From KOTV (//%22http://www.kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=129697%22)
quote:
A Tulsa landmark is coming down. Demolition work is set to begins Monday at the Camelot hotel.
The first phase of demolition is asbestos removal, and the Camelot is expected to be torn down by September. The cost of taking down the Camelot is an estimated $1 million.
Tulsa's eight story castle closed in the 1990's and was later condemned. In its hay day, the Camelot hotel hosted Elvis Presley, as well as Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.
Why tear it down? It's in better condition than Miss Belvedere. [}:)]
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Originally posted by Conan71
Why tear it down? It's in better condition than Miss Belvedere. [}:)]
I bet that building would not be much of anything if it sat in water for 50 years like Miss. Belvedere did. That building was on dry land and is much younger than Miss. Belvedere and look how it crumbled.... If Miss. Belvedere sat parked on that lot for as long as that building stood I'd bet she'd be in far better shape that that building..[:)]
Quik-Trip buys the land...
QT confirms purchase of Camelot property; demolition begins
Posted By: Russell Mills
QuikTrip Corp. has signed a contract to purchase the site of Tulsa's Camelot Hotel, Channel 2 confirmed Monday.
Mike Thornbrugh told reporter Deana Goll that QT signed an agreement in March, and that the company will likely finalize the deal this week.
Meanwhile, work crews began the first phase of demolition on Tulsa's historic but dilapidated Camelot Hotel Monday.
At one point, the Camelot was considered one of Tulsa's most luxurious hotels, but years of neglect left it an empty husk, and a haven for squatters and criminals.
Built in 1965, it featured turrets, a moat, and a swimming pool shaped like a giant spearpoint.
President Nixon once stayed there, as well as Elvis Presley and other celebrities.
It stood eight stories tall, and had more than 300 rooms.
But the Camelot fell on hard times, and the city condemned the structure years ago because of electrical and sewer problems.
Later, it was learned that the structure had a major asbestos problem.
This week, crews begin removing the asbestos so the real demolition work can begin.
The building's destruction will not involve explosives since the building sits in a busy residential and commercial area.
Tulsa police hope that crime rates will go down in the area once the Camelot is gone for good.
QuikTrip has not said exactly what its plans for the property entail.
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Originally posted by recyclemichael
QuikTrip has not said exactly what its plans for the property entail.
Well, duh...(http://tulsatvmemories.com/imag2001/quiktrip.jpg)
I was built in 1965 as well. I hope I'm not full of asbestos.
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Originally posted by Conan71
quote:
Originally posted by recyclemichael
QuikTrip has not said exactly what its plans for the property entail.
Well, duh...(http://tulsatvmemories.com/imag2001/quiktrip.jpg)
I was built in 1965 as well. I hope I'm not full of asbestos.
Isn't that Quik Trip #1 that was at 53rd & Peoria?
The asbestos removal process should be fun to watch. Spacesuited guys with trash bags.
And, it's supposed to go to a special landfill for such materials, not the general one.
That's what makes demolition expensive.
Didn't know Ark Wrecking did that kind of work.
I would like to buy parts off of it, like the sign or something.
Gee, I wonder what QT would build.... Maybe a QT?!?
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Originally posted by dbacks fan
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Originally posted by Conan71
quote:
Originally posted by recyclemichael
QuikTrip has not said exactly what its plans for the property entail.
Well, duh...(http://tulsatvmemories.com/imag2001/quiktrip.jpg)
I was built in 1965 as well. I hope I'm not full of asbestos.
Isn't that Quik Trip #1 that was at 53rd & Peoria?
Is there where the first QT was? Any pics of it? Is the building still there as something else or was it torn down? I live in the area and there is a building that looks like an old QT (its a cash advance place now I think) but didn't think it could have been since there is a QT at 45th and peoria. I was always told the 45th one was the first one. Guess I was told wrong?
So what on earth would QT need such a huge piece of land for? World's largest QT/Convienience store? Probably just want to do a Truckstop style one. If thats the case, turning the intersection into a truck stop isn't my best idea of improvements. They have plenty on the outskirts of town on both sides. :(
It is a great location for a visitor center.
