Spaghetti Warehouse closing Mar 2017

[TulsaGoldenHurriCAN]

Some other positives (if true):  some people are only comfortable eating somewhere familiar.  Still others are excited for certain chains and will go out of their way to go there.  If a Cheddars makes more people comfortable downtown and/or draws more people, then bring it on.  (so long as they don't want to tear down the old brick building for a new shiny tilt up)

I agree. As long as they keep the building, a chain would be fine there. It is replacing a chain anyways. Downtown has a lot of local places and very small franchieses. It could probably use a couple big name franchises to bring in a different crowd (and keep people around who are going to Drillers/BOK events).

It would be neat if they could turn the 2nd floor into office or residential space and have the restaurant be just on the bottom floor but I am guessing a big part of the appeal to a new tenant would be the large space.

[rebound]

Random thought, but what would work great in there is one of the Pappas'  restaurants out of Houston.  A chain, yes, but a destination-type chain, and pretty high-end.  Papacito's or Papadeaux's would, I think, fit really well there.

[erfalf]

Random thought, but what would work great in there is one of the Pappas'  restaurants out of Houston.  A chain, yes, but a destination-type chain, and pretty high-end.  Papacito's or Papadeaux's would, I think, fit really well there.

Love me some Papadeaux's

[Hoss]

Love me some Papadeaux's

Something we agree on.  I lived in Houston for 3 years in the nineties and ALL of their restaurants were great.  Pappas Seafood, Pappsita's, and Pappadeaux.  Tried my first bite of alligator from them.  Not sure how much they've changed in 25 years though.

[erfalf]

Something we agree on.  I lived in Houston for 3 years in the nineties and ALL of their restaurants were great.  Pappas Seafood, Pappsita's, and Pappadeaux.  Tried my first bite of alligator from them.  Not sure how much they've changed in 25 years though.

Lived/worked in Dallas for a stretch, not far from the Pappadeaux on Oak Lawn. I mean, it's not the greatest food on the planet, but it is always really good. And I'm partial to cajun food to start so...

Been about 5 years though so I guess things could have changed.

I certainly don't know them all, but I don't ever recall seeing a Pappas restaurant in a reclaimed space. They were always constructed as restaurants with parking and everything.

[sgrizzle]

Downtown Tulsa dining: cool concepts with inconsistent results and so-so service.

Agreed. I've eaten at a lot of downtown places once. The one place I frequented most burned down. Most of the locals can't handle a crowd, and many others seem to eschew crowds by getting too stuck up with their concept. Basically every Elliot Nelson restaurant is under a different menu and operating model today than when it opened. Those that don't adapt usually close (Lucky's on the green, Back Alley, White Flag the first time, the 3 restaurants that were at 6th and Boston before Lasalle's, etc.)

[AngieB]

Random thought, but what would work great in there is one of the Pappas'  restaurants out of Houston.  A chain, yes, but a destination-type chain, and pretty high-end.  Papacito's or Papadeaux's would, I think, fit really well there.

That would be amazing!!

[SXSW]

WPX Energy reportedly is buying this building for an expansion.  Not sure if they are moving people from the Tower here or just opening another location, anyone know?  Hopefully they redevelop the parking lot along Brady.

http://www.newson6.com/story/38233867/wpx-energy-to-expand-into-tulsa-arts-district

[swake]

WPX Energy reportedly is buying this building for an expansion.  Not sure if they are moving people from the Tower here or just opening another location, anyone know?  Hopefully they redevelop the parking lot along Brady.

http://www.newson6.com/story/38233867/wpx-energy-to-expand-into-tulsa-arts-district

I hope they don't tear it down. I can't imagine that building is big enough for them.

[SXSW]

I hope they don't tear it down. I can't imagine that building is big enough for them.

Maybe they have plans to expand into the adjacent building and parking lot.  More development around Guthrie Green.

From KOTV:

A Tulsa energy company is considering plans to take over the old Spaghetti Warehouse building in downtown Tulsa, and possibly the neighboring building and parking lot.

We know WPX Energy is under contract to buy the old Spaghetti Warehouse, but when asked to confirm they have contracts on the surrounding property, they sent a statement reading:

"WPX is a locally-based energy company that employs more than 400 people in Tulsa. Our office space is located in the Williams Tower where we have a lease that expires in 2022. Prior to that time, we're evaluating a number of options for our longer-term company headquarters. We are in the preliminary stages of this process. No decisions have been made."

[erfalf]

Well of course WPX must be considering building a new tower.  

Honestly how this option hasn't been mentioned on an urban development thread at this point is pretty disappointing.

I am of course joking, but it is a bit surprising that hasn't been thrown out there yet. Our expectations must be thoroughly tamped down by now.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Well of course WPX must be considering building a new tower.  

Honestly how this option hasn't been mentioned on an urban development thread at this point is pretty disappointing.

I am of course joking, but it is a bit surprising that hasn't been thrown out there yet. Our expectations must be thoroughly tamped down by now.

You may be too young, but there was a short bit on MadTV called "Lowered Expectations".   Always expect the worst, then can be pleasantly surprised if it doesn't happen...

[patric]

Our expectations must be thoroughly tamped down by now.

I was hoping for spaghetti.  :-(

But seriously, when I think of a lively downtown I think more of eateries and less of office space.

[SXSW]

Pretty vague details so far so not much to discuss.  I had once heard WPX was thinking about moving to the Santa Fe Square office tower.

If WPX is indeed buying the whole block and builds a new mixed-use HQ in those vacant buildings and on the parking lots then that is a major win for the Arts District and will spur additional development.  Excited to hear more as the details emerge. 

[DowntownDan]

I hope their planning to renovate existing structures.  But with today's trends it's probably just the land to build a super fancy new building with plenty of parking.  Or maybe we can get a super cool mixed use complex, like this gem.