OKLAHOMA CITY | Projects & Construction

[CTroyMathis]

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/5784/oklahomacity.jpg

[BG918]

I guess I'll start with Oklahoma City, they seem to have a fair amount of new projects either U/C or proposed.

OKLAHOMA CITY
http://www.southernphotography.com/images/okc-009.jpg

-The tallest of the current projects, the full renovation of the 21 story Citizens Tower in midtown (just north of downtown) into upscale condos called The Classen. The building is completed and they are currently selling condos.
http://www.theclassen.com/xsites/Agents/theclassen/content/uploadedFiles/building%20reindeirng.jpg

It is rumored that the developer of The Classen, Gardner/Tanenbaum, is looking to buy the old downtown library (a new modern one was just built) and tear it down to build a high rise residential tower. It would be big news in OKC because there are only a handful of residential high rises.

-A massive project, the $100+ million Native American Museum and Cultural Center (will be the largest Native American museum in the world) should begin construction next year by the Oklahoma River southeast of downtown, completed by 2008.
http://www.nacea.com/portal/images/Site_Map_2.gif

The museum, done by the same architects that did the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC, will have large exhibit halls, a research center, well landscaped grounds along the river (with future riverboat access to downtown) and a hotel/tribal conference center.
http://www.nacea.com/portal/images/Aerial_Sepia_5.gif
http://www.nacea.com/portal/images/Sepia_of_Village_6.gif

-The Montgomery, "adaptive re-use" recently completed and selling units near the new art museum and library in west downtown.
http://www.themontgomeryokc.com/images/montgomery.jpg

-I-40 re-location south of downtown, beginning next year and completed by 2009. The existing I-40 will be torn down and a new landscaped boulevard into downtown/Bricktown will be created in its place.

-$250 million proposed urban development for the new "Riverside District" south of Bricktown by TAP Architecture. Lots of mixed-use development with an emphasis on residential.
http://www.taparchitecture.com/Assets/Project%20Sheets/I40-Study.jpg

-The Factory, a proposed 12 story apartment building in Bricktown by TAP.
http://www.taparchitecture.com/Assets/Project%20Sheets/The-Factory-Bricktown.jpg

-5 story urban housing, Legacy Summit will be located in the arts district of west downtown. Construction should begin next year.
http://maps.newsok.com/features/maps/images/maps_legacy_lg.jpg

-The Lincoln Ave. Renaissance, the blvd. leading up to the state capitol complex east of downtown, proposal also by TAP.
http://www.taparchitecture.com/Assets/Project%20Sheets/Lincoln-Renaissance-.jpg

-New Boldt Construction HQ along Lake Hefner Parkway in northwest OKC...the building is LEED-certified. Under construction.
http://www.theboldtcompany.com/news/greenmac_sm.jpg

-10 story Embassy Suites hotel in Bricktown across the canal from the new Harkins cinema and in between Sonic HQ, Bricktown Ballpark, and Bass Pro Shops. Construction should begin sometime next year, no rendering...sorry.

-Oklahoma History Center, a $70 million state history museum under construction near the state capitol.
http://www.mccbuilds.com/images/2726_Ok_History_Ctr_Render_Web_Large.jpg

OKC Underground, the renovation and expansion of downtown's tunnel system into urban art galleries.
http://www.e-a-a.com/images/community/undrgrnd/under3a.jpg
http://www.e-a-a.com/images/community/undrgrnd/under2a.jpg

The old 15 story Skirvin Hotel is currently being renovated into a Hilton and will be downtown's finest hotel once completed in 2006.
http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2004_2nd/skirvinhotelphoto1.jpg

The Triangle District, an ambitious mixed-use urban revitalization proposal for north of downtown creating a "triangle" between downtown, midtown, and the Oklahoma Health Center/research park and state capitol. OKC's version of Atlanta's Atlantic Station or Dallas' Victory...
http://www.thetriangleokc.com/images/visionmapsmall.jpg

[jaga185]

all of these are awesome, I love the whole "bricktown" thing

[JACKinBeantown]

Wow, OKC actually has a bit of a skyline. I never knew. I'd compare it to the Copley Plaza area of Boston minus John Hancock and Prudential.

[Mopacs]

The I-40 relocation project reminds me alot of the reconstruction of I-30 to the south of downtown Fort Worth. Just like 40, I-30 was realigned several blocks to the south and subsequently creating a nice landscaped boulevard (Lancaster Ave?) where the old I-30 elevated lanes once stood.

This should definitely benefit the Bricktown district! I'll be in OKC in July, for the first time in 8 years... I can't wait!

Here's a map and set of photos of the I-30 Fort Worth project:

http://www.texasfreeway.com/Dallas/photos/i30_lancaster/images/i30_detail_map.jpg

Demolition of the old I30 elevated lanes, with the new freeway in the background

http://www.texasfreeway.com/Dallas/photos/i30_lancaster/images/i30_lancaster_33_5-dec-01_lres.jpg

[CTroyMathis]

I'd really like to see some current shots of the newly renamed 'The Classen' building. I always thought that was an interesting area of OKC, as well.

Great start-up BG.

[CTroyMathis]

Oh, and the OKC Underground concourse project looks like it would be extremely cool.

http://www.e-a-a.com/images/community/undrgrnd/under4a.jpg
http://www.e-a-a.com/images/community/undrgrnd/under5a.jpg

[BG918]

^ Yeah I think so too, hopefully it will actually happen. Same for the Riverside and Lincoln Ave. projects. The Triangle is the most dynamic of all these projects though as it will really fill the need for an urban retail/residential district just north of downtown. There is also a project that was just greenlighted for an old steel yard north of Bricktown that will be mainly townhomes with some integrated retail. Humphrey & Partners of Dallas are the architects, haven't they done some quality urban work in DFW?

[Defiant6]

So they're going to tear down the elevated section of I-40 and move it further south? I know I'm in the minority when I say this, but I love elevated highways/freeways especially when driving on them passing by the skyline of downtown areas in cities. I've only been on that elevated section of I-40 once a few years back as I was going camping with some friends at Red Rock Canyon. If it does spur more development though by tearing it down, then I say go for it.

[OKCity]

Defiant, that elevated highway was planned to last 40 years, and it is now much passed that, and it is falling apart. I like the views to, but it really needs to go. And moving the highway south will alow down town to grow more to in that direction also.

[soonermeteor]

Does anyone know anything about a bricktown extension-like project? I can't remember where, but I saw awhile back that becuase of the success of the original bricktown, there was either another or a second canal planned from the North Canadian, something directly from the river that would be larger.

