The Tulsa Forum by TulsaNow

The Riverview neighborhood association hasn't posted it yet but a developer (Kevin Stephens of California working with Metro lofts) has purchased the surface parking running along Cheyenne North of 15th for multi-family construction.

Sorry I don't have pictures yet but the president of the association let me know.  I was told it was a done deal so it was ok to post.  The same developer purchased the Old Temple Israel Synagogue on 14th and Cheyenne.  My understanding is that the he won't tear it down.  It's a sweet building so I'm excited about that.

Artist, do you have any pics of that synagogue?  The only ones I've found are partials.

http://abandonedtulsa.blogspot.com/2005/04/windows-outside-old-temple-israel.html



edited 03/10/08 - Sorry I spelled your name wrong Kevin

Good deal.  Small scale developments are what I would like to see get the ball rolling.

BUT I refuse to get excited until a foundation is laid.  I think I've finally learned my lesson on Tulsa development (5 announcements for each project that actually happens).  The fact that this is quiet gives me hope, but I refuse to get excited.

That was part of the original "uptown" plan...I think Paul Coury was going to build townhomes styled units there originally.  Seems like a good use for that land.

That's great!  They should convert the old Synagogue into something like an indoor market or something to support the residential.

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Originally posted by Gaspar

That's great!  They should convert the old Synagogue into something like an indoor market or something to support the residential.

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It's the old Temple.....moved to Utica Square in the 50's and originally built in the 20's. Like so many older structures it has to be brought up to code which is very costly. It's in awful condition. Hull's concept was real good for the Barthalemos Foundation to use it for a  disadvantage childrens music center.

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Originally posted by Townsend

The Riverview neighborhood association hasn't posted it yet but a developer (Kevin Stevens of California working with Metro lofts) has purchased the surface parking running along Cheyenne North of 15th for multi-family construction.[/quote[
That's great!!  I work at the United Way, which is right across from those parking lots.  It'll be fun to watch the progress.

Quote

Sorry I don't have pictures yet but the president of the association let me know.  I was told it was a done deal so it was ok to post.  The same developer purchased the Old Temple Israel Synagogue on 14th and Cheyenne.  My understanding is that the contract for that sale had a no tear down stipulation.  It's a sweet building so I'm excited about that.

Artist, do you have any pics of that synagogue?  The only ones I've found are partials.

http://abandonedtulsa.blogspot.com/2005/04/windows-outside-old-temple-israel.html

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I have some pics...

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1374/1080903654_0b943b8668.jpg)

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1066/1080903850_79880c1018.jpg)

Thanks for the pics.  Looks like the jungle was starting to reclaim it.

quote:

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Originally posted by Townsend

Thanks for the pics.  Looks like the jungle was starting to reclaim it.

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Not only the jungle, but some homeless, too.  There's a broken window on the Northeast side that they've used to get into the building... When I went on my photographic inquiry, I thought about climbing in but decided not to since I didn't know who or what was in there.
I've heard the inside used to be spectacular, though...

If someone wants to go with me, I'll gladly climb in... [:P]

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Originally posted by DScott28604

quote:

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Originally posted by Townsend

Thanks for the pics.  Looks like the jungle was starting to reclaim it.

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Not only the jungle, but some homeless, too.  There's a broken window on the Northeast side that they've used to get into the building... When I went on my photographic inquiry, I thought about climbing in but decided not to since I didn't know who or what was in there.
I've heard the inside used to be spectacular, though...

If someone wants to go with me, I'll gladly climb in... [:P]

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Pass, I'm just a little guy.

I'll stand by the window and yell, "haul donkey" if a cruiser swings close.

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Originally posted by DScott28604

quote:

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Originally posted by Townsend

Thanks for the pics.  Looks like the jungle was starting to reclaim it.

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If someone wants to go with me, I'll gladly climb in... [:P]

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I am dying to get in there.  Does anybody have a Maglite I can borrow?

Good to hear. I live in that neighborhood and pass by the Temple Israel several times a day. A shame its going to waste.

