March 2022 by 405 Magazine

FLORAL FASHION

MARCH MADNESS

What makes intimate relationships work? Friendship, trust, communication and for many, sex. The providers at Optimal Health Associates have spent the last 25 years addressing issues with the latter. Over time the understanding of sexual biology has evolved. From initial medical treatments for erectile dysfunction or hormone therapy to addressing decreased libido, the entire approach has changed. We now have an excellent understanding of the causes of such symptoms along with many other related subjects. The avenues to treat and improve sexual difficulties are now focused predominantly on straightforward medical interventions. We understand the emotional impact of such challenges for our patients and their partners. Our focus is to create a comfortable environment for such discussions leading to a tailored solution for each individual person.

- Noel Gynecologist Dr. Noel R. Williams, M.D.

with Optimal Health Associates

HOW WE CAN HELP · Individualized Care · Innovative Science Combined with Critical Analysis

· · · · ·

Bladder & Urinary Specialists Thyroid Management Decades of Menopausal Experience Diabetes Management Ozone Therapy

405.715.4496 OptimalHealthAssociates.com

· Hormone Therapy · Mona Lisa Touch for Vaginal Dryness and Incontinence · Sexual Health for Men & Women

Benjamin J. Barenberg, M.D.

Cassie Smith, M.D.

Urogynecologist

Endocrinologist

Furniture & design for sophisticated living. henr y inter iors .com | Brook haven V i l lage • 372 0 W Robinson St • Nor ma n, OK | 4 05. 321.10 0 0 | @henr yhomeinter iors

F E AT U R ES

VOLU ME EIGHT I S S U E T HRE E

Oh, Give Me a Home

Comparing OKC’s housing market to other major American metros

405MAGAZINE.COM

D E PA R T M E N T S

VOLU ME EIGHT I S S U E T HRE E

Trending

Culture

20 STYLE Welcoming the shades of spring

ARTS “Homecoming” exhibit from artist John Newsom

IN CONVERSATION WITH Sweet Stingers’ services and products have customers buzzing

SOCIAL HOUR People and events in the 405

24 PERSON OF INTEREST Dr. Markus Smith on an uplifting legacy in progress

80 SPORTS OU men’s basketball is built for March Madness

26 FASHION Colorful, interest-grabbing looks for the season

Dining 62 GOOD TASTE Mary Eddy’s renewed elegant dining experience 64 THE DISH Laotian cuisine at the Plaza District’s Ma Der 66 THE DRINK Younger whiskies increasing mass appeal

82 TRAVEL Exploring beautiful, relaxing Hot Springs, Arkansas 84 LOOKING BACK The history of the Freedmen and Oklahoma tribes 86 ONE MORE THING Traveling musicians bring the 405 to Dubai

68 LOCAL FLAVOR 10 OKC burgers you need to try now

FROM THE EDITOR

88 WHAT’S ONLINE

MARCH 2022

VOLUME 8 • NUMBER 3

OWNER | PUBLISHER

SENIOR WRITER

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Jordan Regas

Greg Horton

Heather Ellison

jordan.regas@405magazine.com

greg.horton@405magazine.com

VICE PRESIDENT

Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com EDITOR IN CHIEF

Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com ART DIRECTOR

Christopher Lee christopher.lee@405magazine.com A S S O C I AT E E D I TO R

Evie Klopp Holzer evie.holzer@405magazine.com

D I G I TA L M E D I A S P E C I A L I S T

Hannah Ticer hannah@hilltopmediagroup.com

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

Cynthia Whitaker-Attalla cynthia.whitakerhill@405magazine.com DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Drew Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lavinia Creswa, Jake Durham, Addam M. Francisco, Kristen Grace, Bennett Hill, Melissa Mercer Howell, Linda Miller, Annabella Potts, Elaine Warner

drew.smith@405magazine.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Jack Ellis jack.ellis@405magazine.com PRODUCTION MANAGER

Aubrey Jernigan CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dale Carty II, Lexi Hoebing, Kim Martin, Charlie Neuenschwander, Rachel Waters, Shevaun Williams

aubrey@hilltopmediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lillian Meador ads@405magazine.com

READER SERVICES

SUBSCRIPTIONS

405 Magazine 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Phone 405.842.2266 Fax 405.604.9435 info@405magazine.com, 405magazine.com

405 Magazine is available by subscription for $14.95 (12 issues), $24.95 (24 issues) or $34.95 (36 issues).

BACK ISSUES

Back issues are $9.50 (includes P&H) each. For back issue availability and order information, go to shop.405magazine.com. BULK ORDERS

For multiple copy order information, please contact our office.

SUBSCRIPTION CUSTOMER SERVICE

405 Magazine P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765 Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. CST Phone 818.286.3160 Fax 800.869.0040 subscriptions@405magazine.com 405magazine.com/subscribe DISTRIBUTION

Community Racks

JOIN THE CONVERSATION Follow 405 Magazine on Facebook and @405Mag on Instagram and Twitter

Story Ideas and Letters to the Editor Your views and opinions are welcome. Include your full name, address and daytime phone number and email to editor@405magazine.com. Letters sent to 405 Magazine become the magazine’s property, and it owns all rights to their use. 405 Magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Volume 8 / Number 3, 405 Magazine (periodicals 21350) is published monthly, 12 times a year, by Hilltop Media Group, 1613 North Broadway Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Periodicals postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 405 Magazine, P.O. Box 16765, North Hollywood, CA 91615-6765.

MARCH 2022

405 Magazine Volume 8, Number 3, March 2022. 405 Magazine is published monthly by Hilltop Media Group at 1613 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, 405.842.2266. ©Copyright 2022 Hilltop Media Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction of 405 Magazine content, in whole or part by any means, without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. 405 Magazine is not responsible for the care of and/or return of unsolicited materials. 405 Magazine reserves the right to refuse advertising deemed detrimental to the community’s best interest or in questionable taste. Opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of ownership or management. Basic annual subscription rate is $14.95. U.S. single-copy price is $4.95. Back issues are $9.50 each

Still Using Chain Pharmacies?

Go Local

for Fast & Friendly Service 3rd Generation Family-Owned Pharmacy Proudly Serving the Metro Area

Since 1982!

405.947.6828 • 5420 N. PORTLAND AVE., OKC - We Accept all Major Insurances & Great Cash Prices -

MARCH 2022

4 2 0 0 W M E M O R I A L R OA D, S U I T E 1 0 1 , O K L A H O M A C I T Y

P H YS I C I A N S - O P T I C A L .C O M

4 0 5 -74 9 - 4 2 8 5

Your Next Sweet Treat is Calling. Subscribe to our 405NOW newsletter for dining news and reviews around the metro area.

BEFORE

AFTER

Cleanings & Exams

Root Canal Treatment

Dental Implant Restorations

Dentures & Partials

Porcelain Veneers

Teeth Whitening Tooth Colored Fillings

Porcelain Crowns Invisalign Dental Emergencies

2000 E 15th Ste 200, Edmond, Oklahoma 73013 | edmonddentist.com | 405.341.0203

405MAGAZINE.COM

MARCH 2022

Classen Drive & N. Dewey Avenue

Midtown Residences, Reimagined. Exclusively Marketed By:

CHRIS GEORGE HOMES CHINOWTH AND COHEN

405 627 0801

V I L L AT E R E S AO KC . C O M

F R O M

T H E

ED I TO R

Where the Heart Is T H IS ON E IS PE R S ONA L . I F YOU A SK HOW W E E N DE D U P I N OKC you will get several answers — nearby family, growing relevant industries, etc. But if I had to name the number one reason we decided to move here, the answer is housing. Since graduating college in 2007, I was forced to move eight times in nine years all over Los Angeles. Each time, whether it was a tiny 700 sq. ft. house in a bad neighborhood or a tiny apartment in a high rise, the rent was substantially more than my current mortgage. Every time we had to find a new place to live, it was extremely competitive — and we usually ended up in subpar situations because we had dogs. A few places did not come with designated parking, so that was an everyday challenge. One cold and rainy night after a long day of work, I could not find a spot anywhere near my Hollywood apartment. After an hour of searching I eventually gave up and slept in my car … I tell you this not as a sob story, but to offer perspective. We were mind-blowingly relieved, and felt so lucky, to be able to buy a starter home in Oklahoma City. Our modest 1980s ranch-style house (in serious need of updating) felt like living in a palace! For the first time in my adult life, I was finally and wonderfully home. A country song by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan recently came on the radio, and while I found it a little cheesy, the lyrics resonated: “‘Cause the truth about it is It all goes by real quick You can’t buy happiness But you can buy dirt” The song goes on to describe the simple joy and fulfillment of owning your own property and building a life on that foundation. Check out our cover feature (pg. 34) for a detailed look at just how incredible the OKC cost of housing is compared to other major U.S. cities. We hope this illustration of the nationwide market will help you see your own home with a new sense of gratitude. Also in this issue, you’ll meet a real estate agent with an inspirational story (pg. 24), get insight into OU men’s basketball as March Madness approaches (pg. 80), and discover a family of beekeepers affecting Oklahoma’s pollinator population in a big way (pg. 78). And with that, I would love to be the first to welcome you to a very splendid spring!

Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF

COV E R F E AT U R E I N S P I R AT I O N

In no uncertain terms, we LOVE our current living situation. It is truly a dream place to raise a family. Yet saying goodbye to the first home we ever owned was heartbreaking. It took a lot of convincing to get me to sell our starter home, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. The little house and I connected instantly — I knew within 30 seconds of walking through the door that I wanted to live there. It felt like saying goodbye to the 7th member of our family. For almost four years, its walls were filled with memories and the echoes of children laughing and dogs barking. It was well within our means and increased in value so quickly that we were able to pay down large amounts of debt. It felt like a version of “The Giving Tree.” If it were up to me, we might have lived there forever. The neighbor across the street was my first friend in our new town. Even though neither of our families live in the neighborhood anymore, we remain very close. When we moved she gave me this commissioned portrait. I’ve seen similar artwork on so many people’s walls — because even when we move on from a physical place and establish ourselves in a new one, there’s no place like home.

MARCH 2022

Value Your Trade

Explore Monthly Payments

Apply For Financing

okcvw.com 405-787-0433

Reserve Your Vehicle

Pirouette®Window Shadings

405.848.0099 | blindalleyokc.com 3839 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73116

FOR INFORMATION ON REMODELING SERVICES, PLEASE CONTACT

KENT STANFORD 405-204-4092

JAMES STAGGS 405-684-6894

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH STRUNK

MARCH 2022

START YOUR WEDDING JOURNEY TO A BEAUTIFUL YOU WITH OMNI LUX MED SPA. Book your FREE consultation for you and your wedding party 6 MONTHS: -Sofwave

-Secret RF -Laser hair removal

4 MONTHS:

-Innopen microneedling with PRP -Pico -Body Sculpting, Tru ID

3 MONTHS:

-2nd Sofwave/ Secret RF -Hollywood Facial -Laser hair removal

2 MONTHS: -Dermaplaning -Hydrafacial -Pico -Brow wax -Laser hair removal

1MONTH:

-Fillers

-3rd Sofwave/ Secret RF -Hollywood Facial -Laser hair removal -Brow wax/tint -Botox/Dysport -Lashes

1 DAY:

-Hydrafacial -Touch up dermaplaning -Touch up brow wax

VISIT O M N I LU XM E DS PA.C O M TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE SERVICES! 405-237-9915 | OMNILUXMEDSPA.COM | 13921 N. MERIDIAN AVE., SUITE 202, OKC

Are You Signed Up for Our 405Now? Discover the Best in Oklahoma City Metro’s Dining, Events, Travel, & Homes S I G N U P T O D AY A T

405magazine.com/newsletters

MARCH 2022

Home, Gift & Boutique

905 N Broadway Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 | tinlizziesokc.com | 405-228-1014

Distinctive designs. Exceptional home furnishings.

4 0 5 .6 08 . 8 89 9 3 4 0 9 S. B ro a d way, S u i te 1 0 0, Ed m o n d ( 3 3 rd & B ro a d way) t ra d i t i o n s e d m o n d .c o m

MARCH 2022

TRENDING STYLE 20

SOCIAL HOUR 22

PERSON OF INTEREST 24

FASHION 26

From Poverty to Ph.D.

CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

One luxury real estate agent’s inspiring story p.24

San Diego Hat Co. hat, Just Female leather crop pants, and Little Lies top all from rosegold; and necklace from Samia Moses Creative.

405MAGAZINE.COM

S T Y L E

T R E N D I N G

Springtime Standards Fresh, fun, and fabulous florals

BY B E N N E T T H I L L

M A RC H IS T H E T I M E T O M A K E OU R WAY into pastels as we welcome back our flowerbeds and garden guests. Don’t let the cold days keep you in dark, winter wear. Blend in a light wash denim to complete the light look while keeping you warm and stylish. Simple yet elegant jewelry is the perfect addition to any outfit. Finish it off with a cute pair of booties for a chic yet comfortable look.

MARCH 2022

1. Jude Frances, Diamond and Grey Enamel Triangle Charm: Naifeh Fine Jewelry, naifehfinejewelry.com 2. Beulah, Retro Denim Jacket: Cayman’s, shop-caymans.com 3. Christian Lacroix, Lacroix Frivolit Shape Puzzle, Betsykingshoes.com 4. LoveShackFancy, Gwen Dress Tie Dye, Gretta Sloane, grettasloane.com 5. Prada, Cinéma Glasses: CK & CO, ckandcompany.com 6. Michael Stars, Ribknit Wren Midi Dress: Silver Accents, silveraccents.com 7. Steve Madden, Stud Trim Aquarius Boot: Silver Accents, silveraccents.com 8. Michel Design Works, Peony Candle: Essentials, essentialsofokc.com

Occasions is an authorized dealer of MacKenzie-Childs

Offering you the perfect choice for every Occasion Carriage Plaza 2001 West Main Street Norman, Oklahoma 405.217.8467 occasionspaper.com @occasionspaper

405MAGAZINE.COM

S O C I A L

T R E N D I N G

General Manager Jericha Bickell, Artistic Director Kelly Kerwin and Production Manager Laurena Sherrill

H O U R

Honorees Rachel Cope, Vince Lombardo, Dr. Julie Watson, Councilmember Nikki Nice, T.W. Shannon, Geoff Camp, James Spann, Danny Maloney, and Mayor David Holt

An Evening With an Immigrant Opening Night OKC Rep recently launched its 2022 Reboot Season with a sold-out performance by internationally renowned poet and playwright Inua Ellams, one of the most compelling artists working today. An Evening With An Immigrant was held at Oklahoma Contemporary, with food provided by Cafe do Brasil. T.W. Shannon

Mayor David Holt and 405 Business Editor in Chief Kayte Spillman

Inua Ellams mingles with guests at the artist reception

405 Business Magazine Launch Party

Inua Ellams

MARCH 2022

Randie Vasso , Jessica Ockershauser, and Vanda Holland

OPENING NIGHT: PROVIDED;405 BUSINESS LAUNCH: KIMBERLY D PHOTOGRAPHY

Scott Bartel, Seth Lewis, Lance McDaniel and Kindt Myers

New OKC publication 405 Business, featuring metro leaders and companies, is now being released six times a year. The kickoff event was held at Crew Workspace, with emcee and media services provided by 405 Productions, catered by Mary Eddys, and featured speeches from the honorees of “10 for the Next 10” — 10 outstanding people who will change Oklahoma City in the next 10 years.

T R E N D I N G

The Web of Grace Dr. Markus Smith on an uplifting legacy in progress BY K R I S T E N G R A C E P H O T O S BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

MARCH 2022

P E R S O N

O F

I N T E R E S T

M A R KUS SM IT H, PH.D., H AS NOT always felt safe sharing his life story. After overcoming a childhood and young adulthood plagued by poverty, racism, and gang violence on the northeast side of Oklahoma City, he eventually earned multiple college degrees and incredible success in the real estate business, where his hard work began to reap great rewards. However, Dr. Smith worried that if he told the whole story about all he had overcome, he might lose potential real estate clients. He did decide, though, that he could not keep himself from sharing parts of his story with his students at Oklahoma City Community College, where he teaches political science. Those students needed his stories. They were fighting life battles similar to his own. And he kept being encouraged by several colleagues to write a memoir. In 2021, he finally released his memoir, Journey Through the Hoods, from which all profits were designated to go to local charities, scholarships, and schools. If you ask Smith why he continues to teach political science at OCCC two days a week even after reaching substantial success in the real estate field, he is quick to respond: “Many community college

Smith is quick to say that he has worked hard and been blessed, but he will also tell you that he wishes to give back. “I want to be remembered as someone who gave,” he says.

students are working moms, or students working full-time jobs as they try to find a way through college. They’re working-class people. Their stories resonate with me; I feel at home with them, and I want my story and my success to inspire them.” When asked if he would ever leave his present pursuits to pass the bar and become a lawyer, Smith said, “No. I did originally want to become a lawyer so that I could help people of color, people in poverty — the same people I grew up with. But now I have hundreds of students who have gone on to law school and passed the bar

and reached out to me. They tell me that I have helped and inspired them. That is my legacy. I will continue to teach political science at OCCC and help those students continue on.” Smith is quick to say that he has worked hard and been blessed, but he will also tell you that he wishes to give back. “I want to be remembered as someone who gave,” he says. Smith has set up a college endowment at UCO, a grant for school supplies at U.S. Grant High School, an annual fund for

Christmas gifts for families at OCCC, and a fund for the food pantry at OCCC, as well as other ways of giving back to the community. If you ask Dr. Markus Smith what person or event turned his life around, he will tell you it’s not so easy to pinpoint. There is no one moment, no one person. He tells stories of hope and redemption, and as he does, a beautiful web of kind people and moments of grace is woven over and around a life. And it is clear, from all he does and says, that he wants to be part of that web for countless other young people. 405MAGAZINE.COM

T R E N D I N G

Matsuda sunglasses from Physician’s Optical; gold earrings, ring, and Oo La La watercolor print top from Boutique One.

MARCH 2022

FA S H I O N

Vitality is the Vibe Embrace colorful, interestgrabbing fashion this spring BY L I N DA M I L L E R

ENOUGH OF ALL THE neutrals and basics. Stylish, colorful, fun, and flirty looks are demanding attention—and getting it. Apologies to the ever-popular black and white tees, and even the timeless white dress shirt, but with spring fast approaching, a top that’s, well, a bit over the top is even more appealing. This season’s new crop includes interesting styles that embrace bold colors, pastel prints, embroidery, lace, ruffles, cut outs, and bare shoulders. Let’s all vow to slip into one, even if it pushes some of us a little out of our comfort zone. Fashion is about experimenting and having fun doing it. A top isn’t much of a fashion risk, making it a good choice for easing into something new. Play with some of spring’s most heralded colors. Hot pink leads the march, along with yellow in all its glorious shades. Consider lilac, red, orange, and countless hues of blue. Look for tops with interesting details such as puff sleeves, cut-out detailing, embroidery, statement embellishments, crop styles, back interest, and texture. Be open to something new. Again, it’s just a top—but it also may be the beginning of future stylish possibilities. With that in mind, when was the last time you wore gingham? Designers love it for spring, and a gingham top is an easy way to get acquainted—or for many women, reacquainted—with the textured fabric that’s sure to get plenty of attention as the weather warms.

Hermanos Koumori jacket, stripe rugby top by XL, and jeans by Purple, all from Grinmore

ART DIRECTION, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND STYLING: SHEVAUN WILLIAMS MODEL: NICOLE JIA, TABB AGENCY HAIR AND MAKEUP: SHARON TABB, LAST LOOKS PRO MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BOUTIQUE

Earrings, necklace and bracelet, and Love Shack Fancy off-the-shoulder top, all from Gretta Sloane; and Spanx white jeans from Boutique One.

405MAGAZINE.COM

T R E N D I N G

BOUTIQUE ONE, 6 492 AVONDALE, OKC , BOUTIQUEONE. S TORE EDEN, 3 014 PA SEO, OKC , EDENSOKC .COM FOLK . LIFE, 174 6 NW 16 TH, OKC , FOLKLIFEOKC .COM G RE T TA SLOANE, 6 476 AVONDALE, OKC , GRE T TA SLOANE.COM LIBR ARY, 28 07 N WALKER , OKC , LIBR ARY.CLOTHING PHYSICIAN’ S OP TIC AL , 420 0 W MEMORIAL , OKC , PHYSICIANS-OPTIC AL .COM

Hair clips from Eden; earrings and open back floral blouse by Nasty Gal from Library.

MARCH 2022

FA S H I O N

Beaded earrings and pink sweetheart neckline top by Adelyn Rae, both from Eden.

405MAGAZINE.COM

THANK YOU FOR 20 YEARS OF SMILES!

SAVE MORE

ON PERFECT AIR THIS SPRING!

Rebates & Financing Available

Call today for more information 405-724-4822

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

CALL US TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT!

405-348-5757

marthagarzondmd.com INTEGRATEDOK.COM 30

MARCH 2022

870 South Kelly Avenue | Edmond, OK 73003

405 HOME READ THE LATEST ISSUE AT 405MAGAZINE.COM

Bring in the Spring Like fruits of the season, 405HOME is highlighting the garden’s best offerings with our spring issue. Wicker finds, interesting lattice designs, and floralpatterned furnishings fill the pages. Set your table with a fruit-topped pavlova and freshly plucked blooms— and if you crave a little dirty work, refer to our experts’ insights to plant the perfect pot. When it comes to design inspirations, 405HOME is letting the garden take the lead. Won’t you follow along? 405MAGAZINE.COM

Tax & Accounting Services for Individuals & Small Businesses:

OUT E R MO GET OUR CITY NE! OF Y AGAZI 405 M R SUBSC

•

BOOKKEEPING, PAYROLL, AND NOTARY

•

INCOME TAX PREP & PROBLEM RESOLUTION

•

BUSINESS FORMATION

•

FINANCIAL PLANNING & INVESTMENT STRATEGY

405.727.8064 JENNYHARDINMBA

SE HABLA ESPAÑOL

JENNYTAXSERVICE

JENNYGRACEHARDIN@GMAIL.COM

IBE TO

f the e best o th to u o events, nects y dining, ’s 405 con o tr e m ma City es. Oklaho nd hom travel a

e.com magazin

5 Visit 40

cribe. to subs

Fu n Fam i l y Compe t i t ion

DROP SHOT

F ROM FAT BR AIN TOYS

learning tree

405.848.1415 | 7638 N. Western, OKC www.learningtreeokc.com

MARCH 2022

PROMOTION

ALIGN INTERVENTIONAL PAIN

TREATING THE WHOLE PATIENT TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE At Align Interventional Pain, Dr. Morgan Pollard helps 405 residents live their lives pain-free. Offering minimally invasive spine and orthopedic procedures, Align treats anyone dealing with back pain, knee pain, nerve pain and more. Pollard attended Baylor University for her undergraduate degree and attended medical school at the University of Oklahoma. She completed an anesthesiology residency and pain management fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Pollard is a born-and-raised Oklahoman and is proud to be back home managing her practice. She enjoys getting to know her patients and working with them to manage their pain and help them live better. Interventional pain utilizes a variety of strategies to complement each other and provide optimal results in pain management. Pollard is thorough in learning about her patients’ pain and developing a treatment plan. “Dr. Pollard and her entire staff are wonderful,” one patient said. “This is a doctor who actually listens to what is going on. Great experience and finally getting some relief.” With offices in Edmond and Enid, Pollard and her team work together to serve patients across the 405 metro.