[BG918]

There is a master plan for the area, I wish I could find it. They do plan on extending the canal to the east towards the convention center and arena. It is also an area where there are several hotels and in the vicinity of the future OKC Underground. Because of elevation differences, the canal can't connect to the Oklahoma River. You will have to get off the canal boat, walk down to the dock, and then you can board the bigger boats on the river.

[Karried]

Something new to Bricktown.

http://www.ilovethisbarandgrillokc.com//Main%20Gallery/June%202005/Toby38.jpg


Toby Keith's New Bar and Grill
http://www.ilovethisbarandgrillokc.com/gallery.php?dc=1&d=June%202005

[Karried]

Cocktails on the Skyline - you can a few pics of our skyline here: http://www.okcmoa.com/cocktails.htm

Oklahoma Arts - Museum of Art Chihuly Exhibit:

Dale Chihuly: An Inaugural Exhibition reopens April 1 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art in its original design. With more than 2,000 pieces of glass, the exhibit contains 18 theatrical displays, groups, and series of various shapes and colors, including a ceiling, chandelier, walls, sets, and free standing pieces.
http://www.okcmoa.com/images/Chihuly/Ceiling04150.jpg
Created specifically for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art's opening in the Donald W. Reynolds Visual Art Center in 2002, Dale Chihuly: An Inaugural Exhibition received unprecedented attendance, sparking public interest in the arts and the Museum's campaign to purchase the exhibit for $3M-The Chihuly Project. The reinstallation of the exhibit celebrates the culmination of this Project.
http://www.okcmoa.com/images/Chihuly/Spears03150.jpg

[Karried]

http://www.world66.com/northamerica/unitedstates/oklahoma/oklahomacity/getting_there/downtown_oklahoma?display=web

Our Airport has just undergone a transformation and construction is almost complete:

Will Roger's Airport:
http://www.flyokc.com/img/gallery/large/wil2.jpg
Big Twelve Conference Store:
http://www.flyokc.com/img/gallery/large/big%2012.jpg
Inside Terminal:
http://www.flyokc.com/img/gallery/large/new%20gates2.jpg
Southwest Airlines New Gates Airside:
http://www.flyokc.com/img/gallery/large/new%20gates%20ext4.jpg

[Karried]

A few more interesting tidbits regarding OKC.

Today, Oklahoma City is the second-largest city in the continental U.S. in land area behind Jacksonville, Fla., but just 29th in terms of population. And the tourists have come. Hundreds of thousands of visitors a year come to the Oklahoma City National Memorial to view the rows of empty chairs representing the lives lost and to visit a museum commemorating the event.

A couple of blocks away the $88 million Ford Center, a 20,000-seat arena that opened in 2002 draws huge crowds to the area. In 2003 it was one of the top-10 concert-ticket selling arenas in the world, according to Pollstar, a music-industry data provider. Newer additions include the $52 million Civic Center Music Hall and a $22 million library, while a $133 million American Indian Cultural Center is about to break ground just south of downtown. One of the biggest draws is a Bass Pro Shops superstore, which brings 2.3 million visitors a year downtown.

The downtown economy has also benefited from the success of local companies. Devon Energy Corp., now the largest independent U.S. oil and gas company, has grown strongly while hamburger chain Sonic Corp. built its new headquarters on the banks of the Bricktown Canal.

http://www.travelok.com/graphics/siebel_photos/To_Do/1+5U+5707_C.jpg

[Karried]

Other noteworthy pics of recent and new projects:

Museum of Art:

http://www.zahlford.com/assets/images/T-Art_Museum.jpg

Library & Learning Center:

http://www.zahlford.com/assets/images/T-Library.jpg

Pedestrian Bridge:

http://www.zahlford.com/assets/images/T-canal_bridge2.jpg

Civic Center Music Hall:
http://www.zahlford.com/assets/images/T-CivicCenter.jpg

[Doug Loudenback]

One of the nicer things going on in the center of downtown right now is the conversion of the venerable downtown Colcord Building (1910) into an upscale boutique hotel. The Colcord sits on the NW corner of Robinson & Sheridan, diagonally across the street from the Cox Convention Center.

Coury Properties, Tulsa, is the developer, and it did a marvelous job with an earlier, similar, project in Tulsa with the old Ambassador House hotel, very nice.

From http://www.couryprop.com/otherProp_colcordHotel.htm
http://www.couryprop.com/images/art/images_otherProp/colcordHotel/pic_lobby_wArt.jpg http://www.couryprop.com/images/art/images_otherProp/colcordHotel/thumb_brochure.jpg

Here's a vintage pic of the same building, from the "Vintage" area of my downtown Okc pages at http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/vintage/1910.htm where other links about the Colcord can be found.

http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/vintage/1913.colcord.jpg

[Doug Loudenback]

Though a little off-topic, here's a nice view of downtown looking souteasterly from a little west of the south end of the bombing memorial. The US courthouse is in the foreground. The pic is courtesy of the Kerr-McGee Corporation and a much larger high res version (4200 x 1973 px) of the same pic can be downloaded at the KM website, here: http://www.kerr-mcgee.com/media/imagegallery/picscorp/

http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/panorama.jpg

[Doug Loudenback]

Another "old wine into new" is the extensive renovation of the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City. The Skirvin, closed for years, is being restored and renovated by Marcus Hotels et al, with a planned reopening time of Fall 2006 and to become the "Hilton Skirvin". The Marcus web link @ the Skirvin is here: http://www.marcusresorts.com/hotel_portfolio/skirvin_OK.asp and here's a pic of what is being restored:

http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/73.jpg


A fine article by Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, about the Skirvin, is here: http://www.okc.gov/query.html?projects/skirvin/index.html

[MalibuSooner]

Here's a good aerial of downtown showing the Bricktown entertainment district and canal in the foreground, an area where a several new hotels are to be constructed in the next couple of years:

http://mysite.verizon.net/res17zef/bricktownaerial.jpg

[upNcomer]

The Chesapeake Boathouse near Bricktown will set a high standard of architecture along the river. It will host public facilities and the home of the Oklahoma City University men's crew:

http://www.chesapeakeboathouse.org/Boathousedaylg.jpg

[upNcomer]

For news on what's complete or underway, check out Downtown OKC's quarterly newsletter:

http://www.downtownokc.com/pdfs/skyline_snapshot_3rd_Quarter_2005.pdf

The best thing about what's happening in downtown OKC is that you're seeing not only big ticket projects, but also smaller ones that add life and flavor to downtown.

[upNcomer]

Shown earlier, the Mat Hoffman Action Sports Park is also near downtown along the river. It was opened only a few months ago:

http://www.concretedisciples.com/cd_skate/OK/oklahomacity/okc_skatepark1.jpg

[upNcomer]

Sonic's HQ in Lower Bricktown:

http://www.tilt-up.org/images/photos/05sonic/sonic04lg.jpg

[Karried]

This is a project underway along the river - it is massive.

The main sculptural body is a racing mass of horsepower and humanity which will spread thirty feet across and cover a distance of one hundred yards.

At a scale of one and a half times life-size, a single horse and rider will tower twelve feet above the ground.

Separated from this racing mass are two additional figure groups: soldiers with a cannon signal the starting point and a lone sooner waits with his horse ahead of the action. The entire length of this colossal work will stretch out longer than a football field!

Such a grand scale befits this epic drama. The impressive size suggests the monumental effort of those early settlers, but the real story is found in the details. All the frenzied energy and emotion from one instant during the 1889 run is captured in bronze - frozen in time and space for all generations. Through Paul Moore's masterful hand, a still and silent sculpture comes to life as an eternal, living presence.

http://www.crownartsinc.com/BT1.jpg

[Doug Loudenback]

Another nice Bricktown project has been approved and on which work should start shortly if it hasn't already, but which is said will take about 23 months to complete, is the Oklahoma Centennial Mosaic Mural (BTW, OK was admitted as a state in 1907, so the centennial year is 2007):

http://www.dougloudenback.com/misc/canalmosaic.jpg

According to http://www.downtownokc.com/pdfs/skyline_snapshot_3rd_Quarter_2004.pdf

Oklahoma Centennial Mosaic Mural
Project: Oklahoma City Community College and Professor Mary Ann Moore, (Mosaicist and Project Director) will design, produce and install an Oklahoma themed tile mural. The mural will be located at the Bricktown Canal Water Plaza which is at the northwest terminus of the canal system.

The mosaic mural will include Oklahoma natural landscapes and wildlife. These images will serve to educate the public regarding official state symbols and emblems from nature. The mural will total approximately 1,150 sq. ft of wall space and be comprised of handmade porcelain and Oklahoma clay tiles pieces. The tiles will first be adhered to mesh then installed on walls, grouted and sealed.

The source says that once the mosaic production is done, it will take 1 to 2 weeks to install.

[Doug Loudenback]

I don't recall that this thread has said anything so far about the Dell Call Center, roughly at the SW corner of the intersection of I-40 (East/West) and I-44 (at that point, North/South). It occupies either 62 or 68 acres (I've seen both numbers) and is bounded on the North by the "Oklahoma" River ... ha ha ... it's actually a segment of the North Canadian River which was recently renamed and which roughly runs from a little West of I-40 to somewhere East of downtown. Generally, the facility is located about 4 miles North of the Will Rogers Airport. This pic shows the general location (the yellow highlighted area - I-44 is visible, but I-40 is not):

http://www.dougloudenback.com/misc/dell0.jpg

From what I've read, the Call Center focuses on small and mid-sized businesses. A drawing of the 1st building is this:

http://www.dougloudenback.com/misc/dell1.jpg

The 1st building is pretty much done and employees have started moving into it, or so I've read. A 2nd building, similar to the 1st, is said to be done by February 2006. A 3rd building is possible, but not yet assured, as far as I know.

How big a deal is this for OKC? Well, anything from a company like Dell is good. But, as to projections of the number of employees, I've seen numbers all over the map on that one. One says that it may eventually employ 5,000, but, at present, I think the number is more like 1,000, but with more, perhaps another 1,000 to 1,500 when the 2nd building is done. We shall see.

BTW, if I've gotten anything wrong, perhaps someone with better knowledge will chime in. I'm just repeating what I've read elsewhere from several different sources. I have NO first hand knowledge.

And, plans are for a water taxi location to be located here and traveling West on the Oklahoma River a bit East of downtown, which would be approximately 4-5 miles.

[soonermeteor]

I read in the Oklahoman that there are somewhere around 500 hotel rooms being planned for around the convention center. Unfortunately i dont have the story with me anymore:( but im sure it will be back in the news again if any projects are anounced.

[Karried]

Here you go:

"Downtown to boost hotel space

By Tricia Pemberton
The Oklahoman

If all goes as planned, Oklahoma City may have almost 600 new downtown hotel rooms by the time the Big 12 basketball tournament comes to town in 2007.

Planned downtown hotels to meet variety of needs

Renovation work on the 108-room Colcord is under way. Work at the 225-room Hilton Skirvin should start in August.

John Q. Hammons is seeking final approval from Oklahoma City's Urban Renewal Authority for a 150-room Marriott Residence Inn in Bricktown.

Hammons also promises a downtown Embassy Suites in the future.

A 150- to 200-room Hampton Inn is about 90 percent assured by Bricktown developer Marsh Pittman. And a 20-room bed-and-breakfast is envisioned by canal-side property owner Chris Johnson.

"Our downtown hotel inventory is just critical to attracting convention and tourism business," said Steve Collier, executive director of the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Collier said 931 rooms are downtown. If all projects on the table go forward, the city would land between 1,500 to 1,700 rooms, and that would adequately match the city's meeting space.

"We'd feel really good about that," Collier said.

"And the quality of rooms is an exciting thing. We're going to have some very high quality to go along with the upscale convention hotels we already have."

JoeVan Bullard, director of Oklahoma City's Urban Renewal Authority, said more hotel rooms would allow Oklahoma City to become a strong Tier 2 city.

Check out okctalk.com - You might like to check out some local discussions regarding downtown OK and new developments.

[Karried]

Even though this is an older photo, the Bricktown area is being renovated and new projects are being added frequently. This is the Bricktown Canal at night.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b26/okcland/gallery_canal_1999_7b.jpg

[Vladneyro]

NICE!
It's a bit Nostalgic to see Okie City again ;)
Soo, they're renovating the Citizens Plaza - I lived like 2 minutes walking from it ;)
Nice to see the enLIveMent in Bricktown - about time. All those empty buildings like the Spaghetti Factory etc.

A question - did they finally finish the Highway 77, and they were digging on May avenue (a bit down from "Angles") forever - just wondering for curiocity's sake.

Also - what's going on around the Classen & NW23rd area - I remember they wanted to do something there, and do something to the 'boob building' (the Bank One) - all the protests there etc. LOL. Fill us in.

Thanks for continuing inflow of info.

