http://www.facebook.com/pages/Whiskey-Business-Tulsas-Blue-Dome-District/285116624881126
They are selling Cupcakes... or liquor rather.
Word is the gravel lot behind El Quapo will be available for customer parking. Not much space but hopefully enough to stop in on your way home, etc.
We shall see.
Quote from: jacobi on January 30, 2012, 08:42:36 PM
We shall see.
That is what I said
Supposedly they are moving again on the building. I haven't been by the lofts to see if anybody has been working.
They have done a bit of work on the building in the last few months. There is a space next to the area where S&J will presumably be where they could move in. At last check it didn't really look ready for move in (although, to be fair, not THAT far away). I don't think a liqour store is really what the blue dome needs before there are ANY residential units down there. Fortunately the hobos seem to leave this part of downtown alone.
If you make the selection pricey enough the vagrants won't hang around. Keep it "mid shelf" and up on the liquor and you'll be just fine.
What will the low rent, no account grad school hipsters like me drink, then?
Quote from: jacobi on January 31, 2012, 08:33:45 AM
What will the low rent, no account grad school hipsters like me drink, then?
That's Treats convenience store is for...
Damn. I was looking forward to some e&j in a paper sack.
I drive by the building almost every day and I must be missing all this construction activity. I keep reading these articles about things being built, but I'm just not seeing it. Maybe they are on a schedule that doesn't coincide with my morning commute. I really hope this thing finally happens. I just hope no one gives that guy any more public funds.
QuoteI drive by the building almost every day and I must be missing all this construction activity. I keep reading these articles about things being built, but I'm just not seeing it. Maybe they are on a schedule that doesn't coincide with my morning commute. I really hope this thing finally happens. I just hope no one gives that guy any more public funds.
It seems to have slowed. It was all on the first floor. I think this place is supposed to move into the west side of the ground floor.
I've passed my 10-article-per-month limit on Tulsaworld.com but there's a story in today's paper that says First Street Lofts is being foreclosed upon. Will someone go read the story and give an update on here?
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=334&articleid=20120213_11_A1_CUTLIN888653 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=334&articleid=20120213_11_A1_CUTLIN888653)
QuoteTulsa could lose $1.3 million due to Blue Dome project delay
Developer Michael Sager is pictured in front of the First Street Lofts at 301 E. First St. After several contract extensions, the project, once estimated to cost $3 million, remains unfinished and faces a possible foreclosure action. Project costs have increased to roughly $5 million. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
By P.J. LASSEK World Staff Writer
Published: 2/13/2012 2:24 AM
Last Modified: 2/13/2012 7:58 AM
After several contract extensions, the once-estimated $3 million project, at 310 E. First Street, remains unfinished with an unresolved foreclosure hanging over it and an increased project cost of roughly $5 million.
If the project ultimately fails, the city will likely lose the $1.3 million in Vision funds, which is actually a loan to be repaid and redistributed to other downtown residential housing projects, said Jot Hartley, attorney for Tulsa Development Authority, the city's contracting entity for the projects.
"The best action by the authority to protect the public's money is to have a little bit of continued patience with Mr. Sager," Hartley said. "It isn't going to cost the city any money, and it may result in a completed project, which is everyone's goal."
Developer and owner of the property Michael Sager, principal of Blue Dome Properties LLC, said he is confident his project will be realized.
Sager said he has redesigned the project to have 23 rental units, 32 parking spaces, and a ground floor that houses S&J Seafood Cafe and Oyster Bar restaurant, the Whiskey Business liquor store and an artisan bakery, he said.
Sager's First Street Lofts was one of four projects to receive a portion of the $10 million in Vision 2025 downtown housing funds, which were allocated as 10-year interest free loans to be repaid in a lump sum at the end of the loan period.
Hartley said the city set up the $10 million as "gap funding" or "seed" money for downtown housing projects. The other three projects - Mayo 420 Building, Mayo Hotel and Lofts and Detroit Lofts - started after Sager's project began and are completed.
"The others projects that have gone on to completion may have been better funded and perhaps not had some of the obstacles that Mr. Sager says he's encounter in the rehabilitation of the building," he said.
Hartley said it is not the authority's "responsibility to defend Mr. Sager's performance or nonperformance of his commitments."
But the authority "is very cognizant of the difficulties that have occurred in completing the project and we are trying to closely monitor Mr. Sager's activities and stay on top of it, requiring information on a monthly basis to determine whether there becomes a point it is no longer a viable project, and if so, what TDA should do in the best interest of the public's money," Hartley said.