My assistant was talking with the developer just today on the phone. He told me that the developer is interested in having me look at the Synagogue dome to possibly do some artwork in it. Can't be sure if he will actually call me, but I hope he does. Will ask what his ideas for the place are.  I had always driven by that Synagogue and imagined doing something with it, a personal home perhaps. But looking at the foundation gave me pause. It has large cracks in it where parts have shifted up and down quite a bit. Will definitely have to be jacked up in places and braced before you can do anything.

The developers will go before the BOA on Tuesday March 11 to ask for a variance to build multi-family residential in what is currently zoned OM (Office Medium). No designs have been presented yet, but we might see some on Tuesday. I'd hope that they would also ask for a set back variance at the same time so they can build up to the street.

This residential develeopment should create a nice buffer for the historic homes on Carson from the businesses on Cheyenne and Boulder. The neighborhood intends to support this project without any resistance to design or hieght, we only want to ask that the parking be placed in back and that the setback is at a minimum in keeping with the other multi-family buildings in the area.

Here's what's avail. on the BOA's website:

http://www.incog.org/City%20of%20Tulsa%20BOA/BOA%20Agenda/20649a.pdf

quote:

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Originally posted by OurTulsa

Here's what's avail. on the BOA's website:

http://www.incog.org/City%20of%20Tulsa%20BOA/BOA%20Agenda/20649a.pdf

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While I support the idea of townhouses, I was really hoping these would face Cheyenne instead of some center driveway...  I want to see REAL townhomes that line the street and have parking in the rear...

^ They should be able to use the bulk and area requirements of the RM-2 district to build a multi-family development in an OM district as a special exception.

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from Section 604 of the Tulsa Zoning Code


SECTION 604. SPECIAL EXCEPTION USES IN OFFICE DISTRICTS, REQUIREMENTS
 
The Special Exception Uses, permitted in the Office Districts, as designated in Table 1 and Table 2, are subject to the minimum requirements set out below and such additional safeguards and conditions as may be imposed by the Board of Adjustment.

B. Multifamily use in the OL District shall comply with the bulk and area requirements of the RM-1 District. Multifamily use in the OM and OMH Districts shall comply with the bulk and area requirements of the RM-2 District.

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The bulk and area requirements for RM-2 are in Section 403 of the Tulsa Zoning Code (http://"http://www.cityoftulsa.org/ourcity/ordinances/Title42-4.asp").

Edit:  The setback from Cheyenne would be 10 feet unless modified by the Board of Adjustment for some reason.    

Anyway, the setbacks required for any multi-family buildings ought to be much less than would be required for office buildings.  I'm not an expert on zoning, but this type of modified setback requirement would make sense in this particular neighborhood.

"I walk this empty street --- on the boulevard of broken dreams...."  

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Originally posted by DScott28604

While I support the idea of townhouses, I was really hoping these would face Cheyenne instead of some center driveway...  I want to see REAL townhomes that line the street and have parking in the rear...

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Agree -- I would prefer that the houses face the street.

Thanks for the link, I was hoping for street facing units as well. [V]

I guess its still better than empty parking lots.

While not perfect, all in all looks to be a positive development. Will indeed be a good transition buffer between the highrises and parking to the east and the homes to the west. That area is nice looking and has potential. Perhaps if this works out for him he will do something with the parking lot just to the south as well. I do like that his developments are usually contemporary, have parking garages on the first floor, and are 3 stories. Will be interested to see the elevations.

I wonder where the Bomasada people may be looking in Tulsa. In the public meeting, when Cherry Street was mentioned a couple of times as being one of the other most likely areas to be great places for that type of development and demographics, I noticed the developers body language and he kind of raised an eyebrow in quizzicle interest.

quote:

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Originally posted by OurTulsa

Here's what's avail. on the BOA's website:

http://www.incog.org/City%20of%20Tulsa%20BOA/BOA%20Agenda/20649a.pdf

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Thanks for the link.  

Here's a bird's eye view of the site with west at the top of photo (http://"http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=q0qdt6700ryf&style=o&lvl=1&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&scene=16713372&encType=1").

Here's a link to the applicant's website (http://"http://kevinstephensdesign.com/index.php").

