Yeah, their stores in Vegas, Dallas, Cali and other places are real "grungy." I've been to about a dozen of UO stores about half in older buildings and half new flashy stores. I do agree they prefer them but the foot traffic pattern has to make sense and unfortunately Film Row does not yet, Auto Alley would, and has more storefronts for a decent sized retail district.

The Journal Record - Article

Film Row welcoming two new neighbors
by Kelley Chambers
The Journal Record April 10, 2009

OKLAHOMA CITY – In 2004 Chip Fudge began buying run-down buildings in a forgotten corner of downtown. Five years later his investment in six buildings is paying off.


The area was once a thriving film distribution district, but since the 1960s had fallen into disrepair.Fudge saw merit in the old buildings and believed in the vision of designer David Wanzer for the area.

In the last three years several of the buildings have been renovated, and two new neighbors are joining the district, defined as the 600 and 700 blocks of W. Sheridan Avenue.

The Independent Artists of Oklahoma gallery and offices are moving from Automobile Alley to Film Row, as is residential mortgage company Insight Funding Group, Wanzer said.

A streetscape will be funded by tax increment financing money and a general obligation bond.

Wanzer said the streetscape should go out to bid in the next 30 to 45 days; work is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.
Fudge said he enjoys buying old, historically significant properties.

“I love finding dilapidated, run-down projects and putting them back together again,” he said.

Fudge admitted the road has been long, and expensive, to bring Film Row back to life.
He said he would rather do a project right than do it under budget, an idea that might give his banker some sleepless nights.

Wanzer’s belief in the area’s future was strong enough that he moved his design firm to Film Row. He was joined by a group of architects and engineers that set up shop on the second floor of a renovated building at 628 W. Sheridan Ave.

Wanzer said he felt early on that Film Row was worth saving. The area is only a block from the site of Devon Energy Corp.’s planned world headquarters, which will include a 54-story skyscraper.

“This is one of the last quadrants of the CBD to receive significant attention and investment,” Wanzer said.

Fudge and Wanzer spoke Thursday at the Oklahoma City Commercial Real Estate Council luncheon. CREC President Tim Strange said he wanted the Oklahoma City real estate community to be up to date on all the work Fudge and Wanzer were doing in that area.

Just wanted to weigh in here...

I have been both heavily involved in the formation of the district since 2003 and the keeper of its unique history. I have a website with a lot of info about it all. I am updating it constantly. There area lots of photos and such on it now. Take a look:

OKC Film Exchange District Homepage

Bradley Wynn

PS - if for some reason you get an error page or anything other than the Film Exchange site, just keep checking back. I have been dealing with some techincal issues but hope that the site will finally be at peace within a week. Ahh, the miracle of modern technology.

Individual Artists of Oklahoma switches sets to make new scene in downtown?s Film Row | OKG Scene.com

Speaking of Film Row, is the street construction they are doing now, the long overdue and anticipated streetscape project?

Also IAO is seriously needing support right now to stay afloat since they moved. If you can support them, please do. This is a BIG asset to our community and downtown.

By all means, IAO has been a huge asset, one Mr Fudge is obviously banking on to do a repeat of it's success on Automobile Alley. Unfortunately, I think it will take more support that IAO has been shown these past couple of years. IAO seems to work really hard just to stay afloat. Now in an area in shambles during construction, alone on a street with no other nighttime venues...While the future of the area is bright, how will a little organization like this stay afloat when it's struggles to increase it's presence, increase attendance and thereby support?

Please support IAO's 30th Birthday party tomorrow night. I posted a thread on it. As you mentioned, they need the support to stay afloat during these tough times.

I've wondered the same. The article doesn't outright say so, but seems to imply it.

Found out last week a local creative agency is moving to Film Row soon. I will be able to release more details soon. Glad to see more positive momentum coming to film row.