Just weeks after the iconic First Christian Church was demolished, full restoration of another Oklahoma City landmark has commenced.
The buildings at what was Classen Circle, the historic Donnay Building and the structure that has housed Classen Grill, are receiving a much-needed renovation.
Developers Nick Preftakes and Caleb Hill bought the property that was once planned to be demolished to make room for a Braum's. Preservationists voiced angry protests and after one owner failed to deliver on a planned makeover, the new owners started construction in earnest.
Braum's still owns the small house along 50th but the new owners plan to convert an adjacent vacant lot to parking.
The first phase will see the reopening of Classen Grill to be operated by Happy Plate Concepts, the group that also recently reopened Grill on the Hill and the proprietors of Sunnyside Diner.
Then, the Donnay Building will reopen to tenants. The previous businesses, including the popular HiLo Club, had to vacate due to the derelict nature of the structure after decades of atrophy.
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