Gusty Winds Force Evacuation Of Businesses Near Norman's Vista Building

Anytime spring Oklahoma winds gust beyond 50 mph, the question gets asked around Norman: Is today the day the Vista building comes crumbling down?

Norman fire officials evacuated four businesses for more than four hours on Thursday because of high wind gusts, weeks after an engineering firm's warning that the Vista building in downtown Norman was not only leaning but also structurally deficient.

The businesses evacuated included Bison Witches sandwich shop, Broce Construction Company, Rawhide and Winans Fine Chocolates and Coffees. A clear zone was established in and around a several-block radius of 111 N. Peters Ave.

On the home page of the Vista Bar & Grill's Web site, general manager Skay McCall said there is no timeline for the building's reopening. The Vista is one of Norman's best pubs, and it sits atop the downtown financial building, providing patrons with the best view in Norman.

City officials have not indicated whether the building can be repaired or would have to be torn down. There has also been no word how the upcoming Norman Music Festival, which takes place downtown later this month, could be affected if winds were particularly gusty.