This past Saturday night Taylor Treat, 21, was crowned Miss Oklahoma at the Mabee Center in Tulsa. She beat out 41 contestants to win Oklahoma’s pageant.

The Tulsa 66ers announced last week they would now be the NBA developmental team for both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Seattle SuperSonics starting in the 2008-09 season. The marriage of the SuperSonics with the 66ers seems a natural fit considering the Sonics will be moving to Oklahoma City within the next two years. Of course the move is contingent on the outcome of an ongoing legal battle between the city of Seattle and the new ownership of the Sonics, headed by Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett. Regardless of the ruling, the team is headed to Oklahoma City, it’s just a matter of when. Along with the new affiliation, the 66ers will soon have a new home. Starting in November the team will be moving into the new SpiritBank Event Center located at 101st and Memorial in South Tulsa. They currently play at the fairground in the Expo Square Pavilion.

All this bodes well for both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. In order for the Sonics’ move to Oklahoma City to be successful, the entire state will have to support it, not just OKC. With only 90 miles separating the two largest cities in Oklahoma, Tulsa should have no problem helping support the team. Also, by adding another affiliate to the 66ers, this means more NBA level talent will be passing through Tulsa on their way to “the show.”

The crew here at This Tulsa are always brain-storming ways we can get involved in the community and allow others to get involved with this project. However, it can often be difficult to get everyone together to really keep the ball rolling. ThisTulsa.com is a completely pro-bono style project, imagined by one, accepted by many, and launched by two. I guess it can be considered very simple; but at the same time its a bit complex.

We are launching a new sub-project called, “Taste of Tuesdays.” Essentially, it will give us all a time to get together and get stuffed and have a few drinks. We have not determined the exact time line or frequency of such an event, but we are wanting to hear from you to see if you’d like to get involved. We are not freaks, we are normal people with day jobs and careers. We just want to use this as an opportunity to hang out, talk ideas, meet new people, and hopefully advance our website and exposure to our community.

Have some ideas? Leave a comment on this article!

Vision 2025 set many wheels in motion for various real estate and development groups around Tulsa, Oklahoma. There were proposals of remodeling numerous downtown historic locations and large warehouse style buildings into urban living spaces: lofts, flats, and town homes. However, it has been a few years and there has not been a whole lot of progress. Progress is not just measured in visible changes to our downtown community, but the quality of living as well. We realize that not all progress can be seen from the streets, but when do we get to start seeing progress and not just hearing about it.

Been there, done that

Personally, I’ve lived downtown. I lived in Tulsa’s beautiful downtown Tribune building for well over a year. I miss the downtown urban lifestyle that came with living downtown. I miss sitting on the roof and drinking my beer, listening to the loud pedestrians cross Archer and Main street after the bars close, and those loud trains that never seem to let up. Those are elements, whether noise pollution or trash that make living downtown an unique experience. Now, looking back and remembering how difficult it was to find an Urban pad in the first place; where is the rest of the lofts?

Who needs and proposed what?

During Vision 2025 there were proposals and fund requests from ten development / real-estate management companies in Tulsa. The funds were allocated out and distributed to help increase the overall quality of residential living spaces in downtown Tulsa. The funds were allocated based on longevity and overall return on the community for each dollar spent; we think. Why else give someone money to develop a Tulsa loft project, than to make sure its livable, secure, and nice; right?

According to Vision 2025’s website vision2025.info there was supposed to be RFP’s in 2005; seen them yet? The walk project, park remodels, and various other projects that spawned out of the same financial allocation are complete. There are also a few of the loft and building remodels that are complete: Tribune, Philtower, etc in downtown. So yes, there are a few downtown loft living spaces in Tulsa. The Tribune Phase II project listed below is not for any remodeling or further enhancements to the original building. The money is to build a secondary location directly next door the Tribune Building. “Hello, buy my loft, but by the way — a new building is going in right next door which is going to be MUCH nicer!” Try to sell that in two years. Trust me, it’s difficult!

Who, Why, What, Where, When, etc..

