how Pathfinder is tied into it. Pathfinder is such a huge resource for Bartlesville.

I'm just amazed that so many major developers are working in Bartlesville, even with Oil being down, and that the city is starting to look around and compare itself to other cities in the region instead of keeping it's head stuck in the sand. They've come a long way since I lived there as a kid, which wasn't all that long ago.

I agree it is a bit surprising, however there have been similar "big announcements" before with no action. People are extremely skeptical around here. And our government appears to be nearly as incompetent as Tulsa's. When we see similar communities (Ponca City & Enid) doing rather large scale civic projects, and our local claims there is no money for anything, it is tough to swallow. In particular both of those communities have YMCA's that were constructed in the last decade. Bartlesville not so much, and it has flooded several times (and will continue to where it is at).

Personally, if all the five project come to fruition, I think the Frank Phillips park (ice skating) will be a much bigger deal in the end. But I wouldn't call any a game changer. Having some sort of assurance that Phillips or ConocoPhllips won't pull out entirely would be a game changer. Or landing another big manufacturer. But I don't see either of those two things happening. I think if there was more certainty you would see an unprecedented boom in Bartlesville given the economics of the community.

Phillips 66 fortunately seems to have weathered the storm better than it's sister company. ConocoPhillips has gone through at least two rounds of layoffs locally, while Phillips 66 has none (that I am aware of). Phillips also got the midstream assets which have been holding up relatively well to date.

I'm pretty partial to Bartlesville obviously. Hard not to when this is the view from my desk.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/1OaO7D8RIE74gBO_wC2SSHFKSkTC-HUssOE2ZJS5BFXYj2qDyrwhJIboqIuteNDIEp9aXCycTT_j3B2yZid6ykm_wL-F_yMJkjFK0xSnxVTDwwp9rYe0QLeM-ii_oHWp5UD3FJba1cTrKtMqPlvtESJnUxMxM0eZGtN4kxgdKYoMTR4g81taE2lbp-vQ8qdhd-vt63cZxBsQUrZYzOgO1rSjiJvvl5azkCCIXNQmy8GOAHgEm_Qfx59OEhJJZ8Wmlp8L9WQurxPa0-zahchx04Y9nzx2bLNEjZebR7v74q3XXXMlPgEc-nJ4vFDVxnStywO9DWiR82mwmaFPlqluispgfkEhZKGO6Pk3T5vuxkXkvpiuU5uZAs9nmyUApgxKqRr1CuVJHQWIx60xUavo2IbIuwvFj3UOH_wQOUFQRL95Z1P_Cc0E3kst1AUefBDrIXAL8wCdQIiJ4_GUv_-MTT1Yg3GiJynhRjNQRMc7w_plflW-03V8NMhlFh7sgIROXaSBTPApW7T8sgnxOTxqwGh1aFdExE52wPvsEpRsrwZhVXDnLIapkM9bKj3b84w8eE8=w1444-h327-no)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 07, 2016, 10:19:50 am
Now that I have the photo thing down, I figured Bartlesville deserved a little updates...again.

The Noble Lofts - are going to transform that end of 2nd Street, and hopefully more will follow.

From the main street Facebook page:
(https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/12919708_1685626745020018_4261452258821904590_n.jpg?oh=a908cd4e37d7033cc483eca20d318587&oe=57BEB1E0)

Former First Methodist Church - The church moved out to the edge of town in one of those mega church tin building things. Supposedly there is interest in utilizing the building for something entirely different. New Leaf and Ross Group appear to be teaming up again with a local development group for the retail. The plans call for converting the eastern portion of the building (left part of image below, previously classroom/office space) into apartments and utilizing the rest for retail of some sort. Good proximity to all the large employers downtown and only about 2 or 3 blocks from all the restaurants/shopping. Having New Leaf and Ross Group again makes me think this actually may get done. I can't think of a time when a church was actually converted to something else (besides a performance hall).

http://examiner-enterprise.com/news/local-news/housing-retail-works-former-church (http://examiner-enterprise.com/news/local-news/housing-retail-works-former-church)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/sBtRGL9JAPxR-RC5mP54bQiOON7J1UKtGaGfM4LZOY0UM9qYPWhU1efDGm3jHWtoOZlwQdUjnmj9y195pJNGaR5UpcalyhCxpxTWtGEXY1f7LOwF1gGJCEPy7oKROKK40G-EeHGTJZQTFkXh5W5m5-aSYTbZEDvZiTlRysdwkTJ5WWF2SIewDVFAQbEA9-XvDxdS-BOix7zHraPk8TqNcFm1BxjZ5ep75OZH2DhgglEvvToQfHKGuJFmCj0Q94csky_UjJYFt8kaQMBrH185XDuMWuApDMlvN5pv3RCuD24OBK8zq6ukqldJwdKWVaTm6Vh83HPoUxSIfZn__4f8nA-cDuJzCDSO4AqARU1M-sOQd4KCsIhXYjok2p9hxvxZzuHSIxkvlY-E50ND4zWbx5BD9AXuJIT2EXEeIYXpyONaOikT6tTh6ODhSx0s7lEoxqGtU9ZARgkLENRYKkD6aPfKexdTLIfO9q2LMrTsjuJqLPtHpSGovSpwr8JGkcDdU0IV4Jr3Ei7kcOTdNvQ6Ajc-t9RsbDwvgxCLUfLKbfX0zXwqNOUijUHHdGPbXSLFO5c=w637-h281-no) (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/9iCLvDgUYNa399-lltyfNPrbnuX8Mv_y95gTofqQepgKUFKRn-AvrTi7xd0uWGa809O956oBQ71Xa9KoUUZb5q9SBpEE4RS-j64GHwp-T1wA_s58Gb2aLqUic9Ft_ddnsgA1rQbMXKDTxuwhyVxtqdnrGLZ23Zs1-XR7JIB8ugg5dW-aCqGJ_Kuijjnd1o6gn2ziBFML5P_Sjj6YoPj8b0Mtt5F1DhS7Y0avbZu6dcnwgc4fek2mSGLBpLVRsGlHZFxyroobojqdt6tREoUgPZr86ZG73YGcfe9-J5vWmnX1QL7AwzjzqCOLxyFYoV-awHX_aEEOmUJj91-GYbFYw8qPxwrWAdNjAmArmX_oo-713NH2JMByendlPRScRG6QZhFMXgpYqgLmL-Omcfjvmtya6tT2_dF2pqVXHqVG_XA9UqQWM8ggTDxpR9zEFZhlthn9VsjuWdsCZhIkB7-SAvzrblVWXt17x078dBaGqHqtkYEYJ0sHFtAFyullEg7fOp51IP4wJQMYDK_fBCN_0yJ7QWlQKx2vnnqW7WKAX7o7OObXHDnqJtm5DsnnZdW-Tjo=w477-h276-no)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on April 12, 2016, 11:37:58 am
What kind of crowds do these games get? Just curious. Bartlesville has been able to snag this the last few years, so I figure there is a reason.



Crowds are pretty average. Day games are mostly dead. The title game draws the biggest crowd and yet it's still mostly fans/families that drive up and not necessarily local Bartians.

I think the main reasons we've been able to host for so many years is hospitality and volunteer hours and probably not attendance numbers. I hear quotes from coaches every year saying how well their team was treated while they were in town.

They say it has quite the economic impact for Bartlesville. The downtown restaurants are always full that weekend.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 14, 2016, 06:07:36 am
Breaks ground today. It is not very urban in nature, but very necessary to the community and decidedly more "above tide" than its replacement. This will be the first major city civic project I have seen since moving to Bartlesville. The COUNTY detention facility not included. I don't know how long things like this should take, but the project was approved by voters nearly 4 years ago (2012). Seems like a heck of lead time to get to a point where they are just now breaking ground. They don't mention it in the link below but I believe their may have been a legal hold because the city wasn't going through the correct bidding process or something.


http://www.cityofbartlesville.org/public-safety-complex-groundbreaking-held-tuesday/ (http://www.cityofbartlesville.org/public-safety-complex-groundbreaking-held-tuesday/)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/PGpImdeuH99VaFnSH2piIBT92h7MmOKq9V9pG5i3Lh2hornhMfay2BMOgkWyURwoJkJqAVFKoTiwQpxQwemUFvS7dof6ZiLt35AY7YU9yYIn9ptfuN7KWpn0dkO1uAslnj2bYinxL1MGOu44i-lF2FORW-HEJ3tAdoU1JP6aTIs_fh3QamH_-QiczVq1ULKcaj6YpWlyaTAVspvdvGpi7Yb5J7BvbA13OiGz3StcdfjBURwcRRAZ-TJ9EJOaOgdyb7-TdcuvO9XEQ8QZVNFjZk1NaZKmoTPom7miYgas6AjXxVVmfiw9HvEFG6OSfxNs-LOjyW3KS1l4Ha8PMD779GuAblU2cpVxhiirCFOwQlzuiME1orWEnhVoo7IMUJtIi2TEBl7cqlWT-T50BH8snAEPGIgXHCuGIvijklEcRQHziVcVlpUVJTSvk8tP8bAtdSVdX2t52jLM62rFTbpwW1EjBDKWbsj9gASwAVirtV0MRwmECw1u0BBIqIwKS1U2cxPVmBJLLqu8jzYvbhttF1OvUTNwcka6EFNhabEvUS3vbKIlkQk3x0z-sBSqSrQ-6S6l=w1560-h716-no)

Replacing this:
(http://cityofbartlesville.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/pd2-300x221.jpg)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 29, 2016, 10:49:21 am
Walking to the bank, just had to catch a perspective of downtown that is not often used. Most all of the buildings in downtown Bartlesville are two and three story buildings. Those juxtaposed with the towers on the west side are always interesting. And how much nicer is this street with more trees? It is the large inventory of those smaller buildings however that has allowed downtown Bartlesville to thrive. Of course I say that and there are three loan sharks and a salon in this shot alone. The intersection in the foreground is in an area formerly known as Auto Alley. Nearly the length of Osage Avenue was lined with auto oriented business. The building on the left until recently still had the cut out for the gas pumps in front of the building.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/ogL-haKElJ7ZHEfWfdhxeW-QhDq35FcSI6yAXksTZzjz_gdM6B63QaqAKTXc0bvUWAMFxLyB8JNyuPAyi6HZsXetoPtuAupW3_QGhgNv7Qdw92R1lBAgXZk-4zj96MmgRtob6gNpU1S_RomA2zZ8bxCcg_Mfbbe6O5QOD2Xr6IJy7AahuEBUfL-ly5uad5M95o82ckGx1J54H6JNEhJ5ONhy-3g_-gE67h0fiun8EZOSpU_o5u-blLdNsYW4-fy8rYkaTN1e2ELOmoxKzBOUV2WIguAUvLspD9OTMrYceajPUvJugzrqxdwTpKxIDecMS8ftdoM4zYi5EazK2sZhE-Hl0Suz4-mmZ_CYg7x3ezQk3NpTcrOy-OcNqzAM4GfX-NLn_WGETJk49Wj7h1mFVYGnp5R3gFuxaX-RDg06LkYK7S14mOaXIa418b8Drl_M9qtqoYoclFE7qMY4qFAJyeAcPj9NKfaqPg1e_uzBGbOs8VsqXmZEpghfSZlJUrn0BELZjJoppIYIQYbEawo7hj7GvpPc20wB7i4B8olauWfD94pq1H-Kquv9uxoROqXdXvm5=w1254-h666-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/r7V1-34FykDlgJm8CX8HLqVUVSrK4OBhUwDuyeE0mhSqNT23hdZWmc2EmfM-MAcYYY0SZ4cuMaQ6rj33NSlDrlH639YxXiZaJc0E6C9G64cUNRSMIM5nT9ODxWAbxzUR9vq3WRKe_H1PEfqQA5zuibpUhluJr34vlT2ufy91Wa0yWIwC_0X8UG6VLXo0EyF51VjSJEe84zHnFmfhuIwQrkphPq1URSi9dhgtBQCia1u1DsOeVB-wLtQFK3H16idi-YtFySIyieSW29AVR-6b1VmgHAQPec6SbcVVfMNv5lf5bSc5ajO8_Idapd_Slo7aIKL5D1yJrw3zjktGV4tmV9kQYGJQrLdU_wImV-wv_WE_RFrOJ0za9MqIUtD6G1Kp0822t-vtiKYWdEI65tTmLXhRxzhugm1J2B73pjeRGVKEJv9WqIzy0xKzLgarKe6ICvxpzHVyWvytHTXXqy98FrbN1_Mr1EA4Qg-RGqv22qpxCvhghguf67y6wnwNC8GxcrdQvoXzJyEdpk_NJ-VUPJto7ai3vzDIkswduROwNC1dEDrDbFPL_mdRL8RF8pO9q6_i=w1258-h541-no)


Title: Bartlesville - Boys & Girls Club
Post by: erfalf on April 29, 2016, 12:00:00 pm
CJ “Pete” Silas Boys & Girls Club Campaign Unveiled

A NEW BOYS & GIRLS CLUB FOR BARTLESVILLE

The Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville has unveiled the design for the C. J. “Pete” Silas Boys & Girls Club facility. Capital campaign leaders announced they are within one million dollars of their seven million dollar goal to complete the project, which includes a 30,000 square foot building and artificial turf multi purpose playing field. The Club plans to break ground on the new construction as early as this fall with hopes of beginning operations with the 2017 -2018 school year. The ultimate goal is to serve more kids, more often, with greater impact.