[upNcomer]

Nice to hear from you Vladneyro. What did you do when you were in the city?

Renovation of the Citizens Tower into condos (The Classen) is not finished yet. Within a few years, a restaurant and other amenities will be added for residents.

The geodesic bank, aka the Gold Dome, was saved from demolition by Dr. Irene Lam after all the protests. She renovated it for commercial use, but sections of it are devoted to multicultural programming. There's a gallery space and cultural events are underway.

http://www.nationaltrust.org/11Most/2002/images/hi-res/OK_GoldDomeBank.jpg

Several new restaurants are popping up in the NW 23rd district, and there's a new Super Cao Nguyen supermarket. It's arguably the largest non-chain grocery in the city, if not the state. Check it out at http://69.53.20.9/

Some dining arrivals are: Tom and Jerry's Steak and Fish Grille, which offers Spanish tapas, California Cafe serves up authentic Vietnamese and Chinese, and Backdoor Coffeehouse is a nice new hangout. Jeff's Country Cafe relocated to Classen when Walgreens bumped it.

Also, the City of Oklahoma City has done some work for the district, adding "Asian District" signs and planning a small amphitheater where Military Park was. Some additions are likely.

Yes, it's nice to see the maturation of Bricktown. Yet construction is far from over. Bob Funk, the owner of the Redhawks, has expressed interest in building condos overlooking the Bricktown Ballpark. Designs for a Residence Inn and another condo building were accepted yesterday for Lower Bricktown. You can check http://www.bricktownokc.com/ to see what's there.

The I-77 should be complete (I'm a southsider). Not sure about that May project, though.

[Karried]

The Montgomery unveils $1 million event center
by Brandice J. O'Brien

The $1 million Montgomery Event Center, created in the 8,000-square-foot basement of the 76-year-old building at 500 W. Main St., will house wedding guests, partiers and business conference attendees.

Designed by ADG Architects and developed by Richard Tanenbaum, the event center offers a sophisticated atmosphere with framed pictures of early 20th century Oklahoma City and a plasma screen to welcome guests when they step off the elevator.

"It's the most unique event center in the city right now," said Brenda Stevens, director of the facility. "The ambience is like no one else offers. It's old-world."

The facility also features several amenities including state-of-the-art sound system, audio visuals including built-in screens, projectors and wireless Internet.

The event center can hold up to 500 people in its main room or can be sectioned off into three smaller rooms depending on the size needed. When divided, the center room holds up to 200 people and the two side rooms will each fit up to 150 people.

Prices range from $500 to $2,000, depending on the number of guests, size of the room needed, length of function and time of day.

The facility is sure to compete with Meinders Hall of Mirrors, the Petroleum Club and Coles Gardens, said Charles Dodson, vice president of the multifamily division at Gardner Tanenbaum Group, who oversees The Montgomery, The Classen and Lincoln at Central Park.

Approximately 40 events are booked through December and as far out as August 2006.

The Montgomery was originally constructed as a Montgomery Ward department store in 1929.

The six-floor 128,000-square-foot building opened as a mixed-use property last October, after eight months of construction. The building houses approximately 50 apartment units and seven retail businesses including Celebrity Valet Corp., Express Personnel and Trattoria il Centro, a restaurant expected to open next month.


Brandice J. O'Brien reports on real estate, technology, manufacturing, entertainment, tourism and media. You may reach her by phone at 278-2846 or by e-mail at brandice.obrien@journalrecord.com.

[BG918]

Interesting mixed-use project in Norman (south OKC metro) called the East Village. Street level retail/cafes and 3 floors of loft apartments above about a mile from the OU campus. 24 townhomes behind the apartment buildings and space at the corner for a proposed pharmacy and coffee shop.

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/B/2/3/B236C7BE-10A1-4FAC-9765-5B1EAF7EC334.jpg
http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/A/B/1/AB190A28-CC55-4421-BA87-ACBAC7168431.jpg

[CTroyMathis]

^ What is the exact location? Streetcorner, etc.

South, west, southwest of campus?

[upNcomer]

I believe it's on 12th and E. Lindsey - a mile east of the campus.

[BG918]

^ That is correct, SW corner of 12th and Lindsey. Hopefully this will spur more of this type of development in the campus area of Norman, making it more pedestrian/bike friendly.

[Karried]

Here's a link to the newly revamped Downtown Oklahoma website that gives detailed information on housing and activities in OKC and Bricktown. http://www.downtownokc.com/

Also, if you have any questions on new projects or have downtown housing questions, you will find the answer on www.OKCTalk.com - a very active forum that has much information on the latest happenings including the arrival of the Hornets Team and convention happenings.

It's an exciting time for OKC!

[OKCgasm]

I never knew that forum existed, and yes, I got your PM, karried.

There is also http://urbanok.999.org, which is operated by a friend of mine.

[Karried]

Thanks OKCgasm, it's an exciting time for Oklahoma City - with Bricktown and the hosting of a pro team ( New Orlean's HORNETS) we are really enjoying growth and expansion of our city.

This just out today:

Development in Bricktown continues with hotel

By Steve Lackmeyer
The Oklahoman

Get ready for another growth spurt in Lower Bricktown, with construction of a $20 million Residence Inn starting next week, to be followed by new offices, shops, restaurants and for-sale condominiums.
Flintco started staging of the construction area last week along Reno Avenue, southeast of the SBC Bricktown Ballpark. Missouri developer John Q. Hammons, who built the nearby Renaissance Hotel and Courtyard by Marriott, promised Monday the Residence Inn won’t be his last downtown Oklahoma City project.

[OKCgasm]

This was supposed to be an Embassy Suites in Bricktown. We got gipped. Period.

[BG918]

^ John Hammons still plans on building an Embassy Suites somewhere in Bricktown, just not at the location by Sonic and Bass Pro. I would almost argue that a 10+ story Embassy Suites would be better in the CBD, like over by the new library in the Arts District. Maybe something mixed-use with hotel rooms and condos?

[upNcomer]

^ John Hammons still plans on building an Embassy Suites somewhere in Bricktown, just not at the location by Sonic and Bass Pro. I would almost argue that a 10+ story Embassy Suites would be better in the CBD, like over by the new library in the Arts District. Maybe something mixed-use with hotel rooms and condos?

I agree. An Embassy Suites could anchor a Galleria garage development the city's been waiting for. With condos, elegant retail, and nice public spaces, it would be a true city center overlooking the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

[OKCity]

The south end of the Galleria Garage would be a great location because it would over look the Myriad Botanical Gardens.

