The site plan sure does look awful small for Whole Foods, I don't see how it's 40,000 sq. ft. If you drive by you can see the concrete foundation (not a slab) that they have poured. Still looks like an odd layout to me, but hopefully either what they poured is for another building within the development, or it will start to come to life so we can get an idea of the layout, etc. I imagine they will start tying the rebar very soon that has just been laying on the ground for awhile now. On another note, I noticed yesterday and today that they have been working on covering up the drainage ditch just to the north of where the building is, between it and the ball field. They put concrete forms over the drainage ditch in some parts and are covering it up with dirt, so this should give back the entire block for development now. I'll try to get pics soon.

40,000 sq. ft. isn't that big... just 200' x 200', which you can see outlined in yellow below.

Also, I think they just kept the part of that old building that used to span the creek and are making it a walkway (shown in green) so people in the office buildings immediately to the north will be able to walk to WF and Classen Curve.

It will be interesting to see what they do with the site currently used as a play field, as they are working on the new parking structure that will replace it. I suspect they will add more retail space right there along Western.

http://www.tnttri.com/OKCTalk/aerial2B.jpg

This is probably a good time to refer back to the conceptual CHK campus plan I got my hands on a couple of years ago.

The items in green (car park / play field, Building 14 and Day Care Center -- as well as Whole Foods) are all under construction.

You can see a bridge near the WF site that is part of this plan:

http://www.tnttri.com/OKCTalk/campusmap93010b.jpg

maybe i'm wrong... but from where the footing is being poured, i'm expecting the structure to sit in the center of where the two "L" shaped buildings are in the above site plan. -M

mmm, where Pete has the green square marked is where they have been working and poured some sort of a foundation. I drove by today at lunch and took a few pics. Also Pete, the bridge you are referring to is different than what I'm seeing here in person.

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/CHK3.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/CHK2.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/CHK1.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/DSC00217.jpg

40k for a grocery store is plenty big, imo. Especially considering there will be no liquor and there won't be the typical 4-5 aisles of junk that fills up your normal Homeland/Albertsons/Neigborhood Market. That being said, I probably won't go for the first 6 months because it will be a tad crowded.

I think people do need to know to understand these aren't one stop shopping type stores.

Congrats to metro who was able to catch more than two people working on this project at a time. : )

haha, thanks, but there are more soccer players out on their lunch break than workers on the WF site.........

Thanks metro! I really do think that concrete structure is to link the WF area with that north of the creek. I also think they are going to start terracing the creek area similar to the beautiful landscaping they have on their main campus.


And regarding WF size, I mentioned before that a couple of years ago they relocated a store near me here in California and moved it to a enlarged site of about 35,000 sq.ft. That place looks huge from the inside and OKC's will be even bigger.

I thought Okctalk had members who were insiders with the city planning dept? The city planning and permit dept must have plot plans, elevations and more details, concerning WF's.

Yes, would be great to see the detailed plans.

Also, I hope there is a nice outdoor eating area included. There usually is, as they have lots of ready-to-eat food, as well as prep stations. Perhaps that will overlook the beautified creek area.

thanks for posting the pics, metro! hmmm... looking at the last picture, coulda sworn it looked a bit different when i drove by the other day, going west along classen... as if there was more footing to the west and south of that picture. but i admit i was distracted by having to be behind the wheel. : )

as for square footage, i totally agree that 40k should be plenty. i'd say that a boutique grocery such as whole foods needs to be about quality, not quantity... in that vein, i think it's possible for a store like this to be too large. -M

also, perhaps OKC's will be multi-level in some way?

I like that they saved all those "live oaks" and are incorporated into the development. This is forward thinking and is great because they are thinking about conservation. OKC needs to plant more of these live oaks around the city because during winter they do not loose their leaves and it doesn't make the winter in OKC seem so dull and drab.

My big wig friend at Chesapeake says Whole Foods is opening in spring. Does that sound about right?

ugggg...... sick and tired of no renderings... what gives???

