http://tulsabusiness.com/m/Articles.aspx?ArticleID=52947
It will use all local produce and meats and will have outdoor seating. Sounds like a great idea!
Great news! Keep em coming! Now if we could only get rid of the porn shop accross the street. Yes, I will rant about it everytime something good opens nearby because I absolutely hate that such a shady establishment is taking up such a prime spot in a developing district which needs to attract families to thrive.
I ate at Duke's. I did not feel the need to send any sort of written correspondence to my house.
Quote from: DowntownDan on July 19, 2011, 01:15:40 PM
Great news! Keep em coming! Now if we could only get rid of the porn shop accross the street. Yes, I will rant about it everytime something good opens nearby because I absolutely hate that such a shady establishment is taking up such a prime spot in a developing district which needs to attract families to thrive.
I agree that the porn shop needs to leave. It just puts a bad reputation on the area. Thank goodness it's the exception and not the rule.
Bash it all you want, it was the original tennant on Elgin!
At least they are all in one place.....Not to mention the fact I dont ever really here of anything going on there crime wise ....Bars are more dangerous....
One thing I'm curious about, re: the "Adult Midtown Superstore."
How in the world does that place stay open? I mean, really... do people actually buy stuff there? ???
And do said people know their "product" is readily available for free on the Internets?
I get that there's probably a very small percentage of the population with no Internet access and everything.... but how is that small population enough to keep a place like that in business...?
I don't get it...
Quote from: Breadburner on July 19, 2011, 01:51:05 PM
At least they are all in one place.....Not to mention the fact I dont ever really here of anything going on there crime wise ....Bars are more dangerous....
Adds diversity to the area.
Besides every time someone tries to rob it they end up getting distracted and spending $20. ;D
Sager
How in the heck did he buy this place and start work on it while he still can't finish 1st St Lofts? If he is out of money on 1st St wouldn't that mean he is out of money on Elgin too?
So porn=bad.
But drunken d-bags=OK??? (speaking of only one or two bars).
I don't have a problem with the adult store. I'd take it over any place that's not actually open evenings and weekends.
Quote from: Gaspar on July 19, 2011, 01:58:07 PM
Adds diversity to the area.
Besides every time someone tries to rob it they end up getting distracted and spending $20. ;D
An ambulance is there once and a great while for a slip and fall...... ;D
Quote from: carltonplace on July 19, 2011, 02:06:12 PM
Sager
How in the heck did he buy this place and start work on it while he still can't finish 1st St Lofts? If he is out of money on 1st St wouldn't that mean he is out of money on Elgin too?
I saw he's got one of those nameplate things that old buildings have on the top front edge with "Sager" on it. So he must be proud of his incompetence.
Quote from: carltonplace on July 19, 2011, 02:06:12 PM
Sager
How in the heck did he buy this place and start work on it while he still can't finish 1st St Lofts? If he is out of money on 1st St wouldn't that mean he is out of money on Elgin too?
Are we sure Sager didn't already own the space for some time prior to this? He had Karmichael's in the brick building to the west of this one in the early 1990's. The Fassler Hall building used to be Indian Lock & Key until the IRS took possession. I was never sure if Sager or Nelson actually wound up with that building.
One thing he's got going for him is the Kitchellesque financial shell game between him and his mother, that's probably how he manages to keep shirking his obligation to V-2025.
As far as the Mid-Town Art Theater, at least they've kept up the building exterior. I seriously doubt many people (other than the intended customers) give it more than a passing thought. It doesn't really cast a negative pall on the area to me and does not seem to have affected PAC events for the more cultured over the years either.
Quote from: Jeff P on July 19, 2011, 01:57:33 PM
One thing I'm curious about, re: the "Adult Midtown Superstore."
How in the world does that place stay open? I mean, really... do people actually buy stuff there? ???
And do said people know their "product" is readily available for free on the Internets?
I get that there's probably a very small percentage of the population with no Internet access and everything.... but how is that small population enough to keep a place like that in business...?
I don't get it...