DR. E. MORGAN POLLARD

501 E 15TH ST SUITE 300A, EDMOND, OK 73013 | 405.906.4020 | ALIGNPAIN.COM

MARCH 2022

C O M PA R E D TO OT H E R C I T I E S NATIONWIDE, OKC’S AFFORDABLE HOUSING MARKET CAN MAKE THE AMERICAN DREAM COME TRUE FOR LESS

One of our city’s best attributes isn’t talked about nearly enough. Do you want to own land and a lovely family home in the Oklahoma City metro? You likely can. How about having your own parking space—a garage, even—plus air conditioning, a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, and an ample yard? Yep, you can find that too. Lifelong OKC residents may be unfamiliar with some of the housing market challenges found in other large cities. Standard amenities elsewhere may not be available without a large sum of money. Also, coming up with the down payment may prove to be an insurmountable task when home prices are sky high, and soaring. So consider this glimpse into the life and housing scene in 10 of the most populated U.S. metropolitan areas. While we cannot necessarily compare apples to apples—The Big Apple has very little in common with The Big Friendly—we can compare how far $300,000 will take you. We believe Oklahoma City has one of the best (if not the best) housing costs of any top 25 city nationwide … and that’s an attribute worth talking about.

E VIE

IL LUSTRATION S

K LOP P BY

HOLZER

AND REEA

A ND

J ULIE

M ITREA NU

PA RTIN FIRUM

STUD IO

405MAGAZINE.COM

OKL AHOMA CIT Y

SA N FR A NCISCO

Oklahoma City is a sprawling city, with no mountains or large bodies of water to contain it. Downtown living’s influx of restaurants and activities make the area attractive, while suburban living is popular for families, offering spacious homes and excellent public school districts. Living in the ’burbs may require a reasonable 20-minute commute to work. Either way, you’re probably going to want a car to navigate the sprawl. The low cost of housing is due to a combination of factors, including a large amount of developable, flat land.

San Francisco has a diverse population, and its surrounding waters offer easy access to nature. Many tech giants call the “Fog City” home. Substantially higher prices make owning a family home challenging. However, for social butterflies, the city has one of the largest populations of singles in the nation. Only home buyers with limited income—those who qualify for government housing assistance—can purchase a $300,000 condominium, offered well below market rates.

W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y:

• A one-room, open-concept studio apartment built in 1924

• A 1,800-square-foot home built in 2020

• 450 to 650 square feet

• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

• One bathroom or communal bathrooms

• Amenities include a spacious fenced-in yard, a two- or threecar garage, air conditioning, fireplace, and personal appliances such as a washer, dryer, and dishwasher.

• Some units provide a parking spot

W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y:

HOMES TEND TO C O S T 3 4 9 % MORE.*

*All statistics cited from Mint.com's Cost of Living Calculator

MARCH 2022

Hidden Gem For those looking to settle into a city with excellent neighborhoods and restaurants and an engaging arts and culture scene, Brandon Baca, Realtor and founder of Ten Oaks, describes Oklahoma City as a “hidden gem.” An Oklahoma native, Baca now lives in Franklin, Tennessee, and manages real estate offices in Oklahoma City, Nashville, and Dallas. “Oklahoma City is great because not everybody knows about it yet,” Baca said. “For Austin, Nashville, or Dallas – these cities have a really high profile. Oklahoma City doesn’t. So you don’t have as much driving migration.” More people means more demand and a more competitive housing marketplace. Baca mentioned a recent deal in Nashville, when 21 offers came in for one home. “I’ve had people come to Nashville, ready to buy a home, and move back to where they came from because they couldn’t compete in the market,” Baca said. “In Oklahoma City, you’ve got a better chance of getting a house in a very affordable, livable area.” Another positive attribute about the OKC real estate market: steadiness. “Buyers in Oklahoma don’t go crazy. They’re pretty levelheaded, so you don’t have these massive swings like you do in places like California,” Baca said. “You have a steady progression in value in Oklahoma City, versus other cities that have had 20 or 30 percent swings over the last year, based on competition.” A lower cost of living and lower market prices make Oklahoma City an approachable market for first-time home buyers, Baca said, noting the average price point in OKC is $225,000. “In Oklahoma City, you still have properties that are in the $200,000 price point where … Dallas? Forget about it. Nashville? Forget about it,” Baca said. “In Nashville, we’re nudging up toward $400,000 before you can find anything decent. In Oklahoma, you just don’t have those overwhelming price points.”

405MAGAZINE.COM

LOS A NG ELE S

HOMES TEND TO C O S T 206% MORE.*

With pleasant weather year-round and beaches, deserts, and mountains surrounding the city, Los Angeles is a dreamy place to call home. Speaking of dreams… Artists are everywhere. You may spot a famous face, and your waiters and baristas may also be auditioning for their turn on screen. The City of Angels is home to 3.967 million people (an almost identical population to the entire state of Oklahoma, which lands at 3.957 million). People move here from all over the world, so the city is culturally diverse. However, residents must contend with the high cost of living, a difficult job market (L.A. maintains a high unemployment rate), and terribly congested highways. W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y: • A studio or one-bedroom apartment built in 1923 • 350 to 700 square feet • One bathroom • Possible amenities include a shared community laundry area and a pool. A parking spot and pet-friendly unit are available for a fee.

CHIC AGO

HOMES TEND TO C O S T 1 1 7 % MORE.*

Getting around Chicago is a snap, thanks to its public transportation. Catch the ‘L’ (short for “elevated”) train to explore historic theaters, community gardens, museums, and buildings that exemplify Chicago’s world-class architecture. The clear and open Lake Michigan shoreline brings beautiful views and bone-chilling winters to the “Windy City.” The crime rate may also give you chills. Chicago records 943 violent crimes per 100,000 people, according to a CBS News report, giving it a higher violent crime rate than the national average. W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y: • A classic American foursquare, about 1,500 square feet, built in the 1930s • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Amenities include a small yard and two-car garage.

MARCH 2022

DALL A S

H O M E S T E N D TO COST 35% MORE.*

Dallas is known as an economic hotspot, making it a popular relocation choice for those entering the job market or seeking a career change. In 2020, Dallas had the highest office job growth in the country with a 5.7 percent year-over-year increase. Dallas has been criticized for its lack of natural beauty—cited as an urban sprawl of concrete—though the White Rock Lake area on the east side easily counters that notion. And among those miles of concrete blocks, you’ll discover amazing restaurants, shops, and museums, as well as plenty of friendly faces.

AUS TIN

W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y: • A 1,350-square-foot home built in 2002 • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Amenities include a two-car garage, spacious yard, air conditioning, and a dishwasher.

H O M E S T E N D TO COST 50% MORE.*

If live music is your jam, Austin won’t disappoint. Live music shows can be found around town almost any night of the week, and festivals such as South by Southwest and Austin City Limits have received national acclaim. Austin has attracted a steady stream of transplants, contributing to its skyrocketing housing prices and continuous construction, as roads can’t keep pace with the increase in cars. Creativity flourishes here, and residents aren’t afraid to “keep Austin weird” with their colorful expressions. The Barton Creek Greenbelt, Town Lake, and wellkept parks and trails encourage an active lifestyle. W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y: • A 450- to 650-square-foot condo built in 1980 • 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms • Amenities include a fireplace, private patio, air conditioning, washer dryer, and two garage spaces. A pet-friendly unit is available for an additional fee.

405MAGAZINE.COM

DEN VER

Buying Frenzy The housing market nationwide has been in a full-on buying frenzy since 2020. U.S. home prices had the highest increase in more than 20 years. GiGi Faulkner, owner of RE/MAX First, has been in the residential real estate industry in OKC since the ’80s and has never seen anything like it in her career. She gave us her expert take on the situation. “The current ‘hot’ real estate market in the 405 has been the result of a convergence of numerous supply and demand factors,” Faulkner said. “Home builders have been underbuilding during the last decade, contributing to low inventory and higher demand for existing homes. More homeowners are staying put, enjoying their low interest mortgages, or even a debt-free home, causing upward pressure on existing home prices. The December 2021 national median sales price was up 15.8 percent from a year earlier. “On the demand side, the millennial generation is buying homes in large numbers, incentivized by low interest rates. We’re seeing a surge of these buyers, who have delayed household formation and home buying longer than their parents. Compounding the effects of the pandemic to an already low inventory/high demand market has caused us to see our homes through a different lens—a sacred space to work, learn, play, and feel secure. The last couple of years has only enhanced the value of what we love about ‘home.’”

MARCH 2022

HOMES TEND TO COST 85% MORE.*

The “Mile-High City” might take your breath away. Perhaps it’s the higher altitude (Denver is 5,280 feet above sea level) or the Rocky Mountain views. Denver is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground with biking trails throughout and some of Colorado’s best ski slopes within driving distance. Denver is within a day’s drive of 58 mountains with peaks reaching 14,000 feet, so mountain climbers love it too. Residents praise the city’s innovative public school choice program but, with a quickly growing population, they bemoan the heavy traffic. Snowy long winters are also a big part of living here. W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y: • 1,000-square-foot townhouse built in 1939 • 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Amenities include parking spaces, heating, and a washer and dryer.

PHOENIX

HOMES TEND TO C O S T 6 2 %

Abundant sunshine and affordable living (compared to some Florida hotspots) have attracted retirees to settle in Phoenix for years. However, younger folks are beginning to migrate to this great city, too. According to 2019 U.S. Census data, more than 20 percent of the 1.6 million residents are millennials, and Phoenix has seen the fastest growth of any major city in the past decade. While the sunny weather is a bonus for many, it’s important to remember that Phoenix is located in the Sonoran Desert. Be mindful when you hike; the summer heat can be intense.

W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y:

MORE.*

• A 1,000-square-foot home built in 2017 • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Amenities include a two-car garage, air conditioning, dishwasher, and washer and dryer.

405MAGAZINE.COM

NA SHVILLE

HOMES TEND TO C O S T 2 4 %

Like Oklahoma City, Nashville is a relatively affordable city to reside in, compared to other major cities nationwide. However, the Nashville housing market has become increasingly competitive and expensive. Young adults, ages 25 to 34, make up the largest demographic in “Music City,” adding to the vibrancy and culture of the city. Recognized as the “songwriting capital of the world,” you’ll find country music’s finest living here, along with the annual Country Music Awards and legendary Grand Ole Opry.

NE W YORK CIT Y

HOMES TEND TO C O S T 6 0 2 %

The thrill of living in the “city that never sleeps” is undeniable. When it comes to art, history, culture, and business opportunities (65 Fortune 500 companies are headquartered here), no place compares to New York City. It is also the most culturally diverse city in America, attracting people from all over the world. However, living among the city’s glitz and glamour isn’t cheap. Skyrocketing rent and housing prices make NYC the seventh most expensive city in the world. Best to move here with a high-paying job, or prepare to share your space with roommates. W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y: • A studio apartment in Central Harlem or Lincoln Square built in the 1910s • 300 to 600 square feet • One bathroom • Amenities include a pet-friendly unit, at an additional fee.

MARCH 2022

MORE.*

W H AT $30 0,0 0 0 C A N B U Y:

MORE.*

• A 1,200-square-foot home built in 2005 • 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms • Amenities include a one-car attached garage, a large yard, air conditioning, and a dishwasher.

W H E R E T H E R E N T E R S R OA M AN ADDITIONAL PERSPECTIVE BY GREG HORTON

Start with the fact that the average apartment rental rate in Oklahoma City is under $900, and you have a good metric for comparing our rental properties to other major cities. Austin’s average is nearly $1,700, Denver’s is nearly $1,900, and Atlanta’s is $1,800, so exactly double. Cost is just one of the factors in renting, however. I moved downtown in 2011, and have been happily ensconced in a high rise since 2012: 1,200 square feet, two bed, two bath, and a balcony view of downtown OKC’s skyline. Include utilities and underground parking, and the total tab is under $1,300 a month. By the way, that under-$900 average only gets you about 900 square feet, so as a simple heuristic, apartments in OKC can be had for a dollar a square foot. Yes, there are more expensive options, but where else do you get this quality of life for that price? Again, though, cost is only one of the factors. Renting allows easier and closer access to the rapidly developing parts of the metro: downtown, Arts District, Innovation District, Midtown, Bricktown, and Ironworks District. You might say that the edges of the city are developing, too, and it has become trendier to build rental properties in desirable neighborhoods on the city’s north and east edges, but that puts you on the edge of the city. That’s not just a tautology; it matters.

