Braving the notorious Oklahoma spring winds, over 30 Young Leaders gathered this week to learn more about one of Oklahoma City’s first districts – Historic Automobile Alley.  Led by University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Quality Communities’ Ron Frantz, the tour highlighted the historic preservation efforts that re-built the district building by building after the Murrah Bombing.  Thank you to Ron, not only for this incredible tour, but also for your YEARS of passion and dedication to the restoration of this historic main street.

Following the walking tour, Brandon Lodge gave a quick rundown of his project and the many lessons he’s learned along the way as a new urban re-developer.  His project, the 8th Street Market, is located just off Automobile Alley and is one of the 1st food halls to premiere in Oklahoma City.  Located in an old warehouse and indoor storage facility, the 8th Street Market’s anchor tenant is Prairie Artisan Ales.  Key Construction offered an impromptu tour of their recently opened offices and future tenants include a Vietnamese restaurant.  Lodge said that he’s leasing up slowly, in effort to find the right mix of tenants that will allow the space to have 24-hour life and activity.

Check out more photos from the event on our Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/ULIOK/.