I dunno, I can get a great tennis racket with detailed specs for cheap online. I'd rather go to a store and grip it in my hand to appreciate the girth, make sure the overall length works with my body mechanics, hit some balls with it, feel the vibration ...
Quote from: Conan71 on July 19, 2011, 03:03:40 PM
Are we sure Sager didn't already own the space for some time prior to this? He had Karmichael's in the brick building to the west of this one in the early 1990's. The Fassler Hall building used to be Indian Lock & Key until the IRS took possession. I was never sure if Sager or Nelson actually wound up with that building.
One thing he's got going for him is the Kitchellesque financial shell game between him and his mother, that's probably how he manages to keep shirking his obligation to V-2025.
As far as the Mid-Town Art Theater, at least they've kept up the building exterior. I seriously doubt many people (other than the intended customers) give it more than a passing thought. It doesn't really cast a negative pall on the area to me and does not seem to have affected PAC events for the more cultured over the years either.
The last owners sold it about October of 2010. He - Sager is the newest owner and he had already started demolition and renovation. An aquaintance of mine was working on a wine bar for that spot (with Sager), but got burned and moved to the Pearl.
Quote from: jne on July 19, 2011, 03:25:58 PM
I dunno, I can get a great tennis racket with detailed specs for cheap online. I'd rather go to a store and grip it in my hand to appreciate the girth, make sure the overall length works with my body mechanics, hit some balls with it, feel the vibration ...
I see what you did there; double entendre.
Quote from: carltonplace on July 19, 2011, 03:42:44 PM
The last owners sold it about October of 2010. He - Sager is the newest owner and he had already started demolition and renovation. An aquaintance of mine was working on a wine bar for that spot (with Sager), but got burned and moved to the Pearl.
What???????? Sager burned someone? Surely you jest. 8)
What I want to know is what in the world will Baker do? City is short on chefs.
Quote from: jne on July 19, 2011, 03:25:58 PM
I dunno, I can get a great tennis racket with detailed specs for cheap online. I'd rather go to a store and grip it in my hand to appreciate the girth, make sure the overall length works with my body mechanics, hit some balls with it, feel the vibration ...
Ha ha ha... I see what you did there...
But seriously... how does that place stay open? I'm not being snarky about it, nor am I being puritanical... I'm just curious - from a business perceptive - how that place stays open. ???
I would have thought that the Internet would have put those places out of business.
(The "trucker friendly" locations along interstate highways, notwithstanding.)
Quote from: Jeff P on July 19, 2011, 04:17:38 PM
Ha ha ha... I see what you did there...
But seriously... how does that place stay open? I'm not being snarky about it, nor am I being puritanical... I'm just curious - from a business perceptive - how that place stays open. ???
I would have thought that the Internet would have put those places out of business.
(The "trucker friendly" locations along interstate highways, notwithstanding.)
As the district grows in popularity and rents increase I imagine we'll see it move, or close alltogether. They are also a "sex shop" so it's like a Priscilla's in addition to having videos and the small theater. Or so I've heard.. ;)
The Juniper location used to be an architect's office. Olson Coffey Architects.
Quote from: SXSW on July 19, 2011, 04:30:35 PM
As the district grows in popularity and rents increase I imagine we'll see it move, or close alltogether. They are also a "sex shop" so it's like a Priscilla's in addition to having videos and the small theater. Or so I've heard.. ;)
The Juniper location used to be an architect's office. Olson Coffey Architects.
I did notice there was a palpable silence from the rest of the crowd on here as to the contents of the shop, er um, theater. ;D
Quote from: Conan71 on July 19, 2011, 04:59:40 PM
I did notice there was a palpable silence from the rest of the crowd on here as to the contents of the shop, er um, theater. ;D
Would this be the location? I took this photo about 3 weeks ago on my latest BlueDome photowalk.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5036/5869983555_85188e06ea_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oilerfan/5869983555/)
Quote from: Hoss on July 19, 2011, 05:06:33 PM
Would this be the location? I took this photo about 3 weeks ago on my latest BlueDome photowalk.
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5036/5869983555_85188e06ea_z.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oilerfan/5869983555/)
That's it. Cool building. It will be interesting to see what happens to the KOTV property across the street when they move to Brady.
