In my time at MidTown, when I tell people where I intern, I generally get the question: “Where on earth is MidTown?” I used to have to go into great detail about the boundaries of MidTown. Now, since the unveiling of the MidTown Markers, I am able to say, “Just look for the signs.”

With Mayor Mick Cornett, Councilwoman Ann Simank, and Designer Joshua Hill of Studio Architecture on hand, President Joyce Brown removed the tarp, showing Oklahoma City the new Markers for the very first time. The theme of the Markers is “Windows on the past, looking to the future.” The new Markers make MidTown as visible as Automobile Alley, the Arts District, and even Bricktown.

The Markers are stunning pieces of architecture. They are a brilliant red designed to mesh with the area’s history as well as be a part of its future. The Markers are also environmentally friendly; each Marker is powered by a battery, which is recharged by solar energy. The MidTown Board recognized that the Markers had to be self-sufficient and asked Hill to work that into his design, so he provided interior space for a battery and a solar panel on top.

The Board of MidTown encourages all of its members to come out and see the new Markers (day and night, as the lighting is very impressive!).

PHOTO: (L-R) Designer Joshua Hill of Studio Architecture, MidTown President Joyce Brown, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, and Councilwoman Ann Simank.

After the Gateway Markers, the MRC Wins a Second Grant for MidTown!!!

The Oklahoma City Council recently announced the winner of a 2007-8 Neighborhood Partnership Grant. These grants are administered by the Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma and funded by the Community Development Block Grant or the OKC General Fund. The MRC was awarded $10,000 to continue its branding and identification efforts started with the Gateway Markers. The MRC also worked with local property owners, MidTown businesses and volunteers to arrange over $20,000 in matching contributions. The total amount will fund the design, development and installation of light pole banners throughout the MidTown area. The banner holders will provide additional branding for MidTown and allow for the promotion of local businesses and events. Studio Architecture has been chosen to design the Banner Holders to ensure appropriate integration with the existing Gateway Markers (see story above).

MidTown continues to make news! A recent Channel 5 News “Big Story” focuses on the ongoing development of MidTown, labeling the area “OKC’s Next Hot Spot.” The story includes interviews with a leading Oklahoma City urban planner, an exciting new MidTown business (Irma’s Burger Shack), and Joyce Brown, president of our own MidTown Redevelopment Corporation. To watch this video on your computer, please click here.

NEWS: Proposed Zoning Ordinances

On January 11, 2007, the Oklahoma City Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend to the City Council the adoption of new zoning ordinances for Downtown and the surrounding areas, including MidTown.

These new ordinances, proposed by the OKC Planning Department, would modify zoning and the city's approval process for all projects, public and private, involving “new construction, expansion, remodeling of the exterior of structures for which a building permit is required, and exterior modifications, including the addition or removal of building materials from building facades.”

MidTown Infrastructure Improvements

New Businesses in MidTown:

Please join us in welcoming these new businesses to MidTown….

PL Studios Incorporated 501 N. Walker Ave., Suite 160 OKC, OK 73102 Phone: (405) 601-4806 Fax: (405) 601-2472 http://www.plstudios.com

Piyush Patel, the founder and CEO of PL Studios Incorporated, recently moved his fast-growing company to a 9,000 square foot space in MidTown at 501 N. Walker Ave. PL Studios produces the well-known Digital-Tutors educational software for the digital animation industry (see http://www.digitaltutors.com). This software allows designers and artists to get up to speed quickly on the latest animation technology. PL Studio’s customers include the animation industry’s top companies, as well as corporate clients like Apple, FedEx Kinkos, Motorola, Home Depot and IBM.

Irma's Burger Shack 1120 Classen Dr. (Plaza Court) OKC, OK 73103 Phone: (405) 235-IRMA Fax: (405) 235-4763 http://www.irmasburgershack.com

The first Irma’s Burger Shack opened in 2003. In July, Irma’s II opened in a second location: The Plaza Court Building in MidTown. As co-owner Linda Lee told the Oklahoman newspaper: “For me this is the mark of success. For independent restaurants like us, not a lot of us open (restaurant) number two.” Judging by the standing-room only crowds, it would seem that Irma’s II is already a roaring success. Repeat customers include local MidTown business people, Irma’s fans from Heritage Hills and residents from other nearby historic neighborhoods. If there ever was a perfect match of a restaurant with a building, “Irma’s II at The Plaza Court” could be it. As Linda explained: “;Really and truly, I guess we kind of found the place before we knew we were going to expand.”

1492 New World Latin Cuisine 1207 N. Walker Ave. OKC, OK 73103 Phone: (405) 236-1492 Fax: (405) 236-1491 http://www.1492okc.com

In September 2007, the Chavez brothers from Dallas, Texas launched 1492, which serves great Latin fusion cuisine. The Chavez brothers have stated that they believe passionately in using the best possible ingredients and in international chef Miguel Marin. “Our main goal at 1492 New World Latin Cuisine is to offer an alternative to the average. We didn≱t want another average Latin restaurant venue. We wanted to create a satisfying and fulfilling dining experience, giving excellent service, great management and happy motivated employees.” 1492 has opened to rave reviews and enthusiastic customers!

MidTown Profile: Brian Fitzsimmons and TiTi Nguyen

MidTown is lucky to have residents like Brian Fitzsimmons, AIA, and his wife, TiTi Nguyen, MD. (In addition, the MidTown Redevelopment Corporation is very pleased to have Brian Fitzsimmons as one of its board members.) Brian is a principal of Fitzsimmons Architects and works with his brother Kenneth. After graduating from OSU and a brief stint in Dallas, Brian first began doing architectural work in Oklahoma City as an architect for Elliott & Associates and worked as the project manager for the Chesapeake Boathouse. He has since left Elliott & Associates to focus on his own projects, such as major revitalization efforts along N.W. 23rd Street and the new bowling alley project for Bricktown.

TiTi Nguyen recently joined the medical staff at St. Anthony Hospital and Saints Medical Group Metro in the First National Center Arcade downtown. She is board certified in family medicine, with special interests in women’s health, pediatrics, preventative care, and health and nutrition counseling. TiTi received her medical degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine where she also completed her residency in family medicine.

Brian and TiTi decided to call MidTown home. They built their own AIA award-winning house in the Cottage District of MidTown. Brian designed the house and supervised its construction. The aesthetics of their home reflect both of their family backgrounds – Oklahoman and Vietnamese – so they call the house the “Okasian.” (see http://www.fitzsimmons-arch.com/ to learn more about their house and about Brian’s work).

Brian is also an artist, working with furniture and sculpture. Recently, Brian and TiTi hosted an art showing for many of Oklahoma City’s leading emerging artists. Those artists showing their work in addition to Brian included: Joseph Mills, the well-known Oklahoma City photographer (see his image of Brian’s house below); Larry Dean Pickering; Michael Hoffner; and Joe Slack.

Brian’s and TiTi’s efforts are emblematic of the trends in MidTown’s Cottage District and a sign of even more to come!