Transok Building
600 S. Main St.
Funds requested: $2 million
Total project cost: $4.7 million
Developer: Navajo Properties

The proposal: This is one of several downtown properties that have been purchased by California investors Henry Kaufman and Maurice Kanbar. The pair want to create 52 lofts on the upper floors, with the ground floor used as commercial space. The lofts would range in size from 752 to 1,450 square feet, with rent priced between $940 and $1,812.50 per month. Formerly known as the Public Service of Oklahoma Building, this art deco structure – completed in 1929 – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Gates Building
Two buildings at 323 E. Brady St. and 216 N. Elgin Ave.
Funds requested: $1 million
Total project cost: $2.25 million
Developer: Gates Building LLC, Robert
Johnson Architects

The proposal: Converting the old Gates Hardware building and an adjacent structure in the Brady District into 16 units. They would rent for about $950 per month starting out. If sold, they would be priced between $180,000 and $200,000.

The Mayo Hotel
115 W. Fifth St.
Funds requested: $8.4 million
Total project costs: $21,342,548 million
Developer: Mayo LLC

The proposal: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Mayo Hotel was once hailed as the finest hotel in Oklahoma and was the tallest building in the state. In recent years, the Grand Lobby and Mezzanine have been renovated without public funds, and this project would continue that effort. The building would have 118 lofts that would be sized between 700 and 3,060 square feet and rent for $700 to $3,060 per month. There also would be new elevators, a revamped Crystal Ballroom and a rooftop bar. The proposal is split into two parts — one for $5 million and the other for $3.4 million — in case the city wants to help fund only a portion of the work.

First Street Lofts
310 E. First St.
Funds requested: $1,574,315
Total project cost: $2,824,315
Developer: Blue Dome Properties LLC

The proposal: A residential loft building that would be marketed as “creative spaces for creative people.” Sixteen units would range in size from 678 to 1,883 square feet and rent for between $700 to $2,100 per month. The bottom two floors would be commercial space.

The Olive District
Third Street and Kenosha Avenue
Funds requested: $5 million
Total project cost: $11.3 million
Developer: Maverick Properties

The proposal: In what is being billed as the beginning of the Olive District, 25-year-old entrepreneur Micha Alexander would construct a new building that would be a mix of condos and office and retail space. The 29 condos would have prices ranging from $153,150 to $238,200, and a penthouse would be priced at $630,600. Alexander said he is flexible on the name of the Olive District. It originated with the idea of making the cellular tower on the site look like a swivel stick and putting several giant olives at the bottom. (He started up the martini lounge 818 nearby.)

The Wright Building
115 W. Third St.
Funds requested: $1.5 million
Total project cost: $6,065,650
Developer: RK Development LLC

The proposal: To convert the top five floors of the building, which is in the process of being put on the National Register of Historic Places, into 27 one- and two-bedroom loft apartments. They would be sized between 1,027 and 1,710 square feet and rent for between $1,500 to $2,200 per month. A 45-space parking structure would be connected. The 1917 building was the first high-rise medical office in Tulsa.

The Mayo Building
424 S. Main St.
Funds requested: $4.5 million
Total project cost: $15.1 million
Developer: Wiggin Properties LLC

The proposal: The design calls for 94 one- and two-bedroom units in sizes ranging from 600 to 2,000 square feet, with ground-floor commercial outlets such as the current tenant, Billy’s On the Square restaurant. Monthly apartment rent would be $650 to $2,400. Amenities would include hardwood floors and a rooftop terrace. The building was constructed in 1910 and expanded in 1917.

Tulsa Club Condos
115 E. Fifth St.
Funds requested: $2.5 million
Total project cost: $6 million
Developer: Tulsa Club Development Co.

The proposals: With retail and office space on the first two floors of this art deco building, the rest would be converted to condominiums and penthouses. The 47 condominiums would range in sizes from 746 to 1,000 square feet and sell for between $111,000 and $150,000. The 13 penthouses would be 1,300 square feet each and sell for $260,000. This 1926 building was constructed through a joint effort between the Chamber of Commerce and the Tulsa Club, an exclusive organization that was started by Tulsa’s oilmen. Club members enjoyed a lounge, squash courts, gymnasium and barber shop and other amenities until it closed in 1994 due to falling membership.

