Tulsa and its "strip mall" feel

[zstyles]

Not sure if I am alone here..but it seems like no matter where I go I am bored..unless its around Utica Square, Woodward Park or Brookside...from Broken Arrow to Jenks it is strip mall city..same thing on every block...a Shoe Carnival, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, At&T..etc....I am sure its all about the money..but don't we have any developers in Tulsa that have a vision of what people want? We want NICE places to shop, like utica square..not a strip mall..etc...just my rant..anyone else have 2 cents?

[TheTed]

quote:Originally posted by zstyles

Not sure if I am alone here..but it seems like no matter where I go I am bored..unless its around Utica Square, Woodward Park or Brookside...from Broken Arrow to Jenks it is strip mall city..same thing on every block...a Shoe Carnival, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, At&T..etc....I am sure its all about the money..but don't we have any developers in Tulsa that have a vision of what people want? We want NICE places to shop, like utica square..not a strip mall..etc...just my rant..anyone else have 2 cents?

I've often thought while I drive around that we must be the strip mall capital of the world. We even have Utica Square, which has got to be one of the nicest strip malls around.

[T Badd]

Welcome to Generica! Tulsa's not unique...it's a disease that has spread to all corners of the U.S.

I spent about 5 years on the road throughout the lower-48 and there were seriously times when I could have been ANYWHERE...Holmdale, NJ looks just like Sacramento, CA...parts of Marietta, GA look just like Plano, TX...the problem is rampant.

I mourn the loss of architectural details, durable materials and unique styling.

[midtownnewbie]

quote:Originally posted by T Badd

Welcome to Generica! Tulsa's not unique...it's a disease that has spread to all corners of the U.S.

+1  Tulsa is definately not unique with it's use of strip malls.

[TheArtist]

I like the fact that the areas in and around;  Cherry Street, Brookside and Utica Square have, and continue to, evolve into "real places". I think its the WALKABLE and MIXED USE components "lots of different things, living, shopping, dining, work, entertainment, etc. all jumbled together close to each other" that makes those areas work.

[PonderInc]

Strip malls are one problem, national chains are another, and auto-driven (no pun intended) development is a third.

I heard that the Mayor was at a convention drumming up business to bring national chains to Tulsa.  I'm trying to think of one I would want.  OK...maybe an IKEA.

One solution to "Generica" is to support local merchants and restaurants.  The product is better, and the investment stays in Tulsa.

Some terrific places are found in strip malls...but I agree, they are not that inspiring to look at....or walk to.  (Indeed, I often overlook places in strip malls, b/c I'm always averting my eyes from the ugliness.  I have to remind myself that the food can be great, even if the atmosphere is less than inspiring.)

[TUalum0982]

quote:Originally posted by PonderInc

Strip malls are one problem, national chains are another, and auto-driven (no pun intended) development is a third.

I heard that the Mayor was at a convention drumming up business to bring national chains to Tulsa.  I'm trying to think of one I would want.  OK...maybe an IKEA.

One solution to "Generica" is to support local merchants and restaurants.  The product is better, and the investment stays in Tulsa.

Some terrific places are found in strip malls...but I agree, they are not that inspiring to look at....or walk to.  (Indeed, I often overlook places in strip malls, b/c I'm always averting my eyes from the ugliness.  I have to remind myself that the food can be great, even if the atmosphere is less than inspiring.)

I can think of several, Half Price Books, Boston Market, and Frys.  

I work at the airport, and I hear EVERYDAY how beautiful, wonderful, I want to move here, Tulsa is.  I know alot of people who have lived here awhile have legitimate complaints, IE our mayor, roads, OKC VS TULSA, etc etc, but we have a great city here and some of us just don't know how good we have it.

[Red Arrow]

Strip malls are kind of like entry level for the mixed development that so many on this forum promote.  Not really the stores you want. Maybe not the architecture you dreamed about. (Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.)  Not Woodland Hills Mall either.

[safetyguy]

quote:

I heard that the Mayor was at a convention drumming up business to bring national chains to Tulsa.  I'm trying to think of one I would want.  OK...maybe an IKEA.

I vote for a Container Store

[USRufnex]

All in favor of Trader Joes...?  Which is, of course, yet another chain... []

[Miss Solemnis]

quote:Originally posted by PonderInc

I'm trying to think of one I would want.  OK...maybe an IKEA.

IKEA would be great, as would Sur la Table, Trader Joe's, Costco, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel!

[TUalum0982]

quote:Originally posted by Miss Solemnis

quote:Originally posted by PonderInc

I'm trying to think of one I would want.  OK...maybe an IKEA.

IKEA would be great, as would Sur la Table, Trader Joe's, Costco, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel!

one more to the list. A WORLD MARKET! the best selection of wines and beers I have ever seen. (well scratch that off the list...stupid *** state govt).  If you are ever in dallas, houston, austin, phoenix, or san diego check out a world market.

[Miss Solemnis]

quote:Originally posted by TUalum0982

(well scratch that off the list...stupid *** state govt).

Which is exactly the reason we'll never see a Trader Joe's in this state.  I forgot about World Market!  And speaking of TX...Central Market!  I also wouldn't mind having a Penzey's here.

[Gaspar]

quote:Originally posted by Miss Solemnis

quote:Originally posted by TUalum0982

(well scratch that off the list...stupid *** state govt).

Which is exactly the reason we'll never see a Trader Joe's in this state.  I forgot about World Market!  And speaking of TX...Central Market!  I also wouldn't mind having a Penzey's here.

I love World Market.  Like a giant Pier 1  with good prices and food!

[Hoss]

quote:Originally posted by TUalum0982

quote:Originally posted by PonderInc

Strip malls are one problem, national chains are another, and auto-driven (no pun intended) development is a third.

I heard that the Mayor was at a convention drumming up business to bring national chains to Tulsa.  I'm trying to think of one I would want.  OK...maybe an IKEA.

One solution to "Generica" is to support local merchants and restaurants.  The product is better, and the investment stays in Tulsa.

Some terrific places are found in strip malls...but I agree, they are not that inspiring to look at....or walk to.  (Indeed, I often overlook places in strip malls, b/c I'm always averting my eyes from the ugliness.  I have to remind myself that the food can be great, even if the atmosphere is less than inspiring.)

I can think of several, Half Price Books, Boston Market, and Frys.  

I work at the airport, and I hear EVERYDAY how beautiful, wonderful, I want to move here, Tulsa is.  I know alot of people who have lived here awhile have legitimate complaints, IE our mayor, roads, OKC VS TULSA, etc etc, but we have a great city here and some of us just don't know how good we have it.

+1