New downtown development well under way

For downtown restaurant owner Libby Auld, the metro lunch rush is a welcome midday addition.

Auld says she loves that environment because of the city's ability to maintain a small-town feel.

"I love it because I've worked all over Tulsa and it feels like it's its own little community," she said. "It's got a small town feel because you walk down the street and you see half the people from lunch."

But Auld would like to see the community grow.

Crews are moving right along on a project just blocks away at 2nd and Cheyenne.

"We are building up a floor every two weeks," said Don Summers, Flint Co. construction project manager.

By next spring, an 18-story building that will house an energy company, a parking garage along with retail and restaurant space will be built.

Right next to that another five-story office building should be complete by the end of the year. It will house Northwest Mutual, moving from south Tulsa to downtown.

The project architect says the energy and financial company were on board from the get-go.

"They're all progress people that would like to see something get going in downtown, take advantage of what we've already done," said Rachel Zebrowski, project architect for Miles Associate.

What we do not know yet is which restaurants will be on the plaza level. There is talk of some local places and chain restaurants going in.

"I think we have somewhat already reached the audience that likes to come downtown and there are people in other parts of the city that might be drawn to a bigger chain," Auld said.

As for the local restaurants, Auld says she already has her plate full.

She is opening another restaurant in a different part of downtown and has no plans to open one at the 2nd and Cheyenne development.

At least for now.

"I think it would be great and maybe if it was in another year we might be interested, but right now I'm kind of booked," Auld said.

She could have her chance, since two more buildings are planned as part of project. They are still in the design phase and probably will not be complete for a couple of years.