Questions/Comments:

1.  Who is the architect for the project?  Since the proposal is for a 3-story development, it would require a licensed architect in Oklahoma.
2.  The site plan appears to be drawn incorrectly with the curb line of Cheyenne shown about 15 feet farther west (and closer to the buildings) than it actually is.
3.  Sidewalks were mentioned in the Board of Adjustment link.  There is a sidewalk along Cheyenne.  This sidewalk should be maintained (or replaced if damaged).
4.  Each dwelling unit appears to have only one off-street parking space.  That's 50% of what's required by the zoning code.  How many off-street parking spaces are proposed?
5.  The dwelling units will present a bleak frontage along Cheyenne with no windows.  The plans show an entry door at first floor with no other openings facing Cheyenne.  The second floor plan shows the side of a corner porch which will be open to Cheyenne.  The third floor plan shows one side of a deck open to Cheyenne.  I'd like to see some windows facing the street, even if they were along the stairways.  The BOA staff comments address this concern because the dwellings face internal private driveways instead of the public street.
6.  I think the garages and entries would work better if the plans of the 16 western units were flipped so each dwelling unit's garage would be on the downhill side of its main entry.  That arrangement would fit better with the natural grade sloping toward the alley.
7.  There should be no waiver for landscaping requirements.
8.  I'd rather see 20 dwelling units on the site instead of a parking lot.

"I walk this empty street --- on the boulevard of broken dreams..."

Well, to show that there wouldn't be a substantial loss of the number of units if they were all street-facing, I modified their plans.  I put the garages in the rear, made them all street-facing and came up with 11 units as opposed to 15.  It actually freed up a lot more space on the property than the way it's currently set up, and allowed for 22 units to fit where they have 15..

Not really sure if it would be possible to build the second row behind the first, but I included it to show it's possible to actually fit more in with them street-facing rather than internal drive-facing.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/2320359928_e61acd8f12_o.jpg)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dscott28604/2320359928/ (http://"http://www.flickr.com/photos/dscott28604/2320359928/")

If it were possible to have 2 rows like you show, that would indeed look much better along Cheyenne. You could leave out two apartments in the middle along the back to add more entrance and egress options and still have just as many  units. However, if I were wanting to live there I would prefer the street fronting properties not the ones behind. The developers original option is probably best over all because the apartments create a more "friendly" and comfortable atmosphere with the fronts of all the apartments facing the neighbor across from you. Still would like to see the elevations, especially the Cheyenne facing sides to see if they engage or isolate the public street from the apartments.

^ Take a look at the floor plans.  There are no windows in the walls facing Cheyenne.

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Originally posted by booWorld

^ Take a look at the floor plans.  There are no windows in the walls facing Cheyenne.

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Your right, first floor there is a door, second a porch, third a deck.  The stairwell would be an ideal place to actually put a large window to further break up those 3 story walls facing the street. And or another way to add interest, especially with contemporary loft designs, is to have different blocks of material and color. So hopefully that is what is what is planned. A plain solid wall without any character would be awful. Surely the developer knows better and will create something lively and inviting on the street facing side.

^ Of the 20 units proposed, I think I'd choose the one on the northeast corner of the development, but I'd want some east-facing windows to allows for views to the Boston Avenue Methodist Church tower, International Plaza, Ambassador Hotel, and the rising moon.

Hello: I'm the potential developer for the townhouse project on Cheyenne between 14th and 15th. I just discovered this blog and appreciate your ideas. I would like to get an exception from the city for the front yard setback to build to the sidewalk. I feel like this is an urban site and should be developed as such with the building envelope on the sidewalk. I am planning on replacing the sidewalk with a new one. We have already poked some more windows on the Cheyenne side elevation and the first floor will be block or brick with the second and third floors being a different material. The siteplan we submitted to the city with our application has not been modified, but the elevations of the Cheyenne side have been.

Regarding the Synagogue. I do not plan on tearing it down. I plan on restoring it. The restoration of the building will come after the townhouse development. I will need to use proceeds from the sale of the townhomes to fund the restoration. I would like to see it go back to some community use:

1. home theater for homeless performance groups
2. rotating visual arts shows
3. yoga studio
4. day spa
5. cafe
6. some rentable artist studios
7. neighborhood market

We have kicked around several ideas, but can't really put down a hard plan on the building until we know if we are going to get approval for the townhouse project. When we have the approvals and plans complete, we will have a hard budget and be able to look at our potential profit on unit sales then build a budget for the synagogue restoration. We also have extensive structural investigation left to do on the Synagogue, before we are able to identify what our limitations might be.