The Thunder are downtown. Scissortail Park is downtown. The majority of the city’s best restaurants and bars are in or near the urban core. You can build the list easily: OKCMOA, Myriad Gardens, Civic Center, Patrono, Barkeep, Film Row, The Study – all in the metaphorical front or back yard of downtown rentals. Sure, you can buy a condo downtown or a house in SoSA, but you can expect to pay $650k and up for that indulgence. Renting also obviates the need for upkeep. Some of you are handypersons; others like me are not. Toilet on the fritz? Owners are rushing to Lowe’s or Home Depot. We’re sending a work request via online portal, and in my case, I get a maintenance guy the same day nearly every time. Home ownership isn’t just ownership; it’s work, and it’s the kind of work many aren’t interested in, including young professionals, older professionals, and empty nesters looking to downsize. Given a transient workforce, including workers in the city for a short time—military, consultants, gig workers, etc.—renting also offers the chance to be in the best parts of the city proper for less money and fewer headaches. For full-on Okies like me, it means the chance to live in the midst of everything that is great, fun, adventurous, impressive, and promising about our city. 405MAGAZINE.COM

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE. INVEST IN SOLAR.

Locally owned and operated in OKC

solarpowerok.com (405) 349-5272

Providing Oklahoma FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @405MAG

with the BEST coverage

SINCE 1987! CALL TODAY to Schedule your Insurance Assessment 405-842-5385 ghainsurance.com 13800 Quail Pointe Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73134

MARCH 2022

P ROM OTI ON

The following is a collection of professional profiles featuring some of the top selling OKC metro real estate agents and teams sharing their stories and successes.

405MAGAZINE.COM

BUSINESS NAME | PHONE NUMBER Eden Moore, Chris George, Justin Brannon

MARCH 2022

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

The Chris George Homes Team

Chris George Homes with Chinowth and Cohen For more than 30 years, Chris George has lived, worked, bought and sold in the 405 metro. As a top-performing Realtor at Churchill Brown Realtors, George has his finger on the pulse of the real estate market in Oklahoma City, Nichols Hills, Edmond, Deer Creek and beyond. “Whether you’re interested in historic real estate, investment opportunities, new construction or acreage, we can help,” George said. “Our team at Chris George Homes has the experience, knowledge and professionalism to meet your real estate needs.” For the past ten years, George has been in the top 5 percent of Churchill Brown Realtors. At Chris George Homes, clients receive first-class, personalized service. The team uses a proven marketing plan that combines video, social media and online marketing. The team includes a staging designer, graphic artist, professional photographer, media relations director and personal assistant to make your home as appealing as possible to potential buyers. “While the real estate industry is always changing and moving in different directions, home improvements and trends move even quicker,” he said. “It is always best to work with a professional in your local market to help you with all your real estate needs, from home value to what upgrades will bring the most value to your home.” This full-service approach serves sellers well. For buyers, the team provides up-to-date listings as soon as they hit the market, and when they submit an offer, they require acceptance or counter offer within 24 to 48 hours. There’s no time to waste when buying with the Chris George Team. George and his team know the market, the neighborhoods, and the local economy. That knowledge helps eliminate hassles and stress throughout the process, which is a priceless commodity. No matter the location, let the team at Chris George Homes help you to find or sell your property today.

405.627.0801 2814 W COUNTRY CLUB DR., OKC, OK 73116 CHRISGEORGEHOMES.COM 405MAGAZINE.COM

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

Brooke Wood

Jenna Harper

Real Estate Advisor

Branch Broker & Real Estate Advisor

The Jenna Harper Home Team Sage Sotheby’s International Realty At Sage Sotheby’s International Realty, Midtown Branch Broker and Realtor Jenna Harper provides luxury service at every price point. With almost a decade of experience in real estate, Harper knows the 405 and is passionate about helping clients find their dream home. “Seeing the happiness on my clients’ faces as they find the perfect home is the most fulfilling thing I can imagine receiving from any job.” To better serve her clients, in 2020, Jenna expanded her team to include Brooke Wood. With integrity, trust, and mutual respect as the cornerstone of her business, Brooke is able to guide clients through all phases of the buying and selling process. She is passionate about building relationships and values her clients, putting forth the individualized effort to deliver on their specific needs. “I recognize how lucky I am to make a living doing what I love. I never take for granted being a trusted partner for families making the biggest purchase of their lives.” Sage Sotheby’s International Realty has a global reach of more than 75 countries through its Sotheby’s International Network, to assist 405.465.6566 JENNA@SAGESIR.COM JENNAHARPER.SAGESIR.COM @JENNAHARPERHOMES 48

MARCH 2022

clients with their real estate needs, no matter where you’re looking to move or invest. These global resources also provide Jenna and Brooke with clients from neighboring markets who are moving to the Oklahoma City and Edmond area. Although the team works across Edmond and the OKC metro, Harper Home Team specializes in the downtown market. They know the home buying process from start to finish and have built a network of connections that count. “Our philosophy is simple: Clients come first. We pledge to be in constant communication with our clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. If you’re not left with an amazing experience, we haven’t done our job.” One piece of advice the Harper Home team would give anyone looking for a real estate professional to work with: “Who you work with matters. It can be the difference between selling your property quickly or sitting stagnant on the market. Who you work with can quite literally be the difference between winning or losing your dream home.”

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

Emoly Waters Sage Sotheby’s International Realty Realtor Emoly Walters can often be found at showings, inspections and closings with her 5-month-old baby in tow. After her husband launched a home-building business, she decided to get her real estate license as a side gig. Now, six years and three children later, real estate has become a much bigger part of her day-to-day life at Sage Sotheby’s International Realty. “I couldn’t be more grateful,” she said. “My favorite part is that as I’ve grown my business, I’ve also grown to understand what it took for my husband to build his business, and I can be with the kids most of the time.” Walters said she loves the real estate industry and believes a rising tide lifts all boats. She appreciates Realtors who work together to elevate the level of service and expertise they can offer clients. Rather than feel competitive, she focuses on doing her best work for her clients. “I focus on the task at hand,” she said. “It’s not about the numbers, or the volume, or the price tag. It’s about whether I am doing the best possible job for people who have entrusted me with a very personal, and costly experience of buying or selling.” Sage Sotheby’s International Realty is the first Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliate in Oklahoma and one of the premier real estate brokerages in central Oklahoma. A lifelong Oklahoman, Walters said she loves to see her team work together to make the 405 an even better place to live, work and play. She strives every day to be an example of professionalism in the workplace.

“For me, that’s honesty, kindness and gentle confidence,” she said. “Some people will value that, others won’t, but no matter what I know I’ve given my best, and that is always enough.”

405.640.8923 EMOLY@SAGESIR.COM EMOLYWALTERS.SAGESIR.COM 6430 N WESTERN AVE, NICHOLS HILLS 405MAGAZINE.COM

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

Terry Fox Sage Sotheby’s International Realty Inspired by the popular TV show “Fixer Upper,” Terry Fox envisioned owning and improving his own home like Chip and Joanna Gaines. That became a reality in 2014, and Fox quickly moved on to pursue a career in real estate, now hanging his hat at top-performing brokerage Sage Sotheby’s International Realty. “I loved looking at houses online and dreaming of the possibilities of home ownership,” Fox said. “That enthusiasm is something I enjoy sharing with my clients.” His former role in sports television positioned him well for the high-stakes world of real estate. He’s a strong storyteller, experienced photographer, and effective communicator, all crucial skills in real estate. “When I have a new listing, I use those skills to help tell the story of the home, and to make the professional images jump out to buyers. I take pride in my creativity, attention to detail, and ability to think outside the box to always get my clients to the closing table,” Fox said. Sage Sotheby’s International Realty was the perfect fit for Terry offering the highest quality service for his clientele and to work with one of the most notable brands in the world, one that has been synonymous with luxury for more than 300 years. “It’s exciting. My clients get the advantage of high level marketing materials and major publicity to local and global networks. The sky's the limit.” Fox said. To follow his journey, you can find him on Facebook and Instagram at @terryfoxteam.

405.326.4590 6430 N WESTERN AVE, NICHOLS HILLS TERRY@SAGESIR.COM SAGESIR.COM 50

MARCH 2022

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

Spencer Stone, Rob Allen, Mark Smith

Rob Allen, Spencer Stone, and Mark Smith Sage Sotheby’s International Realty Rob, Spencer, and Mark are all natives of Nichols Hills. Because they know the people, the businesses, and the community, they’re constantly aware of what’s going on in the Nichols Hills residential real estate market. Representing both buyers and sellers, they sell millions of dollars in Nichols Hills real estate each year. “We’re a group of full-time, professional Realtors with unparalleled marketing tools and market knowledge,” Allen said. “As natives of Nichols Hills, we have an understanding of the market and a working knowledge of who’s buying and who’s selling.” Allen sets and maintains high standards at Sage Sotheby’s International Realty. His team brings their best and supports one another toward a goal of success for all. Rob Allen has led Sage Sotheby’s International Realty to be one of the top real estate brokerages in the Oklahoma City Metro all the

while maintaining his status as a multi-million dollar producer and legal expert with a keen eye for details. Spencer Stone is a Nichols Hills fixture. After working years in men’s luxury fashion, Spencer knows luxury and customer service. Mark Smith is a generational native of Nichols Hills. Mark knows how to put deals together and advise clients from his years of experience in the oil & gas industry. Doing multi-million dollar deals is nothing new to Mark. “Clients rely on us to know what we’re talking about as we guide them through the transaction,” he said. “We have a passion for our city and for helping people make life transitions that require them to move from one home to their next.” Clients agree that Allen and his team are professional and knowledgeable, and they will bend over backwards to make sure clients are taken care of through the entire process.

SPENCER STONE 405.706.1004 SPENCER.STONE@SAGESIR.COM SPENCERSTONE.SAGESIR.COM

MARK SMITH 405.694.9053 MARK.SMITH@SAGESIR.COM MARKSMITH.SAGESIR.COM

ROB ALLEN 405.696.7622 ROB@SAGESIR.COM ROBALLEN.SAGESIR.COM

405MAGAZINE.COM

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

Joy Baresel Engel & Völkers For Realtor Joy Baresel, there’s nothing better than helping a client find a perfect match. As a Private Office Real Estate Advisor and Owner at Engel and Völkers in Oklahoma City, she gets to do exactly that. “I love people, and I love matchmaking,” she said. “That is what real estate is, matchmaking, especially in this market with extremely limited inventory. Taking people by the hand when they might be moving when life is being challenging, people move for many different reasons, not always happy ones. I really care about people and want to serve and bring joy and hope, peace and calm, when life can bring chaos.” Private Office is the highest distinction in Engel and Völkers and is quite difficult to achieve. Baresel is the only Private Office Advisor in the state of Oklahoma and is positioned to provide meaningful advantages to sellers and purchasers of fine real estate. “We are here to serve our clients; knowing the latest ways to give the best client care and understanding the industry in real time is vital,” Baresel said. “The market is always changing, and knowing what is happening and what will be happening in the real estate market can make all the difference in achieving your clients’ goals.” Baresel advises clients to think about the process of buying or selling property one step at a time. Her knowledge of the 405 neighborhoods puts clients at ease, especially if they are new to the area. “It’s important to use a real estate agent who understands the industry and very specifically what type of real estate you want to buy,” she said. “They need to know the neighborhood, the town and all the details of the area that could make or break someone’s experience.” 405.826.7465 1138 N ROBINSON AVE., OKC, OK 73103 ENGELVOELKERS.COM 52

MARCH 2022

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

Brad Bowes, Zak Hensley, Kara Bowes, Shelby Timms, Miranda Calderon, Sarah Loving

Kara Bowes Kbb Real Estate For Realtor Kara Bowes, shopping locally includes buying and selling real estate. That’s why she founded Kbb Real Estate. Named for her children, Brooke and Brad, the brokerage is truly a family-oriented group. “Everybody is into shopping locally, so I wanted to make a brokerage that was designed for the public, and that would help the public,” she said. “I focus on working to build my agents up, rather than building myself up, and I help them grow their business.” Rather than focus on a specific area of the Oklahoma City metro, Bowes and her team go where her clients are and where they want to be. They are more flexible than some brokerages, and able to work around last-minute surprises or travel as needed. “We’ve been known to bring in our own families to help make a move happen when closing dates have changed,” she said.

