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Midtown News Archives
2007
NEWS: Channel 5 "Big Story"
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."
Click on the link below to download the proposed zoning ordinances in PDF format.
If you don't have Adobe Reader on your system, you can download it (free) using the link below.
MidTown Infrastructure Improvements
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The 2007 City Bond Election is set for December 11th. For more information, please go to: www.okc.gov/bonds2007 |
Last year, members of the MRC’s Executive Board met with Oklahoma City representatives and the nationally recognized urban planning firm of Chan Krieger. The urban planners at Chan Krieger had developed a proposal to help change the face of MidTown by continuing Classen Drive through 10th Street all the way to the intersection of 8th Street and Harvey. It was felt that this street change would help link MidTown with the central business district of OKC. The MRC actively supported the planned street change and joined with other local voices to urge the city to pursue these plans. The MRC is now happy to report that funding for this proposal – as well as for other improvements in the infrastructure of MidTown – has been included in the General Obligation bond. In total, MidTown is slated to receive over $6,000,000 in funding.
Street improvements would include:
- NW 10th Street, Walker Avenue to Western Avenue ($1,000,000)
- NW 11th Street, Shartel to Walker Avenue ($505,000)
- NW 8th Street, Shartel to Walker Avenue ($505,000)
- Classen Drive, NW 10th to Harvey & NW8th Street ($2,500,000)
- Shartel, 8th to 13th ($850,000)
In addition, improvement to Red Andrews Park in MidTown would include:
- Red Andrews Park, paving improvements ($215,625)
- Red Andrews Park, facility improvements ($431,250) |
New Businesses in MidTown:
Please join us in welcoming these new businesses to MidTown….
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PL Studios
www.plstudios.com |
Piyush Patel, the founder and CEO of PL Studios, recently moved his fast-growing company to a 9,000 square foot space in MidTown at 501 N. Walker Avenue. PL Studios produces the well-known Digital-Tutors educational software for the digital animation industry (see 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 industries top companies, as well as corporate clients like Apple, FedEx Kinkos, Motorola, Home Depot and IBM. The pictures below were taken at PL Studio’s recent MidTown open house, which was attended by Mayor Mick Cornett and representatives from leading animation companies. PL Studio’s relocation to MidTown was identified by the Oklahoman newspaper as another sign of the “creative class” moving increasingly toward OKC’s emerging urban areas. |
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Irma’s Burger Shack
1120 Classen Drive (Plaza Court)
OKC, OK 73103
Phone: (405) 235-IRMA
Fax: (405) 235-4763
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.” |
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1492 New World Latin Cuisine
1207 N Walker
OKC, OK 73103
Phone: (405) 236-1492
Fax: (405) 236-1491
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' 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 OKC as an architect for Elliott & Associates and worked as the project manager for the Chesapeake Boathouse. He has since left Elliott to focus on his own projects, such as major revitalization efforts along NW 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 & 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 and 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 www.fitzsimmons-arch.com to learn more about their house and 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!
© 2007 Joseph Mills Photography (www.josephmills.com)
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