A nonprofit entity affiliated with The Bridge church has acquired the former Jokers building at 229 E. Sheridan in Bricktown.
The Bridge is affiliated with the Assemblies of God and has its main campus in Mustang and also holds services at the Will Rogers Theater on N. Western.
In an interview with OKCTalk, Bridge pastor Rodney Wardwell explained the move is part of the church's on-going mission to connect with the community and to offer services to other area nonprofits.
The new facility dubbed The Bridge Venue will feature a coffee shop, offices for local nonprofit organizations and space for The Bridge services as well as other community uses.
Similar to OKC Community Church which opened in the thriving Uptown area on NW 23rd, the Bricktown building was purchased by a nonprofit and not directly by the church, therefore no issues will be encountered regarding Oklahoma liquor laws which restrict new permits to serve alcohol in close proximity to churches and schools.
Wardwell emphasized that The Bridge endeavors to be a part of the Bricktown and downtown community and not impede future growth and uses.
The 7,000 square foot building on just .1634 acres of land sold last month for $1.45 million. There is no parking on site.
The purchase price reflects the escalating property costs in the city core, as it had previously sold in 2014 for $850,000 and in 2012 for $500,000. It has been vacant for years after the last occupant, Jokers Comedy Club, ceased operation.
Substantial renovations to both the interior and exterior are planned and Wardwell has already reached out to the Bricktown Urban Design Committee about possible changes to the facade which would fall within their perview.
Wardwell will be the director of the new facility and hopes services will start sometime this fall.
The new use unfolds as Bricktown is seeing several new developments along Sheridan Avenue, including the installation of streetcar tracks and stops. For a full summary of everything happening in the district, see our story here: http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r...ktown-projects