New multi-use building will elevate empty Midtown lot
Midtown is making room for more developments with the addition of a four-story, mixed-use building at the corner of North Hudson Avenue and Northwest 11th Street.
The 48,000 square foot project is the latest development in an ongoing reclamation of the North Hudson block by Chamber member Pivot Project Development.
The group is known for redeveloping dated infrastructure around Oklahoma City. Uptown’s landmark venue Tower Theatre, the historic Sunshine Cleaners building along Classen Boulevard, The Townhouse apartment complex, Fair-Weather Friend brewery, and Beer City Music Hall are a few of the standout projects by Pivot. Another, named as a 2021 winner of the Urban Land Institute – Americas and Global – Award for Excellence, is the EastPoint project along Northeast 23rd Street.
Now, Pivot is preparing to take Midtown to new heights with the addition of their North Hudson Avenue project.
“You have so many food and beverage and dining options in Midtown, and even some residential; I think that there’s really a drive for businesses and offices to be adjacent to all of that,” Candace Baitz, Partner and Vice President of Acquisitions and Development for Pivot Project Development said.
“People want their employees to have access; [to] be able to walk out of the door and have great options for lunch and coffee in the morning, drinks after work, and so on.”
Pivot acquired the entire North Hudson block, facing west, between Northwest 11th Street and Northwest 12th Street years ago with plans to ultimately expand the infrastructure of the area. After redeveloping the former “Uptown Theatre” – although, located in Midtown – centered on the block, Pivot turned interests toward developing atop the open gravel parking lot to its south.
Renderings for 1204 North Hudson Avenue office building, looking southeast.
“I think we wanted to fill out the block and complete the block; to really further development in Midtown.”
The building has already been partially leased as the new headquarters for JE Dunn Construction, a fellow Chamber member who will build the project, as well. Resolution Legal will also have an office within the building.
Businesses looking to office in Midtown are still in luck, however. The building's top floor, as well as two smaller units on the ground floor are still available for lease.
The building’s height will put it above many others in the district. Top floor views will allow tenants to see the nearby towers of downtown, with a streetcar stop located directly outside of the office building, making for a quick commute throughout the central Oklahoma City districts.
Chamber member, Rand Elliott Architects was selected to design the project.
“Pivot has been a fantastic client. They have their finger on the pulse of Midtown and brought a positive attitude to the multiple challenges of the site. They’re knowledgeable, creative, and natural leaders,” Mike Mays, Principal at Rand Elliott Architects said.
The architects designed the building to be modern, while referencing traits of the existing infrastructure that surrounds the lot. Built with a white brick, the exterior of the building will bring new light to the block just as the interior will with the inclusion of a large wall of ivy in the main stairway. Once matured, the ivy will greet guests throughout the day, and be illuminated for the neighborhood to see while walking by at night.
The surrounding streetscape has also been strategically planned. Chinese Pistache trees are proposed for the south sidewalk, providing seasonal color and character to the block. These trees will help serve as a buffer between street traffic and the space.
The project is also aiming to include a shared-use courtyard between the new office building and the neighboring structure that houses Elk Valley Brewing Company.
Parking will be available on the ground level, behind the retail spaces, as well as in surrounding surface lots.
The detailed design did not come without disruptions. As prices of materials surge around the world, local architects needed to constantly reinterpret concepts.
“The increase in the cost of construction has been a major challenge."
"The team consistently revisited design concepts, materials, and construction methods to deal with cost fluctuations; all while maintaining a high-quality building that the team will be proud of once completed.”
The completed building will sit at 1204 North Hudson Avenue, incorporating 2,250 square feet of retail space and roughly 15,000 square feet of office space per floor on levels two through four.
If you, or someone you know, is looking to lease space in the new building, please contact Pivot Project Development at [email protected].
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