Tribune Loft Condos
Phase II, adjacent to the original Tribune Building location at 20 E. Archer St.
Funds requested: $4 million
Total project cost: $11,592,000
Developer: American Residential Group

The proposal: A new building would be constructed with complimentary architecture adjacent to the original 1924 Tribune Building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The second phase would have 40 units with one to three bedrooms and ranging in size from 831 to 2,258 square feet. They would have prices ranging from $165,000 to $395,000. The new building also would have office and retail space on the first floor and parking.

900 Reunion Center
9 E. Fourth St.
Funds requested: $2.76 million
Total project cost: $3.76 million
Developer: Reunion Investments Limited LLC

The proposal: Sixteen luxury condos sized between 1,500 and 1,800 square feet would be constructed in this 10-story building. Pricing for the condos has not been determined.The red-brick with limestone trim building was constructed in 1917 as the First National Bank building.

Conclusions

We don’t really have any conclusions as of yet, but we do have over 25 emails currently out there in cyber-space waiting for answers. We have started the process of finding out some answers and letting you know where we stand on downtown livable spaces. Urban lifestyle in Downtown Tulsa Loft Spaces; we know it exists, and will only get better — but how long do you think it’s going to be before we can really start living and enjoying some downtown Tulsa lofts and amenities?

Looking for something fun to do on Memorial Day weekend? The gates for Backwoods Bash, a charity concert taking place May 23 open at 3:00PM and only costs $15 per vehicle for the entire festival. Pack up some food, friends, and lots of fun and head 15ish miles outside of Tulsa to Mannford Lake, Oklahoma. Thundermoon Ranch and Paintball will be hosting the event.

There are a lot of exciting music festivals taking place this summer and Backwoods Bash is no exception. The line up consists of: Will Porter, Todd DAvis, Daydreamer, Damn the Man, Tech Tonic, Greg Ghroeder, Joel Wade, ValerieStar, Cannonball Sunday, The Banner Year, Somewhat Lucky, Full Service, and Ghosts.

All in all the weekend should be a lot of fun. For more details and information, check out Backwoods Bash website.

Thundermoon Ranch and Paintball [View Google Map]
33440 W 51st Street South
Mannford, OK 74044
Phone: 918-260-6260

Are you aware of the economic stimulus payment? If not, don’t feel left out; most of us do not know what the phrase economic stimulus payment means. However, we are speaking about that wonderful rebate check that has been promised to start mailing sometime next month.

To be brief, but give you a little bit of background. There’s been quite a few questions circulating the internet and world about whether or not the US is in a recession. Let’s think about this situation from a different perspective for a few moments — shall we?

The economy is a tricky subject and recently has become another one of those golden anti-conversation elements while mingling with friends or associates. You are not supposed to talk about politics, religion, or previous significant others. But it seems as though the economy is now on that list too. Why? Its obvious our economy is in a recession. It is not just down, its way down! It is actually really crappy, but what can we say.

We are not economists, financial majors, or even financially minded people; by career. However, some of us are pretty knowledgeable with our money or any money for that matter. Our economy is in the hole, our national debt is through the roof, and investors are seeking returns from foreign stocks. Why is that? Because our economy is in a recession!

If Washington won’t tell you, we will!

What does this have to do with my check?

First, when you get our rebate check, you’re going to want to do something with it — right? What do you think you are going to do with it? We recommend you keep that money local. So, instead of jumping on the internet and buying those new jeans or shirts for the summer; think about other ways you can use it to advance yourself and our great state.

There are plenty of local businesses that are willing to give you a bit of a reward for using your check at their organization. For example, Reasor’s grocery locations will give you $325.00 for groceries if you give them $300.00 of your check. Not a bad deal if you ask us!

In reality, an extra twenty-five dollars for groceries, one of life’s necessities really is not a bad trade off. You are going to have to spend that money on food at some point any way. Don’t take $300.00 out of your payroll; just turn over the check from the stimulus.

If you are afraid of spending that money at a chain company in our great community — have no fear! It does not matter who you spend your money with as long as they are located in our community. The only draw back is instead of ordering those jeans from American Eagle’s online website; you might have to step into their Brick and Mortar store at a local mall. But, as long as that store is in our community — our community reaps the reward.