I've been in the shop. It's just like any other adult shop, with lubricants, toys, etc. Nothing really unique, but also no different than Priscilla's or Christy's Toy Box.
The seedy reputation is way over-blown. From what I've seen, the current owner is pretty good about keeping people from hanging around the shop "cruising" and was incredibly nice when I was in there last time.
I never quite understood all the hate for the Midtown Adult Theatre. To me, it seems no worse than the beloved "head shops" such as Oz and Starship or piercing/tattoo studios.
I have never been in there but I think what "turns me off" about this place is its lack of windows. You don't have any idea what its like inside, but because of where it is your imagination leads you to believe its some shady dump inside.
If done right it could be part of the entertainment district lol. In the front wondows of most of these types of places in other cities, like Dallas or Austin, you see the kitchy/silly and or sexy items, while its further back that they place the videos and other stuff. Out front you might see sexy/clubby clothing , underwear or lingerie (think Victorias Secret at the mall or Fredericks), or silly cards, silly t-shirts, and joke gifts. You see that stuff as your walking by and say "oh lets go check it out". Then if you want you can wander toward the more "adventurous" stuff towards the back lol. Being called the Mid Town Theater they could even have some kitschy, old Hollywood, movie stuff in the windows like Betty Boop collectibles etc. People are still gonna know what the store is, but will feel more at ease checking it out and it won't have such a shady reputation in the area.
As it is, the building is not part of the streetscape. Its a walled off unkown, you don't know whats in there or what its like, and I for one am not gonna take the chance to find out lol.
Quote from: TheArtist on July 20, 2011, 07:53:02 AM
As it is, the building is not part of the streetscape. Its a walled off unkown, you don't know whats in there or what its like, and I for one am not gonna take the chance to find out lol.
The streetscape is particularly bad on the Elgin side with the blank wall and then an odd out-building on the north side, and then the gravel parking lot around the Blue Dome. Still hoping for the Blue Dome to someday be turned into a small restaurant and/or bar with mostly outdoor seating around it; something like the Mont in Norman where the outdoor seating (with trees, plants, water fountain, etc.) is the main attraction at that corner. Or just permanently park a food truck there.
The Mid town makes it's money from the theaters...guy's go in them to have sex!!! go to some of the gay crusing internet sites if you want to know what's going on in the theaters.
Quote from: roscoe on July 20, 2011, 09:45:05 AM
The Mid town makes it's money from the theaters...guy's go in them to have sex!!! go to some of the gay crusing internet sites if you want to know what's going on in the theaters.
Whoa whoa whoa...your internet and movie habits are your own. Keep them to yourself councilor.
I've heard the building is one of the most technologically advanced buildings in downtown Tulsa...
The theaters are what keep them open.
I don't care they are there, I just wish they'd change their name. That isn't midtown!!!
That place is getting creepier by the post lol. Perhaps it should be shut down and gotten rid of.
Quote from: roscoe on July 20, 2011, 09:45:05 AM
The Mid town makes it's money from the theaters...guy's go in them to have sex!!! go to some of the gay crusing internet sites if you want to know what's going on in the theaters.
It's a gay theater? I had no idea.
....
not that there's anything wrong with that..
Gawker via CNBC may have answered the question about the adult shop.
http://tinyurl.com/3cjs4tq
Link is somewhat NSFW.
I've never been in that shop, but it certainly isn't offensive from the outside and people don't seem to hang around it. If someone goes in that's their business. They were in the bluedome district when the bluedome itself was empty.
I think its the same operation that has been in Whittier Square at Admiral and Lewis for a long, long time. I think they changed their name to MidTown when it became fashionable and preferable to "sign of a decaying neighborhood".
Im not a fan of the shop but honestly never seen anyone go in it or hanging around it. I am very excited to see a restaurant going into that space.
Quote from: cannon_fodder on July 22, 2011, 06:45:54 AM
They were in the bluedome district when the bluedome itself was empty.