The state of the art facility will include: a dedicated Teen Center, learning centers, gymnasium, technology and STEM lab, arts and music spaces and an expanded kitchen to better accommodate the nutrition program. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation will partner with the Club construct the playing field.

Capital Campaign Co Chair, Glenn Cox said the fundraising efforts have met with an overwhelmingly positive response, demonstrating recognition of the need for the new facility. “We are pleased to announce that through the generosity and commitment of the Boys & Girls Clubs Board and Staff, members of the Campaign Cabinet and a number of lead donors, to date we have secured approximately $5 million toward this exciting project.”

Cox added that the Club also received a $1 million challenge grant from the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation. “When we meet this challenge, which we will do in the coming weeks, this will bring our campaign fundraising total to $6 million.  We will now reach out to the community as a whole to raise $1 million more to bring this campaign to a successful conclusion.”

Potential donors and those wishing to learn more about the project should contact Resource Development Director, Annah Fischer, or a member of the campaign committee. Committee members include: Co Chair Mike May, Charlie and Corky Bowerman, Julie Daniels, Curtis DeLapp, Dean Lowe and John Mihm. The late Sherry Cox was also a member of the committee.

The new Club will be built at the corner of 5th and Seminole behind the existing building. That building will then be demolished to provide parking and entrance driveway. The City of Bartlesville conveyed two additional parcels to the Club in order to place the expanded facility and playing field in ideal locations.

The building is being designed by Ambler Architects and McAnaw Construction is the project manager. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is involved in the design and construction of the playing field. Board member Gary Waugh chairs the Club Building Committee.

The Boys and Girls Club of Bartlesville is Oklahoma’s oldest Club. H. C. Price and other business leaders started the club in 1954. It became affiliated with the United Fund, now known as the United Way, in 1955. The Boys & Girls Club of Bartlesville is charted by Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/IKSOmCvKoAmKFdGJafFGbpYdMHemgiu6fNTwWiSjNJOastBkGINh11bj7bFqdveKRdUAfspylF0oDlhDBsSYOMmzVUSfatHZsP_rVAtZ64FtvSqXaeBZ1FHUXurUcAxDGXkERme8VgZcoy8TKV5veDEZmRIhmfoYSRlxiEEaqbcMdDD4hCjvvQJH-MEvYd3ZkRmFShmwm1s9_Td6Dwac4bXrCdoWhOjP_VNojT4c9DEOCwAfPDTHy2Yp82TsTgDPpagzZlnA9fA8v12_H1qIFoC2iK-CiYMEbhAL3MTvMdZItREUDz112r2QgUFZOfRJF9nUVUszwkZIZ--_dg-f-FzOLokNcYzSzgo1HsDHVWE7FVRzUzxaI4IYxnLnsGp1sv7ndtO6HwFxjUccVQ6y6Uf0IRPSYhglxdB3DKS2B0VTaJQZLqpA_2kCOtFJy_Deou4fhwNoDxfVX0uUVikIaIGuIr3VBTAw6RC_KtRaFxen3tL4QQ9i-0sz9zwkXQwsTskP-t8BJIyEyuuxs0JBva7sf2iSyZjhbXPP3ntD1OJwgyOjzgrwdX-iOPdM7dWuMjlF=w1560-h517-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/I2BdlY7s6_qRHe1zPEF4KRAvVkjJaAedO5GWaIVaksn75OIqxTfKeLA8AAoy5OfCP39067nOidFL9C_KVDqeh57nff0kIDRTKTMW59XwkQ5MGm14zkPuJVMY4Drv_l6QynTy9u1AzoeJr6cg4nhkOn4AU4xJWY9cpNCLD6nlqLdxo06jvjeL0DYq-FLCLJ43hbQrrFCGhyTkunzLTj2TGtWLMEErNwXstDg3GuBilQnWM60YhgYNXukcDCAJvgDyJbVUoSEeTW0QGKa_3nC22Z0oGjSZK1U5Q2H6SYzwLVMVcEz45nLghe88Pa0-SWl-umy91u85BqNMMmXIu8Uav_7dJj3iRlnCIyQ0jAUXGa3hEi_AkBGv_so3a20Vm7RT6KgNcsSA1jZVfOojdEZfDms2JE0c03EgwcCEIt9AlRQ7ocTrMEV_6aF5KMLKzeClzsggdtL2ItftRFU8_Z86ch0DMHUf5Y6KVqISSM0TZjy85hd6IS8cWO2X7LiOqoVPifJpqxBpoG6qan2S4uWYrBjZu-8J86ln9OCm5op96XaYLzgj6rw3cLqhKhc1q6ikZpb0=w1319-h1019-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2X8JHWT7t5wPWJBoZSwXerRitmxE-Kndz5Do3lpecokdsB0LyuCT6mm4LlFqitUiIgGLllb_ZveN_UL07glftKMuItdo4PoX1F_JcKUci6daSxKtstlyt58HsFdjItQPojvs7KOjxZx-lF394Qirg9NQqG1GAZCh3pi97RmvVzYZfLeurZn3zP0-Q2fnqG5PFw_qZ6qthbIaViWiqGykHXK-kkAy34AaZ-kHJuuRzlGZ-eC56j9vByrcJJi1wuCizGeKg2yqjOQAJiwkdVY6O_gw90UP7A7SN8GDFqred7qfvkEJ3f_-L34Avim7QFBc8dLRLO0cgS6kMmGMzT5M5J2_s-1OvGOzNewQZ2IJXN8z-cJsjhaNp5fRube9OW7qTTyVEI7loPWD_GAb8OAKnm-95TKyK29h4eqWW38Uo16K_o9l2XtSTtOq1umxSOFMfvAQq0qZNsEhJQoQn3yfnC5f6N0hbBbIU1End24LkbEa6C4w570Lmu7Y7cJJDwpe0Mm2BbZMx9EK7h_5Jj08RLncy7qUcVLFIasozPj2U6LIP9Lr8puxGxWiTew-dqxeZA05=w778-h485-no)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - Ambler Hall
Post by: erfalf on May 06, 2016, 04:04:20 pm
Amber Hall wins statewide award


By Nathan Thompson
nthompson@examiner-enterprise.com
OKLAHOMA CITY — Downtown Bartlesville’s Ambler Hall was awarded the Best Interior Design award during the Oklahoma Main Street banquet on Tuesday at the Embassy Suites in downtown Oklahoma City.

The announcement of the award for Ambler Hall was one of 21 statewide competitive awards given out by Main Street Oklahoma during the banquet.

“Each year brings another wonderful collection of creative entries that continue to amaze and impress us with their uniqueness,” said Linda Barnett, director of the Oklahoma Main Street program. “These award winners give us a chance to highlight many outstanding programs, projects, people and services that our Main Street communities offer their residents and visitors, alike. We are thankful for all of their efforts to make each of their commercial districts a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Ambler Hall, located near Fifth Street and Dewey Avenue in downtown Bartlesville, has been designed as a state-of-the art, 100 seat chamber music hall for the OK Mozart International Music Festival.

Built in the 1920s, Ambler Hall was a retail space that was designed as a long and narrow room with high ceilings, concrete floors and plaster walls. Main Street Bartlesville said the space had been used as a storage facility immediately prior to the renovation.

Under the direction of Bartlesville architectural firm Ambler Architects, a budget of only $150,000 transformed the space into a beautiful un-amplified, acoustical masterpiece for musical performances. David Marsh, a Dallas-based acoustical consultant assisted in producing the finished product.

The project was submitted for the award by Main Street Bartlesville for the recognition on a statewide level.

Amber Hall opened in 2015, and is named after Lewis Ambler, in recognition of his generous gift of the three-story building in which the Hall sits and through the support of three generations of Amblers. Main Street Bartlesville said Scott Ambler, the architect, donated his professional time and expertise to the redesign of a challenging space for acoustics and musical entertainment and Chris Ambler manages the performances.

The facility was funded, in part, by private donations, a grant from the Ted and Melody Lyon Foundation of Bartlesville and Bartlesville Redevelopment Trust Authority.

- See more at: http://examiner-enterprise.com/news/local-news/ambler-hall-wins-statewide-award#sthash.6BveYirC.dpuf

(https://glendaricecollins.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/20150828_193421_4x6-crop.jpg)

(http://okmozart.com/files/2015/07/22963292750_915a0eff81_o.jpg)

Now if they could only focus a little into making this...

(http://www.swezeyrealty.com/images/listing_photos/5_1000127.jpg)

look like this...

(http://gtrnews.com/images/7784.jpg)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - Noble Lofts
Post by: erfalf on May 06, 2016, 04:14:19 pm
And just an update shot of the Noble Lofts

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/85rO80ut4MwHychaB_oKW0OsCbsBGIOEXzWxaMsABO80-kDzNnawzCT50QN9PavygEJOaQZr_kAt584fWQ-zoWhJmxA74MbFz9SbtsjZagIywwlY-RdxVIV-L95KqSWJY_kPnNUwgVhKdXky_KkPol29ozdakQcgsqq71bA1gojLMB8f_f5voHW0aySIxr1vjwaSY-bg5a0AC1RzArXknN05W5SV-tlE5YuO-NAXJupIb49gHiBCCQhhUofWnRNiO9x14SbFFeYgoBqKxV-7CLIqW1lx3ssBYM-fNZjckTCoFcZ_U5KSPcLHXI2Plm4BTKbPZ9hp2c7EKqaSP4gT4QDFuP3DwM2DWk_6ejlc1IBhRuWLSn8X69D_NdNGltEx-4hZI6lrhpHVgWO6UwEU-lTmSqVYZ3qpqM_4MqM2G1oIcRYn13X0ITjaGYXn1scAZAh5-LrVfzz4mjCY2Qk11lbk-QTw_jJpr1PkJXUr7hcwPrSmmnVKsdc5ULvLvWA2UfhxZUXvnUBfJ9e-_EqNLujOLW7bLhklnZLcfMcveGk7kvOaj4rnvxPwDYvCoS-TmRkcsh44TyF7fGECF4uqG_c6kzqPfKo=w1561-h948-no)

and for some perspective.

