By Robert Barron, Staff Writer
Ken Arnold has been a member of the Main Street Enid design committee since 1994 and when the owners of Callahan�s Pub and Grille approached him about an awning in front, he had a better idea.
�We�re creating a shaded area on the lower level that will give it a New Orleans feel on the lower level,� Arnold said.
The upper level also will be used for dining and occasionally a band.
Arnold, who is vice president of Continental Management Co., was having lunch at Callahan�s with owners Mike and Brett Fleming when they asked for a canvas awning in front. Arnold said he was concerned about an awning in the Oklahoma wind and wanted something more substantial. During another lunch at Callahan�s architect Ken Corbin drew the initial plans on a napkin and the project grew.
Continental Management is an arm of Continental Resources, which owns the building housing Callahan�s.
The project will involve putting a second floor seating area on the front of the building. It will stretch from the north edge to the south edge and extend over the sidewalk. Arnold said all of the concrete will be removed downstairs and new footings poured. The people load also is being engineered. Arnold estimates the cost at between $97,000 and $125,000.
The fabricating of some of the steel already has begun, and Arnold estimated 60 days construction, weather permitting.
�It�s another element of Continental Resources� focus on Main Street,� Arnold said.
The building is part of the Continental Resources south tower.
Arnold said Harold Hamm, CEO of Continental Resources, is interested in quality-of-life issues in Enid and approved the project. Architect John Merz said the renovation will create a downstairs accessible area for people with handicaps, and the upstairs will provide an area partially shaded and with a wind block, but still will be an open area.
�It�s reminiscent of European-style with low-voltage lighting and a neon sign,� he said.
The upper deck will have adequate lighting and an open area for an outside feel. There will be several tables on the upper level. Merz said they are utilizing an area that often is ignored in older buildings and creating a place where customers can congregate. Since Callahan�s went smoke free in April, it also will provide an area where smokers can sit.
�We hope to challenge other downtown restaurants to do something also, to create a new experience,� Arnold said.
Callahan�s opened in 2003 and extensive remodeling was done on the old building at that time. Mike Fleming, one of the owners, wanted more use from the patio area and an area where smoking patrons could go.
During warmer times of the year, they also may feature a band on the mezzanine that will help attract customers who are downtown.
�The patio will definitely help,� said Brett Fleming. �On busy nights people sometimes can�t get a seat and, especially in warmer months, this will add several tables.�
