Penn Central
An ambitious mixed-use development has been proposed for the Penn Square area.
Location:
This would require some extensive changes to the area:
Quote:
Preliminary plans distributed to surrounding neighbors show the demolition of all existing structures, NW 50th rerouted to the south,
and several new buildings featuring retail and restaurants on the first level, then apartments and offices on levels 2 through 5 above.
There would also be several multi-level parking structures.
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This is a project by Veritas Development, who are based out of Tulsa.
They have been scooping up properties in the area over the past couple of years and now own all the properties to be removed.
In fact, the old Salvation Army building has already been scraped.
They have spent the last year lobbying for this proposal including conducting multiple meetings with local residents.
Master Plan:
The proposed development is called Penn Central.
It was first announced nearly a year ago.
But due to the large changes necessary (demolishing several large structures, re-routing a street, and extensive rezoning)... it was not a sure thing.
I was hesistant to post about this until we found out something more definite about its future.
Well, the Planning Commission just voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning for this 12 acre site.
Several citizens at the meeting spoke up against this, but the commission decided that the development as a whole was good for the community.
The City Council still has to give its approval before permits can be issued, but it rarely goes against the Planning Commission's recommendation.
So, it appears this project is a GO.
Renderings:
https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=62...e-project-moves-forward-near-Penn-Square
https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=57...NW-Expressway-and-Penn-mixed-use-project
http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=527...le-development-at-Penn-and-NW-Expressway
Northwest Expressway is a very busy thoroughfare, and Penn Square Mall is a popular shopping destination.
But there's precious little walkable retail anywhere in this area.
So this will be something of a first for this region of NW OKC.
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