(http://examiner-enterprise.com/sites/examiner-enterprise.com/files/styles/large/public/field/media/web1_1-22-12-2nd-Street-DSC_2547-WEB.jpg?itok=D24mH8Nr)

Are the new streetlights acceptable? I am certainly no expert. You can see one in the center of the shot above.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - Noble Lofts
Post by: erfalf on August 30, 2016, 11:45:24 am
So the Noble Lofts are now more or less completed. As far as I know, there are two commercial tenants, leaving two still available. Not surprising considering it's location. It's about the equivalent of 3rd street in Tulsa. Not a main thoroughfare, and it dead ends on both ends. Auto traffic will always be low on this street. The two tenants are:

Wishful Thinking - Paint Your Own Pottery Studio opened on July 27 as the first tenant. I hear they are doing quit well since opening. It's a bit of a novelty for Bartlesville. There has been another store in town for a few years now, but I don't think it was really in the majority of people's consciousness (in other words, it's on the west side of town).
https://www.google.com/?ion=1&espv=2#q=Pottery+Bartlesville+2nd+street

Kingdom Nutrition opened August 18th. This is the third one of these types of stores that I have seen sprout up in Bartlesville in as many months. I guess I didn't realize this was a thing. Good luck to them for sure.
https://www.facebook.com/KingdomNutrition1/

On the residential side, it sounds (according the Examiner) that they are not filling up particularly fast. This to me is surprising. The units appear to be of exceptional quality and finish. Yes, pricey, but that didn't seem to stop the other downtown units from creating waiting lists. It's a block from the COP campus.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YVARQoRniCZEiJhgPWXq7UnrUjh3LgVkNXmQYRm8YDRM1YdHMErngoOzpdO2bKLk8Jsv7rrLiwFRnfVmPuuHs2I3coTkSwSrHcMvgpzoQkfYS_p9K0CoT09DEY2YPEsRhfZ74pnkvOuz_wEEyzvl_x2n5sNVIgO0pIAd1L49AYuWG9NOSNTCyT7XvjcxkpV_CD0_LyMaFTGSi3IDLzgBSjj108uZOnt8qEgoqM_j6Y1SAIHbtuc3vEhJLajyfdXu8fVp3HQqVV2Vj9hPHBMjGfoRtjKo2SuSLHVuoiB6M5RiQThKnRpjw75dV4eYwuIfRk3xlPGFQEiKLfad3QziWf0zhwa5FYCU4JVX3EwMxMFWYu-YeOSNb267y3P6sWhOQWjhMMKCR4B43HGPebHjTU9wq9Q1Ik_fjnUhDUCRiIRBxUfWOM3QLlS_JU7wEkXtR2EE3aIp_oK-cNhzAw7V44CdE95Zx8ZsIl21dPeEKX1WH108kBLKcXACHILR-_vgBEFG6vDFmM8PXMHqHZMlgknbVWWxeY0Wy5ivXjjJjDwQhYGvARpim5LzrK8slEgjGgaW5n4L86K72XTni8jLQZM-_OLdKZ1k6nr-DL-NiwcFuuGC=w805-h527-no)

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CNYGTM9hNY6gMQ1RjcQkScTqPRbBNJ1ghfALdYBF8C6W-APtPHzd3l1is8DyUt2F5Tj8wHrxOGGW8BdT0LERSTRCZLdvkBVTgrPnyVHGtNkulQ1-vgS16H4nl_EWPaw9hBeUJgi1TdTa3Yd33kCCkrnYL1nD3WvoXbXGUcxF089zXfxzKhqrLfmYWrudEl_Ipc01r_i2SdJ-G_H32N8FgPVxmHo92949zIb-4owuaR-_he-Y6Vut_r59KJ56OoRRMJTzifybAEocNOd7QBuaquBQhMwav6gYsxyeCkse1k7Z80LCqVeUgDJGtjkXm-o7Sm3iRj4SCjfv1d97Y458mHuywiVF0skEAonDPpz_7BxVcpZiL5e5sg8x0gXFU39QZjB_Nks3SlXaUhd3FR2PoWbxRp50PnDtoeBTQL3j0tMtCLX_bK-qCDybA-g7NZht0CeTUySsP22eVUObOfM1joL6n_KEjUIF1Hev6doAfKIjc80pTHk2duvrmA4WxWLSY7l9fAgYJOtlxJyTA9DSvyv5LKxRyh9Usxx3y8gxBfqkgdWMh-HpeWFk5WQRiWUP0YRQgttanvVPlvSiEqhwyhvmLAU_DaqNISQ_WWJZXX8CBIzn=w600-h370-no)

Hopefully this has not soured Ross group on Bartlesville. Their next project involves converting an education building at the old Methodist Church into apartment units (the 4 story building on the left of the street view below).

https://goo.gl/maps/VMzp17m7s132


Title: Re: Bartlesville - Boys & Girls Club
Post by: erfalf on August 30, 2016, 11:50:22 am
In other news, the ground breaking for the new C.J. "Pete" Silas Boys and Girls club took place last week. They already have 90% of the $7M goal. Kudos to them. This should be really nice for all the kids that utilize it.

Expected to open in time for the 2017-2018 school year (ie next school year).


Title: Re: Bartlesville - Noble Lofts
Post by: erfalf on August 30, 2016, 11:55:21 am
From the Ross Group Facebook page. It includes interiors of the two retail tenants as well. They indicate there are still 7 units available.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xCZNBxW80IIuNDgfW-Mo_7wXg0lVe5VqkJhQ_Y6x4fy7FWzb8pO0xOTd4tYeBJaL6oyZqak7rezM8KDunEJVx01vfA8jKWmtWxlwquU97IoGQXwT6aD_ihxu0dT49SF3ZGuzodlZriaPov2GoQ6vW4ksDDQGDmxdoPq2u4UqNNdaFMD4rO8DhQZHSumxVEWfHHsJ47f0lDTu6Yx0JU0Ki-uGqekj2RxA5B3Z66xqM6DFbRmkOlODzpuyIsyMYpvrRChXooINsGTk2khlDU4-U0aqhuZuHnbgVLjB1zcfzWY8389NbZDGicx7ks6pEwmAVa-0dskhOWjsrxmZpOlr3tdcwMlhFuaBaLmllxWWP9s-u7RTC-7qDBUYZcZvnC4R1BDIEzo9HBVUFIPgA7vvryfX2szhxHqCuCXR6U-YpDjMUbBBbQCpqCapx9Kq2_2NOfPMZvzUi9x9tZBKsWYcTEMZbNRLLdr8th5rLIJoEnHQCzeFfNH57LPV5rocg9HYgC_4wv7iANzOjVYVS2zLXpsztKjk01aBJcvlPi9KBSGtijo1gvrts25BVuhVN7VZ_PdbBDbsK7ui0RI4xon4VE9FjqAE2bQv6oi-oeaVBBtFqu-5=w1378-h768-no)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - Silver Lake Village
Post by: erfalf on September 09, 2016, 11:39:57 am
Well Phase one appears to be commencing soon. Planned open for holidays 2017 (a shade over a year). It's the same stuff every big city/subburb has been getting over the last decade or so. TJ Maxx anchoring with Ross, Rack Room Shoes, Ulta, Petco & Maurice's all confirmed to lease. It looks like they have a few smaller spaces uncalled for, and all the out parcels are still unclaimed at this point. Honestly they only thing mentioned so far that my family will likely visit is Ulta. Apparently (wife conveying to me) there is a rather limited selection for cosmetics in Bartlesville. This should help I assume.

There were rumors of an Academy Sports coming. The plans I saw for it actually had it located in what is called Phase II in the plan below. That is what had people particularly excited about this one. Here's hoping I guess.

It will be located right next to Lowe's, which when constructed was in the flood plain. But creative engineering has eliminated the threat. There is a huge traffic count at this intersection as it is a main thoroughfare to get downtown from the east side and south of town. Lowe's is ALWAYS busy even more so when compared to other stores I have been to in Tulsa and Owasso.

(http://gbtrealty.com/resources/cache/tn-cropped-600-269-project_5773e4267621e.jpg)

This was the original master plan I had seen including park space, apartments, pond and Phase II.

(http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/storyimage/OK/20160224/NEWS/302249993/AR/0/AR-302249993.jpg)

For some perspective, relationship to downtown.

(http://bartlesvilleradio.com/caffeine/uploads/files/News/News%20Pics/2015/silverlakje%20village.JPG)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - The Mercantile
Post by: erfalf on September 15, 2016, 05:56:55 am
So I know from comments on this forum that at least a few of you are aware that local food celeb Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman is opening up a Mercantile in Pawhuska (I know this is not Bartlesville but there is a tie in later). Apparently the tentative opening date has been pushed back to mid-October. But that it really shouldn't be pushed back any further. We'll see I guess.

In related news, apparently Ms. Drummond has her eyes on some other projects as well. She recently purchased an old small office complex at the north east corner of Highway 75 and Price Road in Bartlesville. Rumor is that she will be tearing them down (they have recently been hastily vacated) to construct a new cafe/bakery concept that is potentially going to be rolled out in several other Northeast Oklahoma cities/towns. Hints that she is partnering with a local coffee producer.

Also rumbling that she has purchased another really old building in Pawhuska with plans for a steak house.

We shall see. I figure opening dates are being set sometime around Summer of 2020 if past is precedent.

In other news, ConocoPhillips just laid off 90 more people as part of it's previously announced company wide layoffs. It kind of stinks for all involved, but I understand there was probably some fat to be shed anyway. The sad thing is, those people being let go won't be able to find another job in Bartlesville as nothing comes close to paying the inflated salaries they offer. They sure pay people a lot to know how to do one thing.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - The Mercantile
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 15, 2016, 07:07:46 am
So I know from comments on this forum that at least a few of you are aware that local food celeb Ree Drummond aka The Pioneer Woman is opening up a Mercantile in Pawhuska (I know this is not Bartlesville but there is a tie in later). Apparently the tentative opening date has been pushed back to mid-October. But that it really shouldn't be pushed back any further. We'll see I guess.



We drive by there on a comparatively frequent basis to go see the Tallgrass Prairie.  Have been watching the "progress" in that old building for a couple years now.  Soooo slow!!  For all the hype and wait it had better be pretty darn good food!!  We have friends literally from CA to NC and north to south who watch her show and are really excited about the place....not sure why, since most will never come here to visit.  They have asked us if we are near the place.... the Left and right coasters have the "flyover" imprint and are amazed when we tell them Oklahoma really isn't just 37 miles wide.... But yeah, we are a very reasonable drive away from the prairie - as is anyone in Tulsa!  And Bartlesville is even closer!!

And there is also Woolaroc!!  A whole other destination event!!









Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on September 15, 2016, 07:50:44 am
I had business up in B’Ville on Tuesday which brought me through downtown.  I’m very impressed with how vibrant the DT area is along FP Blvd. during daytime hours.  Are there quite a few smaller offices in the old buildings which is why I’m seeing so many cars parked in front of the buildings?  It seemed inconceivable that was all retail traffic at 10am and too early for the lunch crowd.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 15, 2016, 08:22:43 am
I had business up in B’Ville on Tuesday which brought me through downtown.  I’m very impressed with how vibrant the DT area is along FP Blvd. during daytime hours.  Are there quite a few smaller offices in the old buildings which is why I’m seeing so many cars parked in front of the buildings?  It seemed inconceivable that was all retail traffic at 10am and too early for the lunch crowd.

Supposed to be one hour parking. I'm not sure what keeps the parking that full. Shops are barely open at 10:00. And it is really mostly retail/restaurant along Frank Phillips. Most of the offices (that aren't COP) are centered around 5th & Johnstone and 4th and Dewey with dedicated parking for all. Although there are a few buildings along Frank Phillips that would be considered office (open at 8 or 9). Knightsbridge, Kane Cattle Co., ITIO, Arvest, Benefits something arather, and a few insurance agents all office on that strip, mostly upstairs in the commercial buildings. Only a couple are residential. I imagine most of the parking on the west end are COP employees gaming the system. The block between Keeler & Johnstone is almost always the busiest street parking area of downtown.

