BRICKTOWN
One of the most visible spots on the Bricktown canal that has sat undeveloped soon will be home to the House of Bedlam. Developer Chris Johnson, owner of USA Screen Printing & Embroidery Co., received approval from the Bricktown Urban Design Committee to build 30,000 square feet of retail space throughout two buildings, and a parking lot on the roof of one of the buildings.

The property is on two sides of the Bricktown canal, just west of Mickey Mantle Drive and the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark.

Johnson plans to open a sports apparel and accessory gift shop and a cafe. The remaining retail space will be available for lease. He estimates the project, with land costs, to be about $5.5 million and plans to have it built by summer 2012.

INNER CITY
In a collaborative effort between Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business and local energy executives, the school has created two new master’s degree programs. Classes begin in January for students to work toward a master of science degree in energy management or a master of science in energy legal studies.

The degrees are offered through evening classes in an accelerated format.

“With OCU’s proximity to top energy companies and state governmental agencies, you can combine academic study with practical experience and exposure to top decisionmakers in the energy industry today,” says Steven C. Agee, interim dean of Meinders School of Business.

EDMOND
The Edmond City Council voted to replace departed Mayor Patrice Douglas — who took a job on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission — with longtime Councilman Charles Lamb. His swearing in was held in November, and he will finish Douglas’ unexpired term and then retire in the spring of 2013. Lamb has been Ward 3 councilman for 16 years.

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE
Oklahoma’s congressional delegation praised a move by the U.S. Air Force to make the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center the single head for sustainment and logistics in a realignment and cost-saving effort. It is the result of the Department of Defense implementing a required $450 billion spending cut over the next decade. The other two logistics centers are in Utah and Georgia.

As part of the move, Tinker lost its two-star general. That post is held by Maj. Gen. David Gillett, who retired last month. In his place, Tinker will gain a three-star general and a onestar general.

The USAF reports there will be minimal job losses at Tinker. With Tinker being the lead facility, however, the job losses will be less than in other states, USAF officials say.

The logistics center repairs and maintains a variety of aircraft, and provides modifications and overhauls to aircraft that have been flying for decades.

Oklahoma’s 5th District congressman, U.S. Rep. James

Lankford, says the move is a step forward for Tinker and for the state.

“In these times of budget constraints, we are all aware of the decisions that need to be made to find efficiencies and streamline operations,” Lankford says. “I look forward to continue working with Air Force leadership and the entire Oklahoma community to implement the details of this decision.”

MOORE
Bill Warren, president of Warren Theatres, unveiled the company’s first director’s suites at the theater in Moore, 1000 Telephone Road. The $2 million addition includes two auditoriums and a posh lobby area. Each auditorium seats about 40 in custom-designed chairs that recline and are heated. Food and beverage service is available to suite patrons.

Warren says it is the same movie experience that top filmmakers enjoy in their homes and private theaters. Seats are $22. Each suite is equipped with THX sound and digital presentation. The first showing was Nov. 17 with a showing of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1.”

“If you want to see a movie like movie moguls see them, this is your chance,” Warren says.

Work also is under way at the theater on an IMAX screen with seating for 600. It is set for completion in February.

SOUTHWEST
Add Chicago Midway to the destinations one can get to nonstop from Oklahoma City on Southwest Airlines. Starting June 3, the airline will begin daily flights between Oklahoma City and Chicago Midway.

It departs OKC daily at 12:15 p.m. and arrives in Chicago at 2:10 p.m. The return flight from Chicago departs at 4:15 p.m. and arrives at 6:15 p.m.

The Southwest website has tickets for the flight listed at about $350 roundtrip. Several airlines offer nonstop service from Oklahoma City to Chicago’s O’Hare Airport.