We should petition the state commerce department to build a beautiful welcome center to Tulsa that combines with a flagship Quik-Trip.
quote:
Originally posted by recyclemichael
It is a great location for a visitor center.
We should petition the state commerce department to build a beautiful welcome center to Tulsa that combines with a flagship Quik-Trip.
But WILL it be a visitor center? Look at the size of the QT lots that do Diesel, like the one at I-44 and 49th W. Ave. - Theres some huge ones out east too. Something makes me afraid that all they want is one like that at I-44 and Peoria. So we'd just get a huge well lit parking lot for big rigs.
I like the store at 45th. Pretty busy, could use a little extra space, but it seems to run just fine. I go there probably twice a day.
I don't have a problem with Quik Trips. but if thats all they are doing with the Camelot land, it is a big loss for the area.
With I-44 widening I wouldn't be surprised if it was a visitors center/diesel shop.
I just excited to FINALLY be getting a QT in town. I've driven all over and just can not fine one anywhere.
Though, the city should have had a contract clause that anything on the site needs to be castle themed. [:P]
Can't say "Gospel certain" that's QT 1 I posted, but judging by the cars, that's my guess. Looks like they were selling Xmas trees out of there in that photo.
FAIK, it was at 53rd & Peoria in a strip center on the west side of the road.
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
Can't say "Gospel certain" that's QT 1 I posted, but judging by the cars, that's my guess. Looks like they were selling Xmas trees out of there in that photo.
FAIK, it was at 53rd & Peoria in a strip center on the west side of the road.
About how many years ago did that area degenerate into Cash advance stores, rent to own, and prepaid wireless? (Ok, Im guessing it did before cell-phones became a way to fleece the poor)
Im assuming the area used to be somewhat nice?
Okay, Okay. I can't stand it any more. A little history lesson first. QT #1, Yes. Christmas, 1958. In the North end of the little strip center, which is still there, at 51st & Peoria. Relocated in 1980 to the 53rd St. site. Later closed and became a donut shop, later a check cashers. No, the Camelot will not be a truck stop. A standard store maybe with car wash, maybe not. Excess will be sold. ODOT has not approached with any Visitor's Center concept and probably won't with their new one at 165th & I-44 on the East side. Design will be QT's since they're paying for it. Castle motiff was obsolete about ten minutes after it opened. Not a chance! Interest so far in the excess from bank, restaurant, and a hotel (how ironic is that?)
I doubt they would put a truckstop there, since they have them on i-44 in east and west tulsa.
Why do we need another vistitor's center, maybe we could use that money to fix the highway.
To Runslikeadeere,
Chester? Is that you?
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070619_1_A1_ERWor01160
KRMG interviewed the same person and mirrored this article. Basically, what John Deere Green said.
Oh, goodie. Just what Tulsa needs! ANOTHER QuikTrip! I guess another one somewhere will close and get boarded up. That always adds so much to the neighborhood, especially since we still have quite a few old Git-N-Gos still sitting empty and rotting.
Why did I hope that something attractive and unique might go in that spot?
Yep, this is the best we could possibly hope for I guess. [V]
QT is a first class operation. They do it right. Say what you will, whatever they do there will be a major improvement for that area, which has been in decline since the 70's, when it was mostly new.
Old Quik Trips actually wind up being viable space for other locally-owned businesses.
I'd take a temprarily empty QT at 45th & Peoria over the blight which is the Camelot any day. Based on other re-development at 45th, I'd say (if that store will actually close) it won't sit empty for very long.
quote:
Originally posted by Wrinkle
QT is a first class operation. They do it right. Say what you will, whatever they do there will be a major improvement for that area, which has been in decline since the 70's, when it was mostly new.
My firm has had personal involvement with QT in building design development and I can affirm that they are indeed a first class organization. Even though they are building these stores for themselves there is no laxness in their standards which are very very high. They are indeed a quality corporation.
More at Tulsa World (//%22http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070619_1_A1_ERWor01160%22)
quote:
QuikTrip has a contract to purchase the Camelot Hotel site to build what could be the company's 500th store in honor of its 50th anniversary in 2008, officials said Monday.
The purchase price will not be disclosed until after the closing, which is expected to happen this week, company spokesman Mike Thornbrugh said.