[Karried]

More news on the Skirvin renovation today:

Historic hotel to be restored by Wisconsin company
By The Associated Press

The historic Skirvin Hotel, closed for more than 16 years, will undergo a $50 million renovation and reopen next year as a Hilton hotel serving the city's growing Bricktown entertainment district.

Mayor Mick Cornett gave Marcus Hotels and Resorts a 99-year lease on the property Thursday. The Milwaukee, Wis. company manages several restored historic hotels including the Hotel Phillips, in Kansas City, Mo. The city bought the hotel in 2002 for $2.8 million.

"We're proud to be a part of restoring this Oklahoma landmark to a state of grandeur," Bill Otto, president of Marcus Hotels and Resorts said.

The restoration project on the 13-story hotel is to be completed by December 2006.

The first floor includes Art Deco tile work, inlaid wood ceilings and mahogany paneling topped by carved gargoyles. Ornamental plaster ceilings and ballrooms will be restored on the top floor. The other floors will be gutted and modernized. In addition to regular hotel rooms, there will be two-bedroom, two-bath suites and one-bedroom suites.

Keith Hoffman, director of special projects for Marcus Hotels, said there will be a three-room presidential suite on the 12th floor that will include a flat-screen plasma television in the sitting area and a flat-screen TV installed in the mirror of the bathroom.

"Ten years ago, before Bricktown and a myriad of other things happening in Oklahoma, opening this hotel would have never happened," said John Weeman, president of Partners in Development, a business group that has supported reopening the Skirvin.

William Balser "Bill" Skirvin, a land developer and an oilman, built the hotel in 1910. It was designed by Solomon Layton, the architect for the state Capitol.

In 1906, Skirvin moved to Oklahoma City from Texas. The Skirvin household, which included three children, moved into a five-room suite on the ninth floor. Author Bob Blackburn, who wrote a history of the hotel, said the family also had dogs, raccoons, hawks and other animals. The pets were kept on the roof.

The hotel has stood empty since 1988 except for the occasional vagrant. Pigeons chose the top-floor ballroom as their home.

JoeVan Bullard, executive director the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority, said the hotel went bankrupt in the early 1970s. It came out of bankruptcy, but could not survive downturns in the state economy in the 1980s.

"Even with all the new hotels downtown that have come on line and with all the activities going on, the hotel market is as hot downtown as in the I-40 and Meridian corridor," Bullard said. "The people involved in this project are not doing it just for the love of the Skirvin but are doing it from the business side."

Asbestos abatement and demolition of the interior started about 2 1/2 months ago and should be finished by the end of October, Weeman said. Then the remodeling will begin.

The Skirvin Hilton will have a lobby cafe, a fine dining room, an upscale bar that will feature musical entertainment, an indoor pool and fitness center and a grand ballroom with a dramatic staircase entry.

"I would love to spend New Year's Eve 2006 and ring in 2007 in the old coffee shop," Bullard said. "What a wonderful New Year's Day. I am looking forward to it."

[Karried]

1500 Hundred Hotel Rooms by 2007

10-story Hampton Inn proposed for Bricktown

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10-story Hampton Inn proposed for Bricktown
By Steve Lackmeyer
The Oklahoman

A proposed 10-story Hampton Inn -- the tallest addition to Bricktown -- is set to be reviewed next month by the Bricktown Urban Design Committee.
The $20 million project has been in the works for two years and is being developed by Marsh Pittman, owner of the Power Alley Parking Garage and Madison, Wis.-based Raymond Management Group.

Raymond Management Group operates 38 Hilton properties. Barry Perkel, director of real estate with Raymond Management, said his company began scouting sites in Bricktown three years ago after being alerted to downtown Oklahoma City by one of his brokers.

"There is a lot going on there," Perkel said. "We are very excited about the opportunity to build a high-quality, limited-service hotel."

Pitman said he hopes the hotel will expand the downtown skyline. He said the architects will be Tom Wilson and Architectural Design Group, the architects who designed the neighboring SBC Bricktown Ballpark.

Pittman and Perkel said they want the hotel to complement the district and will include brick in its facade.

The hotel won't have a restaurant, Pittman said, because the property at Sheridan Avenue and Central already is surrounded by eateries and clubs. But the hotel will be bigger than a typical Hampton Inn.

"We were envisioning it as being about 150 rooms," Pittman said. "But as we got into it and kept working it, it ended up we felt like we could get 200 rooms on the site."

Pitman estimated construction will begin by March and be completed within 14 months.

The Hampton Inn, when built, will join a 150-room Residence Inn being built along Reno Avenue by John Q. Hammons as the first hotels to open in Bricktown.

And when combined with the renovation of the Skirvin Hotel and conversion of the Colcord into a boutique hotel, it will boost downtown's room count to about 1,500 by 2007. :laugh:

[shane453]

Residential/Mixed Use Developments and Resources - Downtown/Midtown area

The total number of proposed residential units in Downtown is DOUBLE the number of units that are existing. A study done for Downtown OKC, Inc. showed that downtown can support 12,000-12,500 units. There are currently less than 1,000.

The Triangle - http://www.thetriangleokc.com
New Mixed Use District, downtown. "Approximately" 781 residential units, grocery, pharmacy, commercial and retail spaces proposed. Certainly the most ambitious and my personal favorite of all OKC projects.
http://www.thetriangleokc.com/images/visionmapsmall.jpg
---- Phase 1 for The Triangle:Brownstones at Maywood Park
15 units from 2,500-3,500 sf, $400,000-$800,000.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/eyeblink/brownmay.jpg

Midtown - http://midtownok.com
Midtown property owners are getting very ambitious with the creation of their new website. There aren't real details or a master plan released yet, just individual projects. Midtown will likely be similar to the Triangle.

Block 42 - http://block42.com
Downtown Residential. 42 luxury units.

http://9.forumer.com/uploads/urbanok/post-46-1129957524.jpg

The Hill -
Downtown Residential. 171 luxury units.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/eyeblink/hill.jpg

The Classen - http://www.theclassen.com/Home
Midtown highrise condominiums, 80 units/21 stories. Conversion of Citizen's Tower offices, Frank Lloyd Wright inspired building.

Views from the Classen:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b26/okcland/12-05downtown.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b26/okcland/12-05classennorth.jpg

Park Harvey Apartments -
CBD residential. 178 units, converted from offices in 17-story Park Harvey building.

Tan building at center:
http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/56.jpg

Kerr Conversions -
CBD residential. Three Kerr-McGee owned vacant office buildings to be converted into approximately 70 luxury units.