It is nice that nearly every storefront facing Frank Phillips is occupied at any given time. Rarely are there vacancies (except for the ugly former Voice of the Martyrs HQ that is perpetually vacant). If we could just rid ourselves of the pay day loan shops.

And yes, night time is pretty dead. Consider the demographics though. It's not surprising. But not all that disappointing to me either. The restaurants stay busy at night, which is pretty similar to most urban areas. Do many retail shops stay open past six in downtown Tulsa?


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on September 16, 2016, 06:29:09 am
So your vary own Tulsa World has corrected me. Looks like a Halloween opening at the Mercantile.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on September 16, 2016, 08:17:26 am
So your vary own Tulsa World has corrected me. Looks like a Halloween opening at the Mercantile.


I am expecting some good food from the place.   She copies a lot of recipes from other places, but she does put them together well on the show.  If she sticks with the way she works on the show, it should be worth the trip.



http://thepioneerwoman.com/the-mercantile/


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on October 08, 2016, 08:45:28 am
Do let me know. I expect to visit soon as my family passes through there every 5 or 6 weeks or so. As often as we go I'm always surprised we never stop at Bad Brads any more than we do. Except we are often going through on Sunday so that may be part of it.

Rumor (not really so much any more) is that she is building a new concept at Highway 75 and Price Road on the south side of Bartlesville. Heard several others were in the works around Tulsa as well of the same concept (bakery/cafe type). I've heard Bixby and Broken Arrow mentioned. My guess is, this gets off the ground infinitely faster than the Mercantile as it will be new construction. They have already purchased the land, moved the old tenants out of the old office building that was there in preparation to demolish it. These two buildings being town down is a net gain for the city (even if a new one wasn't going to be constructed).


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on October 10, 2016, 09:17:37 am
Do let me know. I expect to visit soon as my family passes through there every 5 or 6 weeks or so. As often as we go I'm always surprised we never stop at Bad Brads any more than we do. Except we are often going through on Sunday so that may be part of it.

Rumor (not really so much any more) is that she is building a new concept at Highway 75 and Price Road on the south side of Bartlesville. Heard several others were in the works around Tulsa as well of the same concept (bakery/cafe type). I've heard Bixby and Broken Arrow mentioned. My guess is, this gets off the ground infinitely faster than the Mercantile as it will be new construction. They have already purchased the land, moved the old tenants out of the old office building that was there in preparation to demolish it. These two buildings being town down is a net gain for the city (even if a new one wasn't going to be constructed).


Will let you know if they ever do open it....  Have only been through town 4 or 5 times this year.  Usually we go by about once a month - other stuff has interfered.

We used to go to Bad Brad's quite a bit, since our traffic pattern usually put us there on Sat.  Haven't been in a couple years now - just got kinda boring....nothing exceptional about it - just pretty good food - and Smokies Hickory House in Broken Arrow has kinda filled the barbeque void for us.  Reading this again, it sounds like we cover a lot of ground - I guess we do.  Restless feet syndrome.

I did get some really good pictures of bison a couple weeks ago at the Prairie, though, so there is that....





Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on March 02, 2017, 12:37:04 pm
Well, it's been a while. Got the nice little "it's been at least 120 days" warning and everything.

Gonna keep this short this time.

Eastland Shopping Center is a 1950s/60s open air shopping center with a handful of big box shops and small retail mixed in. With the construction of Washington Park Mall to the south in the late 80's it has fallen on hard times. It continued recently with the departure of Atwoods to a new store on the south end of town. Word is now however that Chick-fil-A will be constructing a new store in the parking lot close to HW 75, and that Hobby Lobby has shown an interest in moving from the back of the shopping center up to where Atwoods was. This is a much bigger space than Hobby Lobby currently occupies. Also word that the owners are planning on updating the whole center. It's located at the busiest section of Highway 75 in the city. Seems like something could work there. But most of the area was developed decades ago, so things like K-Mart, Stage (also closing shortly), and Twin Screen Theaters (now a church) are out of favor now a days. My dream is for them to close K-Mart (a foregone conclusion in my mind) and for Reasor's to open it's first store in Bartlesville. They would kill it. I understand from some local Wal-Mart employees that the store in Bartlesville is the highest performing one in the state. It makes sense, there is no competition for literally 50 miles in any direction. Here's hoping I guess.

Speaking of that stretch of HW 75, one direction is currently torn down to replace the bridge. Traffic was pretty snarly before, it's fantastic now (sarc), and appears to be under construction FOREVER! I now can sympathize on a local level with Tulsa construction, even if it is on a much smaller scale.

The 2 Braum's locations in town look like they may be converting to the "new format" sometime soon, with the one on Adams/75 slated to be demolished soon. Also welcome in my mind, as a family with small kids that buys milk ONLY from Braum's.

The Johnstone Paviliion is completed, outside of some new sidewalks and paths. It at the very least offers a much better, inviting structure to be the face of the park, no matter how disjointed it really is. Before it was just an empty lot where a string of dilapidated houses and the original Right Way Hotel was.

(http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/storyimage/OK/20161216/NEWS/161219532/AR/0/AR-161219532.jpg)

I've also got wind that the football stadium is going to be improved upon. They have already started work on several project in the area including new track surfacing and new tennis complex. All I can say is it is about time.

Downtown wise not much significant is going on. The police fire station complex is all but complete with moving in slated for this month for both. Businesses keep opening at a steady pace. Store fronts are renovated nicely. All of these while small and not very spectacular are leading to a much more cohesive area. For example, a chocolate shop/gelato store (Omega) has opened on Frank Phillips. It is now on the same block as 3 restaurants that are open in the evenings. I was speaking with the workers there and they were relating to me how busy it can get around supper time. Very good to here.



Considering all the head chopping going on at a certain O&G company, it's pretty impressive that any progress has been made.

Oh, and hosting the GAC Conference Championship again this year. March 2-5 @ Bruin Fieldhouse.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on March 02, 2017, 12:50:37 pm
Guess we are gonna have to drive through B'ville soon...lots of stuff going on.

Braum's - big favorite, too!  Highland is also very good, and is available as Great Value at Wally World - check the plant number on the Highland carton, then see if same on GV...if so, you get Highland.  Still usually a little higher than Braum's around here...




Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: saintnicster on March 02, 2017, 01:28:42 pm
Eastland Shopping Center is a 1950s/60s open air shopping center with a handful of big box shops and small retail mixed in. With the construction of Washington Park Mall to the south in the late 80's it has fallen on hard times. It continued recently with the departure of Atwoods to a new store on the south end of town. Word is now however that Chick-fil-A will be constructing a new store in the parking lot close to HW 75, and that Hobby Lobby has shown an interest in moving from the back of the shopping center up to where Atwoods was. This is a much bigger space than Hobby Lobby currently occupies. Also word that the owners are planning on updating the whole center. It's located at the busiest section of Highway 75 in the city. Seems like something could work there. But most of the area was developed decades ago, so things like K-Mart, Stage (also closing shortly), and Twin Screen Theaters (now a church) are out of favor now a days. My dream is for them to close K-Mart (a foregone conclusion in my mind) and for Reasor's to open it's first store in Bartlesville. They would kill it. I understand from some local Wal-Mart employees that the store in Bartlesville is the highest performing one in the state. It makes sense, there is no competition for literally 50 miles in any direction. Here's hoping I guess.

Noticed Tuesday or Wednesday that they were tearing down some stuff in this area.   A lower jut-out space connected to the old Atwoods.

Speaking of that stretch of HW 75, one direction is currently torn down to replace the bridge. Traffic was pretty snarly before, it's fantastic now (sarc), and appears to be under construction FOREVER! I now can sympathize on a local level with Tulsa construction, even if it is on a much smaller scale.
  It's been under active construction for like 2 weeks now, maybe 3? Gov't page is showing 180 days http://www.cityofbartlesville.org/city-government/communicationsmedia-relations/news-announcements/


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Hoss on March 02, 2017, 03:09:07 pm
I won't have near as much reason now to drive through B'Ville now that Oklahoma retailers offer New Belgium Brewery products (Fat Tire and others).  However, it will be difficult to stay away from Murphy's.  My doctor probably wishes I would forever.   8)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north
Post by: Conan71 on March 03, 2017, 12:05:07 am
I won't have near as much reason now to drive through B'Ville now that Oklahoma retailers offer New Belgium Brewery products (Fat Tire and others).  However, it will be difficult to stay away from Murphy's.  My doctor probably wishes I would forever.   8)

The roll out of New Belgium seems very under-reported in the Tulsa media.  Seems a bit odd.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on March 21, 2017, 01:49:33 pm
Well, speaking of nothing going on...  :P

Last week apparently it has been found out that another old building here is going to be converted into a bar & grill. The permit is for 6,000 s.f. of space that will include two full-service bars, an event room big enough to accommodate 100,  a board meeting room for up to 15, an elevator and a retail counter for carry-out service. The building was constructed in 1912 and served as a grocer until 1919. It has come to be known as the Perkins Glass & Millwork building after longtime cabinet maker and millworker Adrin Perkins. Until recently the building had an incredibly ugly cover over it. Recently it has been removed (thankfully). Some pictures below (historic/with cover/current state).

From the former gas station across the street that now is Sound Station:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4032/4490400410_244d6c2f71_b.jpg)

Prior to the cover being removed:
https://goo.gl/maps/Jbwt6sEfeqy

Current state:
https://goo.gl/maps/AAuFnoy7xSQ2


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: saintnicster on July 11, 2017, 07:12:08 am
Construction on that bridge at US-75, near Frank Phillips
Speaking of that stretch of HW 75, one direction is currently torn down to replace the bridge. Traffic was pretty snarly before, it's fantastic now (sarc), and appears to be under construction FOREVER! I now can sympathize on a local level with Tulsa construction, even if it is on a much smaller scale.

I know those of you were chomping at the bit, but driving in this morning, noticed that all four lanes were opened back up on this US-75 bridge. May have opened up yesterday afternoon, but I don't leave via that route.  There are still some cones on the side, but looks like they may have come in ahead of schedule? :)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on July 11, 2017, 01:06:34 pm
Construction on that bridge at US-75, near Frank Phillips
I know those of you were chomping at the bit, but driving in this morning, noticed that all four lanes were opened back up on this US-75 bridge. May have opened up yesterday afternoon, but I don't leave via that route.  There are still some cones on the side, but looks like they may have come in ahead of schedule? :)

It was closed off on my way home yesterday but open this morning. Hallelujah!


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 11, 2017, 01:21:21 pm
Was going to say the same. Closed yesterday on my way home when I crossed at Frank Phillips. Idiot drivers parked in the middle of the intersection. Us small town folks apparently don't understand how to deal with traffic.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 11, 2017, 01:24:46 pm
https://www.facebook.com/josh.wright.fix/videos/10155585364550513/

Saw this in regards to the recent 4th of July festivities in town. I think this video as well as any other I have seen lately paints Bartlesville in a really beautiful light.

While Bartlesville isn't my hometown, it has been my home nearly continuously since college. I honestly don't see us moving away from the community at this point (reality is if work dictated it, I probably would, but I wouldn't like it).