Kevin...good for you...That site, that neighborhood has a ton of latent opportunity.  If you have not see the "Uptown" Neighborhood plan, done by Dewberry back in 1999, it calls for density/townhomes/brownstones of some sort at that location, so I find what you are doing, maximizing your property, to be quite appropriate.  Of course TulsaNowers are into good urban design and good urban infil, so I think I can speak for all of us when I say, we look forward to seeing some elevations.

The sidewalk thing sounds appropriate to me.  I am all for sidewalks...I suspect if you need some vocal support at the BOA, some of us might be willing to show up...

As far as the Temple is concerned, great to hear about your efforts to restore that building.  It think the Tulsa Preservation Commission website has info on early religion in Tulsa, and the Jewish community.  I know that building is an important part of that history.  Sad that it has gotten to that state.  I've always thought it would be a great adaptive reuse project...restaurant or something like you've proposed.

I love the density of these developments but have really been disappointed with the street presentation.  This project is great for the neighborhood and downtown however there are alot of us hoping that it will provide an urban orientation to the street.  Below is a project similar in layout to what is proposed here.  They did a little better with the street side facade (still got garages underneath but they are far less visible and don't provide that blank wall effect).  Windows on the east side of Kevin's project will go along way to liven it up.


Lair'd With Design
Recently I made a first-time visit to the Lair Condominiums, which were designed by a longtime favorite local architect of mine, Rick Potestio.

Regular readers may remember Rick from the Q&A that I did with him in February. So...Rick again? Hey, the guy has a great project out, and I'd be remiss in not giving it the attention it deserves. Any other local architect doing this caliber of work I'm happy to write about multiple times as well. (Holst, are those Clinton condo renderings ready yet? Colab, where for art thou?)

 Developed and built by local contractor Don Tankersley, the Lair project was one of the last Rick designed before he joined Mahlum Architects a few months ago. (He led a 2-3 person firm previously.) It’s just south of downtown in the Lair Hill neighborhood (hence the name), near where Southwest Third Avenue curves toward the Ross Island Bridge ramp, but on a sleepy residential dead-end street.

 From the moment I stepped out of the car, the Lair stood out as a very impressive piece of architecture. In fact, I think it’s up there with the Belmont Lofts among the very best residential buildings in Portland of recent memory.

The Lair consists of 13 units varying roughly from about 500-1500 square feet. Situated on a fairly steep hillside, it has a communal driveway in the middle that leads downward to a series of compact stalls, with the common space able to double as a courtyard. Two units connect like a bridge over the driveway entrance, unifying the two-sided complex and preserving the integrity and continuity of its front façade, where floor-to-ceiling glass windows extend gently from a Richard Meier-esque white shell.

 Rick’s a proud paisan, and the classical sense of proportion and soulful play with forms seems faintly Italian. At the same time, the Lair’s incorporation of wood in its exterior and interior finishes is very much in Northwest tradition of modernism. I also see craftsman-like touches reminiscent of renowned local architect Thomas Hacker, under whom Potestio studied at the University of Oregon.

Watch out for this project at the next AIA design awards ceremony and maybe in a design magazine or two. This is precisely the kind of high-quality residential design we’ve sought in burgeoning higher-density neighborhoods but so far have scarcely achieved.

(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g82/ourtulsa/lair_photo_2.jpg)

I can understand your desire for a street orientation of the development. I tried in photoshop to maneuver the buildings around in a way to get such a set up and still have the same number of units and not end up with a lot of units isolated and stuck behind the other buildings and an alley.  Needless to say, I couldnt find a suitable alternative. I think the best option is to do the arrangement as it is, but indeed do some variety of materials on the street facing side and a window or two. Often a developer has to have a certain number of units to make the cost of his investment pay a decent profit.