India Temple, with vintage image of original facade:
http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/vintage/indiatemple2.jpg

The Chandelier -
Automobile Alley residential. 35 luxury rental units.

http://mysite.verizon.net/res17zef/1101broadway.jpg

Central Avenue Villas -
30 units, 735-2,800 sf. $175,000-$500,000.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/eyeblink/cav.jpg

Legacy Summit at Arts Central -
Arts district downtown residential, ground floor retail. Lots of setbacks, could be cancelled. 303 units.

http://maps.newsok.com/features/maps/images/maps_legacy_lg.jpg

Bricktown condos -
30 residential units, canal-level retail, enclosed parking.
Canalside and center:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/Simwiz/lb2.jpg


Film Exchange Building
Conversion. 6 apartments with 12,000 sf of retail/office space.

222 E. Main
4 units, 2100 sf retail, enclosed parking. This will fix a major eyesore. Look at that grimy building... Not a huge project but it should be done soon and will be the first Bricktown residential.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/eyeblink/222.jpg

Mysterious unannounced Midtown Highrise project by Rick Dowell, "ca. 250 units", limited information, revealed in Chamber of Commerce's downtown study.

Sieber Hotel Conversion -
Midtown, 30 apartments, 8 loft style apartments, and 5000 sf of ground-level retail.

--------


Total Units Proposed: 2,048
Existing Units: Approx. 850

[shane453]

Courtesy of BG918, here are some pictures of the master plan for the Oklahoma River just south of downtown OKC.

The Oklahoma River is a 7-mile stretch of the North Canadian River that was dammed in several places to become a navigable stretch of water. This was part of the MAPS program that has to date sparked $2.5 billion in investment in downtown area since 2000 and an estimated $1.5 billion in proposed investments.

"Riverside," as it is coming to be known, is Oklahoma City's next major rejuvenative project, in my opinion on a scale much grander than anything we have seen in Bricktown or anywhere else. The area includes the Meridian Hotel Row, historic Stockyards City, and blissfully undeveloped land unbelievably close to downtown. There is already the Matt Hoffman Action Sports Park, the Chesapeake Boathouse, and many parks and trails along the river. The American Indian Cultural Center, partnered with the Smithsonian Institute, has been blessed by tribal leaders and is scheduled to begin construction on the banks of the OKRiver.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/eyeblink/okcriverside.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/eyeblink/okcriverside2.jpg

Like many of Oklahoma City's projects, this isn't just a small construction- it is a completely new district with several neighborhoods, parks, amenities, etc etc. OKC is showing that we are no one-hit wonder after lighting up Bricktown.

[shane453]

Mr. Lackmeyer says that OKC's former Hollywood is "the best bet bet for downtown's next success story."

The race is on to save historic Film Exchange
By Steve Lackmeyer
The Oklahoman

A quick glance at Sheridan and California Avenues west of the Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City might suggest the strip isn't the best bet for downtown's next success story.

Film district

The odds seem so high. City planners and developers forgot this stretch as they recast most of downtown this past decade as a 21st century, major-league city. Sidewalks are crumbling, cracks filled with weeds and about half of the old street lights don't turn on at night.

Homeless people and panhandlers nap in entryways of abandoned buildings by day, sometimes walking over to nearby fast-food restaurants to beg for some change.

But a mix of developers, civic leaders and idealistic filmmakers say this last, undeveloped corner of downtown once known as the "Film Exchange" could become yet another destination spot.

Amidst the dreamers, Bradley Wynn and the Oklahoma Film Society appear to be the most ambitious -- and last week signed a lease to bring life back to the district's former Paramount Pictures building.

"We had Paramount, Warner Brothers, Fox, Columbia Pictures all right here," Wynn said. "The first automobile commercial was shot here. The birth of cable television occurred here. Even the Mafia was involved. There is a lot of great history in the area and it would be a shame to lose it."

Where movies were chosen
During the heyday of downtown movie palaces, theater owners screened movies and bought supplies and equipment in the Film Exchange district, centered at Sheridan and Lee. The last vestige of that era, Oklahoma Theatre Supply, opened in 1930 and operated until 2004 upon the death of its owner, Maxine Peak.

Wynn met Peak shortly before her death, just as he was starting to explore the area's history.

"The area was so dilapidated, so much in danger of being destroyed," Wynn said. "Maxine Peak passed away with a broken heart, in my opinion. This area was her life."

Peak left Wynn with some of the vintage silent projectors, blueprints from long-lost downtown theaters and other antiques he hopes to display in an Oklahoma motion picture museum.

But more than being a tribute to days gone by, Wynn thinks the Film Exchange can once again be a thriving area for the state's filmmakers.

In just the past few weeks, the former Paramount Building has already become an early seedling for that dream. Oklahoma Casting recently became the building's second tenant, and owner Ron Smith reports leases are being negotiated with two other independent film companies.

Wynn said he learned early on that Oklahoma's film community needs a base -- one he thinks could be the Film Exchange.

"There was a cohesiveness problem, communication problem -- one guy who might need lighting, but didn't know this other guy who could provide the lighting," Wynn said.

He also argues Hollywood is filled with Oklahoma natives who might want to return home.

"Today, the running joke in Hollywood is that 50 percent of it is made up of people from Oklahoma or with Oklahoma connections," Wynn said. "Ron Howard was from Duncan, Brad Pitt was from Shawnee. The list goes on and on. My question is, 'Why didn't they stay? Why did they move?'"

If the Film Exchange could offer the infrastructure needed by filmmakers, Wynn argues, maybe the next Ron Howard and Brad Pitt will stick around.

Property owners seem ready to help that dream come true.

Smith, a transplant from the northwest United States, bought the former Paramount Building in 2003. His plans include a restoration that would remove the fake siding and paint -- once the building is leased and he is assured it can be safe from vandalism and break-ins.

"When we came to Oklahoma City, we saw a mini-Seattle," Smith said. "We see that it's going to happen; it's just a question of when and how."

Veteran Oklahoma City businessman and developer Chip Fudge is making the same bet. When the Oklahoma Film Association recently hosted its first brain-storming meeting about the district, attendees included notable developers such as Fudge, whose early efforts included the Paseo and Kamps Grocery, and Richard Tanenbaum, whose downtown projects include the Montgomery and the Park-Havey Apartments.

Fudge said he was drawn to the area by architect David Wanzer, whose office is in Deep Deuce.

"I try to go where I can find undervalued real estate that is cool," Fudge said. "We felt like we could take this and do something -- and it has a very marketable brand, having been the film exchange."