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 11, 2017, 01:37:28 pm
Lot's of other stuff going on in town too. Phat Tire Bike Shop is opening a shop in the long vacant Pioneer Building, right next to Curbside Closet. A new Virtual Reality gaming shop has opened a few doors down from The Painted Horse. Hopestone moved down Frank Phillips into the much larger Kress Building. I thought I saw a sign for a burger somethingarather where Sugerica used to be on Osage. Kid's Korner (toy store) moved out of the ITIO past the Painted Horse as well. The single block between Keeler and Johnstone now has an insurance office, an art gallery, a toy store, VR gaming, three restaurants and a chocolate/gelato shop.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on July 11, 2017, 06:10:29 pm
Lot's of other stuff going on in town too. Phat Tire Bike Shop is opening a shop in the long vacant Pioneer Building, right next to Curbside Closet. A new Virtual Reality gaming shop has opened a few doors down from The Painted Horse. Hopestone moved down Frank Phillips into the much larger Kress Building. I thought I saw a sign for a burger somethingarather where Sugerica used to be on Osage. Kid's Korner (toy store) moved out of the ITIO past the Painted Horse as well. The single block between Keeler and Johnstone now has an insurance office, an art gallery, a toy store, VR gaming, three restaurants and a chocolate/gelato shop.

I’m rather surprised Bartlesville did not have a bicycle shop prior to this (at least I’m not aware of one).  It seems like the perfect community for one and the population numbers are there as well as demographics for people who would be willing to spend a bit more on a bicycle than what Wal-Mart has to offer.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 11, 2017, 08:09:54 pm
I’m rather surprised Bartlesville did not have a bicycle shop prior to this (at least I’m not aware of one).  It seems like the perfect community for one and the population numbers are there as well as demographics for people who would be willing to spend a bit more on a bicycle than what Wal-Mart has to offer.



Used to have a local one (Phat Tire is not local) out on 75 & Tuxedo about 5 years ago. Can't remember the name. But as things go in a small town, when the owner retires, so does the business. Sweet P's downtown, a staple before it was hip to be down there is closing down soon. Business was fine, owner is just aging and wants to enjoy her twilight years. Apparently no one wants the business, so it closes.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on July 12, 2017, 04:12:50 pm
Used to have a local one (Phat Tire is not local) out on 75 & Tuxedo about 5 years ago. Can't remember the name. But as things go in a small town, when the owner retires, so does the business. Sweet P's downtown, a staple before it was hip to be down there is closing down soon. Business was fine, owner is just aging and wants to enjoy her twilight years. Apparently no one wants the business, so it closes.

Phat Tire has been pretty aggressive on expansion.  My first exposure to them was in Bentonville where they are headquartered.  I took it they approached the former owner of Lee’s and the Trek Store in Tulsa out of the blue with an interest in buying him out. 

I’m not entirely clear on who the major backer is (ahem, “Bentonville”, **cough**), but with eight shops open and one more coming, that doesn’t happen based on the success of the original store alone;  that takes serious capital.  The bike business is, relatively-speaking, low margin and very cost intensive to have the accessory and parts replacement inventory on hand that you need on a daily basis.  There’s also very intense competition from the internet.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 21, 2017, 08:39:38 am
It appears the Hollywood may be invading again.

http://variety.com/2017/film/news/martin-scorsese-development-killers-of-the-flower-moon-dante-ferretti-1202495680/

Who knew Osage county would be the epicenter of Hollywood movie making in this state? Though I will say personally it is some of the most beautiful scenery around.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 21, 2017, 08:56:31 am
And in non-downtown development...

Silver Lake Village appears poised to open by the holiday. Word is bats are holding up a bit of the construction at the moment. Apparently they are protected in Oklahoma and even more so in the warm summer months. Again, who knew.

The completion of this development coincides with some major closings, none of which were a surprise to me. Sears (a real one not a neighborhood store), K-Mart & Stage Department store have all closed or are closing shortly. As has been discussed on this board, large footprint department stores appear to be a dying bread. And the news of Sears marketing Kenmore on Amazon pretty much negates any negative impact to the actual consumer in this area. Sears really should just focus on that brand and just forget all pretense of being a department store, because I would venture a guess that north of 75% of the business at this store was for Kenmore or Craftsman products. The options at Silver Lake Village (which I believe will include a TJ Maxx, Ross, Rack Room Shoes and Ulta) should more than make up for the losses of these three large stores.

Phase 2 @ Silver Lake is being held up by our favorite thorn in our side who has brought up a lawsuit claiming it some environmental harm or something. Phase 2 is expected to be a stand alone Academy Sports.

In other parts of town, Chick-fil-A will be building its first store in town in Eastland, where the outdoor part of Atwoods used to be. Supposedly Hobby Lobby will be relocating to the old Atwoods space, which is much closer to the front of the shopping center, and much larger than where they are currently at. Eastland is attempting to make some updates to make the center not look so dated, which it is, and very much looks like it is.

Just south of Wal-Mart, next to My Dentist, another chicken place will be going in, Chicken Express. Personally I have never been, but apparently there is one on South Memorial. I don't venture down that way often (ever) so I'm sure I have missed it.

As mentioned above, Sears closed. However recently it has been announced that Dunham's Sports will be taking over in that space.

Ree & Ladd Drummond own land @ the Northeast corner of 75 & Washington. Previous offices have been demolished and it has been sitting since. Rumors are that it will be a cafe of sorts.

And finally, Casey's General Store looks to be building it's second store in Bartlesville exactly one mile from the first at Madison & Adams (this one will be 1 mile south @ Madison & Nowata).

I've lived here for over 10 years now, and honestly don't recall a time where I have seen this much activity going on at once. And this all with a new round of layoffs and constant fear of one of the big 2 pulling out all together.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on July 21, 2017, 09:04:24 am
And in non-downtown development...

Silver Lake Village appears poised to open by the holiday. Word is bats are holding up a bit of the construction at the moment. Apparently they are protected in Oklahoma and even more so in the warm summer months. Again, who knew.


 ??? ??? ???

(http://whatproswear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/louisville-slugger-bats1.jpg)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 21, 2017, 09:24:55 am
My thoughts, but coincidentally, my office is also having bat issues. The building is 100 years old and obviously is not perfectly sealed. During a few months in the summer, apparently it is illegal to forcibly remove them. Like we have a net for just such an occasion. But this is illegal. The only thing we can do is induce them to leave. Now, once September rolls around...

It's ludicrous I know.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on July 21, 2017, 09:57:30 am
??? ??? ???

(http://whatproswear.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/louisville-slugger-bats1.jpg)



If you haven't been there, the factory and museum is a pretty great visit.


https://www.sluggermuseum.com/explore-the-museum




Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 21, 2017, 10:16:35 am


If you haven't been there, the factory and museum is a pretty great visit.


https://www.sluggermuseum.com/explore-the-museum




My parents have just been. They were at a convention for something else in Louisville. Hit that and Churchill. Kind of bucket list caliber things for them.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on July 21, 2017, 11:39:39 am
My parents have just been. They were at a convention for something else in Louisville. Hit that and Churchill. Kind of bucket list caliber things for them.



Went to Mid-America Truck show a few years ago and had a blast!  Got to do the museum, see the racetrack, and LOTS of big trucks!!  And lots of family...just to the north and south of there.
Louisville is good place to visit.


https://www.truckingshow.com/



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on July 23, 2017, 10:53:15 am
^^^

I just love the thread drift on this site.

And in a time-honored TNF tradition to invoke a certain local brewery, one of the brewers from Marshall’s is currently staying at our Blue Dragonfly Inn out here in Cimarron for a few nights.

There just might be a growler or two of Tulsa brewed goodness in my refrigerator as well.  8)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on July 25, 2017, 07:16:33 am
^^^

I just love the thread drift on this site.

And in a time-honored TNF tradition to invoke a certain local brewery, one of the brewers from Marshall’s is currently staying at our Blue Dragonfly Inn out here in Cimarron for a few nights.

There just might be a growler or two of Tulsa brewed goodness in my refrigerator as well.  8)


I figure it's his topic, so if he wants to drift it, I am all for it and will follow happily along! 

Envy!  Marshall's growlers...



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on August 09, 2017, 01:50:46 pm
So more news from the North.

It seems Academy Sports is out as a pending lawsuit about the marshland or whatever pushed back the date they were able to sign the lease, which gave them an out per their contract which they took. Honestly, I've heard the company (as well as many other big box stores) has hit a bit of a rough patch, and this may have been a blessing in disguise for them. However, they were the planned anchor of phase 2 of the project that has yet to begin construction, so that means construction will be put on hold until they are replaced, which probably means never.

In phase 1, they are entertaining an application from Panda Express to occupy one of the pad sites along Adams Blvd. Will be the first of those in town if that comes to fruition.

It appears the Frank Phillips Home (museum) has escaped the wrecking ball. Honestly I don't know if it would really come to that as I'm sure a wall of concerned citizens would have nailed themselves to that home to stop it. The Oklahoma Historical Society is currently operating the site, however funds have dried up (as has been documented regarding the state budget process). According to the contract, if OHS could not maintain it, the property was to be deeded to the city. However the city doesn't really have the funds or the know how to maintain such a facility. So it was floated that the Frank Phillips Foundation operate it. The FPF operates Woolaroc. Some legal hold ups kept it from being done quicker, but it appears that alls well that ends well when it comes to this historical home.

Domino's will be opening a "Pizza Theater" type store on the north end of HW 75 @ Tuxedo.

Paths to Independence moved to a previously vacant elementary school. Great improvement over their previous space. In case you don't know, this place is a school for autistic children. Apparently there aren't a whole lot like it around here.

Moxie on Second opened downtown. Primarily a spirit shop for the local school and OU/OSU/Tulsa. As well as other gift store stuff.

I'm sure there is more, but I just can't think of much else right now.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on August 09, 2017, 04:00:27 pm
So more news from the North.

It seems Academy Sports is out as a pending lawsuit about the marshland or whatever pushed back the date they were able to sign the lease, which gave them an out per their contract which they took. Honestly, I've heard the company (as well as many other big box stores) has hit a bit of a rough patch, and this may have been a blessing in disguise for them. However, they were the planned anchor of phase 2 of the project that has yet to begin construction, so that means construction will be put on hold until they are replaced, which probably means never.

In phase 1, they are entertaining an application from Panda Express to occupy one of the pad sites along Adams Blvd. Will be the first of those in town if that comes to fruition.

It appears the Frank Phillips Home (museum) has escaped the wrecking ball. Honestly I don't know if it would really come to that as I'm sure a wall of concerned citizens would have nailed themselves to that home to stop it. The Oklahoma Historical Society is currently operating the site, however funds have dried up (as has been documented regarding the state budget process). According to the contract, if OHS could not maintain it, the property was to be deeded to the city. However the city doesn't really have the funds or the know how to maintain such a facility. So it was floated that the Frank Phillips Foundation operate it. The FPF operates Woolaroc. Some legal hold ups kept it from being done quicker, but it appears that alls well that ends well when it comes to this historical home.

Domino's will be opening a "Pizza Theater" type store on the north end of HW 75 @ Tuxedo.

Paths to Independence moved to a previously vacant elementary school. Great improvement over their previous space. In case you don't know, this place is a school for autistic children. Apparently there aren't a whole lot like it around here.

Moxie on Second opened downtown. Primarily a spirit shop for the local school and OU/OSU/Tulsa. As well as other gift store stuff.

I'm sure there is more, but I just can't think of much else right now.



Academy does seem to be wandering in the wilderness a little bit.   I go to the one on 71st in Tulsa and the one in Moore, OK (fairly new one) from time to time and they both are noticeably less busy in the last year or so than previously.  Not a time of day thing, either, cause I tend to go at same time to each respective store.   



They are cutting back on what they inventory in the stores - same as everyone - and hoping for online to take up the slack.  I want to do the opposite - check it out online, then go pick it up at the store.




Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on August 31, 2017, 12:33:26 pm
Wal-Mart is apparently consolidating some positions in Arkansas. Claims Management has been in the old Walmart here as long as I have been in town. In fact, I thought they also used to have a collections group. But that may have left long ago. I only think that because an old friend claims to have worked there doing it. I doubt these were particularly high paying positions, but losses are losses none the less. With the distribution center, Wal-Mart still employs quite a few Bartians.

http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/news/20170831/walmart-to-close-bartlesville-claims-management-center


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on August 31, 2017, 12:53:17 pm
In other less depressing, but strange, news, Bartlesville is now home to a "tiny-house" village.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21150317_1899508033631887_2864191664432487326_n.jpg?oh=9aec92d1776c38f123c291590b733b7f&oe=5A213075)
(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/21191873_1899508030298554_4362073752187099426_n.jpg?oh=52f675d146c84e606c6a0cab351ad285&oe=5A5CEC4C)

They have had a temporary one up accross from the new downtown Sonic for a few months now, and it is REALLY tiny. It's on the west side, which is a bit of an industrial area, but it is right down the street from Boys & Girls Clubs new campus & Frontier Pool. Who knows how this will turn out.

Elsewhere, several stores are nearing opening in the Silverlake Crossing (or whatever it's called). Footings are being laid for Chick-fil-A in Eastland.

Rumor is that Planet Fitness will be opening in the former Stage location in Eastland Plaza. Hopefully the face lift comes to fruition. Coupled with the addition of a few fresher stores, Eastland actually is decently located in front of the most highly trafficed intersection in town. I think a lot of retailers still value car counts.

Downtown, Lulbella's is moving to a bigger space and making space for added vendors, local I am guessing. They will be moving next door to the recently opened Moxie on 2nd. This is really nice to hear since the last I recalled hearing was that many of the retail shops downtown had been struggling, coincident with the layoffs going on at the company-who-must-not-be-named.

When I moved here in '06, that block consisted of a bunch of empty buildings book ended by Tate Boys Auto on the west and Bartlesville Print Shop on the east. Fast forward to today, and in addition to those two anchors Bartlesville Ballet, Mid-America Karate, Moxie on Second and now Lubella's have all moved in. In addition several of the second floor spaces have either already been updated for residential, or are in the process of (Print Shop building). Nice to see for sure.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on August 31, 2017, 01:58:24 pm

In other less depressing, but strange, news, Bartlesville is now home to a "tiny-house" village.



That might make more sense than the regular tiny houses.   Configuration is different, but the basic house is similar to first one I had on Admiral.  My next one is gonna be 2 bedroom again, but I will probably have a little bit larger kitchen, and definitely 2 bathrooms!   Other than that, it don't look too bad.  Oh, yeah - gonna have a nice wide porch front and back.  So if ya took one of those, put the entry on the side instead of the end, just about there.



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on October 24, 2017, 07:06:52 am
A few more updates:

Shortie's Grille has been around for some time as a food truck. The still operate the truck to my knowledge, but they openned up a brick and mortar on Frank Phillips, right next to the Painted Horse. I've been several times. Good food, love the street tacos and elote. No complaints. But it always seemed to be a bit slow, service and crowd. Well, they have decided to move a few blocks down into a garage behind the Pioneer Building on Dewey. Kind of an interesting idea. Open air from what I can tell. Probably primarily open at lunch time. Access will be through an alley, so I guess we will see how that goes. Awesome way for the landlord to get some rent out of that more or less useless space. It is basically a three car garage behind a three story commercial building. Phat Tire just moved in recently in the main street level space. Pretty cool. I'll go for sure.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22491819_2123230084563239_4323071609551139864_n.jpg?oh=9be81b6e81f30ba7638ed7da26a0e212&oe=5A76F7BD)

Apparently Omega Chocolats has been hocking STG gelato. No complaints here...
(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22519193_1374845182628353_6827713369375009461_n.jpg?oh=b2132d829973f6a1da784030d7e16453&oe=5A63C008)

This guy is getting a remodel. Long time home to TECO appliance (recently closed) is getting a complete overhaul. Returning the upstairs to a few dozen apparments, and rehabbed commercial space downstairs. This building is a neighbor to my office so it's nice to see this happening, no matter how slowly it is likely to happen.
(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22491962_1916476301935060_3219203640638299484_n.jpg?oh=0a82acb53f3c2c0a5a960763030f6de3&oe=5A61A726)

Another neighbor project, Tinker's Glass House. Looks like a much more serious, better financed project than the TECO building. Hopefully the restaurant turns out well. Exciting to see the edges of the Capitol Hill neighborhood starting to get some face lifts.
(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/21167972_1899546766961347_1930021271114608275_o.jpg?oh=e21baa82e0a637d42e5f2a138554ac4d&oe=5A747D43)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on December 04, 2017, 12:34:01 pm
So apparently Bartlesville has caught up with the times again and installed a temporary ice skating rink. Haven't been yet.

The picture is way too big to post here (not sure if I can resize), here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownBartlesville/photos/a.745133415524667.1073741831.311443725560307/1481824555188879/?type=3


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on December 05, 2017, 10:32:03 pm
So apparently Bartlesville has caught up with the times again and installed a temporary ice skating rink. Haven't been yet.

The picture is way too big to post here (not sure if I can resize), here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/DowntownBartlesville/photos/a.745133415524667.1073741831.311443725560307/1481824555188879/?type=3


Seems like something every southern town has to have.... Broken Arrow has one, too.  Driving through a couple weeks ago, stopped and looked.  $12 to skate and rent skates!!  $8 if you have your own skates.   Guess I will pass on that broken bone opportunity...   How much does B'ville charge?



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on December 05, 2017, 11:01:45 pm

Seems like something every southern town has to have.... Broken Arrow has one, too.  Driving through a couple weeks ago, stopped and looked.  $12 to skate and rent skates!!  $8 if you have your own skates.   Guess I will pass on that broken bone opportunity...   How much does B'ville charge?



$10 with skates, and you get a coupon book for local businesses I believe. I don't see a price if you have your own skates. I haven't been, and honestly don't know that I will make it this year because of many other commitments we have going on. Life has been crazy lately.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on December 07, 2017, 03:56:37 pm
Casa Tamales on Tuxedo is closing in a couple of weeks.

I thought I remember erfalf mentioning it was one of his favorite spots.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on December 07, 2017, 04:31:34 pm
Casa Tamales on Tuxedo is closing in a couple of weeks.

I thought I remember erfalf mentioning it was one of his favorite spots.

For real, I was just there a week or so ago and had no idea. I do like going to that place, just wish it was more convenient to where I work and live.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on March 22, 2018, 01:59:00 pm
I know there are probably other things going on in town. Businesses opening and such, but I just wanted to touch on the recent Bond election that saw all measures pass for park improvements.

The 2018 G.O. Bond Election will include the following projects:

Price Fields Phase 3 (Quad Configuation) - $3.6 mil - adding 4 new fields and parking I believe. There has been a lot of work on this area. It's the cities megaplex of baseball diamonds. It was pretty sad looking not more than 10 years ago. This should make it to where you couldn't tell if you were in Owasso/Bixby/Jenks (any Tulsa uppity suburb) or Bartlesville.

Price Tower Green - $1.75 mil - This is actually rather ambitous, but does involve closing down a street. While a good urban planner would be against that sort of thing I would think, I really don't see this being all that big of a deal. In this part of town, I would guess this street probably gets on the order of a dozen cars passing down it a day. Silas St/5th Street dead ends anyway at the tracks and at Shawnee where the street grids mismatch. Hopefully this will help get this area utilized a bit more.

(http://www.examiner-enterprise.com/storyimage/OK/20180225/NEWS/180229710/AR/0/AR-180229710.jpg)

Multiple Street Rehab Projects, the most significant of which are some downtown streets.

Some other items included are lighting for soccer fields, pathfinder parkway rehab, Veteran's Park Playground and Memorial, Splash Pad @ JOhnstone Park, among other improvements to parks around town.

Also plans for an improved entry to Kiddie Park.

(http://www.cityofbartlesville.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Kiddie-Park.jpg)

vs the current entrance...
https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7547499,-95.9732034,3a,75y,249.37h,86.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBoZmrLCc-xMbCXCxcYj6Xw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7547499,-95.9732034,3a,75y,249.37h,86.8t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sBoZmrLCc-xMbCXCxcYj6Xw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)

Also in town, the Boys & Girls club completed their move to their new facility at the beginning of the year. Plans for an athletic field are in the works too apparently.
https://sites.google.com/a/bps-ok.org/website/home/news/boysgirlsclubclosed127to13forbigmove  (https://sites.google.com/a/bps-ok.org/website/home/news/boysgirlsclubclosed127to13forbigmove)

(https://sites.google.com/a/bps-ok.org/website/_/rsrc/1510774814021/home/news/boysgirlsclubclosed127to13forbigmove/23031195_10155814671042418_7867776194751949197_n.jpg)

Interestingly the Cal Ripken, Sr. foundation played a part in the design and construction of this playing surface.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: shavethewhales on March 23, 2018, 09:24:15 am
Man I can't believe how much stuff has gone on in Bartlesville in the years since I have left. Did they have a complete change-over in leadership, or what? We just didn't see this kind of stuff in the two decades I was growing up there.

Seems like its always a few movers and shakers behind the scenes that really make the important stuff happen. Even with the upheaval in bartlesville's core industries they are able to pull off so much revitalization.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on March 23, 2018, 09:56:44 am
I don't know so much about a change in leadership. I will say that the current City Council seams far more "progressive" (read willing to spend out money) than previous iterations.

As you probably know, the financial support for non-profits in this community has always been outstanding, similar to Tulsa. So projects like the Boys & Girls club came about due to huge donations, not because of civic projects.

This group of civic projects is one of the more significant I have seen in my time. Most have been just rehabbing what we already had. But in the last five years, we have added a lot of sports fields and park space, even a fishing lake (Lee Lake). And now recently retail has made a huge push, while at the same time things are looking dire at the mall. It's kind of just shuffling the deck chairs around in regards to retail if you ask me.

We've also been dealing with the constant layoff drumbeat at the companies that we shall not name. In addition, several other smaller (but major to Bartlesville) employers have announced layoffs or moving of jobs. Wal-Mart, Siemens, Sitel have all made major announcements with hundreds of employers effected. However, it just seems like someone else always comes into fill the void. As I understand it, nearly all the laid off Wal-Mart employees will be hired by a new company doing literally the same thing Wal-Mart was doing (worker comp claims/benefits I believe).

On the whole I would still say Bartlesville has some positive momentum going at the moment, even with all the job dislocation. More so than I have seen in my 12 years living here.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on March 23, 2018, 11:29:39 am
I'm super excited about the Tower Green. I really think it could be a Guthrie Green type game-changer for downtown Bartlesville.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on March 23, 2018, 11:57:23 am
I'm super excited about the Tower Green. I really think it could be a Guthrie Green type game-changer for downtown Bartlesville.

While I would like to agree, there are some decided differences between the two. Guthrie Green is nearly in the center of the most up and coming area in all of the state. Tower Green...not so much. Outside of event nights, once or twice a month, and church on Sunday, this area is pretty devoid of any activity of any kind. Hopefully that will change. The library is across the street. My pipe dream is that they could someday turn that AT&T building into some sort of Children's museum/Art Museum, and truly make this area the cultural hub of the city. But that's incredibly unlikely. While the Price Tower has a hotel, I believe it's only like 10-15 rooms. Dewey Avenue has the potential to be a focal point for retail, the best secondary street (to Frank Phillips) in downtown anyway. Johnstone has just way too many institutional/office buildings to really get anything going. Who knows, maybe this is the beginning of something cool.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on March 23, 2018, 12:38:20 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Guthrie Green help the Brady District become one of the most up and coming areas in the state?

I'm just excited about the possibilities. I love the fact that the Guthrie Green has become such a great family destination and I think that the Tower Green can be something similar. It may not spur a ton of retail development in the direct vicinity but it looks to be a wonderful addition to our downtown. My hope is that it gets used to its full potential by scheduling regular movie nights/concert nights as well as other activities that have been discussed. 


