Palace Clothing Building/Old Arby's

[PonderInc]

I've heard a rumor (unsubstantiated) that the Tulsa World is planning to demolish the downtown Arby's building (324 S Main) to avoid paying taxes and downtown improvement district fees.  

Does anyone know if this is fact or fiction?

Obviously, the TW does not have a good track record on preserving historic buildings.  And I would argue that they have caused more damage than good to downtown.

I don't want to spread a false rumor.  However, I also don't want to be caught off-guard by another weekend demolition of a historic building downtown.

So, does anyone have any actual knowledge out there?

[ZYX]

I've heard this rumor too, and it really bothers me. For one, it's a decent (not great) looking building that adds to the urban, dense feel of main street. What worries me the most though is that I think it would just become another parking lot.

I would be perfectly okay if they were tearing this bring down to build something else. But if it's a parking lot or garage, then I hope not.

[sgrizzle]

Since they tore down two other buildings and turned them into parking lots with the siting Mayor and a couple of thousand other people opposing it, if they want to, they'll do it.

The lack of trying to do ANYTHING with the upper floors is somewhat of an indicator.

[TheArtist]

That's actually a great looking building imo.  It seems to be in decent shape as well.  I can't imagine someone thinking of tearing it down. 

[ZYX]

That's actually a great looking building imo.  It seems to be in decent shape as well.  I can't imagine someone thinking of tearing it down. 

That hasn't seem to stop many in the past. Sad, isn't it?

[TheArtist]

 This evening has been the first in a while that I have actually been home early (before 9 or 10 pm) from working on the Art Deco Museum.  Been going there early in the mornings, Saturdays and Sundays for quite a while now, spending a lot of my own money (while not working my real job and thus not getting paid)... all while to try and create something positive for the city and downtown.  I know a lot of other people who are also working hard and risking money, time and effort to try and make a go of it downtown as well.  So I can't help but think, Why isn't the TW, who has a LOT more resources than little ol me, doing something with this building?  Why aren't they coming up with creative ideas to do something with it?  Why aren't they allowing others (YP start-ups and other creative types), to do something in the building? etc.  Imo, whats good for the city and others is good for me and my business and any other business potential or ideas I have in the future.  They have to know it would be good for them if they DO something positive with the building.  But I suppose that what is required is a modicum of time and creative thought in order to think slightly outside the "usual business model" box that they are used to and thus those potential ideas are simply unseen, unknowable quantities that never get a chance. 

[Conan71]

Perhaps we need to make a big deal out of the fact that TW isn't a good neighbor or corporate citizen.  Especially if they are knocking it down to lower their ballpark assessment as has been alleged.

[Hoss]

Perhaps we need to make a big deal out of the fact that TW isn't a good neighbor or corporate citizen.  Especially if they are knocking it down to lower their ballpark assessment as has been alleged.

Especially since they advocated for the ballpark to begin with, if I'm not mistaken.

[Red Arrow]

From Google Street View, it would be a shame to tear it down.  Anyone know the inside condition?  What would it take to bring it up to code.......

No, I'm not in the market for a building.  I'm just curious about the financial decisions in a case like this.

[godboko71]

No, I'm not in the market for a building.  I'm just curious about the financial decisions in a case like this.

I can't answer your question but I do know they are not interested in leasing the space. Well I should say they have not been interested in the last 6ish months.

On an unrelated note that Arbys should have the normal hours instead of the shorter ones. With a little promotion I am sure it would be a good move.

[nathanm]

Perhaps we need to make a big deal out of the fact that TW isn't a good neighbor or corporate citizen.  Especially if they are knocking it down to lower their ballpark assessment as has been alleged.

Raise the assessment and they can't afford to make it a parking lot.

[Red Arrow]

Raise the assessment and they can't afford to make it a parking lot.

I think you have that backwards.  Isn't the assessment based on square footage?

[nathanm]

I think you have that backwards.  Isn't the assessment based on square footage?

Ok, tax the value of the land itself enough and they can't afford to make it a parking lot.

[Red Arrow]

Ok, tax the value of the land itself enough and they can't afford to make it a parking lot.

Now you are going to hurt little guy development too.

There needs to be a way to discourage surface parking but as long as people are willing to pay whatever it takes to park, it will be difficult.  It may be time for......... government regulation/zoning to prohibit new surface parking.  I would prefer a financial incentive but I just don't see it working.

[carltonplace]

No more tear downs. This seriously pisses me off. 

One step forward and two steps back. By the time the Brady is fully infilled there won't be any buildings left in the CBD.