Top Bartlesville developments to watch in 2023

City of Bartlesville skyline January 13, 2022.
City of Bartlesville skyline January 13, 2022.

From new construction to revitalization, here are some top developments to keep your eye on in the Bartlesville area in 2023:

David Kallweit stands in the construction of the unfinished 3rd phase of the Palace Rooms development project,
David Kallweit stands in the construction of the unfinished 3rd phase of the Palace Rooms development project,

Palace Rooms Phase 3

The Palace Rooms' lounge opened in 2022, and its fully renovated upstairs apartments are now ready for rent. David and Adrienne Kallweit, developers for the project, originally budgeted over $1.2 million for the complete renovation of the downtown property. The project's final phase is located next to the lounge. The Kallweits' initially planned to turn the space into a farm-to-table market, restaurant and old-fashioned soda fountain called Lollipops but are currently putting those plans on hold. They hope to finish and renovate the space by the end of 2023.

On the Rock Ministries' Creamery building neon sign lights up the entrance of the building.
On the Rock Ministries' Creamery building neon sign lights up the entrance of the building.

On The Rock's Creamery Project

After 25 years in the community, On the Rock Ministries plans to open its second campus. The nonprofit spent the last three years turning the 99-year-old Crystal Creamery building into a teen development center. Costing almost $2 million, the Rock overhauled the entire building to include an esports gaming area, concert venue, coffee shop, restaurant and classroom. The Rock plans to open this second campus to the public on April 15.

The new water slides built at the Sooner Pool should open this memorial day.
The new water slides built at the Sooner Pool should open this memorial day.

Sooner Park Water Slides

In 2013, voters approved the Sooner Pool Expansion Project to add water slides to the pool. The $2.8 million project includes three 45-foot slides, a new parking lot, group shelters and other improvements to the pool. The expansion is set to open Memorial Day weekend.

Remi's Arcade & Bistro full-service bar with plenty of seating.
Remi's Arcade & Bistro full-service bar with plenty of seating.

Remi's Arcade Expansion

The newest addition to Bartlesville's nightlife, Remi's Arcade and Bistro, has quickly become a local favorite by hosting vintage arcade and pinball games and a full-service bar. Remi's plans to continue growing to meet the public's needs by expanding its menu and capacity. In 2023, they hope to remodel the second floor and open an outdoor patio area with a grill to accommodate its ever-growing popularity.

Construction continues on the Osage hotel and casino outside Bartlesville.
Construction continues on the Osage hotel and casino outside Bartlesville.

Osage Casino

Sitting on over 125 acres of land, the Osage Casino and Hotel is slated to open at the end of this year. Less than two miles west of downtown Bartlesville, the 57,400-square-foot building will host 500 slot machines. It will also include five floors, 101 hotel rooms and suites, and 10,000 square feet of meeting space. Amenities include a fitness center, pool, spa, patio and multiple food and beverage areas.

A classic car passes by the Mercantile in Pawhuska.
A classic car passes by the Mercantile in Pawhuska.

Pawhuska's Mercantile

After six years in operation, The Mercantile restaurant, bakery and store is undergoing a remodel. The bakery and store renovations are finished but the restaurant should be up and running sometime in April. The new restaurant should include new booths and tables, updated decor and private dining areas.

The First Christian Church property is located downtown next to the Price Tower and Community Center in Bartlesville.
The First Christian Church property is located downtown next to the Price Tower and Community Center in Bartlesville.

First Christian Church

First Christian Church closed its doors last year after 125 years of serving the community. The City of Bartlesville initially sought to convert the building into a conference center. But a feasibility study revealed that option would be costly and impractical. Last November, the city asked for proposals for alternative uses of the First Christian Church. Due Feb. 28, city staff plans to present them to the City Council at a future meeting for further action and discussion. The city could contribute up to $2 million to the facility's renovation, pending passage of the next general obligation bond and the tenant meeting specific requirements.

Bartlesville's Price Tower designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Bartlesville's Price Tower designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Price Tower

The Price Tower Art Center has maintained ownership of the Frank Lloyd Wright icon since 2000. In March, the PTAC announced a new team would be taking over ownership and operation of the building. Copper Tree Group plans to spend up to $10 million to update and repair the infrastructure alone over the next two years. The group plans to continue the same mission but move forward with a new vision.

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Top Bartlesville developments to watch in 2023

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