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TheArtist on March 23, 2018, 06:32:13 pm
Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Guthrie Green help the Brady District become one of the most up and coming areas in the state?

I'm just excited about the possibilities. I love the fact that the Guthrie Green has become such a great family destination and I think that the Tower Green can be something similar. It may not spur a ton of retail development in the direct vicinity but it looks to be a wonderful addition to our downtown. My hope is that it gets used to its full potential by scheduling regular movie nights/concert nights as well as other activities that have been discussed.  


The key to that is the city or some philanthropic entity putting up the time and money to keep the park in good shape and very importantly doing lots of programing and promotion.  Its not the space, its all the other stuff that makes it active that  keeps the people coming.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 20, 2018, 03:43:44 pm
I think I have mentioned this before, but Shortie's Food Truck had previously openned a fixed location on Frank Phillips. Last year they announced they were moving into the garage space behind the Pioneer Building on Dewey. Literally you access this place from the alley. I have already been several times (as I am a sucker for their street tacos) and it's actually pretty cool. The food truck is actually the kitchen and they just hand the food to servers through the window. I have never seen anything like this to date, but it seems brilliant. Not sure what kind of codes the building must adhere to or if that would ever be a problem. No kitchen inside though so I figure that has to make things a bit easier.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28167187_1968549660061057_7379690031196258078_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=261ae4c73aa4ba6bee7641e6dee06715&oe=5B6E12AA)

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28166469_1968549736727716_7862582774859003624_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=9e6d787c001c5b0d365d5811db9ca83f&oe=5B660B88)

Also, a new fancy pants coffee house has opened.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/30582356_1994317234150966_2694884425053974074_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=2283b2aaba01bb88600103c474a0eea6&oe=5B5CF0D2)

And the tiny, well little, houses are coming along on the west side.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25442883_1943733849209305_6802215169157564627_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=e431aa54f3dd77bc443d15d32e0a550a&oe=5B61D06A)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: Conan71 on April 20, 2018, 05:40:52 pm
I think I have mentioned this before, but Shortie's Food Truck had previously openned a fixed location on Frank Phillips. Last year they announced they were moving into the garage space behind the Pioneer Building on Dewey. Literally you access this place from the alley. I have already been several times (as I am a sucker for their street tacos) and it's actually pretty cool. The food truck is actually the kitchen and they just hand the food to servers through the window. I have never seen anything like this to date, but it seems brilliant. Not sure what kind of codes the building must adhere to or if that would ever be a problem. No kitchen inside though so I figure that has to make things a bit easier.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28167187_1968549660061057_7379690031196258078_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=261ae4c73aa4ba6bee7641e6dee06715&oe=5B6E12AA)

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/28166469_1968549736727716_7862582774859003624_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=9e6d787c001c5b0d365d5811db9ca83f&oe=5B660B88)

Also, a new fancy pants coffee house has opened.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/30582356_1994317234150966_2694884425053974074_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=2283b2aaba01bb88600103c474a0eea6&oe=5B5CF0D2)

And the tiny, well little, houses are coming along on the west side.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/25442883_1943733849209305_6802215169157564627_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=e431aa54f3dd77bc443d15d32e0a550a&oe=5B61D06A)

Nice stuff going on there in Bartlesville.

A restaurant opened in Mosquero, NM (Population 94) about 90 miles from here in roughly a 2000' square foot open span building.  Instead of a costly kitchen build-out, they brought in a food trailer, re-habbed the bathrooms and brought in a bunch of tables.  It's an all sanitary set up and much cheaper than trying to bring an old building up to sanitary and plumbing codes.  That kind of thinking would help many more businesses in brick districts I'm sure, so long as the buildings are structurally sound.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on April 20, 2018, 08:39:26 pm
At risk of causing you dismay and consternation, that looks very cool and we will get up there as soon as we can!  Also want to see the tiny houses...



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 20, 2018, 08:52:17 pm
At risk of causing you dismay and consternation, that looks very cool and we will get up there as soon as we can!  Also want to see the tiny houses...



I know this may be hard to believe, but I do draw the line and am pleasant to everyone regardless of background (or opinions  ;)).

Are there no little house developments in Tulsa. Not that I'm trying to steer you away, but I am genuinely curious.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on April 21, 2018, 04:38:00 pm
I know this may be hard to believe, but I do draw the line and am pleasant to everyone regardless of background (or opinions  ;)).

Are there no little house developments in Tulsa. Not that I'm trying to steer you away, but I am genuinely curious.


Haven't heard of any.  The realtor/builder/property tax collective is too strong, I think.  Limits to minimum sq ft you can build - not sure about current, but a dozen years ago or so I was asking about it and heard 1,500 sq ft min.  Hearsay so if any knows for sure, would appreciate the input.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on June 13, 2018, 07:15:52 pm
So really REALLY sad news. Yocham's Custom Leather Furniture Store has burned to the ground, literally. Lightning strike caused the blaze in the early hours. Fortunately no one was injured (that I am aware of).

If you have never been before you really missed something really unique in this state. They still hand made saddles and other ranching related leather products. You could walk right in and watch as long as you wanted. I personally couldn't afford any of the big furniture pieces but they are of the utmost quality I am told. My prior employer outfitted their office with furniture from there (they were working a western motif) and it was nice to put it mildly.

(http://static-31.sinclairstoryline.com/resources/media/1c82afeb-21c6-4851-bb71-8b63ee522c3d-fire2.PNG)

(https://cdn.relaymedia.com/i/uVuFR9iwjc_yGjclrsCYYQ/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmediaweb.fox23.com%2Fphoto%2F2018%2F06%2F12%2FVIDEO__Community_helps_clean_up_Yochams__0_11972254_ver1.0_640_360.jpg&w=696&h=392)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on June 13, 2018, 07:31:54 pm
So in happier news, The Johnstone-Sare Building is starting to market the apartments in their building. They admittedly are pretty impressive. They are calling them the Jewel Box Hotel Apartments.

(https://i.imgur.com/ZcabMF3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1AqLFZG.jpg)


There are many more pictures on their Facebook page. Look to easily be the nicest downtown. And in a building that arguably has the most activity with feet of the front door. https://www.facebook.com/JohnstoneSare/

Elsewhere downtown, Boomerang Diner is moving into the former Shortie's spot on Frank Phillips. Simple Simon's Pizza moved into the former Quench-Bud's space in the Rogers State Building (because we needed more pizza downtown). Level 8 VR moved into part of the space where Hopestone Cancer Support center used to be in the Keeler Building. Jay's Automotive moved one block east into the former Oakley dealership garage on Cherokee and 2nd (much better space for them).

And Tinker's Glass House is really coming along (I see it everyday). Really hoping this place does well. It's east of the main part of downtown so traffic moves MUCH faster in front of this place. And there is really no parking. I know in big cities (my example is Michigan Ave in Detroit) you have to park in neighborhoods and this is totally acceptable. But here I'm not so sure it's going to work. My office parking lot is across the street and apparently the owner has been approached about parking. But then you would still have to cross a street that has absolutely no slowing mechanism and terrible sight lines coming from the west where everyone is speeding up around the corner. I hope of all things parking isn't what dooms this place.

Another sad though, longtime lone retail spot downtown Sweet P's closed down. The owner finally decided to retire and obviously didn't have anyone to hand off the business too. This place had been there as long as I have lived here and even expanded next door not that long ago to make space for an expansive high end consignment furniture business.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on June 14, 2018, 08:16:42 am
So really REALLY sad news. Yocham's Custom Leather Furniture Store has burned to the ground, literally. Lightning strike caused the blaze in the early hours. Fortunately no one was injured (that I am aware of).

If you have never been before you really missed something really unique in this state. They still hand made saddles and other ranching related leather products. You could walk right in and watch as long as you wanted. I personally couldn't afford any of the big furniture pieces but they are of the utmost quality I am told. My prior employer outfitted their office with furniture from there (they were working a western motif) and it was nice to put it mildly.




That is sooo sad!!   It was also such a cool looking building!!



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on June 25, 2018, 02:47:04 pm

That is sooo sad!!   It was also such a cool looking building!!



So apparently the people at Yocham's don't mess around. That fire totally gutted the building and they are now looking at an estimated re-opening in July...of 2018.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on July 20, 2018, 02:17:52 pm
Apparently we made USA Today's bucket list for Oklahoma.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/experience/america/fifty-states/2017/06/20/50-state-bucket-list-destinations/103046002/

and one of my new favorite shots of Bartlesville was on the cover of the local monthly...

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/3324e0_3642e4d6620a4ca3ab52af499ee5fe7f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_585,h_783,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/3324e0_3642e4d6620a4ca3ab52af499ee5fe7f~mv2.webp)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on July 23, 2018, 08:13:47 am
Apparently we made USA Today's bucket list for Oklahoma.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/experience/america/fifty-states/2017/06/20/50-state-bucket-list-destinations/103046002/

and one of my new favorite shots of Bartlesville was on the cover of the local monthly...



Whew!  Woolaroc has kicked up the price a lot in last couple years!!   Wonder why they didn't mention the Tallgrass Prairie while they were at it?  It's only a few more miles and get to see a lot more bison!!


Have been to several of those - all good stuff!!



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 05, 2019, 07:15:49 pm
So, been a while (got the nice little warning above, haha).

Figured some updates were due:

So I previously mentioned the Jewel Box Hotel Apartments. Apparently you too can stay in these studio apartments via AirBnB. They go for about $140 a night. I know that’s more than the hotels in the area, but obviously you would be paying for the ambiance. It’s also right above some of the more active restaurants in the evening in town.

Tower Center at Unity Square

Apparently this is the name we are going with. I appreciate the thought but it sure is a mouthful. Ground breaking was a week or so ago. Again, I really REALLY hope they are somehow able to define the area well and it doesn't just turn from a street that barely gets driven on to a park that barely gets used. Architect will be Ambler Architects (http://www.amblerarchitects.com (http://www.amblerarchitects.com)) so at least I am extremely confident it will look good. This firm is also responsible for the Arvest Bank Tower and BancFirst rehab projects that are amazing. More recently they designed the Phillips 66 plaza (just south of the Plaza Building).

(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5b7dd6c5d274cb94251c182d/5b7dd9b921c67cb69747da81/5c7fff649b747a64d9e27491/1551892471161/View+6+website+logo+.jpg)

Tinker's GlassHouse

Looks like I first mentioned this in late 2017. It opened in late 2018. It was well financed and progressed rather quickly considering the dilapidated nature of the building. Today it is quite impressive looking. There are a ton of pictures on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/tinkersglasshouse/ (https://www.facebook.com/tinkersglasshouse/)) showing the transformation.

Unfortunately...... I've heard the experiences to be rather disappointing. I almost went right before Christmas with my work team, however we changed at the last minute and took a trip to Pawhuska.

(http://www.bartlesvilleradio.com/caffeine/uploads/news/glass-house.jpg)

(https://www.tinkersglasshouse.com/images/og/TinkersGlassHouse-OG-Nov2018.jpg)

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/15/88/23/12/photo1jpg.jpg)

Other Rehab Projects:

* Phillips Hotel - complete rehab of interior and updating of entire building.
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/55939445_2216897561892931_2884924889863553024_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=e213c0906dbf738700d32a78188a7b5a&oe=5D3DF4D6)
* Former Sweet P's & Annex - I'm honestly not sure if this is one project or two, but at minimum a private residence is going in the 2nd floor and rear 1st floor of one building, with commercial space along Frank Phillips.
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/47298336_2142343482681673_5281457928828616704_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=b90003e60a8e7c593dacf4413f63b646&oe=5D50599F)
* All the buildings between the County Courthouse and the Annex (3rd & Johnstone) have been taken down for what I presume to be parking (ugh). Most of the businesses closed, but apparently the Rolling Pin (which I love) is staying downtown and moving to a dramatically larger space on 2nd Street (215 E. 2nd).
* Just south of my office it looks like they are slowly renovating some office buildings. Just one done so far where they have removed the thatched roof that went all the way to the ground. It's not as if there was anything historical underneath, they were just ugly (see the photo below where one is done on the right, but untouched on the left).
(https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/51001605_2181353222114032_337450950471974912_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=d8abd79086e4b3bcbb46780b0b37c157&oe=5D08562C)

I'm sure I have missed something.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on April 08, 2019, 06:57:47 am
So, been a while (got the nice little warning above, haha).