I think that's the problem I have with it. It's a remnant of a time when that part of downtown was an abandoned ghost town with only a seedy porn theater. The district has been revived. I don't want to be reminded that just 5-10 years ago, it was a scary, shaddy part of downtown. They made it look nicer on the outside. If there really are theater's in there, a Studio Movie Grill, Magnolia, or Alamo Drafthouse would be perfect for that spot (after a through cleaning and bleaching of every square inch inside.) If it really was just a Pricilla's type novelty shop, I could deal with it. But the fact that there are theaters in there really skeeves me out. Makes me think of Pee-Wee Herman doing his thing in the open theater. Gross.
Quote from: DowntownDan on July 22, 2011, 10:00:13 AM
I think that's the problem I have with it. It's a remnant of a time when that part of downtown was an abandoned ghost town with only a seedy porn theater. The district has been revived. I don't want to be reminded that just 5-10 years ago, it was a scary, shaddy part of downtown. They made it look nicer on the outside. If there really are theater's in there, a Studio Movie Grill, Magnolia, or Alamo Drafthouse would be perfect for that spot (after a through cleaning and bleaching of every square inch inside.) If it really was just a Pricilla's type novelty shop, I could deal with it. But the fact that there are theaters in there really skeeves me out. Makes me think of Pee-Wee Herman doing his thing in the open theater. Gross.
So don't think of it. They've got just as much a right to be down there as any other business does. It doesn't seem to have fomented any crime in the area.
Quote from: Conan71 on July 22, 2011, 10:50:30 AM
So don't think of it. They've got just as much a right to be down there as any other business does. It doesn't seem to have fomented any crime in the area.
I'm glad you said it before I did. On the two photowalks I've taken down that area, I've walked in front of that store both times. I've never really seen anything too seedy or shady. No windows, a little foot traffic that I detected.
I'm with TheArtist.
The total lack of windows is very off-putting and acts as a confirmation that yes, this is a creepy/shady establishment. Even the front door is a steel door without a single tiny window.
Seems like windows and marketing themselves as more of an adult/novelty/gag place would only be a good thing for them.
That theater should be the least of our concerns. When all the buildings there are occupied with businesses that are open at night and weekends and when all the giant surface parking lots are converted to buildings, that's when I'll worry about the porn theater.
What better place for an adult-oriented business than downtown? Downtown should have a bit of everything. Downtown is no place for NIMBY-ism.
Also, I don't think it has actual theaters, does it? Just those little booths with TVs in them. Not that I would know.
Quote from: TheTed on July 22, 2011, 12:37:39 PM
Also, I don't think it has actual theaters, does it? Just those little booths with TVs in them. Not that I would know.
I was walking by a few months ago and the side door was open and there was indeed a shady little theater in there. Probably similar to the one PeeWee Herman visited.
Quote from: BKDotCom on July 22, 2011, 01:49:56 PM
I was walking by a few months ago and the side door was open and there was indeed a shady little theater in there. Probably similar to the one PeeWee Herman visited.
It has the neck protectors on the back of the chairs?
Quote from: Townsend on July 22, 2011, 01:51:33 PM
It has the neck protectors on the back of the chairs?
Do I even want to know...?
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/12918
At one time your "walking score" if you lived in downtown was boosted by the fact you could walk to a movie theatre.
Quote from: 1Brapy on August 04, 2011, 04:11:32 AM
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I won't, I am, Let's not, I won't, we won't.
Is that some kind of weird car porn?
Quote from: rdj on August 12, 2011, 09:59:25 AM
Is that some kind of weird car porn?
That idea is both attractive and repellent. Probably more attractive than repellent.
TW Juniper article:
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=53&articleid=20110817_53_E1_CUTLIN132138
Justin Thompson is trying to add some flavor to the Blue Dome District with his Juniper restaurant - and he's trying to make it as fresh as possible.
Thompson, former executive chef at several popular eateries around Tulsa, plans to open his natural foods restaurant next month at 324 E. Third St.
"The menu is actually going to change weekly or biweekly," he said. "I want to do something that's fresh and local right now."
The 2,200-square-foot restaurant, under construction in the former home of an architectural firm, joins a growing list of dining establishments inhabiting the neighborhood.
