Moore, OK

I just saw the Leather Heads at the new Warren Theatre in Moore, OK. Being overwhelmed with the design of the establishment, I felt it worth mentioning. The digital projection, along with the THX sound gives a near life experience. With a touch of the old movie theatre atmosphere and the cushy lounge seats, it was a very relaxing experience. As the trailers started, it was announced that severe weather is monitored. This is part of Oklahoma where the May 3^rd F5 tornado hit in 1999. That will be 9 years ago tomorrow. Since that time the same area has been hit again. It really makes you look at how the metro property changes. Also how America can evolve into enjoyment out of tragedy.

2008 is bringing great news to the Moore, Ok housing market. As of February 1^st, 2008 there were 823 residential properties on the market in Moore. Although still considered a buyer's market with over six months worth of inventory actively listed, Moore real estate is by no means in a slump! The rapid development of Moore's Riverwalk retail district means jobs, tax dollars, and people continue to pour into Moore, which is one of the fastest growing cities in Oklahoma.

With a lower cost of living than many of its larger neighbors and an average listing price of $153, 900, Moore is budget friendly, but with all the amenities of the big city literally minutes away. This growing community is a home buyer's dream! Sellers will also see the benefits of the current market, as population and job growth bring lots of eager home buyers to this dynamic community.

About Moore Public Schools

The Moore School District has been providing high quality education to students in the metropolitan area of Moore and south Oklahoma City for more than 100 years. The principles that guide this district include high student achievement, outstanding instruction, and strong community involvement. Success in these areas continues to make Moore one of the state's finest school systems.

Moore Public Schools offers pre-K through 12th grade in the suburban areas of Moore and south Oklahoma City. With a student population of about 20,000, the system is the third largest in the state. It encompasses 28 schools in 159 square miles. Through the years, the district has maintained a tradition of high student achievement, outstanding instruction, and strong community support.

The staff of some 2,200 employees includes about 1,250 certified personnel who have an average of 13 years of experience and more than 500 advanced degrees. The low student to teacher ratio of 18 to one demonstrates the district's commitment to providing a place where children can receive special attention as well as be encouraged to reach their potential.

Moore Public School Report Card

In grade 3-8, instructional exams reveal that more than 84% of all students score in the "satisfactory" or "advanced" categories for all subjects. In the "End of Instruction" tests, 57% of students scored "Satisfactory" or "Advanced" in Algebra, 69% of students scored "Satisfactory" or "Advanced"in Biology, 84% of students scored "Satisfactory" or "Advanced"in English, and 86% of students scored "Satisfactory" or "Advanced"in US History. 13.8% of students in the Moore Public School system participate in Gifted or Advance Placement classes, while 12.2% of students participate in Special Education programs.

75% of parents attended their child's Parent-Teacher conference, and averaged 2.1 volunteer hours per student.

Recent Bond Election Passes with Huge Margin

The recent Bond Election passed with over a 73% approval! Some of the projects that will be advanced with this $69,900,000 funding include:

Building two elementary schools, one to be located on the east side of the school district and one to be located on the west side of the district, including, but not limited to, constructing, equipping, and providing instructional materials and furnishings - $24,860,000

Improving the existing Moore High School, located at 300 N. Eastern, to include, but not limited to, constructing and equipping a fine arts center - $12,000,000

Improving the existing Westmoore High School, located at 12613 S. Western, to include, but not limited to, constructing and equipping a new gymnasium, band room, and athletic facilities for wrestling - $10,000,000

Paving district wide to include, but not limited to, repairing paving, as funds will allow, and as needed throughout the district - $750,000

Roofing to include, but not limited to, repairing/replacing roofing, as funds will allow, and as needed throughout the district - $1,023,500

Remodeling to include, but not limited to, remodeling portions of the existing school facilities, including restrooms, common areas, and/or classroom space, as funds will allow, and as needed throughout the district - $1,005,000

Repairing/replacing fencing, as funds will allow, and as needed throughout the district - $611,000

Providing lighting and sound equipment, as funds will allow, and as needed throughout the district - $2,100,500

Acquiring equipment and materials for instructional programs, as funds will allow, and as needed throughout the district - $2,570,000

Acquiring athletic supplies and equipment to be used as needed throughout the district - $300,000

Purchasing and installing computers, computer software and computer-related equipment at all district school locations, including, but not limited to, purchasing and installing additional external security cameras, upgrading existing fire and security hardware throughout the district, and providing automatic defibrillators throughout the district and for checkout at offsite activities - $12,997,500

Purchasing and installing equipment for the district's Child Nutrition Program, as funds will allow, and as needed throughout the district - $557,500

Purchasing transportation equipment to include, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a) route buses; b) trucks; and c) transportation-related equipment such as security cameras for buses - $1,125,000

For more information on Moore Public Schools, go to http://www.mooreschools.com

Different from traditional cinemas, the still-under-construction Warren theatre on the I-35 Service Road in Moore is being dubbed as the world's largest luxury 20-plex complex, complete with a diner, a fireplace , a special room for parents with fussy children, and classically styled balconies harking back to the glory days of classic movie houses. The theater's ground floor will be 150,000 square feet and seat 7000 happy movie-goers. The lobby will compete with the grandest hotels or casinos, with sculpted ceilings, custom-crafted door handles and terrazzo floors with marble and granite throughout set the mood. An art deco 1930s and '40s movie theater ambiance will be the hallmark of the 20-plex. The Warren will be hard to miss with its towering neon marquee continuing the Art-Deco appearance that Warren Theatres are known for.

The 30 million dollar construction project is expected to bring in excess of $400,000 annually for the city of Moore, not including revenues from other retail chains that may move into the area in response to the expected success of the theatre. The Warren will also bring an additional 200 jobs to Moore's Riverwalk district.

This theatre is definitely the jewel in Moore's crown...