Figured some updates were due:



Unfortunately...... I've heard the experiences to be rather disappointing. I almost went right before Christmas with my work team, however we changed at the last minute and took a trip to Pawhuska.



I'm sure I have missed something.


Time for a road trip to see what's going on up there - looks like good things!

Pawhuska....did you go to the Mercantile restaurant by any chance?   Were you able to get in...?

And if yes to those, how was the food??   We have tried 4 times to go and the wait was over 2 hours.  So we went to one of the Mexican places...well, have been to 2 of them...both pretty good.





Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 08, 2019, 12:01:45 pm

Time for a road trip to see what's going on up there - looks like good things!

Pawhuska....did you go to the Mercantile restaurant by any chance?   Were you able to get in...?

And if yes to those, how was the food??   We have tried 4 times to go and the wait was over 2 hours.  So we went to one of the Mexican places...well, have been to 2 of them...both pretty good.


We did go to the Mercantile. It was early in the week a week or so before Christmas, however one of my direct reports was related to someone working there and kind of got us hooked up with a table.

This was my second visit. The food is fantastic. HUGE portions. People travel from all over the country to go. I don't think it is that good. I live close by, so I'll venture over there. They are still somehow able to maintain decent service. I have to figure it is difficult hiring that many people in a town that size. And cooks.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on April 10, 2019, 05:04:56 pm
We did go to the Mercantile. It was early in the week a week or so before Christmas, however one of my direct reports was related to someone working there and kind of got us hooked up with a table.

This was my second visit. The food is fantastic. HUGE portions. People travel from all over the country to go. I don't think it is that good. I live close by, so I'll venture over there. They are still somehow able to maintain decent service. I have to figure it is difficult hiring that many people in a town that size. And cooks.


Not good enough to come from far, far away?   Road trip!!  Don't take much of an excuse...!  Plus, can go see the bison just 15 minutes away...!

Have only heard from one other that I know who has made it in and they said it was pretty good.  The times we went were 2 1/2 hour waits.  Too long for us.  Maybe it has slowed down some now.  Plus, can go during the week now!

I bet she can train chefs.  At least in her way of cooking.  That would have to be a pretty major employer in the area now.  Oil is probably bigger overall, but any one small oil company probably doesn't hire that many total.






Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on April 11, 2019, 07:24:52 pm
Even before the restaurant/mercantile opened, the Drummonds hired a small army to run the ranch.

I would dare say they employ at least 50 or 60 people to run the Merc. Depends on how many are full time. I know a lot "commute" to Pawhuska for work. So the money must be halfway decent or the commute wouldn't be worth it. I would hate to drive that five days a week. Worst stretch of white knuckle road in the northeast part of the state.

I'm not saying it ain't good, it just ain't the greatest. I'm just saying there are probably dozens of restaurants in Tulsa alone that are better. Maybe not with the whole picture type of thing (celebrity/beautiful space/nostalgia/etc), but food wise there are plenty of superior shops in Tulsa.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: heironymouspasparagus on April 13, 2019, 03:31:44 pm
Even before the restaurant/mercantile opened, the Drummonds hired a small army to run the ranch.

I would dare say they employ at least 50 or 60 people to run the Merc. Depends on how many are full time. I know a lot "commute" to Pawhuska for work. So the money must be halfway decent or the commute wouldn't be worth it. I would hate to drive that five days a week. Worst stretch of white knuckle road in the northeast part of the state.

I'm not saying it ain't good, it just ain't the greatest. I'm just saying there are probably dozens of restaurants in Tulsa alone that are better. Maybe not with the whole picture type of thing (celebrity/beautiful space/nostalgia/etc), but food wise there are plenty of superior shops in Tulsa.


It's a BIG ranch! 

We drive up from Skiatook, and that is small, twisty turny road, but nice as a scenic drive.  Would not commute it at all, though.

Will probably try it next chance we get.  Time to go see the bison again, anyway!

Can't be any worse - well, I hope not anyway - than a place we saw on Discover Oklahoma TV show (channel 6, Tulsa).  Mugsy's Grubhouse in Yale, OK.  I knew pretty much what to expect, but we do "road trips" a lot and were kinda bored with the usual destinations, so gave it a try.   It was very bad!  My wife got about half-way sick later that day. The green beans and corn were ok, but all they had to do was open the can and heat...    It's another "El Charro" moment...

The trip to Yale and back was nice - we wandered around on some smaller roads and got to drive through a wildfire event east of Terlton on E5700 Road.

I would strongly recommend that Discover Oklahoma do an incognito fact finding trip before going through all the effort to put somewhere they visit on the show.  They could at least keep from embarrassing themselves by getting trapped into feeling obligated to show the place and provide a recommendation!!   (They can contact me if they would like some help with that - we would do the "secret shopper" thing for them to 'vet' these places, if they need unknown faces.)



Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on April 15, 2019, 08:49:43 am
Tinker's Glasshouse looks fabulous but the food is more miss than hit and the service is pretty spotty too.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on May 13, 2019, 08:38:59 am
New Sign!!!

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/58542828_1362990877175131_2597958316428623872_o.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ht=scontent.ftul1-1.fna&oh=6f7e5ca5838516d53bc7509e82ae430d&oe=5D645D4C)


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on February 21, 2020, 12:46:50 pm
I guess another update is due....

Crossing 2nd - One of the more popular lunch establishments downtown was displaced when the county tore down a row of rather old commercial buildings between the courthouse and the Annex on Johnstone. Rolling Pin Bakery has been closed for some time now but has plans to open up a much larger, more diverse location on 2nd Street. It looks like they have purchased the old auto shop and are converting into what they call "Two businesses in one building - Rolling pin by day, Crossing 2nd by night. A downtown nexus, where people meet for fun, food and drink!" Whatever that amounts to it sounds rather ambitious for a little bakery. I am excited to have Rolling Pin back though. Miss their soups and stuffed sandwiches.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/80452960_1000601623634713_3125207376404152320_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ohc=JWkmkTJnr-MAX-xtpJ1&_nc_ht=scontent.ftul1-1.fna&oh=4bc152bf717faa2fb674dc5636eb9362&oe=5EFFCD4C)

Cooper & Mill Brewing Company - Excited to see the first true brew pub moving in. Expecting an open date in April. Making progress it seems.

This and Crossing 2nd will help provide a second night time node in downtown. Where Frank Phillips @ Johnstone has a few establishments right next to each other, 2nd & Dewey will now have Frank & Lola's, this new brewery and Crossing 2nd within steps of each other. This is such a monumental change from when I first moved here it's honestly hard to believe something like this has actually happened to a sleepy town like this. I wish them all the best of luck.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/p960x960/87021292_2328940457404321_6428814251036508160_o.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ohc=Mo6jbOhWm8wAX9zfbh6&_nc_ht=scontent.ftul1-1.fna&_nc_tp=6&oh=6b43685a3c4751e51f5e90516f6c2d55&oe=5EC3C939)


The Local Juise Co. - I don't know if this is a thing everywhere, but we are getting these health/juice bar type places opening up everywhere. This isn't even the first downtown.
(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/75348967_2381071115475574_2158899915885903872_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&_nc_ohc=JCTqhVFWSyAAX98WPNU&_nc_ht=scontent.ftul1-1.fna&oh=07974944992ab932d321a41fd23dfa2f&oe=5EC8EE39)

Platinum Cigar Company - This has actually been open for a while, but I can't recall mentioning it. Looks nice, I'm just not into smoking.
(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/67392549_736645780088814_8019608483219374080_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ohc=dyZ5iD-ZH0AAX-uOXPL&_nc_ht=scontent.ftul1-1.fna&oh=5794a1c5c2142e7b5bc28ffbf5c7361a&oe=5EC215A6)(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/65826675_723724861380906_824719018882498560_o.jpg?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ohc=oTxvnVMUANAAX-_a20g&_nc_ht=scontent.ftul1-1.fna&_nc_tp=7&oh=fc804a3de446e853e3bebc1d0cfb5b69&oe=5EC314CF)

Not sure who snapped this one, but it is quite a good shot of Bartlesville. Thought it was good enough to share...

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/84787450_2734888596565539_7762919517960798208_o.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ohc=Tvn9343d2eIAX_TOL-2&_nc_ht=scontent.ftul1-1.fna&_nc_tp=7&oh=3f01e4541f25898ee561450c429bf2df&oe=5EC1B7BC)

All for now. Surely I have forgotten something.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on February 26, 2020, 08:43:33 am
Know anything about "Medusa's Tavern" opening up where Goldie's used to be? A Google search brings up a whole lot of nothing.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on February 26, 2020, 12:54:39 pm
Know anything about "Medusa's Tavern" opening up where Goldie's used to be? A Google search brings up a whole lot of nothing.

Never heard of it. But I did see that Ocean China closed down. The family that ran it felt it was time to retire. This is kind of how things go in Bartlesville.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on February 26, 2020, 01:03:12 pm
Never heard of it. But I did see that Ocean China closed down. The family that ran it felt it was time to retire. This is kind of how things go in Bartlesville.

I ordered takeout at Ocean China regularly. I absolutely hated to see it go.

You might want to check out Platinum. It's not overly smokey in there. It definitely has the feel of a downtown Tulsa bar which is something I think Bartlesville needed. 


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: rebound on February 26, 2020, 03:05:44 pm
Know anything about "Medusa's Tavern" opening up where Goldie's used to be? A Google search brings up a whole lot of nothing.

https://www.bizapedia.com/ok/medusa-tavern-llc.html (https://www.bizapedia.com/ok/medusa-tavern-llc.html)

"The company has 1 principal on record. The principal is Conseulo A Crocker from Bartlesville"

https://www.examiner-enterprise.com/news/20190517/crocker-obit (https://www.examiner-enterprise.com/news/20190517/crocker-obit)

"Christopher Scott Crocker, 47, owner of Sabores Mexican Restaurant in Dewey, Oklahoma passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma."
"Christopher is survived by his beloved wife, Consuelo (Ortiz) Crocker."




Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on February 26, 2020, 06:48:53 pm
I ordered takeout at Ocean China regularly. I absolutely hated to see it go.

You might want to check out Platinum. It's not overly smokey in there. It definitely has the feel of a downtown Tulsa bar which is something I think Bartlesville needed. 

I didn't go that often (several times a year) but if I saw Amanda out at the grocery store or something she would ALWAYS stop and say hello and ask how my kids were doing. We barely knew each other. She was just that kind of person though. The community really seemed to mean so much to her. That is what I will miss the most. Food was great too.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: erfalf on March 02, 2020, 03:05:11 pm
Apparently Crossing 2nd had a Grand Opening last weekend. Horay. Been a long wait.

(https://scontent.ftul1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/88173960_1058817241146484_6809195126208856064_o.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=6e5ad9&_nc_ohc=3sOkcZ40rmgAX_IrzDM&_nc_ht=scontent.ftul1-1.fna&oh=2a05acea14bb395ed40591078ab740d4&oe=5E82FA54)

I've also seen two billboards around town saying something like "What is old is new again" referencing downtown (or something downtown). Still have no clue what these are talking about.


Title: Re: Bartlesville - That town to the north.
Post by: TylerBGoode on March 03, 2020, 08:45:06 am
I assume the billboards are referring to the Rolling Pin (something old) that has been made new inside Crossing 2nd. I could be wrong though. Either way it seems like poor advertising.