Thompson, 32, is no rookie in the restaurant game. He's been a chef at Tulsa establishments such as Sonoma, The Brasserie, Ciao, Duke's Kitchen and the former Osage restaurant at the Gilcrease Museum.
But Juniper, named after the tree and cooking berry, will be Thompson's first effort as an owner and manager.
To accomplish his natural-food goal, Thompson he said he'll source products from local farmers and growers, even if it means skimping on restaurant staples because the items are out of season.
"If a farmer I know comes in with a great box of tomatoes, we'll be using tomatoes that week," he said. "I might use some lobster and truffles, but I really want to use what I can find in Oklahoma."
Thompson said he wants to engage the growing downtown population with a class of restaurant that has mainly been available only in the Brookside or Cherry Street districts.
Being downtown also has the benefit of a built-in lunch crowd with thousands of workers in the area, as well as a vibrant nighttime scene.
The availability of housing downtown is expected to grow considerably in the coming months and years.
"Downtown is just right for growth and expansion right now," Thompson said. "There's a huge demographic of people that are moving into downtown, and a lot of excitement right now.
"I'm excited to be part of it."
Juniper is now open. I haven't tried it yet but I've heard good things.
It will be interesting to see what eventually happens with the KOTV property across the street once they move to Brady. That could potentially enhance the southern section of the Elgin corridor in Blue Dome.
The food best be unbelievably good or....
I want the sign that adult theater has!
Quote from: Teatownclown on October 18, 2011, 11:15:30 PM
The food best be unbelievably good or....
I took MC to Juniper for her birthday Saturday. Neither of us were overly impressed with the food. I don't feel the value equaled the cost from a flavor or presentation concept. If this is supposed to be the pinnacle of Tulsa gourmet dining, our expectations are too low.
Service was amazing (Cooper waited on us) and the atmosphere is very cozy. Maybe we just hit them on an off night. I simply expect when I drop $100+ the food will at least be memorable and better than what we prepare in our own kitchen.
Quote from: Conan71 on November 19, 2012, 10:39:40 AM
I simply expect when I drop $100+ the food will at least be memorable and better than what we prepare in our own kitchen.
That's really hard to do when you know what you're doing.
Quote from: Conan71 on November 19, 2012, 10:39:40 AM
I took MC to Juniper for her birthday Saturday. Neither of us were overly impressed with the food. I don't feel the value equaled the cost from a flavor or presentation concept. If this is supposed to be the pinnacle of Tulsa gourmet dining, our expectations are too low.
Service was amazing (Cooper waited on us) and the atmosphere is very cozy. Maybe we just hit them on an off night. I simply expect when I drop $100+ the food will at least be memorable and better than what we prepare in our own kitchen.
Abacus. Dallas.
Creamy wild mushroom soup...14
Smoked paprika grilled duck breast....and more....36
Grilled asparagus side...9
Marieke Gouda....5
And a nice Cabernet - I think it was Stelzner - the cheap stuff... 85
Sad. Having trouble just finding help now. Yes, Tulsa town where a little suckcess can chain react into mass failure. :o
Quote from: Teatownclown on January 03, 2013, 11:50:03 AM
Sad. Having trouble just finding help now. Yes, Tulsa town where a little suckcess can chain react into mass failure. :o
So your favorite restaurant inside the IDL is?
I went to Juniper this week and I thought it was great. Excellent service, attentive, but not pushy. I had the lamb which was superb. Drinks and desserts were also excellent.
Quote from: Boksooner on January 03, 2013, 11:49:09 PM
I went to Juniper this week and I thought it was great. Excellent service, attentive, but not pushy. I had the lamb which was superb. Drinks and desserts were also excellent.
I'd love to give them another shot, I don't think my wife is very interested though.
Quote from: Boksooner on January 03, 2013, 11:49:09 PM
I went to Juniper this week and I thought it was great. Excellent service, attentive, but not pushy. I had the lamb which was superb. Drinks and desserts were also excellent.
I've also had the lamb and I agree with you: it was superb.
The cocktail list is top notch.
They have a large collection of home-infused spirits that they use to make inventive drinks.