Central Exchange
Several old buildings on NE 6th (next to the rail line) are being renovated.
The three-story warehouse and adjacent two-story garage were built in 1909 and 1911, respectively.
The warehouse was originally a switch house for Pioneer telephone (and later, Southwestern Bell).
It housed the switchboard equipment and operators that handled all calls in Oklahoma City.
The adjacent garage served as parking for the workers.
They have sat unused and empty for years.
Here's a look at the warehouse interior after some cleanup:
https://www.centralexchangeokc.com/gallery
Both buildings are now in the process of receiving a major overhaul and being re-adapted for use as communal space.
The warehouse -- 29,000 sf -- will feature retail & restaurants on the 1st floor, office space on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
The garage -- 13,000 sf -- is being reworked as a food hall.
A pedestrian pathway will be built running between the two, connecting all the way from 6th Street to 7th Street.
Renderings:
The name Central Exchange is a reference to its roots as the Central Oklahoma City telephone exchange.
In the early days, you had to dial 23 (i.e. "CE") to route your call through the downtown switchboards.
It's also a play on words, as it's hoped the area will serve as a meeting and social spot for downtown workers and residents.
Project location:
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43990
Some recent construction photos:
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43990&page=2
https://twitter.com/buildwithlingo
website:
https://www.centralexchangeokc.com