The goal is to keep the money local to help advance our economy. You are not a super hero, you can’t save the entire country from this extremely poor economic situation, but you can help our local economy and maybe relieve a little bit of suffering.

So, in short — don’t spend your money with just anyone, spend it with someone who can help our economy!

Naturally, irs.gov has much more information than we do. We just wanted to bring it up, because believe it or not — we can all make a difference together.

Confused as to what we are talking about? It’s likely because you have not heard of the Tulsa Artists’ Coalition’s upcoming show on 5/5 at 5:55PM. The annual fund-raiser is hosted by the T.A.C. Gallery to give local and surrounding artists an opportunity to express their creative talents on canvases measuring 5″ x 5″ and are provided by the T.A.C. Gallery.

Each of the works on display at the May 5, 2008 show are available for $55.00 each. If you are looking for a great piece of art work that is sure to liven up any space in your home or residence, it is surely available there. Can’t decide which piece you want? Purchase a few! They would look great mounted next to one another in a minimalistic college in your office or study.

The funds raised from this event are a large seed for the operation costs associated with operated the gallery. The gallery is artist-owned and operated and the money is used to keep the cost of showcasing local artists work modest and affordable. Still not sure what’s happening? Here is an excerpt from a press release we received:

Whether it is representational or abstract, whimsical or profound, you are bound to find it at this art event. These small works can easily find a niche in your home. Both the artists and the public are eager to participate. The art patrons line up well in advance of the opening of the doors at 5:55pm.

This fundraising event generates a significant portion of the gallery’s revenues so that it can keep the costs for the exhibiting artists down. It also provides the public a great opportunity to buy original art at an affordable price. The TAC Gallery is located at 9 East Brady, Tulsa.

Let’s go over it again

Monday, May 5th, 5:55pm to 9:00pm – Tulsa Artists’ Coalition Gallery at 9 East Brady, Tulsa, Oklahoma. There is a $5.00 donation fee at the door, which is similar to a “ticket” but you’re really just giving a mandatory $5.00 donation —

The Tulsa Artists’ Coalition is an artist-run, non-profit 501C(3) organization of artists and art supporters formed to encourage and support emerging and established contemporary artists and to foster the development of new forms and multi-disciplinary works in Tulsa and surrounding communities.

TAC Gallery Hours: 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday; daytime hours by appointment only. For more information, call (918)-592-0041, or check out the TAC website www.tacgallery.org.

Additionally, the deadline for picking up your canvas was Saturday afternoon; so at least stop by the gallery and visit. There will surely be some wonderful work available to see!

We are still in our first week of launching thistulsa.com and so far — we thought we have been doing pretty good. Turns out, there are a few bugs causing the site to display incorrectly, or for better words, not as intended. We appreciate your cooperation and support while we determine the cause of these conflicts and resolve them. If you find any additional errors or problems while viewing our website — please let us know.

What has been reported

There have not been too many bugs reported but some big ones relating to display on internet explorer 6: popular, comments, features, and topics box; latest videos from youtube; and latest Flickr photos.

it seems as though the majority of the bugs reported all revolve around our wonderful compatibility with Internet Explorer 6. Although we have not had adequate time to really sink our teeth into the issue; we are on it!

Cox Communications plans to add six new High Definition channels to the Tulsa, Oklahoma and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma channel line-up. The channels scheduled to go live on May 20: USA Network HD, Sci-Fi Channel HD, Bravo HD, Lifetime HD, CNBC HD, and the Weather Channel HD. All-in-all the six channel addition really isn’t a lot, but for a network that only delivers us 31 HD channels thus far; it’s not too shabby.

For Tulsa, Oklahoma and the surrounding metropolitan areas, Cox Communications is usually a natural choice for digital television. Ultimately we have three options for telelvision: Dish Network, DirecTV, and Cox. Cox will offer 37 HD channels in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, with the additions of the May 20 channels. Honestly, Cox is really going to have to pump up the pace in order to keep up with the growing HD networks on DirecTV and Dish Network; both offering 75 plus channels each.

Recently, Cox added HGTV, Food Network HD, and The Travel Channel HD. These additions took our HD lineup from 28 to 31 channels offered in High Definition. The only other news, Cox plans to move CNN HD to channel 780, so look out for that!