Uptown 23rd District
https://twitter.com/Uptown23rd/statu...66708361203712
I just mentioned in the previous post about the Play Cafe project being developed on NW 23rd.
But it's just one of many.
Lots of activity in this area, with renovations and new builds.
This includes the Tower Theater, which acts like an anchor for the area.
But also: Ponyboy, Scottie's Deli, Bunker Club, The Eleanor,
Cajun Corner,...
Recently, the city established the area as a Business Improvement District (BID).
I'm not knowledgable enough about these things to understand what that means, haha...
Presumably, the district will have more (and steadier) funding for cleanup, maintenance, and general self-sufficiency.
article that explains more:
https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/d...nt?oid=6764300
East End of NW 23rd
By contrast, the easter section of 23rd next to I-235 is more run down.
It has lagged behind the developments occuring further west (closer to Classen).
However, it is starting to receive some attention lately as well.
One item of note is the coming of a new Starbucks to the area.
Renderings:
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24994&page=53
This will be built at a currently empty lot at the corner of 23rd and Robinson.
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24994&page=53
On the other side of I-235 is the old armory which is being completely renovated by COOP Aleworks.
And then, past that, the State Capitol complex, also in an extensive renovation.
Across the street from where the Starbucks will go is a collection of businesses in flux.
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44833
The Uptown Building is set for a renovation into mixed-use: ground floor commercial, second floor residential.
Rendering:
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44833
Some work has been done on this, but it remains unfinished AFAIK.
The building next to it (2412 N. Robinson) is also being renovated.
No word yet on what is planned.
The owner is apparently still seeking tenants.
The Blue Note Lounge is an OKC institution.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/34465297@N00/7828462718
Bar, dive, local music venue.
It's been there, seemingly forever..... (actually it opened in 1951)
Still going strong.
One place that hasn't seen any improvement yet is Martinez Tires.
It was purchased by a group that plans to convert it into a marijuana dispensary.
But so far, no action -- the building is currently empty.
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44833&page=2
Just west of Martinez Tires is a happier story.
It was renovated from apartments to office space.
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44833
So the revitalization of the Uptown 23rd district is trickling eastward, if slowly.