Remember pedestrian friendly also includes making buildings interesting. A plain blank wall is not pedestrian friendly but a building with architectural interest of some sort makes for a pleasing, inviting, street. There dont have to be entrances every few feet. Many large buildings are nice to look at, walk and drive past, are street level friendly because of their architectural interest.  The Federal Building or the 320 South Boston building downtown are nice to walk past though they are long and have few entrances, but some of the parking garages are isolating and break up the  look and feel of the streetscape. Though they perhaps have the same number of entrances, they are stark and boring, do not invite you to stay and linger or even want to walk past. This street is also not a major pedestrian thoroughfair nor is it likely to evolve in that direction because there are not the "attractions, shopping or destinations" to and from which people are going to walk. But of course we do not want it to be an uninviting street or development either. Some areas, like the Brady District, Blue Dome, etc. we definitely want to pay particular attention to and encourage street orientation. Some areas are not so critical.  

http://www.walkablestreets.com/walkingred.htm

Good discussion about a project in my own neighborhood....

Kevin, for my 2 cents:
# 7 neighborhood market!

While house shopping my wife and I discounted that area because there is no where other than QT to walk and get some groceries or other incidentals.  Other's might have had the same thoughts when shopping around.  But all your other ideas are useful "urban" entities also.

Thanks for taking on some risk to help bring urban design and infill to Tulsa.  I hope it pays off quickly and many such projects follow.

Kevin, I am also excited about your work here. I also live in that neighborhood in a new development by your development partner.... your project makes me feel even better about my recent decision to move to that area...

I think the market needs to be in the old Safeway building on Denver as the structure is already suited to that purpose and is close to highway access and on a major arterial street.

Personally I think offices or a restaurant ( [:D]lots of people work nearby in Uptown or live nearby in Riverview) or day spay are better uses.

Here is a link to the Uptown plan: Uptown Master Plan (http://"http://tulsariverview.com/Uptownplan.htm")

I have to say that I am excited to see new development in a parking lot, but I think we are missing an opportunity. The views of downtown are impressive from Cheyenne, especially three or more floors up. This development doesn't take advantage of that. Also, the presentation to the street is important to me. Artist you'd be surprised by the foot traffic on Cheyenne during the day, or even people out for a walk at night or on weekends.

Still, this is better than a parking lot and the neighborhood is in support of the project.

quote:

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Originally posted by carltonplace
I have to say that I am excited to see new development in a parking lot, but I think we are missing an opportunity. The views of downtown are impressive from Cheyenne, especially three or more floors up. This development doesn't take advantage of that. Also, the presentation to the street is important to me. Artist you'd be surprised by the foot traffic on Cheyenne during the day, or even people out for a walk at night or on weekends.

Still, this is better than a parking lot and the neighborhood is in support of the project.

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You've brought up an interesting point, cp, and I totally agree... The views of downtown would be killer and, as we know, people will pay for it.

I found an interior shot of the Temple...

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/72/210362461_3418a2712a_o.jpg)

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Originally posted by Kenosha

I found an interior shot of the Temple...

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21 Jumpstreet for politsey.

I know I'm reviving this thread...but, has anyone heard any news on this development?  I live right around the corner & am excited about this.

Does anyone have any ideas as to why the use of this synagogue was only 14yrs (1918-'32)?  What was its use after '32?

quote:

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Originally posted by MichaelWayne_71

I know I'm reviving this thread...but, has anyone heard any news on this development?  I live right around the corner & am excited about this.

Does anyone have any ideas as to why the use of this synagogue was only 14yrs (1918-'32)?  What was its use after '32?

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I don't really know if it counts as an update, but within the past month, they've added a sign to the exterior, so things must still be progressing.

I like to see dense developments like this but part of me wants to see stately single family homes built along Cheyenne on those surface lots like there used to be.

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Originally posted by SXSW

I like to see dense developments like this but part of me wants to see stately single family homes built along Cheyenne on those surface lots like there used to be.

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You mean like this?

(http://members.cox.net/michaelwayne/Untitled.jpg)

quote:

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Originally posted by MichaelWayne_71

quote:

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Originally posted by SXSW

I like to see dense developments like this but part of me wants to see stately single family homes built along Cheyenne on those surface lots like there used to be.

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You mean like this?

(http://members.cox.net/michaelwayne/Untitled.jpg)

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Ain't pictures like that reminding us what used to be here a severe kick in the nards?