(http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2007/070619_A1_ERWor01160_a1_main.jpg)
quote:
Originally posted by Conan71
Old Quik Trips actually wind up being viable space for other locally-owned businesses.
I'd take a temprarily empty QT at 45th & Peoria over the blight which is the Camelot any day. Based on other re-development at 45th, I'd say (if that store will actually close) it won't sit empty for very long.
I can think of several "viable" spaces that have been sitting vacant for years now. They are a blight, with weeds growing up in the cracks of the pavement.
I saw a news report that stated since the opening of the 300th store in Sand Springs, Okla. in 1992, 260 new stores have opened and 160 have closed.
Perhaps the story is incorrect, but that sure seems like a lot of stores to be closing.
The 15th and Main location kills me. It's been a viable location for many years.
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Originally posted by T-Town Now
Perhaps the story is incorrect, but that sure seems like a lot of stores to be closing.
They're usually across the street from a newer and bigger QT.
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Originally posted by Townsend
The 15th and Main location kills me. It's been a viable location for many years.
Isn't that a bill and ruths?
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Originally posted by Townsend
The 15th and Main location kills me. It's been a viable location for many years.
way too close to the one on denver...
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Originally posted by brunoflipper
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend
The 15th and Main location kills me. It's been a viable location for many years.
way too close to the one on denver...
We're talking "viable as something other than a QT." Many non-QT things can be near a QT. [:D]
Tulsa is lucky to have QuikTrips, they are by far the nicest convenience stores around. We only have one that I know of even sort of close to where I live and I make a point to drive there and buy gas. Also, for the location, it makes perfect sense. It's not like someone could put a nice sidewalk cafe there and expect to do record business.
More at Tulsa World (//%22http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?articleID=070620_1_A9_hAnag10705%22)
quote:
The Tulsa Industrial Authority on Wednesday approved an agreement with QuikTrip Corp. that will eliminate a $1 million loan for the removal of the Camelot Hotel.
QuikTrip has a contract to buy the hotel site from the Maharishi Ayur-Ved University, which received the loan early this month to raze the dilapidated hotel site.
The sale of the property will allow the university to repay the authority loan amount drawn down so far, which is about $60,000 in transaction costs and interest, the industrial authority's general counsel, Eric Nelson, said.
QuikTrip will assume the obligation to remove the asbestos and demolish the structure by September as agreed upon between the authority and the university earlier this month.
That sounds like a better deal and CoT is out almost nothing...
Agreed. This is how local government should work -- as a facilitator for development, not necessarily as a dictator. Now let's hope that the private side of things can find the best use for the land - i.e., a new hotel in addition to the convenience store and bank.
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Originally posted by BKDotCom
quote:
Originally posted by brunoflipper
quote:
Originally posted by Townsend
The 15th and Main location kills me. It's been a viable location for many years.
way too close to the one on denver...
We're talking "viable as something other than a QT." Many non-QT things can be near a QT. [:D]
Oral's old Fortress of Solitude building is killing the area around there
Oral's old building should be next on the demolition list. What an eyesore!
There's a new Ike's Chili (not the faux Ike's) in an old QT at 51st & Union. Ate lunch there today.
The faux Ike's is also in an old QT at 1st and Utica.
Bihn Le on 31st is an old QT
I think they should build a Quik-Trip where the current city hall is.
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Originally posted by breitee
Oral's old building should be next on the demolition list. What an eyesore!
truer words have never been spoken.
That whole section of Boulder should be row houses.
Are you guys talking about that crumbling white monstrosity at 17th and Boulder?
Yes, Oral built that mess in his typical flamboyant style years ago. It was called the Diamond Tower. Southwestern Bell used it in the 70s and early 80s for offices and a customer service / bill payment center. After they left it was boarded up and left to rot.
Ah yes, Ive seen that building and thought the same (Need to be demo'd) - Did not know the history of it. If they got rid of that, and ran a couple of the run down apt buildings out of the area, the whole place could probably thrive.
Abundant Life building
http://www.losttulsa.com/2005_11_01_archive.html
http://www.flickr.com/photos/losttulsa/sets/1395012/