My big wig friend at Chesapeake says Whole Foods is opening in spring. Does that sound about right?
Announcement was fall of next year but that seems long. They are already starting to work on foundation, I say mid to late spring is spot on. CHK probably wanted to under promise and over deliver.

Just drove by at lunch, they put up new boards this morning with renderings of the Whole Foods, it looks pretty bland, way underwhelming compared to most Whole Foods. I'm still thankful we're getting one though. I didn't have my camera with me. I will try to get some pics on my way home from work. Also, I noticed in smaller text on the signs "The Triangle At The Curve" Development and it said something about now leasing so I'm guessing that is what they will call the development on that triangle shaped block WF sits on.

Gather round boys and girls. Let's play a game and see who can come up with the most new threads related to Whole Foods.

^
i think that game needs its own thread. -M

Just drove by at lunch, they put up new boards this morning with renderings of the Whole Foods, it looks pretty bland, way underwhelming compared to most Whole Foods. I'm still thankful we're getting one though. I didn't have my camera with me. I will try to get some pics on my way home from work. Also, I noticed in smaller text on the signs "The Triangle At The Curve" Development and it said something about now leasing so I'm guessing that is what they will call the development on that triangle shaped block WF sits on.

Hard to say based on the one rendering, but I thought it showed some style. I'll reserve judgement until the rest of them come out.

Elliott & Associates doesn't have them up yet.

I was by there over the weekend and they are doing some serious earth-moving all around and I'm sure the landscaping and the overall development surrounding is going to be first-class, just like everything else CHK has done.

Everything they've developed has been pretty simple with clean lines, so I'd expect more of the same with high-quality materials and lots of landscaping.

Developers Hooked on Geometry

Phase 1 -- The Triangle at the Curve
Phase 2 -- The Square at the Corner
Phase 3 -- The Circle at the Triangle
Phase 4 -- The Curve at the Square
Phase 5 -- The Angle on the Rectangle

Took pics on my way home, will try to post as soon as I can

We're waiting??

Developers Hooked on Geometry

Phase 1 -- The Triangle at the Curve
Phase 2 -- The Square at the Corner
Phase 3 -- The Circle at the Triangle
Phase 4 -- The Curve at the Square
Phase 5 -- The Angle on the Rectangle

http://www.thelaughline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/hollywood_squares.jpg

Circle gets the square!

Personally, I don't think many of the Whole Foods are that attractive on the exterior. I'm sure there are a lot I haven't seen, but most of the ones I've seen are pretty pedestrian. They look nice if you compare them to other grocery stores, but once you get beyond that concept, their buildings just don't have a lot of panache, IMO. So, if this one is simple, it will fit right in. As noted above, I suspect the landscaping around this store will be what is impressive, in comparison to most.

Well let's keep in mind that I'm quite certain Rand will be involved in the design of this one..

I've only seen one Whole Foods store up close. That was in West Hollywood and I was definitely underwhelmed with the exterior. It could have been any standard grocery store.

I thought it looked like a nice clean modern design.

It's going to fit in well with the rest of the development.

Has anyone heard anything about the rumored foot bridge from nichols hills plaza, over 63rd.?

I tried to upload it here but had trouble doing so. The sign rendering is at www.okccentral.com.

Sorry I didn't get them up last night folks, I had more important things like being a dad. Here you go.

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/WholeFoods1.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/WholeFoods2.jpg

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/WholeFoods3.jpg

Interestingly different. First WF I've seen that looks industrial.

Very cool, I like it!

i like it... i'm curious what it looks like from western. -M

Here are a few other WF for comparison.

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/parklane/wp-content/blogs.dir/167/files/slideshow/storefront.jpg

http://www.dcist.com/attachments/dcist_adam/2007_0207_wholefoods.jpg

TULSA
http://kotv.images.worldnow.com/images/10025233_BG2.jpg

Here is a Central Market in Plano

http://www.zadehdesigns.com/media/architec/plano_central_market2.jpg

For Christ sake, it's a building, most go to Whole Foods for whats inside.