“Larger firms might discourage ‘over-helping’ or loaning someone your truck to help them move.” Bowes said a smaller team makes for better communication and a stronger bond with each other and clients. “We love people at my brokerage,” she said. “We like the new, excited first-time homebuyers, but we also love to help those who may have just lost a family member or lost a spouse and need to go into a retirement community.” The low cost of living makes Oklahoma an attractive place to live, and it makes home ownership a reality for many who couldn’t do so in other markets. Making that dream come true keeps Bowes pushing forward for her clients and team. “Our dedication to our clients sets us apart,” she said. “The clients energize us, and winning the right home for them is a win for me.”

405.361.4079 714 S DEWEY AVE, OKC, OK 73109 KBBREALESTATE.COM 405MAGAZINE.COM

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

Wyatt Poindexter Group Luxury Homes If you’re looking for luxury real estate in Oklahoma, look no further than the Wyatt Poindexter Group. Poindexter and his team have become synonymous with some of the highest profile properties in the state, and after 26 years in business, he has the experience to back up his reputation. His listings average only 44 days on the market, and he’s listed more than 800 properties. “The best advice that I can give a seller is to price your home correctly in the beginning,” he said. “In today’s market, if the home is priced correctly, you should receive multiple offers within the first week or two.” Clients describe him as a “marketing genius” and are impressed with his professionalism and dedication to selling their homes, no matter what challenges present themselves. “Working with Wyatt Poindexter and his full team proved to be the best choice we could have made for selling our home,” one client said. “His recommendations for preparing the home for 405.417.5466 5629 N. CLASSEN DR. OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73118 WYATTPOINDEXTER.COM 54

MARCH 2022

the photography and video sessions were spot on - and the results were very evident in the final product. Wyatt also gave us excellent advice for pricing the home and along the way, after each showing, we received valuable feedback. Wyatt is a professional, full time realtor and we will not hesitate to contact him again.” Poindexter credits his team as the best Realtors in Oklahoma. “They are smart, consistent, reliable, resourceful and skilled negotiators,” he said. He knows firsthand the importance of standing out among the competition and spends four hours a day on marketing his listings and services. “Selling your home is a very serious business,” he said. “Realtors that work with full-service brokerages are more capable of selling your home for top dollar through experience, extensive marketing and networks. Who you work with matters.” 2021 Total Production $114,816,791 with 267 Homes Sold.

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

David Dobson Realtor David Dobson knows the real estate industry is competitive, and there’s an intense demand to perform. That’s why he’s built his business on three pillars - education, expertise and experience. “Each of these pillars continues to allow me to transform and reimagine the future of real estate as well as to reinvent strategies when necessary,” he said. “My love for real estate has gifted me the ability to celebrate with each business partner during the real estate process.” Dobson has learned that in order to lead in the industry, a Realtor must be open to change and have humility. “This industry is built on knowledge, growth and the changing marketplace,” he said. “Ensure that you’re surrounding yourself with people who help you learn by challenging you rather than flattering you.” He was fortunate to learn and be challenged by his father as a mentor in the real estate business. His curiosity started him in the business, and his passion continues to guide him. “My goal wasn’t to have figured out everything right at the beginning, but to build knowledge,” he said. “These factors helped me drive my enthusiasm and confidence.” His advice for clients is to engage with a Realtor who is educated and fully understands the marketplace. Be aware of what you can control and what you can’t. Finally, a solutions mindset is the best approach to any challenge in real estate. “I have learned that If I step away for a moment and breathe, I find that the solution always presents itself,” Dobson said. “It may not always be the obvious solution or the easiest. But, every problem has a solution.”

Above all, Dobson believes his faith in his community will never fail him. “Oklahomans are the absolute best people on earth,” he said.

RE/MAX FIRST 405-924-4663 1000 W. WILSHIRE #428 OKC, OK 73116 DAVIDCOLEDOBSON.COM 405MAGAZINE.COM

Top Real Estate Producers 2022

Jenni Aguilar In a world full of texts and tweets, Realtor Jenni Aguilar still believes in the power and value of a phone call. As part of the Skybridge Real Estate team, she specializes in commercial and residential real estate in the 405. She focuses on communication and relationship-building. “As a Realtor, you are a connector,” she said. “Even outside of the transaction, you connect people with services, businesses with people, people to people. We are problem solvers, and having a vast network enables me to better serve my community - it’s not just the contact, it’s the relationship.” Aguilar has been interested in the industry since childhood, watching her dad build houses, flipping through home magazines and watching TV shows about real estate. “After years of working in the corporate world, I finally decided it was time to work on my own terms and not put a cap on my future,” she said. “Becoming a Realtor is among the best decisions of my life.” 405.388.6545 JENNI.AGUILAR@SKYBRIDGELLC.COM SKYBRIDGE.REALESTATE

Aaron Dilley Metro First Metro First Realtor Aaron Dilley’s work ethic has served his clients well over the past 20 years in real estate. Dilley said Realtors need to know a lot about everything to be good at their job. “We have to know as much as a lawyer does in many cases,” he said. “You have to know design, construction, contracts, mortgage rates, repairs. “Every transaction is different,” he said. “The good Realtors are the ones who have lasted through the years and are able to adapt to each unique situation.” Dilley’s best advice to buyers and sellers is to remove emotion from the equation. Although it’s difficult, homes should be seen as a product and evaluated as such. That means personal touches to the home will sometimes need to be removed to make it more appealing to the market. His objective eye is a major asset for clients. He’s not afraid to challenge sellers and ask tough questions to make the home as appealing to buyers as possible. “It’s not enough to just compare your home to others in your neighborhood, either,” he said. “New homes come on the market every day; it’s very competitive. Look at every house listed at that price and ask yourself ‘Does every other home need to sell before someone gets to your house?’” 405.721.4033 9500 WESTGATE # 100 OKC., OK 73162 AARONDILLEYOKC@GMAIL.COM 56

MARCH 2022

Lindsey Crowell

Top Real Estate Producers

2022 Lindsey Crowell may only have a year of experience in real estate at Ten Oaks Real Estate, but she’s already making big moves. Her second-ever listing sold within 24 hours at $1.85 million. In fact, she ended this past year selling almost $7 million. “I’ve been in real estate a little over a year and have learned that in an industry full of people, your kindness, knowledge, relatability and ability to get the job done for your clients will set you apart,” she said. “I have deep appreciation for all of the people that it takes to get a transaction to close. It is a very relational business too. I’ve also learned that my time is worth something, and what I have to offer my clients is unique.” She began her real estate career after spending more than 10 years at home with her three children. Crowell always wanted to be in real estate and finally took a leap of faith. She advises clients to always be patient. No matter what stage of the buying or selling process they’re in. Her clients describe her as trustworthy and often make the move from client to friend.

850.528.1050 LINDSEYCROWELL@TENOAKSRE.COM TENOAKSRE.COM

SUBSCRIBE TO 405 BUSINESS We’ll deliver the metro’s best business stories straight to your desk every other month. Stay connected and in tune with our exciting and ever-evolving business landscape.

VISIT 405BUSINESS.COM TO FIND OUT MORE

405MAGAZINE.COM

Fine Homes & Luxury Properties

Alice Dahlgren

Office: 405.843.8448 Cell: 405.570.1766 alice@homeoklahoma.com homeoklahoma.com

Chelle Greene

Office: 405.843.8448 Cell: 405.818.9131 chellegreene@remax.net chellegreene.com @chellegreenerealestate

UNDER CONTRACT! FOUNTAINGATE OF QUAIL CREEK

3101 CASTLEROCK #67

GATED Total remodel ! Tall ceilings—new kitchen, master bath, and every surface updated. All bedrooms have private baths. 3 car garage. Fountaingate offers a neighborhood pool and cabana. A hidden gem in North QC.

$645,000 | MLS# 987672

NEXT TO NICHOLS HILLS 7913 NICHOLS GATE CIRCLE

3 bedrooms with study. 3.5 baths. 4,248 sq ft-Measuring Service. Beautiful Nichols Gate home, located in a private, gated neighborhood. Superb location designed for easy living and convenience.

$860,000 | MLS #902018

6424 SW 104

MEDICINE PARK

10 car garage, wet bar, 150” TV, 30 FT Garage door, 4 acres and lots of parking space---Living space offers 2 bedrooms down with kitchenette and large master suite up. The upper space has a living area as well as kitchen. The downstairs living offers a 225 “ TV and lots of game or play area.

One spectacularly detailed home overlooking the valley and 2 separate houses for guests or as an AirBNB.

$2,400,000 | MLS # 987776

121 OBSERVATION RD, MEDICINE PARK, OK 73557

$998,000 | MLS# 981974

405.843.8448

Linda Haneborg

Susan Citty

Office: 405.843.8448 Cell: 405.590.8363 linda@lindahaneborg.com lindahaneborg.remax-oklahoma.com

Office: 405.843.8448 Cell: 405.401.7793 susancittyproperties@gmail.com susancittyproperties.com

SOLD! NICHOLS HILLS

6713 NW GRAND BLVD

$2,750,000

SOLD! ELMHURST COURT

8516 STONEHURST COURT

$1,540,000

BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME! GORGEOUS GATED GAILLARDIA 14329 GAILLARDIA DRIVE

Grand entry with soaring ceilings overlooking the entertainment enclave. Main floor has two owner suites on separate wings; total entertainment areas with newly renovated kitchen and gathering room, wine room, theatre room, four magnificent stone fireplaces and upstairs private apartment style living with three bedrooms and two full bath. Incredible views of golf course and lake. Four car garage and private parking. French doors open to private richly paneled study. Safe room and storm shelter.

$1,675,000 | MLS #938284

NICHOLS HILLS AREA VACANT LOT 8504 STONEHURST COURT

Lot 13, Luxury, gated, zero lot line. East facing backyard.

$250,000 | MLS #919310

Dine with us!

Steaks, Seafood, Extensive Collection of Unique Wines

405-607-6787 opusprimesteakhouse.com 800 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73114

DINING

LEXI HOEBING

GOOD TASTE 62

THE DISH 64

THE DRINK 66

LOCAL FLAVOR 68

Committed to Elegance Mary Eddy’s is back with a stunning new look, a new menu, and stronger focus. p.62 405MAGAZINE.COM

D I N I N G

Mary Eddy’s Triumphant Return

Sees Design managed to make postindustrial look gorgeous in the more condensed space

Elegance and excellence in a reimagined downtown star BY G R E G H O R T O N | P H O T O S BY L E X I H O E B I N G

M A RY E DDY ’ S H A S H A D two lives so far; the first began in 2016, and the second in October 2021. The original space—part of the 21c Museum Hotel—reflected the repurposing of the old manufacturing facility: expansive, cavernous, industrial, a little cold in spite of the beautiful art on the walls. Really, though, that was the main dining area. The lounge up front was mainly known as a cocktail bar, a holding space for customers awaiting a table, and the home of a huge, intricate, artistic clock. (Still miss that clock.) The 19 months Mary Eddy’s was closed allowed its team to rethink the layout and the heart of the restaurant. Under executive chef Jason Campbell—now running one of Orlando’s best restaurants—the food was stellar, but the space never made sense, except for the open kitchen. That’s the only thing you’re likely to miss about the new space, and Chef Jeff Patton is a worthy successor to Campbell’s delicious menu. The lounge is now the restaurant, and the cavernous space will become two different concepts, a pool bar and a bodega, later in 2022. The new Mary Eddy’s, in the words of food and beverage director Kyle Kern, is an homage to the golden age of dining. It’s also a smarter, lovelier, more compact space that helps fill one of the 62

MARCH 2022

Oklahoma City dining landscape’s pressing needs: a genuinely and unapologetically elegant space for dinner. The genius of Mary Eddy’s new look emerges after sundown, when the lighting, combined with dark woods and industrial touches like the original manufacturing floor pillars—concrete behemoths that somehow manage to blend in— creates a welcoming glow, carving out shadowy niches that feel private in a very public space. Add one of the city’s best hospitality teams to the mix, and all the promise and excitement of 2016 Mary Eddy’s is renewed. The team includes the aforementioned Kern and Patton, as well as the city’s best working sommelier Eric Berumen as beverage director and an omnicompetent, professional and gracious manager in Jacqueline Callaway. That also provides the restaurant with another rarity in the metro’s dining scene: a concept that excels at service, food, wine, and spirits. “Our cocktails are in keeping with the golden age of dining focus,” Kern said. “They’re all classic cocktails, but they feature a modern or artistic twist. We also set out to have ‘the’ martini in OKC, and I think we’ve succeeded. Using locally owned and produced Wanderfolk Spirits was our number one option, and so we use its Garden Club gin to create an avocado washed gin for the martini.