Fudge owns the actual "Film Exchange" building, 700 W Sheridan, and is working with Wanzer and owners of Bricktown's LIT lounge to renovate the property into lofts on the top floor and street level shops, restaurants and galleries.

"I have fun with these," Fudge said. "I have a day job that keeps me busy, but I really enjoy finding real estate that I can put back together."

Challenges remain
The momentum, Wynn said, points to the Film Exchange becoming another vibrant downtown district. But the area also comes with some challenges that won't be easy to overcome.

Unlike the rest of downtown, the Film Exchange area has seen no sidewalk or lighting improvements in at least a quarter-century. More than three dozen people showed up at the recent brain-storming session, and concerns about problems associated with nearby homeless shelters were raised throughout the discussion.

Councilwoman Ann Simank, who has supported similar efforts in the Plaza District on NW 16 and in Capitol Hill, encouraged the filmmakers, developers and property owners to form an organization, and to pursue a Main Street designation that could help pay for their efforts.

She also indicated the city could "streetscape" the area, giving it new sidewalks and lighting, as part of a bond issue that will be presented to voters in the next few years. Simank, however, wasn't bombarded with demands that the nearby homeless shelters be moved elsewhere.

By being the first to move in, Wynn hopes to show others the area is ready for redevelopment. He is quick to remind others that Bricktown and Deep Deuce also once struggled with the homeless issue.

"It's an obstacle just like anything," Wynn said. "Our goal is to embrace the homeless shelters, to better their environment, their living conditions, and to look at things we're doing that might provide them with opportunities."

[JBinCalgary]

that underground tunnel system sounds really interesting.
is it a pedestrian walkway?

[shane453]

The Metro Concourse is an underground tunnel system beneath downtown that connects 33 buildings in a 20 square block area of downtown. You can basically walk wherever you need to go within the CBD without having to wait at crosswalks. Including skywalks, there is more than one mile of tunnels. The Concourse, as it has been known previously, is lined with restaurants, shops, and offices. While it does divert a lot of pedestrian traffic, making downtown appear deserted even on busy days, it is very convenient for people who need to go somewhere in a hurry.

A map in PDF: http://downtownokc.com/Portals/1/PDF/BID_service_map_05.pdf

Now under redesign by Rand Elliot & Assoc, it will be known as The Underground, and sport stylish street level entrances, art galleries, and new navigation signs. Some parts are already completed, including a very cool section with a gallery of vintage downtown photographs and captions. The renovations certainly help clear up the dark, creepy, retro look of the tunnels.

http://www.e-a-a.com/images/community/undrgrnd/under3b.jpg
http://www.e-a-a.com/images/community/undrgrnd/under1b.jpg
http://www.e-a-a.com/images/community/undrgrnd/under2b.jpg

[Owlhorn]

Aren't cities trying to get rid of those things?

[shane453]

Why would we get rid of it? We have one of the most expansive systems in the world and it is very useful for pedestrian travel from point A to point B. Plus it's a godsend in the winter or on rainy days.

[shane453]

You can see plans, meeting notes, maps, and other information regarding OKC metrotransit plans for the future at www.okfgs.org.

The plans, to be completed in phases until 2030, allow for 3 major commuter rail legs, expanded bus service, HOV lanes, and a modern streetcar system. I believe the downtown streetcars are the first priority at this time.

[shane453]

A rendering of the 50 ft Kerr McGee Bell Tower. This will be the second landmark for the river, now that that the Chesapeake Boathouse is complete. The belltower is set for completion this spring.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v321/eyeblink/plaza2.jpg

[PLANSIT]

shane, underground tunnels take away from street level pedestrian activity. walking from point a to point b means you are walking under potential shops and eaterys. OKC dt streetlife is weak at best and this isn't going to help things.

[shane453]

There are "shops and eateries" in the Underground as well as on street level. The Underground is closed on weekends.

Some downtown developers were concerned about the Underground and wanted to close it off forever. I think the Underground is a fine asset for businesspeople in the CBD. The CBD is by definition is primarily a place for business. If the Underground makes it more convenient or warmer or dryer for them to get to work or the courthouse or lunch, there is no negative. "Street life" is less important than the comfort and convenience of downtown tenants, and the Underground does not totally take this away from the CBD.

[PLANSIT]

By that mentality the CBD will never be 24 hrs...

1. OKC CBD can be as pedestrian as it is business. Why isn't lower Manhattan tunneled and sky-bridged? The weather is far worse in the winter.

2. Eventually people will take up residency in the CBD, west of the tracks. They may not want to walk to Bricktown and eat at the chain crap.

3. If the tunnel has shops and eaterys, and is closed on the weekend, where do people eat/shop? They are forced to the few street level joints, or a tunnel-less walk to bricktown.

4. Houston has a more extensive system and it shows, walking DT is sometimes lifeless.

5. Plenty of cities around the country manage to live without tunnels. Some with far greater weather variancies. Most with much better street life.

6. This alone will not cure OKC CBD woes, but it's a piece of the puzzle.

[PLANSIT]

Just to add...

The tunnel may be ok for business people. Just don't flaunt it and make seem like something it's not.

DT OKC, west of the tracks, after five, is the creepiest place I've been in awhile. I only hope that something is done to get in more activity. And don't get me wrong, Bricktown is nice for what it is. Hopefully it too, will elvolve into something more.

[shane453]

Bricktown is evolving... when did you see it last? They're now excavating beneath historic buildings to build new canal-level retail spaces.

The CBD is actually progressing too. We have a new Italian restaurant in the Montgomery Ward Apartments where Eva Longoria has eaten while in town with NBA boyfriend, a few restaurants that have been announced, a nightclub in the basement of the Colcord hotel ("XO"), and today a furniture/decor store announced a new location in the CBD.

People are already taking residency in the CBD. There are about 250 units in progress in the CBD alone, and 2,000 announced in the whole of downtown.

Pedestrian level is not being forgotten in OKC. We have the Underground, it's a fine asset, and we're keeping it and improving it.

[Hot Rod]

Just to add...

The tunnel may be ok for business people. Just don't flaunt it and make seem like something it's not. .

totally agree, as it definitely takes away pedestrian traffic on the downtown streets! But I think OKC should be proud of the system as not many have such an extensive one! :yes:

DT OKC, west of the tracks, after five, is the creepiest place I've been in awhile.