I think it looks great and will fit right in with the area. It is different from any other whole foods I have seen. I bet those wood or whatever material louvers, will look better in real life.

For Christ sake, it's a building, most go to Whole Foods for whats inside.

No need to use the Lord's name in vain if it's "just a building," I am stoked that we are finally about to get a Whole Foods. Just was underwhelmed at the potential that block holds versus the renderings that were released yesterday. It's not even on par with Elliott's other projects. I guess time will tell and I'm sure Steve will get the rest of renderings soon. The project has so much potential as a Mixed Use Development, I was hoping we'd see something like Dallas' Park Lane store and general area, especially since we know other upscale retailers have intent to come to OKC (i.e.Container Store) coupled with the fact that Chesapeake has toyed with the idea of nearby workforce housing. Was hoping we'd see some lowrise (3-7 story) housing and retail on the bottom floor. That's all. I'm also excited that we are finally starting to see how this area will shape together.

One thing I just noticed, Mark Cavagnero, one of the top 5 architecture firms in the country was the lead architect on this, partnered with local Rand Elliot. Mark designed one of the flagship WF stores in Chicago, you can see some of the theme mimic'd in this design. See link below.

http://cavagnero.com/#WHF

http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/WF1.jpg
http://i980.photobucket.com/albums/ae288/snewlon/WF2.jpg

I don't think this is designed by Rand Eliott. The sign displays Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects and I'm assuming they are the lead design architect. Their website shows their Chicago Whole Foods project and I notice a few similar cues between the OKC store rendering and the Chicago store.

http://cavagnero.com/#WHF
http://www.metalconstructionnews.com/default.aspx?PublicationID=3&ArticleID=1771&Title=A+natural+fit%3A+Third+largest+Whole+Foods+i ncorporates+metal+into+its+natural%2C+organic+phil osophy

http://www.metalconstructionnews.com/Image/Article/1771-3.jpg
http://www.metalconstructionnews.com/Image/Article/1771-2.jpg

red, see post above yours

Yeah. We practically posted at the same time. Notice the time stamp?

Red, do not question the metro.

Looks like a great architectural firm and I'm sure CHK is paying a lot of money for their services.

I wonder how this relationship was forged? They are based in SF and 95% of their work is in Northern Cal.

Wonder if they will be involved with the surrounding development as well.


At any rate, both Devon and CHK have brought world-class architects in to design projects (as well as making extensive use of locals) and that's a great thing for OKC.

Pete, WF typically only works with a handful of architects. These guys have done other WF' so I imagine they were brought in from Whole Foods and not CHK. Nonetheless it is good for OKC to get more outside exposure on this front.

Not sure about that Metro, as it looks like they have only done one WF's and that was exterior design.

Usually stores are much more concerned about the interior layout than the outside, as they typically have to adapt to a larger development.


Perhaps WF's recommended them after their Chicago experience.

Could be, I think it was bluedogok, or one of the posters from Austin (WF HQ) that gave some good insight and even an article in one of the other WF threads talking about this very issue. We may need to dig it up to get our answer. My recollection was that he gave one or two firms that typically designed all their stores and this firm was a new one that got the Chicago flagship gig and now they are on the WF approved list or whatever you want to call it.

I think the design of this location is great. Keep in mind that this WAS going to be one of the smaller stores in the first place. So all of those renderings and photos posted don't mean very much, because most of those are considerably larger than this one.

Where is that Chicago Flagship store? That looks like it's south of the Loop..interesting.

