1100 S Robinson

[Pete]

Dilapidated property next to Scissortail Park to see renovation

As the first phase of Scissortail Park is set to open next week, long-abandoned buildings along the park's lower section are set for a complete renovation.

1100 S. Robinson before storm toppled upper floor

Located on the southeast corner of SW 10th & Robinson in an area long known as Hubcap Alley, the buildings are highly visible just south of I-40.

The second level of the largest structure has been a hollowed-out shell for years and a recent strong storm brought down the brick walls. Work has already commenced to salvage the brick and use it in the reconstruction of the second level as part of a larger renovation plan.

It is one of two buildings, the other being a brick structure that had been a tire shop, that remain on the property. Each was built in 1926.

The 2-story building fronting Robinson and facing the future park was originally a garage with four apartments on the second level.

Original building

The renovation plans call for converting the Robinson building to retail on the lower level and a single home above. A new garage will be built along SW 10th and the existing 1-story building will house an artist's studio.

Most the property on the east side of Robinson between I-40 and the river is for sale as owners look to cash in on increased values due to the coming park.

The upper section of Scissortail Park officially opens September 26th. The lower section goes to construction bidding in early 2020 with an expected completion of summer of 2022. Along with Skydance Bridge spanning I-40, the two parks will effectively connect downtown with the Oklahoma River.

[catcherinthewry]

Very cool project.

[shawnw]

Whew, glad it's not getting demoed, thought for sure it would with the second floor crumbling.

[Pete]

BTW, the owners/redevelopers are moving here from Edmond.

She's a designer and he's a sculptor.

[shawnw]

Awesome. If I ever get a chance to meet them I'll have to thank them for not letting that building get destroyed.

[jonny d]

Is this really a "best use" of key park-front property? I get that it is south of I-40, but still. I am not bashing it at all, as the re-purpose looks awesome, just wondering if the use is the best for this property.

[shawnw]

Because the second floor caved in, I suspect anyone else would have destroyed it. While not the best use possible, probably the best use available.

[Pete]

Full restoration, retail on the ground floor facing Robinson and the park, living unit upstairs and an artist shop in the restored garage.

Not sure how it could get much better.

[shawnw]

I forgot about the retail. I rescind my comment. It is the best use. That said, I can make the same argument I made against Social Capital, in that I hate rehab of less dense structures to get around density requirements of code, but that doesn't apply if the structure is historic. At least it's not a single story.

[jonny d]

Full restoration, retail on the ground floor facing Robinson and the park, living unit upstairs and an artist shop in the restored garage.

Not sure how it could get much better.

I meant in terms of tearing it down and building up (or at least building new). Its condition limits it quite a bit. And in 5 years, this area could be booming, as well, with the south park. Not saying I advocate tearing buildings down, but where it is located, and how valuable its location will be in 5 years, was this the best option for OKC?

[dankrutka]

I meant in terms of tearing it down and building up (or at least building new). Its condition limits it quite a bit. And in 5 years, this area could be booming, as well, with the south park. Not saying I advocate tearing buildings down, but where it is located, and how valuable its location will be in 5 years, was this the best option for OKC?

There are plenty of locations to build up. Preserving older building stock is critical to the area. Urban areas without any older buildings are pretty much always less attractive overall.

[baralheia]

There are plenty of locations to build up. Preserving older building stock is critical to the area. Urban areas without any older buildings are pretty much always less attractive overall.

100% this! I am very confident that this project will be an asset to the area. This building restored and brought back to life, with a mix of residential and retail use, will be a fantastic northern bookend for a revitalized hubcap alley. The building's design already conforms to urban best practices too. I hope to see more projects like this as construction on the lower park begins!

[Laramie]

Wish we had a MAPS with 25% entirely devoted to restoration. Just think of some current noted structures like the Gold Dome & the First Christian Church; agree 100% Dan, urban areas without any older buildings are pretty much always less attractive overall.

Lord knows the spill milk regarding the old Biltmore Hotel; just think what role it could play in the Oklahoma City skyline.

[Pete]

[Pete]

The 2nd floor has been eliminated from the renovation plan:

[PaddyShack]

That is a shame, I thought having the 2nd story would be a nice look next to the park.

[shawnw]

Bummer but glad for the restoration vs a demo/rebuild. They could realistically add on in the future if needed, since the building was designed for that.

[Canoe]

That is a shame, I thought having the 2nd story would be a nice look next to the park.

I thought a second story was a requirement for that area.

[Pete]

I thought a second story was a requirement for that area.

It is and they will be seeking a variance.

[catch22]

Disappointing. I've always had my eye on that building being the cornerstone to entering the lower park area.