In October, the authority granted its fifth amendment to Sager's contract, extending the project completion date to Feb. 13, 2013.
Sager said the bulk of his issues in completing the project has been the national financial credit crisis.
"We've had to weather the real estate market just like everybody else in the country, but we're moving into a better economic period," Sager said.
There also have been unforeseen construction issues that needed to be repaired, and there were added amenities to the project such as a rooftop deck to view the ballpark, a "hospital cart" elevator to ease movement of furniture and other large items, and used-brick walls and wood-framed open ceilings, he said.
"I would suspect there are people out there thinking they are really glad I'm still here fighting because other people might have already quit," Sager said about the difficulties he has had. "My personal commitment is to never walk away here."
In July, American Home Mortgage Co. filed a foreclosure lawsuit in Tulsa County District Court, claiming Blue Dome Properties LLC has defaulted on a loan of $850,000 to redevelop the First Street Lofts and now owes $1.15 million because of accruing interest.
Sager said he is working out the foreclosure issue with the bank and once the leasing agreements and building permits are finalized for the commercial tenants, the lawsuit will be dropped.
Sager said he plans to use the revenue from the commercial businesses "as an economic engine" to get a loan that would be dedicated to not only paying off the first mortgage, but completing the project.
Howard Smith, consultant over the construction of the restaurant, said the lease has been executed for the restaurant and they're just waiting for the city to issue the building permits with the opening of the business around May 1.
"We're very excited to be downtown and a part of this project," Smith said.
Hartley said the issue for the authority is whether Sager has "a viable solution to his lack of funding. Which is obviously the problem. He has presented to us the he does have that solution."
Hartley acknowledged that out of all the downtown residential projects the authority has overseen, this project "has some warts on it."
Sager said he understands how there are questions and speculations over his incomplete project, "but I want it clear that none of the public's money has been misspent."
Kirby Crowe, principal of Program Management Group, who oversees the Vision projects for the county said the money is paid out through invoices, which he reviews.
While this project has taken longer than expected, "the $1.3 million appears to have been appropriately spent," he said, noting there was activity matching the invoices occurring on the site.
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=334&articleid=20120213_11_A1_CUTLIN888653
Wow, just wow. $1.3 in what should be a revolving fund to seed other housing projects is tied up forever with little hope of recovery and other projects could have been funded and completed long ago, its aggravating.
The "economic engine" plan...I'm speachless.
Quote from: carltonplace on February 13, 2012, 10:00:52 AM
Wow, just wow. $1.3 in what should be a revolving fund to seed other housing projects is tied up forever with little hope of recovery and other projects could have been funded and completed long ago, its aggravating.
The "economic engine" plan...I'm spe[e]chless.
The most telling part of the story: "Hartley said the city set up the $10 million as "gap funding" or "seed" money for downtown housing projects.
The other three projects - Mayo 420 Building, Mayo Hotel and Lofts and Detroit Lofts - started after Sager's project began and are completed."
Sager's assertion that the national economic downturn is the cause of this mess is complete junk. How many more projects other than just the three funded with this Vision 2025 money have been completed? A ton, that's how many.
Quote from: dsjeffries on February 13, 2012, 10:21:40 AM
The most telling part of the story: "Hartley said the city set up the $10 million as "gap funding" or "seed" money for downtown housing projects. The other three projects - Mayo 420 Building, Mayo Hotel and Lofts and Detroit Lofts - started after Sager's project began and are completed."
Sager's assertion that the national economic downturn is the cause of this mess is complete junk. How many more projects other than just the three funded with this Vision 2025 money have been completed?
Sager has always been a financial clusterfark.
Beware of a guy who uses public funding to engrave his last name on an unfinished building.
Apparently the TDA hates selling properties to those who are funded and motivated but once they do they will give you second chances like a battered wife. What a group of clowns.
It also seems TDA cleverly wrote the contract and loan documents so that the city is a "Lender of no position at all"
QuoteSager's assertion that the national economic downturn is the cause of this mess is complete junk. How many more projects other than just the three funded with this Vision 2025 money have been completed? A ton, that's how many.
Yep.
In addition to the Mayo, Mayo 420 and Detroit Lofts that were mentioned, you also have the Courtyard renovation job in the Atlas Life Building that was completed.
There are also the three major projects that are currently under construction - the Tribune Lofts addition, the Brady Hotel/Fairfield Inn, and the One Place Development. That is at least seven
major downtown construction projects that somehow managed to be planned, funded and executed in the midst of the economic downturn.
That doesn't even count all of the new restaurants/bars that have gone in during this time frame: all of Blake's places, most of Elliot's places, Elote, Mod's, Juniper, etc.
