Redevelopment for tulsa auto dealerships

[titan43112]

With more auto dealerships likely closing soon, does anyone have an idea what Tulsa is going to do with 20,000 sq ft vacant facilities? I can think of 3 (11th and Lewis, 11th and wheeling, 244 & memorial) that have had no signs of any kind of redevelopment. Future closings would be very bad for the memorial area and tulsa in general.

[TURobY]

I've always thought that the 11th and Lewis space would be a great spot for mid-to-high rise residential or hotel. Enough space, enough services nearby, a University, between two highways.

[patric]

With more auto dealerships likely closing soon, does anyone have an idea what Tulsa is going to do with 20,000 sq ft vacant facilities? I can think of 3 (11th and Lewis, 11th and wheeling, 244 & memorial) that have had no signs of any kind of redevelopment. Future closings would be very bad for the memorial area and tulsa in general.

In the past, abandoned "big box" properties have been converted into telemarketing centers and office space (with copious amounts of surface parking lit like a showroom floor all night).

Other than social services and outreach operations, they arent built in a way that can support much else.
Too bad there wasnt a deposit requirement (like some cities have done) for the demolition and/or reclaimation of big box properties.
Think of what 11th and Lewis would look like as a tree lot or farmers market. 

[Townsend]

The old Crown BMW place on Sheridan is some sort of tech school I think.

Sam's is still next door

[TURobY]

Think of what 11th and Lewis would look like as a tree lot or farmers market. 

I'm not wild about the "tree lot" idea, but a farmers market would be cool, and would get a lot of use from the nearby neighborhoods and University students. It would make a nice spot for a little "Urban village" of sorts. A ring of mid-rise apartments/condos with ground level retail. Then, make use of the middle plaza for farmers markets, craft fairs, whatever. The building currently there doesn't look like it would be too difficult to raze, as it really isn't useful in its current state.

I know, it's a little bit ambitious, but I can dream... right?