Campus Corner Experiencing Upswing

Nearly two years ago, The Antique Garden owner Barbara Fite had a decision to make. She could stay on a posh, retail strip mall located on Norman’s northwest side or she could venture toward the historic Campus Corner area.

“Life short,” she said. “I figured, what the heck?”

With that business reasoning behind her, Fite-along with her partners, husband Dennis and daughter Mariah Pinkerton – soon moved into their new digs at 323 W. Boyd.

A 20-percent increase in business later, Fite said she should have made the move years ago. And, she is just one of several business owners who are achieving success in one of Norman’s more historic areas.

Her 3,800-square-foot store houses antique furniture, vintage jewelry and unique gifts.

A lot of people come down here because campus is nostalgic,” Fite said. “The architecture was a huge draw and the other reason was I loved it. It’s just so fun.”

Rainey Powell, president of the 45-member Campus Corner Merchant’s Association, said there is renewed retail and restaurant interest in the area. For years, there was little diversity in the area and it was considered a bit of a risk to open a new business on Campus Corner.

“I think we’ve been on an improvement cycle for the last several years,” Powell said.

Powell attributed the growth to consolidation of ownership of the retail space in the area, as well as to the city’s tax increment financing plant.

Approved by local voters for the 2001 tax year, the financing plan allows for increases I n the city’s property tax base to go into a fund available to finance public improvements to the area.

“It’s basically the public sector saying to the private sector “if guys do your part, we’ll do ours,” Powell said.

The move had increased both interest and investment in Campus Corner, he said.

Currently, the area is at 96-percent occupancy and interest in retail space has never been higher. However, only tow locations are currently for lease.

Fite said she believes in the mantra that retail follows restaurants.

She sings praises of a diverse group of restaurants and watering holes that have made the move to Campus Corner. The addition of Louie’s Deli and Bar, Hideaway Pizza, Al Eschbach’s Sports Hall of Fame Bar and Grill, as well as the new Moe’s Southwest Grill have helped increase foot traffic during the lunch and dinner hours.

Staples such as Othello’s, La Luna Mexican Café, Toto’s, Pepe Delgado’s and Victoria’s Pasta Shop still draw a faithful crowd. A Logan’s Steakhouse is set to open on Campus Corner this year, as well.

However, in June of 2003, the student-run Oklahoma Daily newspaper hammered Campus Corner merchants, alleging in an article businesses were turning their backs on students and catering to an older population.

With several live music venues and watering holes still located in the area, students still frequent Campus Corner on a daily basis. Still, Fite said the parents of OU students and older out-of town visitors are her best customers.

From moms visiting on weekends to fans traveling in for football and baskets games, Fite said she’s astonished at the number of out-of-town customers who keep coming back and placing phone orders.

And as for the thought that Campus Corner retail space is too pricey for the average business, she just laughs.

“Everybody thinks it’s high on campus, but commercial space is high in Norman in general,” she said, noting her rent now is about the same as she paid on the trendy west side two years ago. “I consider campus to be one of the top two retail sites in Norman.”

And not many places in Oklahoma can promise nearly 80,000 people outside of your store on any given fall Saturday.

“I think one of the things game days does is it’s an opportunity for the Campus Corner to gain exposure to a lot of different customers, potential customers,” Powell said.

“Many of the merchants have commented they will see people in their stores on game days and then later in the week.”

Powell said merchants have been pleased with their foot traffic, especially on Sundays when locals will come to the area for a stroll and bite to eat.

Easier access has helped, too. The City of Norman converted Asp Avenue into a two-way street, allowing for northbound traffic past hideaway, La Luna Mexican Café, Brother’s Eatery and Pub ad a host of retail shops.

Fite also credits University of Oklahoma President David Boren with bringing a higher clientele to the area, along with the university’s higher admissions standards.

“I think a lot of the increase we have had has been because of OU in general,” Fite said.