Quote from: Jeff P on February 13, 2012, 03:13:07 PM
Yep.
In addition to the Mayo, Mayo 420 and Detroit Lofts that were mentioned, you also have the Courtyard renovation job in the Atlas Life Building that was completed.
There are also the three major projects that are currently under construction - the Tribune Lofts addition, the Brady Hotel/Fairfield Inn, and the One Place Development. That is at least seven major downtown construction projects that somehow managed to be planned, funded and executed in the midst of the economic downturn.
And Sager's is smaller (by money) than those 7, yet only he was stymied by the finanical meltdown.
If someone can get me copies of the documents, I'd be happy to review them and pull some liens to see just how screwed the tax payers are... and then point out who the dolt was that left US, as tax payers, in an unsecured position with an unproven and unmotivated developer at the helm.
Quote from: cannon_fodder on February 14, 2012, 06:04:22 PM
If someone can get me copies of the documents, I'd be happy to review them and pull some liens to see just how screwed the tax payers are... and then point out who the dolt was that left US, as tax payers, in an unsecured position with an unproven and unmotivated developer at the helm.
Almost makes one wonder if Richard Studenny (Dick Stupidity) got the city into this one just like Great Plains.
In a totally random occurrence, I met one of the principles today through work. They are hoping to open within two months and would love to actually shoot for mid March but Sager has to get his act together and turn the space over to them. And that still hasn't happened.
Quote from: we vs us on February 16, 2012, 02:35:11 PM
In a totally random occurrence, I met one of the principles today through work. They are hoping to open within two months and would love to actually shoot for mid March but Sager has to get his act together and turn the space over to them. And that still hasn't happened.
Sorry but I feel a Muttley snicker coming on when I think of them waiting on Sager:
With any luck, they will be open by September.
There is some missing information out here on the downtown housing projects that I believe is important to share but is in no way in defense of or a challenge to any of the developers.
The original Vision project request contained nothing to identifying these as loans and many pushed for and expected them to be grants. The loan approach was an implementation decision made by the City which was definitely not favored by multiple developers however the City took the position that the precedent had already been established with the Tribune Lofts project (not Vision funds) and even with the potential risk of non-repayment (then and now) it remains a much more responsible approach than grants. Additionally, with the loan methodology the City originally intended to take a first position however the developers (apparently successfully) presented how challenging this would make the remainder financings to obtain and the City ultimately agreed to take a 2nd (secured) mortgage position on the properties.
Lastly, there has also been castigation about the slow speed of developments and yes some have moved rapidly after contract release and others have well, not. Overall, the loan program itself was unfortunately delayed by cash flow restrictions within the Vision 2025 program which was obviously beyond the developers control and this may have some adverse impacts but it also appears to have benefited some by allowing more time for planning and other fund raising via tax credits and conventional borrowing. Regardless, the City knew and understood the issue, delayed contracting accordingly, and where possible worked to mitigate it to some extent by front funding the program with TDA funds which were later repaid with Vision funds.
Hope this helps, your mileage may vary.
Per their FB post a few minutes ago:
QuoteOk...Who's celebrating St. Pat's with some beers in the Blue Dome?! We are!
Stop by, say hi and grab some St. Pat's giveaways and some info about the new store (Be the first to know all about 'The Beer Cave'). We'll be out in front of our soon-to-open location on 1st Street between Elgin and Detroit!
About a month out. Should look nice, it is a lot bigger than you would think it would be. Going to have quite the selection.
Quote from: CharlieSheen on March 28, 2012, 10:02:34 PM
About a month out. Should look nice, it is a lot bigger than you would think it would be. Going to have quite the selection.
Better than Parkhill's or Ranch Acres?
Quote from: Conan71 on March 28, 2012, 11:11:49 PM
Better than Parkhill's or Ranch Acres?
That would be tough...don't forget about Collins, either. They have a good selection as well.
It will be as much selection as they can fit in their store. Not sure on the sq footage. Was mentioning it in relation to the "it's bigger than I thought" comment.
Quote from: CharlieSheen on March 29, 2012, 05:31:06 AM
It will be as much selection as they can fit in their store. Not sure on the sq footage. Was mentioning it in relation to the "it's bigger than I thought" comment.
Something every man loves to hear.
Quote from: Conan71 on March 29, 2012, 10:36:06 AM
Something every man loves to hear.
They are also going to be very open to getting beers that you have to broker in to Oklahoma. If there is something you really want and willing to pay for it.