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Originally posted by MichaelWayne_71

I know I'm reviving this thread...but, has anyone heard any news on this development?  I live right around the corner & am excited about this.

Does anyone have any ideas as to why the use of this synagogue was only 14yrs (1918-'32)?  What was its use after '32?

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According to the 1939 Sanborn map and the 1957 Polk Directory, it became the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, an offshoot of the Mormons which now goes by the name of Community of Christ (http://"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_of_Christ").

Between the location on Cheyenne and the location near Utica Square, Temple Israel was located at the southwest corner of 16th and Rockford. After the temple moved (sometime before 1957), the building was used as a hall for Christ the King Parish. It was demolished sometime in the early '90s, I think.

Call me crazy, but I see the temple as a very cool bookstore/coffee shop, that possibly shows matinee movies. I could also envision Starship Records in that location.

As for the old Safeway location, I think it's primed for a future-rama type route 66 bowling alley, with some adjacent restaraunts nearby. I would do everything I could to put some entertainment draws in downtown. I also would have the city push the PBA to throw tournaments in a state of the art, brand new venue in downtown. It's also would be with walking distance from Boston Ave, which would help spur some foot traffic on the weekends.

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Originally posted by T-TownMike

I could also envision Starship Records in that location.

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Talk about a store that lost it's soul.  I set foot once in that sterile tin building with all the fluorescent lighting.  Its dead, Jim.

Saw a teaser on KOTV about the center proposed for the Synagogue on 14th.  The story's supposed to be on this evening.

I'd love for that old building to come alive again.

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Originally posted by patric

quote:

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Originally posted by T-TownMike

I could also envision Starship Records in that location.

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Talk about a store that lost it's soul.  I set foot once in that sterile tin building with all the fluorescent lighting.  Its dead, Jim.

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Starship lost me with the 18 straight months of commercials b__ching about moving.

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Originally posted by Townsend

Saw a teaser on KOTV about the center proposed for the Synagogue on 14th.  The story's supposed to be on this evening.

I'd love for that old building to come alive again.

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This is an exciting project, I can't wait to see progress.

The temple just burned down. Not sure what happened, maybe someone started a fire trying to stay warm.

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Originally posted by carltonplace

The temple just burned down. Not sure what happened, maybe someone started a fire trying to stay warm.

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Sorry Carlton, that's a major loss for your neighborhood.

quote:

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Originally posted by carltonplace

The temple just burned down. Not sure what happened, maybe someone started a fire trying to stay warm.

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The number of fire trucks out in front of the temple is impressive. The walls seem to be standing, but I didn't see the dome on the roof, so I assume it collapsed. I couldn't get close enough to see much else.

I'm really bummed about this. [V]

That is so sad. I can't believe it burned down. I'll miss that building in my neighborhood. Was so looking forward to seeing what they were going to do with it.

I was really saddened to hear that too.  I was looking forward to new life for the old building.  The place was cool as it stood, but clearly needed work.

and Tulsa loses another architectural gem.  Not sure if its better or worse that this one met a more natural demise than most in Tulsa.

quote:

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Originally posted by hello

That is so sad. I can't believe it burned down. I'll miss that building in my neighborhood. Was so looking forward to seeing what they were going to do with it.

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I'm bummed about this too, but I'm not ready to write it off as another piece of Tulsa history that was completely eliminated by fire.  It would be nice if the external structure can be preserved and even better if the dome and some of the inside can be restored.  How can we find out whether the external structure is sound?  Anyone know how difficult restoration of the inside and the dome would be?  Does it have/can it get historic preservation status?  How do we make sure that the building is not demolished before these questions can be answered?

quote:

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Originally posted by Townsend

quote:

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Originally posted by carltonplace

The temple just burned down. Not sure what happened, maybe someone started a fire trying to stay warm.

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Sorry Carlton, that's a major loss for your neighborhood.

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That really is a shame, I remember as a kid thinking how cool that building looked. It is a loss of another building with a long history in Tulsa.

Is this the building?

http://tinyurl.com/b6tgfb

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Originally posted by Nik

Is this the building?

http://tinyurl.com/b6tgfb

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Yes.

quote:

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Originally posted by Nik

Is this the building?

http://tinyurl.com/b6tgfb

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yep, that's the one.

akupetsky, it almost certainly wouldn't qualify for historic designation now because there's nothing left except the brick walls. It'll be up to the owner (or the structural report) as to whether it's rebuilt using what's left or torn down.

