2 minute read

Braum’s Ice Cream and Dairy Stores withdrew a zoning request Friday that, if passed, would have resulted in demolishing the buildings that house Hi-Lo Club, Drunken Fry and Classen Grill.

This comes after Braum’s lost before the Oklahoma City Planning Commission to get several small parcels in the triangle of land rezoned from residential to commercial.

The request was a key piece of Braum’s plan to buy and remove the Classen Grill building and the Donnay building that house the popular businesses near the intersection of Classen Boulevard and NW Expressway.

No definitive information has been given by the owner of the buildings, Red Oak Properties, or Braum’s as to what they plan next.

Braum’s attorney, David Box, could not be reached by phone on Friday.

One Oklahoma City councilman, Ed Shadid, has been a vocal critic of the plan encouraging and even speaking at some of the protest meetings.

“This is what brings us together as a community and makes our city great. Thanks also to Braums for making the socially responsible decision,” said Shadid in a Facebook post response to the news early Friday.

“Almost no one thought it probable that the protesters would win (including myself); let’s all remember that as we look to other ways to improve our lives and city.”

Foiled plans

Braum’s had contingency contracts to buy the two properties as long as the zoning change went through.

Neighbors and concerned citizens have been protesting the plans since August when OKCTalk, broke the news about Braum’s zoning request and plans.

Because of pressure from the public and serious questions among several members of the Planning Commission Sept. 28, the plan did not move on to the City of Oklahoma City Council.

The triangle of land bordered by Classen Circle, N. Military Avenue and NW 50th Street is where they wanted to put a new Braum’s store with parking.

The company owned several small parcels zoned for residential use and were asking the city to rezone those properties to be added to the rest of the triangle that is zoned for heavy commercial use.

But Braum’s needed the whole property to make the plan work.

David Box, Braum’s attorney for this project, held a community meeting Sept. 18 where he presented their plans.

Braum’s representatives were present, but did not answer questions saying they were there “to listen.”

But those present did not seem convinced by the end of the meeting.

Braum’s letter to City of OKC removing their request