Could be, I think it was bluedogok, or one of the posters from Austin (WF HQ) that gave some good insight and even an article in one of the other WF threads talking about this very issue. We may need to dig it up to get our answer. My recollection was that he gave one or two firms that typically designed all their stores and this firm was a new one that got the Chicago flagship gig and now they are on the WF approved list or whatever you want to call it.
They have used multiple architects on some stores, mainly the flagship type stores using one design firm for the exterior, one they typically use for interior (one of those here in Austin) and sometimes a local consultant for local interaction. The Austin firm that I know of has done mainly interiors and a some exteriors in some of the strip/big box mall locations. When it comes time for a higher level of design they tend to go with a more design oriented firm for the exterior and leave the interior for those who know their floor plan very well. The people that I knew at WF and the local firm have moved onto other things/places a few years ago so I don't know what the relationships are for the OKC project.

They are a hard company to get into to get projects if you aren't already established with them like many companies are. The Austin firm has done work for them for a long time.

I love it!

Also, It's not going to happen, but it would of been cool if the DNA shaped wind turbines that are going atop the OMRF were also going on the WF to show Chesapeake's commitment to clean energy. That would look awesome!

For Christ sake, it's a building, most go to Whole Foods for whats inside.

Well like it or not, it has been proven that humans have a psychological response to structures and individual responses and tastes as it relates to aesthetics. Because this is an open and public forum, people will likely express their individual responses to the proposed design solution.

I for one am underwhelmed by the design approach. That said, I know how the industry goes and there is no way for me to know all of the design criteria and constraints that have been placed on the designer to have arrived at this solution, but I certainly hope for a more thoughtful and refined approach. In the example in post#19 Metro provided images of some of the others. I liked the first shown image and the fourth (Central Market). Really did not care at all for the one in Tulsa, or the other one.

I am hoping that they were able to spend some more time on the design of the structure and many refinements have taken place. The Brown either wood or wood looking material needs to be broken up with some relief.

The design as shown looks fine to me and to those who don't approve. IT'S A GROCERY STORE!! IT'S A GROCERY STORE!! It's not the Guggenheim Museum or Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Waters. Chill and everything will be fine.

The design as shown looks fine to me and to those who don't approve. IT'S A GROCERY STORE!! IT'S A GROCERY STORE!! It's not the Guggenheim Museum or Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Waters. Chill and everything will be fine.

It's not a Homeland. It IS a destination chain.

It's not a Homeland. It IS a destination chain.

A destination chain is still a grocery store and doesn't have to be an architectural icon. It's nice if it has a great design but it's not going to make or break our city if it's not a masterpiece. For years people have been complaining because we don't have a Whole Foods. Now that we're getting one the complaints have turned to the design of the building since the lack of a Whole Foods can't be complained about any more.

I don't like the design. Seems like it was designed without even seeing what surrounds it. It might be what I would design if I had never been to Oklahoma.

Kerry I agree, my main point was not criticizing the design, as much as it was about unreached potential and totally doesn't go with the surrounds, including Classen Curve which is designed by Elliott who had a part in WF. That is what confuses me. I'm anxious to see the master plan though. Maybe it will make more sense then. Was just hoping for higher density mixed use retail, that's all.

[QUOTE=metro;369030]. . . totally doesn't go with the surrounds, including Classen Curve which is designed by Elliott who had a part in WF". Well, just goes to show ya. . . my first thought when I saw the pic/rendering with the grey metallic thing was that it kind of reminded me a little of Classen Curve but earth tones. . .and that it would be a nice foil between CC and CHK, both of which will be within site lines. As far as the actual shopping goes, I could care less whether it's upscale, downscale, or warehousescale. . . esthetically, I think it will fit in with the surroiunding area nicely.

my first thought when I saw the pic/rendering with the grey metallic thing was that it kind of reminded me a little of Classen Curve but earth tones. . .and that it would be a nice foil between CC and CHK, both of which will be within site lines. As far as the actual shopping goes, I could care less whether it's upscale, downscale, or warehousescale. . . esthetically, I think it will fit in with the surroiunding area nicely.

Thats pretty much what I thought.