http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=126-New-and-restaurant-planned-for-Classen-Ten-Penn-area


As a surging Midtown expands to the northwest towards the thriving Plaza District and Gatewood neighborhood, the next hot spot in urban Oklahoma City seems to be the southern part of Classen Boulevard and the area to the west.

The Classen Ten Penn neighborhood is experiencing a revitalization and Classen itself is seeing improvements in repaving, streetscape and walkability.

Several new developments are underway or planned along the Classen corridor south of NW 23rd: Catholic Charities headquarters (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Catholic+Charities), Francis Apartments (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Francis+Apartments), and a large out-of-state apartment developer has been piecing together properties (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=NW+10th+Classen) (pink in the aerial below).

Other projects in the immediate area include 329 apartments at LIFT (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=LIFT), the new main office for the OKC Public Schools (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=OKC+Public+Schools+Headquarters ), a new diner and office space at 6th & Classen (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=916+NW+6th), and the SoSA District (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=SoSA+District), featuring dozens of new, modern homes.

Add another to the list, as a new bar and restaurant is under renovation at 1234 N. Western.

Keith Edwards has leased the former Michael's Pub building and work has already started to bring significant upgrades to the unique setting, which includes mature trees and a large back patio.

Edwards once managed Soleil and La Baguette at the Colcord Hotel and his family has a long history in the Oklahoma City bar and cafe scene. Edwards is now excited to have his own operation and play his part in bringing life to urban OKC.

Tentatively named the Rabbit Hole, a full bar will be offered along with fresh, high-quality light fare.

The project represents yet another intimate urban watering hole by young local entrepreneurs. It will join Grandad's (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Grandads), WSKY (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=WSKY+Lounge), Power House (ww.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Power+House), Pump Bar (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Pump+Bar) and soon to open Guyutes (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Guyutes) and Sidecar (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Sidecar) which are all similar in scale, yet with their own unique personality.

Edwards says the best terms to describe his venture are relevant, hip and fresh.

The establishment hopes to open this May and make full use of its beautiful back property with occasional live music.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/1234nwestern3.jpg


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I love this property and that little section of lower Western is kind of cool.

The building directly south has been renovated as artist studios:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/1218nwestern.jpg

Also, very excited to see the urban renaissance starting to jump Classen. That's really the next great frontier.

I used to drive this section of Western and always though it was so cool and had a lot of potential. Excited for this!

Yeah, the operator (Keith) is one of those guys who knows what he's doing and has a lot of enthusiasm and great ideas.

The property itself has amazing potential and I know one thing they'll do is put in a lower fence around the back area so you can see the people and activity back there.

I'm really loving all these smaller, local bars that have been popping up in the urban core.

After looking at this map, I just realized those 3 big lots in Midtown will be filled in soon.

It is exciting to think about how these developments are going to help Classen Ten Penn and almost assuredly Eugene Fields Elementary indirectly. I think gentrification has an unnecessarily bad name, since it usually proceeds somewhat slowly, allowing diversification of a neighborhood. And anything that helps local public schools is a good thing.

passing through there this weekend I was also looking at the building dirctly across the street from this property. would be great for bar or shops. I look forward to checking this one out.

I grew up with Keith and used to work for him at La Baguette. I currently work with him at The George. He said it was to be Punk Rock themed, which is pretty cool. Everyone is familiar with his partner's previous concepts, so I am sure it will be done right. Looking forward to hanging out here.

I used to drive this section of Western and always though it was so cool and had a lot of potential. Excited for this!

It's a shame they just tore down those buildings to the south. (Western and 10th area). Those had a ton of potential.

I grew up with Keith and used to work for him at La Baguette. I currently work with him at The George. He said it was to be Punk Rock themed, which is pretty cool. Everyone is familiar with his partner's previous concepts, so I am sure it will be done right. Looking forward to hanging out here.

He had mentioned the punk rock thing (he's a musician himself) but said he didn't want to give people the wrong idea about the place.

But he's clearly got lots of ideas and experience and is a very motivated guy. I have a very good feeling about all this.

The Pump (at least a lot of the waitresses/waiters) have a punk-rock theme going, but in no way do you feel out of place, regardless your dress.

Power House is run by a musician as well, Clay Berkes.

I love this property and that little section of lower Western is kind of cool.

The building directly south has been renovated as artist studios:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/1218nwestern.jpg

Also, very excited to see the urban renaissance starting to jump Classen. That's really the next great frontier.

Attended a wedding reception in this building and it was very nice.

The pump does have a punk edge mixed with rockabilly. Places like these make me feel as if I am in another state.

Leaps and booze: Former restaurant manager plans to open Rabbit Hole bar | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2015/03/13/leaps-and-booze-former-restaurant-manager-plans-to-open-rabbit-hole-bar-real-estate/)

Recent photo; starting to shape up:

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2711/R045804050001nA.jpg

The pump does have a punk edge mixed with rockabilly. Places like these make me feel as if I am in another state.

Imagine during the 80s if somebody had predicted that in 30 years punk would be mixing with rockabilly. People would've thought that person was insane. Funny how things have changed!

Looks like a neat little place. I like the Thunder mural.

That Thunder mural has been up for a good while, back when it was Michael's Pub, which wasn't a bad place for a bottle bar. Good people.

Is this the old Antique Lounge?

Antique Lady

yes its where the Antique lady was..

I was just the Antique Lounge and later came the Lady. Don what's his name owned it back in the 70s/80s. Bald guy. Had many a beer and put many quarters in the pool tables and juke box in that old dive.

Sad to report that this project is now completely dead.

Conflict between the owner and investors and everybody has walked away.

However, a lot of work was done on the building and backyard area and I'm sure someone will snatch it up soon.

The back area and setting amid the trees is unique and a great opportunity for a good operator.