I can think of two other brick buildings that were gutted by fire that were rebuilt and still in use. The apartment building at 15th and the HWY 51 overpass (north side of the street) and the old 15th St Grill (now Bourbon St) in Cherry St. Maybe it's not a total loss. As AJ says we'll have to see if the walls are still structuraly secure.

Anyone want to venture out and get a photo report for those of us too lazy to go by?

I live right by it & was able to get a little video right after the dome went up in flames.

found some cool misc pics here (http://"http://www.flickr.com/photos/cartmantul/sets/72157607002510249/with/2804656048/")

This really sux for our neighborhood!


edited for hyperlink

No ceiling or windows anymore, be interesting to see how an inspection turns out.

Went by a little while ago and it was still on fire . . . at 4 pm. (Maybe it was controlled?)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/3231860697_f9ff43f029.jpg?v=0)

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3231862229_95d3cfa2e4.jpg?v=0)

This fire was a significant loss to the historic building community and to the redevlopment potential for the neighborhood.  

Having worked on some major fire damaged structures; old ones can be quite difficult to save the structure using conventional methods.  
 
One of the problems with "old" buildings in Tulsa is that due to the age of construction many of what you see as a masonry buildings actually have a wood and low strength iron or reinforced concrete sub-structure which if the building was constructed before completion of the Spavinaw Water can be a significant challenge due to salt deposits present in the masonry and concrete if Arkansas river water was used especially if the structure was not kept dry through its life.  These can be quite problematic to save let alone reuse which often drives the cost benefit ratio so low that unfortunately all to often demolition becomes the financially viable option).  Unfortunately, I’ve had to make the demo recommendation on several locally significant buildings as a result of this structure poison and while the right choice it was not a good day for me.

On the it was saved list… One of the more interesting approaches I have seen and been involved with was the method the City of Collinsville used in the reconstruction of the former fire station/city hall into the new City hall with an adjacent new construction fire station.  With this project the exterior walls of the building were still standing and stabilized while remaining the roof structure was  exterior walls which were and essentially constructed a new building inside of the old one in order to maintain the historic appearance of the building on the outside and portions of the inside like with the new council chambers being located inside the old fire apparatus bays where if you looked you could still see the grooves cut into the floor so that the horses could get traction on the ramps, unfortunately that portion of the old floor can no longer be viewed with the adaptive reuse.  

Another neat one is what Sager is doing with the First Street Lofts project.  The structural rehabilitation and improvement work has been extensive of this building and painfully slow but is now nearly complete and would have likely not been financially feasible without the loan from Vision funds by the City.

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Originally posted by inteller

sounds like this place suffered a "Towerview".[:O][B)]

amazing how these places catch fire when the roads slick over. you'd think it was raining fire instead of sleet downtown.

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Sounds like it rains squatting homeless who start fires to keep warm.

Sad.

I wanted to share that despite the big setback with the fire, we are still moving forward with development plans for the synagogue site and the parking lot to the south on Cheyenne. We've hired a structural engineer to design some metal bracing to secure the facade of the building. We hope to be able to save the facade and incorporate it into a new structure. We are currently doing feasiblity studies about turning the temple into a mixed use project that includes a community arts center and housing is still our focus on the parking lot between 14th and 15th on Cheyenne.

Great to hear from you.  Thanks for posting the update.

I can partially see the synagogue from my office window, so I'll be interested in watching the progress. [:)]

Update: So far no movement on the synagogue, but I did get a notice about a board of adjustments meeting requesting a variance to permit access to an accessory parking space through another parking space and to allow stacked parking in a multi-family townhouse development at 1408 S Cheyenne Ave.

I guess the townhomes project is still in process.

I noticed there is a fence around these parking lots this morning.  I guess that means construction is starting???

Staging area for QT construction so no, not yet.

Four years have passed since the fire. I have learned that the synagogue is under contract to be sold but it's far from a done deal. I think the two lots on Cheyenne between 14th and 15th that are paved for unused parking are still part of the deal.