An aspect I forgot about downtown is that they will be handy to all the hotels. They also want to have the ability to reserve shelf space if you have expensive tastes and request something thats $500 a bottle you want whenever you come into town (or if you live here), etc. I have no idea if there will be demand for that though.
Quote from: CharlieSheen on March 29, 2012, 10:47:09 AM
They are also going to be very open to getting beers that you have to broker in to Oklahoma. If there is something you really want and willing to pay for it.
Let them know I'd pay a premium for Carib lager or Presidente.
http://www.caribbeer.com/
http://www.presidente-beer.com/
I had some Land Shark last night, closed my eyes and tried to pretend it was Carib, but it just didn't work.
Quote from: Conan71 on March 29, 2012, 10:48:34 AM
Let them know I'd pay a premium for Carib lager or Presidente.
http://www.caribbeer.com/
http://www.presidente-beer.com/
I had some Land Shark last night, closed my eyes and tried to pretend it was Carib, but it just didn't work.
+1 for Presidente. I know a few people who'd be willing to pay $$$ for that one.
What do you guys think the most popular beer people would want that you can't get in Oklahoma? I was thinking Fat Tire shows up at all the restaurants.
I have a twelve pack of Fat Tire in my fridge right now. I love the stuff.
Quote from: RecycleMichael on March 29, 2012, 11:03:31 AM
I have a twelve pack of Fat Tire in my fridge right now. I love the stuff.
+1..I do also. Well, part of a twelve anyway. I get down to three and it's off to Caney I go.
Quote from: Hoss on March 29, 2012, 11:07:52 AM
+1..I do also. Well, part of a twelve anyway. I get down to three and it's off to Caney I go.
Heading to KC this weekend. Anyone in need of a FT fix?
Quote from: CharlieSheen on March 29, 2012, 10:47:09 AM
They are also going to be very open to getting beers that you have to broker in to Oklahoma. If there is something you really want and willing to pay for it.
That doesn't sound legal.
Also, popular beers and good beers are mutually exclusive categories.
I'd be a happy man if I could get some Russian River sours, some Oskar Blues Old Chub and Ten Fidy and some New Glarus beers (only available in Wisconsin).
Quote from: Conan71 on March 29, 2012, 10:48:34 AM
Let them know I'd pay a premium for Carib lager or Presidente.
http://www.caribbeer.com/
http://www.presidente-beer.com/
I had some Land Shark last night, closed my eyes and tried to pretend it was Carib, but it just didn't work.
OMG! I LOVE those beers! Had plenty last July when I went to Puerto Rico. YES! Bring those, please! Conan - you got's you some class!
Quote from: Conan71 on March 28, 2012, 11:11:49 PM
Better than Parkhill's or Ranch Acres?
B&B has a insane selection also.
Their Sign is up:
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/541318_334205666638888_285116624881126_920613_20618033_n.jpg)
Nice sign. :)
Quote from: carltonplace on April 09, 2012, 11:25:55 AM
Their Sign is up:
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/541318_334205666638888_285116624881126_920613_20618033_n.jpg)
The clock on the sign should always say 5:05.
Quote from: Gaspar on April 09, 2012, 02:18:56 PM
The clock on the sign should always say 5:05.
Or 4:20
Quote from: Conan71 on April 09, 2012, 02:20:15 PM
Or 4:20
Wouldn't be called Whiskey Business then.
Maybe the Chronic Club...
Quote from: Conan71 on April 09, 2012, 02:20:15 PM
Or 4:20
Your only relevant post of the day..... way to
look forward stay in time.
Are you saying we need some local flavor down in the Brady? :o ;)
You go Hoss!
Per their FB post:
Stocking the shelves.
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/582090_355854774473977_285116624881126_974576_517239045_n.jpg)
Quote from: Townsend on May 07, 2012, 01:04:36 PM
Per their FB post:
Stocking the shelves.
(http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/582090_355854774473977_285116624881126_974576_517239045_n.jpg)
Moving box alert!!!!
I walked by Whiskey Business today. Does anyone know when it's supposed to open?
Quote from: Boksooner on May 10, 2012, 09:46:48 PM
I walked by Whiskey Business today. Does anyone know when it's supposed to open?
Monday
The name is escaping me right now but there are signs adjacent to S&J Oysters for a holistic yoga/massage space.
It appears the entire ground floor of 310 Lofts has been spoken for. Now if S&J and the Yoga place come to fruition is another question.
Quote from: Sutton on May 11, 2012, 08:43:29 AM
Now if S&J and the Yoga place come to fruition is another question.
...and 310 lofts.
Sagar was on KWGS the other morning talking about the Blue Dome area. I wanted to know more about what was going on down there so I changed the station.
