Midtown Oklahoma Renovation Kick-Off

The Utopia Joe Show http://www.utopiajoe.com/ has returned from San Francisco, California after working with Laurel Burch Art Works whose work features inspirational and colorful designs with a strong line of Cat Themes represented in the collection. http://laurelburch.com/   We are now embarking on a new and exciting journey with The Midtown Renaissance in the heart of Oklahoma City.  The property is a unique building that is zoned for commercial and residential use making it ideal for Artists with a Gallery.  For years we have been saying we wanted to be able to walk to a Starbucks from the house and our opportunity did indeed arrive.  In fact, we have many options for glorious morning coffee selections as well as an abundance of decadent and fun eateries.  I barely recognize the Midtown area after being away for more than a year.  The changes to Midtown are quite stunning. Please check out their Midtown Renaissance link at   http://midtownr.com/Default.aspx  As we go through this process of renovation with handy how-to help tips, we will show you the fun adventures we have along the way...musicians who visit us, concerts we see, fun restaurants we visit and the shopping experiences we will have. It will be a renovation blog like no other I have ever seen.  Join us for the fun! 

 Chain link fence has got to go!  As well as the enclosed front porch.  We have a beautiful vision for an open airy front porch...

 Wheelchair ramp will have to be removed.  It has seen a better day and better placement at a different location is definitely in order. 

 There is actually a really cute garage apartment behind the house.  It needs a lot of work but it is quite charming.

 Don't you just love the "No Smoking" sign.  It really has a warm welcome feel to it... Yeah... it's going bye bye too...

 I love this little doggy

We have a lot of work to do.  Our first job though is to tackle the inside of the house.  The house used to be a top notch daycare center in its former life.  Come take a look at the fun hot mess we found here. 

 this is that front enclosed room that will enventually be a front porch

 a big front room

 you can definitely see the daycare center accoutrements here...

 10 foot high ceilings are really nice

 this place is HUGE!!!

 downstairs bathroom

 the front entrance

 let's go upstairs...

 the first room that greets you upstaris...

 a bedroom

 the hallway upstairs

 Bedroom #2 upstairs

 bathroom upstairs... the claw foot tub is so cool!! Let's hope it works...

 closet just outside the bathroom that will eventually be a nice linen closet

 the kitchen upstairs

 an amazing pantry closet upstairs right next to the kitchen

 attic space... yikes

 bedroom #1 upstairs

 this could be storage... wow... this is going to take a bug bomb and a super vac

 I really dig this light fixture... a lot of potential here

 the old vintage wallpaper will have to go.  I will actually use the peelings for my collage work.

 interesting placement of toilet paper holder on the door.  I don't think I have ever seen this done before.

 ceilings need a little work and we will say goodbye to the florescent lights

 another big open room downstairs in the house

 and another big open room downstairs

Stay tuned for the next round of improvements... I am putting my gloves and knee pads on and getting to work.