Chef Jeff loves fish, and it comes through in the whole trout

G O O D

TA S T E

Even the steak is beautiful at Mary Eddy’s

It’s also a smarter, lovelier, more compact space that helps fill one of the Oklahoma City dining landscape’s pressing needs: a genuinely and unapologetically elegant space for dinner.

It adds texture and richness to the cocktail, and we get to incorporate the story of another great local producer into our program.” Berumen’s by-the-glass wine list is easily among the best in the city, and the focus is low-intervention wines from major growing regions, as well as some lesser known areas like Slovenia and Swartland, South Africa. For the varietals popular in Oklahoma, Berumen goes for producers with lower name recognition than the usual suspects, but higher quality with lower price points. It’s an excellent, forwardthinking, current list that doesn’t disrespect fans of traditional varietals. Breakfast started up again on Feb. 1, and the menu features a proper breakfast sandwich: fried egg, bacon, and cheese on a potato roll. Simple, deli-

cious, classic, and a feature we’d like to see on more menus. The breakfast menu is short and focused, catering to traditional breakfast fans—think eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes—as well as healthy eaters. Patton’s dinner menu is the star of this operation, though, and the choices and quality indicate a chef who has found his voice. Patton worked with Campbell before moving to another operation, but after Campbell departed, the restaurant hired Patton as his replacement. The chef, mostly known in the past for his brilliant charcuterie, is talented in many areas, and the showstopper on his menu is the whole trout. “I love trout, but you don’t see it on very many menus in Oklahoma, and you definitely wouldn’t find it served this way,” Patton said. “This way” means a whole trout fileted and served splayed with roasted cauliflower, capers, toasted almonds, and brown butter. It’s a delicious reminder that we shouldn’t give more attention to freshwater varieties, and that fish served in striking fashion is still fine dining. The bread service is sure to be popular, but the standouts on the appetizer menus are the steak tartare and the mussels. Patton’s attention to detail and commitment to bold flavors manage to brighten up something as drab as broccolini; crispy cheese helps. The sides’ champion, though, is the oyster mushrooms served with pecan gremolata. It should be the first thing you order, honestly. The menu is rounded out with steak, pork, chicken, and vegetarian options, and it’s truly impossible to go wrong. 405MAGAZINE.COM

D I N I N G

Imagine soup as an explosion of flavor

The Tao of Lao Soups star in the Laotian cuisine of the Plaza District’s Ma Der BY G R E G H O R T O N | P H O T O BY L E X I H O E B I N G

MARCH 2022

W H E N C H E F J E F F C H A N C H A L E U N E ANNOUNCED THAT he’d be opening a restaurant with traditional Lao food in the former Goro location at 1634 Blackwelder, fans of the James Beard-nominated chef’s cooking were rightly excited. It’s fair to say Chanchaleune has delivered on the promise of a cuisine that is not familiar to most people in Oklahoma City. Ma Der is an homage to and extension of Chanchaleune’s family recipes, specifically the food his Laotian grandparents and parents made throughout his

T H E

D I S H

Locally Owned Italian Restaurant Fresh Pasta Scratch Kitchen Craft Cocktails

life: nam khao, papaya salad, mushroom stew, larb, pork sausage, and sticky rice. The food is flavorful, complex, and satisfying—and because we are mostly unfamiliar with it, every meal feels like a bit of an adventure. Every city needs a regular infusion of new flavors. Imagine Oklahoma City’s culinary landscape had Vietnamese immigrants not arrived in the 1970s, or without the delicious influences of Guatemalans, Mexicans, and Pakistanis. Each wave brings new flavors, spices, techniques, and dishes, and they increase our appreciation of their culture via their food. Lao immigrants arrived with the Vietnamese evacuees, but many of them continued on Interstate 40 to Amarillo or other destinations around the country. Their community has been small, and their cuisine largely represented in Thai style (they are neighboring countries, and there are distinct similarities in the food) on menus around the city. Chanchaleune is one of a handful of Lao chefs who want to change the perception of Lao cuisine in OKC, but it’s a struggle to get people to take risks on dishes they don’t know or can’t pronounce. Get them to try the food, though, and they’re hooked.

Chanchaleune is one of a handful of Lao chefs who want to change the perception of Lao cuisine in OKC, but it’s a struggle to get people to take risks on dishes they don’t know or can’t pronounce. Get them to try the food, though, and they’re hooked. One of the ways Ma Der is influencing our culinary landscape is in Chanchaleune’s soup rotation: khao poon on Tuesdays, khao piek (duck porridge) on Wednesdays, and khao soi on Thursdays. The former is a curry, the middle a traditional porridge with shattered rice, and the latter a life-changing, deep dive into flavors inspired by the very best of Lao cooking. In keeping with his approach, the khao poon is from his mother’s recipe, the khao soi and porridge from his father’s recipes, all with cheffy tweaks. “They’re really meant to be a meal in themselves,” Chanchaleune said, “but I see people sharing them all the time. The porridge is the easiest to share.” The khao soi (cut rice in Lao) is made extraordinary by the use of a pork and tomato broth that uses pork fat and ground pork to amp up flavor, mouthfeel, and richness. If Laos got into the Bolognese business, they’d do well with this entry. The dish is rounded out with crispy, fried shallots, a lettuce-herb blend, and long green beans. Be sure to ask for the chili oil if you like more heat. “We’re going to focus on the soups on weekdays,” Chanchaleune said, “and then we’ll rotate other specials on weekends.” That means a perfect introduction to Lao cuisine via a hearty bowl of soup at lunch awaits every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

405-608-8866 piattookc.com

2920 NW 63rd Street, OKC Open Monday through Saturday

NOW WITH

ONLINE ORDERING

TA K E O UT & DELIVERY

VENNPIZZA.COM

VENN PIZZA ON BRITTON 405.849.5973 | VENNPIZZA .COM 9 1 5 W. B R I T TO N R D. , O KC

405MAGAZINE.COM

T H E

D I N I N G

D R I N K

Whiskey Nouveau The 405 samples younger spirits from premier labels

ON E OF T H E MOR E PROM ISI NG recent trends in bourbon and rye is the tiering system in which popular and expensive brands offer younger, less expensive whiskeys in order to introduce their products to a broader audience. Last year, Oklahoma got the first shipments of The Wiseman and Stellum, two younger whiskeys from Kentucky Owl and Barrell Craft Spirits. Rick Patino, an area partner for Hal Smith Restaurant Group and the whiskey genius behind The Winston’s brilliant list, said the appeal of these more affordable products—besides the price—is that master blenders aren’t tied to a specific profile a popular brand is known for. “The master blender actually gets to create the target and then blend for what they want,” Patino said. “That means the consumer gets a younger, more affordable whiskey with different flavor profiles that expand the experience of enjoying whiskey.” The mystique of Kentucky Owl began anew when the brand was relaunched in 2014. It was originally founded in 1879, but was dormant for 66

MARCH 2022

decades after Prohibition. The brand is highly sought after, and the product in the bottle has been stellar. The Wiseman brings the same quality and talented team to a younger straight bourbon whiskey. Rather than bottling at barrel proof as Kentucky Owl does, The Wiseman is bottled at approximately 90 proof, making it more approachable right out of the bottle. (There’s nothing wrong with barrel-proof whiskeys, but they do clobber the palate.) Barrell Craft Spirits arrived in Oklahoma a few years ago, and its various offerings are easy to find in better liquor stores and bars around the state. The price points tend to be high enough that average consumers would consider the whiskeys a special occasion gift, rather than a regular feature on a home bar. Thirst Wine Merchants, a locally owned wine and spirts distributor, introduced Stellum to the state last year, and the response has been excellent. “Stellum comes from the same run of whiskeys the Barrell master blenders rely on for

their f lagship products,” said Corey Bauer, Thirst’s spirits specialist and sales manager. “That means MGP, of course, Kentucky bourbons except for Maker’s Mark, and Tennessee whiskeys from producers like Dickel and Green Brier. The whiskey is younger and brighter, and the packaging is targeted at a new demographic. No more Civil War cavalry officer with a beard on the label.” Stellum opted to repackage bourbon without the standard narrative packaging: tall bottles, clear glass, modern branding, and none of those folksy narratives with, as Bauer put it, “old white guys and picturesque stillhouses.” “The proof is slightly lower than what Barrell puts in the bottle,” Bauer said, “and there will be three tiers: blue label, black, and gold, featuring younger to older whiskeys respectively.” Both Stellum and The Wiseman are widely available in 405 bars and liquor stores, and any liquor store can order the product, depending on availability.

PHOTO PROVIDED

BY G R E G H O R T O N

P R O M OT I O N

Top Attorneys

JUNE 2022

Whether it’s advice on local food or legal fees, our readers look to us to help them make educated decisions in the metro. 405 Magazine readers are the ideal audience for wanting to learn about what to expect from an attorney. Position yourself or your practice as a thought leader and expert in your field!

405MAGAZINE.COM

D I N I N G

Patty Power 10 OKC burgers you need to try now BY G R E G H O R T O N

The BLC at Spark

MARCH 2022

LO C A L

F L AVO R

OK L A HOM A C I T Y IS E X PE R I E NC I NG A G OL DE N Age of burgers. The Food Network’s Alton Brown made the nation aware of it when he recently called the burger at Bar Arbolada “the best double cheeseburger in America,” but locals have been raving about some of these places for a long time. The abundance of excellent choices requires that we restrict this list to burgers meant to be held in one hand, not carved up with a knife and fork to make them manageable—but to help you navigate this amazing time in our culinary history, here are 10 Burgers You Need to Try Now.

Bar Arbolada, 637 W Main. By the time you read this, the burger will be available at Riley Marshall’s new Flycatcher Club, located in the Ironworks District. Marshall’s burger has been locally famous since he introduced it for Paloma Town on Saturday nights, and it’s exactly what an oldfashioned burger should be. Order it as it comes for the full experience. Scratch Kitchen & Cocktails-Paseo, 605 NW 28th. Chef Zach Hutton is finally getting the attention he deserves, and his burger is just part of the reason. The blend varies, but it’s always rich and beefy, with house pickles and beautiful caramelized edges. Paseo Grill, 2909 Paseo. Turns out steak trimmings make for great burger patties, and this Paseo District concept has been quietly churning out one of the city’s best burgers for a long time. Its fries would qualify for a “best fries” list easily, too. Patty Wagon, 3600 N May. Simple, flavorful, executed perfectly every time. Get the onion rings, and enjoy an old-school burger in a perfect setting. Palo Santo, 1203 SW 2nd. Chef Brian Butler’s time with Chef Roy Choi shows up throughout his cooking, and the Asian influences extend to his magnificent burger. Get a side of the okonomiyaki tots without fail.

BEST BRUNCH ALL DAY EVERYDAY

Spark, 300 Oklahoma City Blvd. Pick any burger on the menu, but at some point, pick the BLC: pimento cheese, bacon, cheddar crisp, crunchy pickles, and “prairie ranch.” The combination of flavors and texture is burger perfection. Burger Punk, 3012 N Walker. Yes, chips belong on a burger—in the case of The Clash Burger, it’s Nacho Cheese Doritos. Combined with hoisin mayo, grilled onions and jalapeňos, American cheese, cilantro, and lime, it’s a flavor bomb of the best kind. HiFi Burger Shop, 301 W Main, Moore. Bryan Neel—the “B” in the original S&B Burgers—is back at it, this time in Moore. The Batch #23 is what you’re there for: cast iron BBQ sauce, bread and butter pickles, smoked cheddar, and mayo.