Quote from: swake on May 11, 2012, 12:53:41 PM
Sagar was on KWGS the other morning talking about the Blue Dome area. I wanted to know more about what was going on down there so I changed the station.
Winner!
Quote from: swake on May 11, 2012, 12:53:41 PM
Sagar was on KWGS the other morning talking about the Blue Dome area. I wanted to know more about what was going on down there so I changed the station.
Why did you do that? Didn't you know he's the driving force behind the development of Blue Dome?
;)
The other liquor store going into downtown, in the old lyon's space of the warehouse market, got it's lic last week...
My understanding is that Joe Hall is behind it... His son is going to own/run it...
I had no idea a liquor store was going in there. Will be a good spot for it. Lots of space. Hopefully good selection. It will be closer to me than Ranch Acres, which is my go to liquor store at the moment.
Quote from: brunoflipper on May 13, 2012, 08:31:08 AM
The other liquor store going into downtown, in the old lyon's space of the warehouse market, got it's lic last week...
My understanding is that Joe Hall is behind it... His son is going to own/run it...
I can stop there on my daily trip to Home Depot!
Maybe we should have a TulsaNow lunch at this new store?
I went in today for thei opening. Small but good selection. Excellent prices. I got a free shotglass out of the deal.
I saw that they are now open. I plan on going this weekend.
Stopped in on my way back from lunch, got some wine and a free shot glass. Probably not one of my fav selections, but I will make a point to buy from them sometimes to support downtown business! They were super friendly and you can tell they are in it to be successful not some arrogant snobs that think you should be happy they let you shop there. . . I'd encourage others to go as well. I thought their beer selection was pretty strong!
Will have to stop by the next few days. Thanks for the heads up!!
my wife and i stopped by the store on saturday. we had ridden our bikes to fat guys (it helps us feel better about ourselves for eating there) and then rode over to the liquor store. we chained our bikes up to the lamp post outside before going in. the owner was there and told us that we were more than welcome to just bring our bikes in and leave them by the door next time. he was very nice and took time to talk to us about the store and things he would like to do in the future. we bought 3 six packs of beer and a bottle of tequila in preparation for the upcoming holiday weekend. it was our first trip to a liquor store on our bikes. my wife has a milk crate attached to the back of her bike that the six packs fit into perfectly. the prices all seemed reasonable and it was nice to be able to speak to the owner about his new business. we will definitely be going back. oh yeah, we got two complimentary shot glasses too.
Quote from: dioscorides on May 24, 2012, 02:32:11 PM
my wife and i stopped by the store on saturday. we had ridden our bikes to fat guys (it helps us feel better about ourselves for eating there) and then rode over to the liquor store. we chained our bikes up to the lamp post outside before going in. the owner was there and told us that we were more than welcome to just bring our bikes in and leave them by the door next time. he was very nice and took time to talk to us about the store and things he would like to do in the future. we bought 3 six packs of beer and a bottle of tequila in preparation for the upcoming holiday weekend. it was our first trip to a liquor store on our bikes. my wife has a milk crate attached to the back of her bike that the six packs fit into perfectly. the prices all seemed reasonable and it was nice to be able to speak to the owner about his new business. we will definitely be going back. oh yeah, we got two complimentary shot glasses too.
LOL! The liquor store is one of he places we regularly bike to. I have a milk crate on my old fat tire bike, but my new panniers just came in for it. Mrs. C put some on hers a month or so back and likes them far better than the crate. I've managed to get a case of beer and a box of wine in the crate before, but it takes careful packing and no sharp maneuvers.
Quote from: Conan71 on May 24, 2012, 04:25:46 PM
LOL! The liquor store is one of he places we regularly bike to. I have a milk crate on my old fat tire bike, but my new panniers just came in for it. Mrs. C put some on hers a month or so back and likes them far better than the crate. I've managed to get a case of beer and a box of wine in the crate before, but it takes careful packing and no sharp maneuvers.
i have a feeling we will be biking to the liquor store a lot more now. we bike to downtown quite often. now its going to be, "hey, what do we need from the liquor store?" we balanced the beer as best as we could in my wife's crate. she was worried all the way home that she was going to tip over. it probably just takes some getting used to. going up the hill between 11th and 13th on the trail was a bit of a struggle for her, but she made it.
I biked there the other day and I second the comments previously made. Decent selection, a bit sparse in the beer dept but not terrible. I'll be a frequent customer there.
Prior to this place, there wasn't much in the way of a decent liquor store near downtown. That one on Cherry Street (previously the closest to DT???) has the absolute worst selection.