Developing the East End - Idea for a City Market

[ttown_jeff]

This may be a day late and a dollar short (actually millions of dollars short) but I have an idea.  Actually its not my idea, its been around for a long time, but I think with the right mix of retail and food and grocery merchants, it could solve a number of problems in the downtown area, as well as being a boost to the downtown economy.  The idea is a Tulsa City Market.  No, not the tarps and tents visual you may have just gotten.  A city market like the 100+ year old Indianapolis City Market...

For more details visit their homepage and for more details and a video, go to my blog:  Bounded Rationality

[sgrizzle]

Columbus Ohio built one as part of their downtown revitalization. The real easy part is that you just need a large warehouse building and minimal improvements.

[Rico]

I have been waiting for someone to come up with an idea like this...

This could be a cause that TulsaNow could stand behind...
It could be paid for by donations.. that is if we were able to reach enough people..

I would be Happy to give to a cause such as this. It would not bother me to donate several K if this were going to be done right.

However,
Is there a piece of property that is not being looked at as a piece of a larger project that could fit this application.?

[ttown_jeff]

I think anyplace downtown, that could facilitate this would work. It has to be close enough to the workforce downtown AND be considered part of a community of entrepenuers and residents, That's why I like it at that location.  The green could be a place to have weekl or monthly or annual special events - Like MayFest, and the other cultural events throughout the year.

[Rico]

quote:Originally posted by ttown_jeff

I think anyplace downtown, that could facilitate this would work. It has to be close enough to the workforce downtown AND be considered part of a community of entrepenuers and residents, That's why I like it at that location.  The green could be a place to have weekl or monthly or annual special events - Like MayFest, and the other cultural events throughout the year.

If you are truly serious about this find out if the building you had in mind is "For Sale"...

If it is start a pot see how many of the fellows will put their wallets where there mouth are.. I am certain many would find this a cause they could back...

I would open the pot with a donation of 5K...

it is right here with my signature on it.. lets see some wheels turn!!


 [}:)]

[sgrizzle]

Since I can't get to the site, anyone want to tell me what building we are talking about?

[ttown_jeff]

The location would be the entire block that contains the Bill White Chevrolet Building. + one other block directly west for a City Market Green. In fact, I was thinking that building could be retrofitted and expanded to cover the entire west half of the block on between 4th and 5th streets / Elgin & Detroit avenues.

Actually, my idea could possibly encompass as many as a couple of more city blocks.

The City Market I have in mind is a combination of local and regional food vendors, grocery and other retail, in a mix that would benefit not only tourists but local people as well.

Since the City Market would be a block or two further that most downtown workers would care to venture, The idea includes a shuttle component or in a perfect world, a trolley / rail link between the BOK Center and the City Market. If it was a dynamic enough place, you wouldn't have to worry about it.

I'm not a real estate developer, just a guy with an idea.  If any one would like to talk to me about the idea, I would be happy to share what I have in my head.

I think It would be a great place to have have a shop.

[Rico]

You don't have to be a Real Estate guy to find out... first of all... if the Bill White Building is for sale...?
If so How Much?

Nice to have Ideas.... Better yet to take that first step in making them a Reality...!

[ttown_jeff]

The building is for sale - but it is reported that Claremore real estate developer named John Williams Williams, the sole principal of Downtown Tulsa Developers LLC has options or a contract or something to purchase it. It's in another post.

[ttown_jeff]

I'll look more into the properties there.  I think this is a great idea. I was just standing over in the parking lot that I propose for the City Market Green area, looking west as downtown Tulsa rises up to the Philtower, Midcontinent and the 320 S. Boston bulidings. It woulb be a dynamic backdrop for a place like a City Market.

[Rico]

The other thing you might do, contact Mister Williams and let him know that if he winds up with the property... you are interested in the grocery end of it....

Is his mind closed to someone other than "Big Pig Blue" as a grocer.........

If he has made up his mind about Wal-Mart I don't see him gaining community approval for his project.


This is just two guys talkin... But if this were an Agenda Item for a TulsaNow type of a move this could turn out to be a win..win situation..

Riverview; for quite some time has had on their Neighborhood Association website, a plea for a Local Grocer. They are not the only Demographic. Think about all of those husbands and wives that work Downtown and need to pick something up on their way to the house..

I fail to see why TulsaNow or others have not picked up on this as a cause or business strategy worth pursuing...

[Double A]

quote:Originally posted by ttown_jeff

I'll look more into the properties there.  I think this is a great idea. I was just standing over in the parking lot that I propose for the City Market Green area, looking west as downtown Tulsa rises up to the Philtower, Midcontinent and the 320 S. Boston bulidings. It woulb be a dynamic backdrop for a place like a City Market.

 

Why not do a regular outdoor weekend thing on the civic center plaza to test it out to see if it works in Tulsa?

[ttown_jeff]

An outdoor market would be a good idea.  There is a fairly successful market at Cherry Street, so I'm fairly certain that part would be successful   , even if it was just as an extension of that market.

The concept of my idea is like a meeting place / market / events location all rolled up in an area that needs a lot of help - downtown.

It's needs to be simple; an indoor/outdoor place that a family couldn't think of spending better a Friday night out at, or a lazy Sunday afternooon AND a place where downtown area residents could get some groceries, sans Wal-mart.  I like Wal-Mart, I just don't like to shop at Wal-Mart.

Another thing, this market I think would work in the Brady Area too.  There are any number of big buildings and adjacent lots. I think you would need a very good mass transit component built into Brady District City Market. - a light rail or trolley, so that downtown workers could make it there for lunch w/o the cars.

[Double A]

Have you thought about entering your idea in the entrepreneurship contest?:

ENTREPRENURIAL SPIRIT AWARD COMPETITION
If you or anyone you know is an entrepreneur with a great idea and a sound business plan, read on. The Tulsa Entrepreneurial Spirit Award Business Plan Competition, sponsored by SpiritBank, will provide $25,000 for the winning plan. In addition, the winning business plan may receive office space, entrepreneurial/SpiritBank Strategic Partner support, and introductions to additional funding sources. Additional prizes may be awarded to other entrants.
The competition is open to anyone in the city of Tulsa with an existing business and/or an idea for a new business. Entrants need not be based in Tulsa, but they must agree to establish or expand business operations within the city limits of Tulsa if they win.

"Start-up and early stage companies play a pivotal role in the future sustainability of Tulsa, and this business plan competition provides an excellent way for existing and emerging entrepreneurs to participate," said Albert C. "Kell" Kelly, CEO of SpiritBank.

Anyone interested in entering the competition may obtain instructions, resource information, entry forms and business plan content requirements at www.tulsaspiritaward.com. Entries will be accepted through April 30, 2007.

[dsjeffries]

quote:Originally posted by Double A

Have you thought about entering your idea in the entrepreneurship contest?

Especially since it's in downtown, I think this might be a serious contender.... You should consider it!