BAILEY RUCKER

The Hamilton Lounge & Supperette, 12232 N May. Like everything else it does, the burger is excellent, and because it’s J. Mays’ joint, it involves a pun. The Aaron Burger (get it?) is Creekstone Farms beef, horseradish, dijon mustard, ketchup, aioli, house pickles, and American cheese. Good Times, 1234 N Western. Bars and burgers belong together, and to get the full experience of this dive bar that’s not exactly a dive bar, get the classic burger and pickle fries to go with your frozen Painkiller.

Get Social with Us! @unwindcafe23

Order Online at unwind.cafe 405-768-4770 | 427 NW 23rd St Oklahoma City, OK 73103

405MAGAZINE.COM

P ROM OTI ON

Health & Wellness The following is a listing of a few of the metro’s top health care providers.

MARCH 2022

New Laser Services Now Available B E FO R E A N D A F T E R R E S U LT S U S I N G N O N - S U R G I CA L S E S S I O N S

A powerful intense pulsed light (IPL) to treat pigmented and vascular lesions

A microneedling device that utilizes radiofrequency energy to remodel and contour the face and body

An ultra-fast high-speed hair removal laser that safely and gently eliminates unwanted hair

REGENERATIVE MEDICINE SERVICES OFFERED: Laser Hair Removal, Botox, Fillers, Micro-Needling, Skin Tightening, Stem Cell Derivatives, PRP Treatments, Joint Injections, Hair Restoration, Erectile Dysfunction Treatment, Vaginal Rejuvenation, Vitamin IV Therapies

@ O P T I M A L A E S T H E T I C S O K for information & specials

B O O K YO U R A P P O I N T M E N T TO DAY ! 405.715.4496, Option 5 | optimalhealthassociates.com | 9800 Broadway Ext #200

Health & Wellness

Get Yourself Ready for Summer!

Special Packages Offered during the month of March - call for details 13301 N. Meridian Ave. Ste. 300A OKC OK 73120 405-369-8840 @refineumedspaokc

Put the spring back in your step with Physical Therapy!

Rev 1/22

PTCentral.org

MARCH 2022

Body Sculpting Injectables Dermal Fillers Dermalinfusion Facial Rejuvenation

Hair Restoration Laser Treatments Microneedling O-shot/P-shot Skin Health

Thread Lift Vampire Facial Y Lift IV Nutrition Bar

SAME DAY CROWNS IMPLANTS INVISALIGN DENTURES Matthew D. McReynolds D.D.S

405-632-5561

PROGRESSIVEDENTALOKC.COM

8283 S WALKER AVE, STE A OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73139

405MAGAZINE.COM

C U LT U R E ARTS 76

IN CONVO WITH 78

SPORTS 80

TRAVEL 82

LOOKING BACK 84

ONE MORE THING 86

CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER

Bee Happy How Sweet Stingers brings home the bees p.78

405MAGAZINE.COM

CU LT U R E

Oklahoma ‘Homecoming’ for Artist John Newsom Landmark exhibition Nature’s Course debuts at Oklahoma Contemporary BY L AV I N I A C R E S WA

MARCH 2022

“Keep Watch” by John Newsom

The Time Is Now Oklahoma Contemporary is becoming one of the foremost creative and visual art spaces in Oklahoma City. Its goal is to be inclusive and incorporate many times of creativity in its performance space, dance studio and ample classrooms for community enrichment, in addition to the open gallery spaces with high ceilings that are perfect for the upcoming exhibition John Newsom: Nature’s Course, which will be on display March 24-Aug. 15. Oklahoma Contemporary offers free admission, though reserved times are required. Visit oklahomacontemporary.org for more information on the museum and John Newsom: Nature’s Course.

PAINTINGS: PROVIDED; OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY: CHRISTOPHER LEE

ARTIST JOHN NEWSOM’S OKLAHOMA roots are clear in his large-scale, hyper-realistic paintings of flora and fauna. His newest and biggest exhibit to date is about to take center stage at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Newsom was born in Enid, Oklahoma, but has spent his career in New York. He studied painting and art from grade school through graduate work at NYU, and has traveled extensively—the influences of Japanese painters and Mexican muralists are present in his work. “I have always carried the landscape of the western plains within me throughout my life and travels,” Newsom said, when asked how Oklahoma influenced his eventual aesthetic. “It is a space I can reference in my imagination or ‘image-nation,’ if you will. This not only appears in a pictorial image of a landscape, but also those creatures which inhabit it. ‘Homecoming’ and ‘Harvest’ (two pieces that will be on display) are prime examples of a combination of both. In each painting, one sees the nature of the ground and the dynamics of the activities of daily natural life within the atmosphere of the scene.” John Newsom: Nature’s Course is Newsom’s first exhibition in Oklahoma. The artist notes: “It’s a real honor to be presenting this exhibition in my home state. It’s humbling and I’m very grateful to the museum’s staff as well as the collectors, patrons and advisors who have been instrumental in bringing a show of this magnitude to fruition.”

A R T S

Oil on canvas, “The Bright Side”

Oil on canvas, “Solstice”

Jeremiah Davis, artistic director of Oklahoma Contemporary, was provided with what Newsom believed to be his “top 50” paintings from over the last 20 years. Davis picked 30 paintings to highlight Newsom’s career in the upcoming exhibition. Newsom is also currently completing the title piece, “Nature’s Course,” which will have its debut at Oklahoma Contemporary, and measures a staggering 9 x 18 feet. Newsom said that he hopes his art is accessible to all viewers on some level. “I make my paintings for everyone,” he said. “If the viewer gives ample time to the painting, then the painting will slowly envelop them and give to them an experience. What they feel depends on the individual, but the space is open to all.”

It doesn’t have to be fun, but we think it should be. At KODA we’ll make the best use of your hour in the gym and help you optimize the other 23.

kodadeercreek.com

405.757.7114

405MAGAZINE.COM

CU LT U R E

Meant to Bee

Lexi Scott gladly helps her father manage the honeybees

Sweet Stingers’ services and products have customers buzzing BY E V I E K LO P P H O L Z E R P H O T O S BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

I F YOU’R E EV ER LOOK I NG to buy a nuc of bees, I know a guy. Justin Scott is the man behind Sweet Stingers Honey and Apiary, which offers not only bees, hives and beekeeping services, but also a trove of fragrant, tasty and therapeutic products. Backed by his wife Melissa (who doesn’t go near the hives) and children Lexi and Lucas (who gladly do), Scott manages 350 hives in 50 residential backyards statewide. Here, he shares more about his family’s company and passion for all-things-honeybee. How did you enter the world of beekeeping?

My grandfather was a backyard beekeeper; he had them for his garden. I was working in his garden, and he needed help putting a box of bees in the truck. Back then, you didn’t tell your grandparents “No,” so I got forced into it. I was terrified and amazed at the same time. He taught me how to raise them and harvest honey. When I got married and we bought a house, I turned the entire backyard into a garden. The bees just came with the garden. In addition to creating and selling products, Sweet Stingers manages backyard hives. How did that start?

It really developed when COVID hit. I was on track to become a traditional migratory beekeeper, where you load 78

MARCH 2022

bees on pallets and ship them out to California for almond pollination. About 90 percent of all hives in the U.S. go to California. We were on track to go that route, but COVID shut down one of my large yards. At that time, I didn’t have another big yard—because we were just starting—but I had about 60 hives that I needed to place. So, we divided up into backyards, and we became what we are now: We manage bees for people who want bees around without doing the work. There’s a lot to bees. People think you get bees, you put them in a box, and they make honey. It doesn’t work that way. Bees are very hands-on. There’s a lot to know about them and a lot to manage with them. What does beekeeping involve?

Hives will start brooding up and raising babies, and if you don’t make a split [to provide more space], they will swarm. If a

The 100 percent beeswax candles come in all shapes in sizes

I N

CO N VO

W I T H

Sweet Stingers sells lip balms, lotion bars, candles, and (of course) honey in addition to helping other local companies distribute products

Bees have been declared the most important living species in the world. Bees are responsible for one in every three bites of food that we take.

hive swarms, you will lose 70 percent of your bee population. They leave and go into a tree or a person’s house; they are no longer your bees. We make the split for them, so we don’t lose them. And when the honey flow happens, we have to make sure they have room. So, we add boxes to the hive where they can store their nectar from the plants. If they don’t have enough room, then they say, “Hey, we’re too cramped in here,” and, again, they will swarm. Tell me about your “Kids with Bees” classes.

Justin, Melissa, Lucas and Lexi Scott are the Sweet Stingers family

They will come out to one of the hives that we have. We will go over bees. We will discuss what’s in the hive. They get to see the wax, and they get to taste the honey. Then we put them all in the suits and gloves and we go to a live working hive and take pictures, and we show them the inner workings of the hive. Why are bees important?

Bees have been declared the most important living species in the world. Bees are responsible for one in every three bites of food that we take. Without our pollinators, the food shortage crisis would be a lot harsher than it is today. Most people think of bees as responsible for our fruits and veggies—and they are—but they’re also responsible for coffee, chocolate and cotton for our clothes. Entire ecosystems revolve around them. To learn more, follow Sweet Stingers on social media: Instagram @sweetstingersok, Facebook @sweetstingers, Twitter @sweetstingersha 405MAGAZINE.COM

S P O R T S

CU LT U R E

Coach Porter Moser

Moser’s positive personality and electrifying coaching style seem to be permeating throughout the entire program, and they’ve done nothing but

Make Way for March Madness

Jalen Hill goes for a rebound

OU men’s basketball coach Porter Moser is ready for game time BY A D DA M M . F R A N C I S CO

PORT ER MOSER , T H E CU R R EN T H E A D C OACH at the University of Oklahoma, made his name known at Loyola University Chicago, where he led the Ramblers to a Final Four appearance in 2018 and a Sweet 16 appearance in last season’s NCAA Tournament. He spent 10 seasons there. Following former OU head coach Lon Kruger’s retirement, Moser got the call to migrate his talents a little farther south to Norman, OK, to make his mark there. Though he obtained an almost completely depleted roster, Moser has made the best of his situation, as he usually seems to do. OU’s roster consists of six transfers, four freshmen, and five returning players from Kruger’s 2020-21 roster. The players that returned for OU are Elijah Harkless, who’s known as a defensive specialist. Blake Seacat, who only appeared in four games last season. Rick Issanza, who barely saw the floor as a freshman. Umoja Gibson, who received regular playing time. And Jalen Hill, a regular in their rotation last season. Needless to say, Moser has been presented with a challenging task entering his tenure at the University of Oklahoma. 80

MARCH 2022

That doesn’t seem to matter, though. Moser’s positive personality and electrifying coaching style seem to be permeating throughout the entire program, and they’ve done nothing but overachieve all season. There have been games where they’ve underperformed and lost games they shouldn’t have lost. There have also been games where they’ve stepped up to the plate and out-performed a team that was ranked higher than them.

For Porter Moser, it’s that time of the year once again: March Madness. With the Sooners poised and hopeful for another NCAA Tournament appearance, Moser will bring his same underdog mentality to the table, whether the Sooners are considered an “underdog” or not. Moser’s makeshift roster has made the best out of an unlikely situation all season, and they appear ready for the gauntlet of competition that’s to come. Transfer Tanner Groves, Gibson, Harkless, Hill, and Jordan Goldwire will lead the charge, but the contribution from guys like C.J. Nolan, Ethan Chargois, and Bijan Cortes will be what puts the Sooners into that second gear come playoff time. For Moser, we know he’s a clutch coach. We know that he performs well under pressure. Usually, he does so while coaching a mid-major. This time, he’ll be coaching a major university that had plenty of regular-season practice in what could be the best conference in college basketball.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

overachieve all season.

