Camelot Demo

[MichaelC]

From KOTV

quote:A Tulsa landmark is coming down. Demolition work is set to begins Monday at the Camelot hotel.

The first phase of demolition is asbestos removal, and the Camelot is expected to be torn down by September. The cost of taking down the Camelot is an estimated $1 million.

Tulsa’s eight story castle closed in the 1990's and was later condemned. In its hay day, the Camelot hotel hosted Elvis Presley, as well as Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

[Conan71]

Why tear it down?  It's in better condition than Miss Belvedere. [}:)]

[sauerkraut]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

Why tear it down?  It's in better condition than Miss Belvedere. [}:)]

I bet that building would not be much of anything if it sat in water for 50 years like Miss. Belvedere did. That building was on dry land and is much younger than Miss. Belvedere and look how it crumbled.... If Miss. Belvedere sat parked on that lot for as long as that building stood I'd bet she'd be in far better shape that that building..[]

[RecycleMichael]

Quik-Trip buys the land...

QT confirms purchase of Camelot property; demolition begins
Posted By: Russell Mills

QuikTrip Corp. has signed a contract to purchase the site of Tulsa's Camelot Hotel, Channel 2 confirmed Monday.

Mike Thornbrugh told reporter Deana Goll that QT signed an agreement in March, and that the company will likely finalize the deal this week.

Meanwhile, work crews began the first phase of demolition on Tulsa's historic but dilapidated Camelot Hotel Monday.

At one point, the Camelot was considered one of Tulsa's most luxurious hotels, but years of neglect left it an empty husk, and a haven for squatters and criminals.

Built in 1965, it featured turrets, a moat, and a swimming pool shaped like a giant spearpoint.

President Nixon once stayed there, as well as Elvis Presley and other celebrities.

It stood eight stories tall, and had more than 300 rooms.

But the Camelot fell on hard times, and the city condemned the structure years ago because of electrical and sewer problems.
 
Later, it was learned that the structure had a major asbestos problem.

This week, crews begin removing the asbestos so the real demolition work can begin.

The building's destruction will not involve explosives since the building sits in a busy residential and commercial area.

Tulsa police hope that crime rates will go down in the area once the Camelot is gone for good.

QuikTrip has not said exactly what its plans for the property entail.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by recyclemichael

QuikTrip has not said exactly what its plans for the property entail.

Well, duh...

I was built in 1965 as well.  I hope I'm not full of asbestos.

[dbacks fan]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

quote:Originally posted by recyclemichael

QuikTrip has not said exactly what its plans for the property entail.

Well, duh...

I was built in 1965 as well.  I hope I'm not full of asbestos.

Isn't that Quik Trip #1 that was at 53rd & Peoria?

[Wrinkle]

The asbestos removal process should be fun to watch. Spacesuited guys with trash bags.

And, it's supposed to go to a special landfill for such materials, not the general one.

That's what makes demolition expensive.

Didn't know Ark Wrecking did that kind of work.

[sgrizzle]

I would like to buy parts off of it, like the sign or something.

Gee, I wonder what QT would build.... Maybe a QT?!?

[YoungTulsan]

quote:Originally posted by dbacks fan

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

quote:Originally posted by recyclemichael

QuikTrip has not said exactly what its plans for the property entail.

Well, duh...

I was built in 1965 as well.  I hope I'm not full of asbestos.

Isn't that Quik Trip #1 that was at 53rd & Peoria?

Is there where the first QT was?  Any pics of it?  Is the building still there as something else or was it torn down?  I live in the area and there is a building that looks like an old QT (its a cash advance place now I think) but didn't think it could have been since there is a QT at 45th and peoria.  I was always told the 45th one was the first one.  Guess I was told wrong?


So what on earth would QT need such a huge piece of land for?  World's largest QT/Convienience store?  Probably just want to do a Truckstop style one.  If thats the case, turning the intersection into a truck stop isn't my best idea of improvements.  They have plenty on the outskirts of town on both sides.

[RecycleMichael]

It is a great location for a visitor center.

We should petition the state commerce department to build a beautiful welcome center to Tulsa that combines with a flagship Quik-Trip.

[YoungTulsan]

quote:Originally posted by recyclemichael

It is a great location for a visitor center.

We should petition the state commerce department to build a beautiful welcome center to Tulsa that combines with a flagship Quik-Trip.

But WILL it be a visitor center?  Look at the size of the QT lots that do Diesel, like the one at I-44 and 49th W. Ave. - Theres some huge ones out east too.  Something makes me afraid that all they want is one like that at I-44 and Peoria.  So we'd just get a huge well lit parking lot for big rigs.

I like the store at 45th.  Pretty busy, could use a little extra space, but it seems to run just fine.  I go there probably twice a day.

I don't have a problem with Quik Trips. but if thats all they are doing with the Camelot land, it is a big loss for the area.

[cannon_fodder]

With I-44 widening I wouldn't be surprised if it was a visitors center/diesel shop.  

I just excited to FINALLY be getting a QT in town.  I've driven all over and just can not fine one anywhere.

Though, the city should have had a contract clause that anything on the site needs to be castle themed. []

[Conan71]

Can't say "Gospel certain" that's QT 1 I posted, but judging by the cars, that's my guess.  Looks like they were selling Xmas trees out of there in that photo.

FAIK, it was at 53rd & Peoria in a strip center on the west side of the road.

[YoungTulsan]

quote:Originally posted by Conan71

Can't say "Gospel certain" that's QT 1 I posted, but judging by the cars, that's my guess.  Looks like they were selling Xmas trees out of there in that photo.

FAIK, it was at 53rd & Peoria in a strip center on the west side of the road.

About how many years ago did that area degenerate into Cash advance stores, rent to own, and prepaid wireless?  (Ok, Im guessing it did before cell-phones became a way to fleece the poor)

Im assuming the area used to be somewhat nice?

[Runslikeadeere]

Okay, Okay.  I can't stand it any more.  A little history lesson first. QT #1, Yes.  Christmas, 1958.  In the North end of the little strip center, which is still there, at 51st & Peoria.  Relocated in 1980 to the 53rd St. site.  Later closed and became a donut shop, later a check cashers.  No, the Camelot will not be a truck stop.  A standard store maybe with car wash, maybe not.  Excess will be sold.  ODOT has not approached with any Visitor's Center concept and probably won't with their new one at 165th & I-44 on the East side. Design will be QT's since they're paying for it.  Castle motiff was obsolete about ten minutes after it opened.  Not a chance!  Interest so far in the excess from bank, restaurant, and a hotel (how ironic is that?)