Juniper

Opening for dinner October 11th, lunch and dinner October 25th.

From TBJ

Saint Francis Expanding

Saint Francis announced today that they will be adding on a new, eight story tower to their campus. These renderings look fantastic, and I hope we see construction starting very soon. (Expected completion is 2014.)

This will provide about 700 construction jobs, and 400 permanent jobs. It will also make the hospital eligible for being ranked a Level I Trauma Center instead of Level II. I'm glad to see them adding on again, and I wish that every new building in town had the quality of architecture that their new buildings do.

One Place Update

They broke ground on phase II today! They released a rendering of the five story building but not the tower. (Why not?!) Anyways, it's good to see construction moving forward and I really like the design of this new building. It looks modern and clean, hopefully the tower will look nice too. Well savor this update because they probably won't release another one for months. Exciting things are happening.

UPDATE: The developers have stated that they are expecting to announce the hotel portion of this project later this year. I hope it's a chain new to Tulsa.

Impressions Re-opening

Happenned to catch this that says the owner of Impressions plans to open up Impressions, as well as Pizza Dot Com by early next year. Also part of the plan is a program to help the homeless get back on their feet again. But, the owner did say that if he isn't able to realize those plans, he will reopen only Impressions. I'm glad he has been able to get back up on his feet, and I wonder what's going to happen with the Oil Capitol building...

Remembering September 11, 2001

I will never forget Tuesday, September 11, 2001. I was in kindergarden. I remember being able to sense that something was wrong, but not knowing what it was. All the adults were acting funny. I remember being scared on the way home, hearing nothing but emergency alerts and breaking news updates. I thought something was going to happen to me. I remember seeing the coverage on TV, and not understanding. I had no concept of the scope of the disaster. I asked what was falling from the buildings. My mom, nearly in tears, refused to tell me. It was several years later that I learned it was people.

That day was awful for me, even though I was too young to know what was happening. My greatest thanks go to the firefighters and others who saved hundreds of lives that day, some even giving their own. My thoughts and prayers are with the families affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks this weekend. That was a day that nobody alive at the time will ever forget. A day that lives were lost, hearts were broken, and suffering was rampant. A day of resiliency, sacrifices, bravery. What ever happens, we will never forget.

Where were you that day?

Utica Place Phase II Moving Forward

The new plans for phase II of Utica Place are moving forward after the planning commission recommended that the city council approve the project. I would love to see a site plan and I hope to God that these buildings are built out to the street. This area would really benefit from that, as it would give it a more urban feel, and it would fit in with the new comprehensive plan.

More Office Space Could Come to Midtown

According to the TBJ the developers are seeking a zoning change for the next phase of their project. It was going to include nine residential units and no office space. Now, if the change in plans move forward, there will be two more mid-rise office buildings added as well as two residential units. (I'm assuming two penthouses.) Although I was looking forward to the townhouses, the new plans will add more overall density and a couple more buildings with at least a little height in midtown. Can't wait to see the renderings!

First Street Lofts Moving Forward.....?

I know it's not as if we haven't heard this before, but Michael Sager's and his infamous First Street Lofts project may finally be moving forward. (Please, do NOT mark my words.) after years of the building sitting empty, there were today workers present. There was also an article a few days ago talking about how he has two serious tenants lined up for the first floor, a restaurant, and a liquor store called Blue Dome Wine and Spirits. So I wonder, will we finally see this project finished? I never thought I would see the building occupied, nor am I saying I will live to see that day now, but I do believe the chances have gone up considerably. This really would be a great project if completed. And let's not forget the good that Michael Sager's has done, and hopefully will continue to do, for the Blue Dome.

Cool Weather in Tulsa

Yesterday, This weird thing happenned. A cold front came through! Can you believe it? In celebration, we went to the QT Park at 41st and Riverside for the afternoon. I've never been to this park before, I was amazed at how nice it is. Of course, I was not interested in the amazingly up to date and quality play equipment, but I thought the little waterfalls and fountains awesome. I couldn't believe that every time I'd run or ridden past it, I'd just looked the other way. I'm so glad that we have a company such as QT here that is willing to invest so much money on a park.

Other than all the flashy fountains and large shade trees, something else was developed there. There was a sense of community, vibrancy, and activeness. There were people riding their bikes and running on the trails, people playing frisbee and disc golf in the fields, a magician performing a tips only show. All of this giving the area a quality, authentic feel. It was the culture of Tulsa. A growingly active city, a relaxed city, and overall, a livable city.

I'm losing it

I just deleted my previous post entitled Cool Weather in Tulsa!, by accident. I'm such an idiot. Now I have to retype the whole thing. I'll repost it later.

Chirp, chirp

Sorry for being so quiet lately. I've been busy and there really hasn't been much to write about. I'm working on a post right now and I'll publish it this afternoon. Thanks and my apologies to the readers who have checked in and found nothing new to read.