CU LT U R E

The Hot Spot Exploring beautiful, relaxing Hot Springs, Arkansas BY E L A I N E WA R N E R

F ROM NAT I V E A M E R IC A NS T O aching ageds and the elites, Hot Springs and its healing waters have been a destination for centuries. The history is fascinating, but don’t let it get in the way of fun. In addition to dipping your toes into the past, Hot Springs offers many contemporary treasures—a perfect getaway for girl friends, couples, or just a solo sojourn. Taking the Waters

MARCH 2022

The four-level treehouse in Garvan Woodland Gardens is dedicated to information about trees

Breath of Fresh Air

For a bird’s-eye view of downtown Hot Springs and the surrounding mountains, drive up Hot Springs Mountain to the Tower. On a good day, you can see up to 140 miles. Exhibits here provide a great timeline plus stories about famous visitors: gangsters, politicians, celebrities, and baseball players. My favorite back-to-nature spot is Garvan Woodland Gardens. From acres of native plants to manicured flower beds, visitors can walk approximately four miles of trails. The gardens are beautiful any time of year, but spring is particularly spectacular thanks to the 150,000 tulips.

In addition to the bucolic settings and water features, two constructions on the site stand out. The almost-six-story Anthony Chapel, with floorto-ceiling glass walls and skylights, takes advantage of the forest outside rather than relying on stained glass. In the Children’s Adventure Garden, a four-level suspended tree house beckons not only youngsters but adults to explore. Homes Away From Home

My Hot Springs home was the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Spectators have f locked to Oaklawn to watch thoroughbred racing for over a century. Just open this spring, a seven-story

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Native Americans bathed here and quarried novaculite for tools in the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. In 1820, the federal government set aside the spring area for public use. Hot Springs received national park status in 1921. The new park encompassed the town’s 47 hot springs; today it includes not only the spring area and historic Bathhouse Row, but swaths of forested mountainsides with 25 miles of hiking paths. First stop should be the park’s Visitor Center in the 1915 Fordyce Bathhouse. Taking a tour is a must—from seeing the big bathtubs to equipment that would look at home in a torture chamber, it’s a fascinating peek into the past. For an all-in experience, visit the 1912 Buckstaff, the only continuously operating facility of the eight historic bathhouses. You’ll be soaked, scrubbed, wrapped in sheets and sweated under hot packs, showered, and pampered. For a more contemporary interpretation, soak in a variety of pools at the Quapaw and finish up with a relaxing massage or spa treatment. In the old days, a variety of doctors’ offices were located across the street from the bathhouses. Now you’ll find cool boutiques, an oxygen bar, coffee shops, and the usual souvenir shops.

T R AV E L

The Anthony Chapel is a popular site for weddings

Garvan Woodland Gardens features manicured flower beds and patches of wild flowers

Hot Springs Mountain Tower overlooks Hot Springs and surrounding mountains

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn overlooks Lake Hamilton

OVERLOOK, KOLLECTIVE: ELAINE WARNER

Hungry or Thirsty? The Pancake House – a favorite since 1940 Taco Mama – fresh, authentic Mexican food Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery – only brewery in a national park, plus food, too Deluca’s Pizzeria – New York style, fresh dough made by hand Kollective Coffee – Coffee, teas, limited (but excellent) breakfast/ brunch menu McClard’s BBQ – local hot spot since 1928 Crystal Ridge Distillery – not your grandpa’s moonshine

luxury hotel provides the perfect spot close to the action. In addition to the adjacent track, the complex features a casino, luxury spa, and The Bugler, its signature restaurant. Overlooking the track, this is the ideal place for an elegant meal and a great view. Across the street from the track is The Reserve, an impressive 1890 mansion on four acres. Now a 12-bedroom B&B, the home is lavishly decorated and perfect for a special stay. Enjoy champagne and pastries at 4pm and a gourmet breakfast in the morning. Another excellent accommodation is Lookout Point Lakeside Inn on Lake Hamilton. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats are provided, and lemon ricotta pancakes are often a special feature of the included breakfast. The Hale Hotel, in the oldest surviving bathhouse, puts you right in the middle of historic Bathhouse Row. Its restaurant is excellent for evening dining—reservations necessary. Go retro at the Best Court, a 1930s motor court with a 21st-century update. The Best Café serves a great breakfast along with a big dish of nostalgia. Hot Springs hits the spot on so many levels. You get to experience history while taking a bath and exercise while walking through a native Eden. Entertainment, casino games, shopping … you’ll find it all here. Hot Springs must be the best place to get in hot water! 405MAGAZINE.COM

LO O K I N G

CU LT U R E

Specters of Splendor In OKC’s effort to move forward, many architectural treasures fell prey to Urban Renewal

B A C K

LEFT: The Patterson Building at 320 W. Main St. in 1936

A 1950 photo of the interior of the Baum building featuring a 19-foot mural depicting Oklahoma history

RIGHT:

M UC H OF OK L A HOM A C I T Y ’ S ARCHITECTURAL CHARacter and skyline is due to the vision of Solomon Andrew Layton (1864-1943). Layton, a noted architect, designed more than 100 Oklahoma buildings in the early part of the 20th century, 22 of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Adhering to his neo-classical and Greek Revival signature, iconic structures such as the Skirvin Hotel, the Oklahoma State Capitol Building, and the University of Oklahoma Bizzell Memorial Library stand today as a testament to the staying power of his design and engineering acumen. In fact, 11 of the major downtown buildings that sustained damage during the 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building, yet remained structurally sound, are the products of Layton and his partners. These include the Oklahoma City University Law School, formerly Central High School at 800 N. Harvey Ave., and the Journal Record Building, now The Heritage, at 6th Street and Robinson Avenue. Despite the enduring nature of Layton’s buildings, some of his most impressive works were no match for the Urban Renewal Program of the 1960s and 1970s. The so-called Pei Plan — the brainchild of famed architect I.M. Pei — called for the clearing of hundreds of structures downtown to make way for a convention center, business district, housing area, green space, and shopping mall that was never built. It was to be a “city of the future.” Two of Layton’s jewels, the Baum and Patterson buildings built in 1910, were lost to Urban Renewal in 1972 and 1975 respectively. 84

MARCH 2022

“Probably the most elaborately decorated of any buildings in city history were the Baum (also known as the First Equity Building and later, Fidelity National Bank), and the Patterson (later named the Equity and finally, assimilated as part of Kerr’s Department Store),” according to the book Of the Earth: Oklahoma Architectural History by Howard L. and Mary Ellen Meredith. The Baum, at the northeast corner of Sheridan and Robinson Avenues, was patterned after a doge’s palace in Venice, Italy, with cupolas, arches, and marble columns, the Merediths wrote. It also featured a 19-foot mural depicting Oklahoma history. Wrecking began July 19, 1972 and took less than two weeks, according to news accounts. Noted 1970s architect Tom Sorey Sr. considered the Patterson at 320 W. Main St. the city’s finest example of terra cotta ornamentation. “Its crowning feature was 12 cast iron baroque lighting fixtures along with the cornice. Each held a huge opaque glass light globe,” the Merediths wrote in Of the Earth. It also featured solid marble walls and floors and a central vacuum system, which Layton also included in the state capitol. Despite efforts to save it, the Patterson Building was demolished on Dec. 14, 1975. Visit 405magazine.com for more photos of the Baum and Patterson buildings.

COURTESY OF OKLAHOMA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BY M E L I S S A M E R C E R H O W E L L

Strength, Knowledge, & Direction

FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE

LEGACY FINANCIAL ADVISORS JOHN V. SKURKEY

CFP®, MSFS, CLU, ChFC Accredited Estate Planner

405-470-9190 www.LegacyAdvisorsOK.com

JACQUELYN SKURKEY Representative Associate

Legacy Financial Advisors, LLC 10005 N May Avenue, Suite 100, OKC, 73120

Securities and advisory services offered through Centaurus Financial, Inc. a registered broker/dealer, a member FINRA and SIPC and a registered investment advisor. Legacy Financial Advisors, LLC and Centaurus Financial, Inc. are not affiliated companies. Supervisory Branch Address: 2300 E. Katella Ave., Ste 200, Anaheim, CA 92806

CU LT U R E

Traveling Music Dillingham and Markes bring Oklahoma and the 405 to Dubai BY J A K E D U R H A M P H O T O S BY C H A R L I E N E U E N S C H WA N D E R

MARCH 2022

O N E

M O R E

T H I N G

Kyle Dillingham and Peter Markes

T H ROUGHOU T OU R L I V ES , friends come and go. Some simply pass through, while others remain profoundly rooted and stay for the long haul. Kyle Dillingham and Peter Markes are two Oklahomans whose lasting friendship is solidified through their music. The two grew up in Enid, Oklahoma, and attended Enid public schools, but it would not be until the two high schoolers attended the Oklahoma Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain one summer that they realized music was their unwavering bond. Both are accomplished fiddle and guitar players who play two very different musical styles, shaped by even more diversified musical influences. Markes found inspiration through James Taylor; Dillingham through Bob Wills. Their musical styles range from classical, to country, to folk, to an Eastern European Romani vibe, and everything in between. Needless to say, their music is eclectic and not identified by any one genre. Together, they have performed in over 25 countries, sharing their message that music is designed to inspire, encourage, and heal. Music is a tool of unification, and they are working to bring together a world. In 2019, the two made their debut at the Grand Ole Opry; a crowning achievement for both. Dillingham, a fiery and energetic performer, made history with that Grand Ole Opry performance when he became the first musician to ride a skateboard on stage while playing the fiddle. It would become a staple for future shows. In 2014, Markes was presented Oklahoma’s Teacher of the Year Award. When he is not performing, Markes is a Professor of Music at Oklahoma City University. “OCU is lucky to have Peter,” said Dillingham. “There is not another classroom in the country that is getting the same benefits that they are getting from Peter and his experiences.” Dillingham has shared the stage with such names as Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, and The Oak Ridge Boys. He has also performed for the King of Malaysia and

“We are always representing more than ourselves. We are not only representing the United States, but we are truly representing the 405 and our state of Oklahoma.” – KYLE DILLINGHAM

the Princess of Thailand. With performances in over 40 countries, he has received the title of “Oklahoma’s Musical Ambassador.” Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World’s Fair to be held in the Middle East. More than 190 countries are being hosted across the six-month event, and attendees can experience everything from themed events to arts and crafts, poetry, educational programs, food, and live music. More than 200 performers will represent the United States, including Step Afrika!, Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre, and the Harlem Globetrotters.

The U.S. State Department chose Dillingham and Markes as one of over 80 musical acts—and the only Oklahomans—to perform at Expo 2020. The selection process spanned almost three years. “We are always representing more than ourselves,” said Dillingham. “We are not only representing the United States, but we are truly representing the 405 and our state of Oklahoma.” Dillingham and Markes will play a variety of sets across four days at the Expo in March of 2022. 405MAGAZINE.COM

W H AT ’ S

O N L I N E

JOIN US ONLINE

BEST SHOT

@ M ELWILLIS Are you following us on Instagram? We post daily content from the magazine, as well as news and events happening in the 405. You can also tag us in your Best Shots of the 405 by using hashtag #your405

OVERHEARD

I DO TRULY LOVE OKC. THE DAMN PLACE JUST WORKS ITS WAY INTO YOUR HEART. THE PEOPLE OUT HERE THROWING THEIR HEARTS AND SOULS AT THEIR BUSINESSES, COOKING FOOD, BREWING BEER, MAKING ART, FIXING A SINK, ARE THE BEST. WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED. THANK YOU, OKC.”

NEWSLETTER

L A R RY DE A N P I C KERI N G

405 Magazine has an e-newsletter, the 405 Now, designed to keep you in the loop and give you a weekly rundown of our best stories from the week. Subscribe at 405magazine.com/newsletters

MARCH 2022

T H E O N E . T H E O N LY.

A LEGACY OF FINE FURNITURE FOR 63 YEARS

Keven Calonkey Carl Professional Member ASID NCIDQ Certified

Est. 1958 • 109 East Main • Norman • 405.321.1818 • MisterRobert.com •