It’s like an Amish barn-raising – in the morning, not so much to see… then by early afternoon BANG! Everything but the kitchen sink!
It’s a sunny afternoon in the Rose District. Morning fog is gone and two-by-fours are popping up from the cement like dandelions on the Oklahoma prairie. As you can see in the image, crews are already working on the exterior wallboard along the south edge.
Before eight o’clock Monday morning, there were just a handful of workers at the site of the future In The Raw restaurant. They were looking over the stacks of lumber that had been unloaded next to the foundation. A few hours later, the walls were on their way up.
With the weekend forecast, it would be great if they could get a roof installed before the frosty precipitation arrives.
Black Friday is behind us and from my informal, strictly unscientific survey – the merchants in the Rose District were pleased with the number of shoppers out and about. (And, more importantly – the number of buyers. We like browsers, but we love buyers!) After so many months of barricades, roadblocks, and darkness, it’s a welcome change to see a hint of normalcy returning.
I’ve noticed activity at the Bruhouse just across the street, and they seem to be nearing readiness for opening. A new sign has gone up two doors down from them, where the incoming cigar bar is in its latter interior construction stages. Those of you who have not visited the Rose District since the streetscaping project began may not have been aware of some of the other changes.
On the west side of Dallas and Main, Spokehouse Bicycles has opened a second location to compliment their Tulsa store. The shop is bright and filled with two-wheelers of all types. They’ve taken up residence in the building vacated by On The Corner, which has relocated to the southwest corner of the Broadway and Main intersection, next to the little park.
A cellphone store has moved into the building just south of the Main Street Tavern, and there is a pop-up shop in the location vacated by Ruffles and Bows. Pop-ups are temporary retailers with short term rent agreements, generally offering seasonal merchandise. The shop is offering vintage and new gift ideas for the holidays.
The Military History Museum has officially opened its doors and has an impressive collection of memorabilia and souvenirs on display. Construction is ongoing in that part of the district, but there are still plenty of off-street parking spots available. We get spoiled in the Rose District, with parking right in front of the storefronts, and get nervous if we have to walk from around the corner. (We never worry about the distance when we have to park in the north two acres of the Walmart lot. Go figure.)
Most importantly, there are no more orange fences or barrel barricades obstructing the sidewalks. There is room enough for square dancing.
The trees have been installed, most of the streetlamps are working at night, and I’ve seen the electric contractors fiddling with the traffic signals.
It’s coming along, so come visit!
McHuston
Booksellers & Irish Bistro
Rose District
122 South Main Broken Arrow OK!