Not anymore! DT is coming back, with more and more coming in. They are adding storefronts back, which will definitely add more "life" to the CBD. Bricktown, AAlley, and the Art's District already have very to pretty good life after 5pm and I think this has all been heightened by the success of the NBA's NO/Oklahoma City Hornets.

Hopefully the seeds of development will continue to sprout and Downtown OKC will become more of a destination! :upload_71700:

[Hot Rod]

They're now excavating beneath historic buildings to build new canal-level retail spaces.

The CBD is actually progressing too. We have a new Italian restaurant in the Montgomery Ward Apartments where Eva Longoria has eaten while in town with NBA boyfriend, a few restaurants that have been announced, a nightclub in the basement of the [Insert: "NEW" ] Colcord hotel ("XO"), and today a furniture/decor store announced a new location in the CBD.

People are already taking residency in the CBD. There are about 250 units in progress in the CBD alone, and 2,000 announced in the whole of downtown.

Pedestrian level is not being forgotten in OKC. We have the Underground, it's a fine asset, and we're keeping it and improving it.

Im so proud of the progress going on downtown. Every little bit of retail adds up! I love the weekly (and sometimes daily) announcements!!! :notacrook:

Just think, in 1999 there was Little to NO retail to speak of in downtown besides the stuff in the Underground. In two years, downtown will have a reasonable amount of streetfronts in the CBD! :yes:

[shane453]

OKC's Chesapeake Energy was just upgraded to become OKC's third S&P 500 company. There are a total of four in the state of Oklahoma.

-----

Chesapeake joining S&P 500
By Adam Wilmoth
The Oklahoman

Chesapeake Energy Corp. will join an elite club of industry leaders this week, becoming listed among the S&P 500.

Standard & Poor's officially invited the Oklahoma City energy company among its loftiest ranks Tuesday. Chesapeake will replace Ohio-based auto parts manufacturer Dana Corp. on the index Thursday.

"It will be an exciting day," said Tom Price, Chesapeake's senior vice president of corporate development. "It's further indication that the company and its importance to the country is being appreciated by S&P."

Often viewed as a proxy of the publicly traded stock market, the S&P 500 includes many of the country's largest, most actively traded companies.

"They'll be playing to a whole new crowd," said Jake Dollarhide, chief executive officer of Tulsa-based Longbow Asset Management Corp. "Being listed among the S&P 500 index will give Chesapeake exposure to many more investors. I think there will be a lot of people who will be interested in Chesapeake now who maybe haven't checked out the company before. It's like they're in the club now."

Many large investment firms and advisers buy only stocks listed among the S&P index, Dollarhide said.

The addition of Chesapeake gives Oklahoma four companies on the index. The others are Devon Energy Corp., Kerr-McGee Corp. and Williams Cos. Inc. Besides the benefits for the individual companies, Dollarhide said the inclusion of another Oklahoma company reflects well on the entire state.

"At a minimum, it's certainly a nice recognition for the state," Dollarhide said. "It also shows there are talented individuals running some very important companies."

One irony, however, is that despite efforts to diversify the state's economy, all four of Oklahoma's S&P companies are oil and natural gas producers.

"The state certainly has diversified, but the energy sector is still leading the state," Dollarhide said.

While many civic and economic leaders have promoted the state's diversification, Price said being a leader in the energy industry will benefit Oklahoma for many years to come.

"We believe we are in an industry being seen more and more as critical to the smooth running of the U.S. economy," he said.

[shane453]

- Mayor reelected by a record-setting 87% margin, probably due to the incredible success of his first term.

- Security cameras to be installed all around downtown as part of the city's beefing up on security in the area, especially the courthouse and city buildings.

- Art Deco-era Tower Theater to be revived as a live-music venue, offices, and retail. Its owners hope to anchor the reemergence of Uptown (23rd street area), following in the footsteps of Bricktown, the Arts District, Film Exchange, Midtown, and Automobile Alley.

- The already outstanding OKC zoo has almost finished with its new $9.3 million 7.7 acre exhibit, "Oklahoma Trails," which highlights the 11 "life zones" of the state of Oklahoma.

[shane453]

from http://okctower.com

http://okctower.com/dt5.jpg

"The Uptown Development Group's mission is to restore a portion of historic NW 23rd, a blighted urban area with 40 years of decline, in to a thriving entertainment and retail district. Restoring and renting the historic theater, retail spaces and offices will anchor the NW 23rd corridor, providing a catalyst for future growth in the area."

"The Uptown Development Group's Tower Theater complex is more than 24,000 square feet of historical property on NW 23rd Street including the landmark Tower Theater. The property, on the original Route 66, is nestled between the historically preserved neighborhoods of Heritage Hills, Jefferson Park and the Paseo Arts District. The group plans on renovating the property under the guidance of Oklahoma Historical Society and the National Parks Service, into a thriving arts and entertainment destination. The property, built in 1926, includes 8000 square feet of retail space on NW 23rd, 8000 sq. ft. of office space (above retail), 50,000 sq. ft. of parking on NW 23rd and the 8000 square foot theater, which was built in 1937."

[shane453]

Oklahoma's largest publicly traded company, Devon Energy, has leased an additional 100,000 square feet in downtown Oklahoma City, bringing their downtown OKC total to 600,000 square feet. They own a 17 story building and lease in I think three others.

This brings the Class A/B vacancy rate down to 17%.

One is led to wonder when Devon will become tired of having employees in three different buildings and spend the money to build a 60-story tower.

[shane453]

This condo project was announced at the end of last year for Lower Bricktown. The building is in a prime site next to the movie theater and across the canal from the Centennial Fountain. New details have been released about the project.

11 units of the total 30 are already sold, and some of the retail space is leased. A 10-lane bowling alley and lounge and a Starbucks will be the anchor retail tenants. Two levels of retail will be constructed- canal level and second level walkway, similar to upper Bricktown designs. The remaining three levels will be the 30 residential units, and underground parking will be provided for tenants. It's a small but nice project, and the bowling alley is very nice to add another activity to Bricktown's menagerie.

Construction will begin May 1 and the project will be complete by summer 2007.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v671/Simwiz/lb2.jpg

[shane453]

3 Articles:

1) PHF Reseach Park now has no vacancy as it begins construction of more buildings
2) Oklahoma River might be extended/routed into former airpark property to increase development options and property values
3) 30-acre Memorial Corridor mixed use office development

Research park fills last available space

By Jim Stafford
The Oklahoman

24 tenants added in past 20 months

The "no vacancy" sign has gone up on the Presbyterian Health Foundation Research Park.
The last 1,800 square feet of space in the park -- out of almost 600,000 square feet -- has been committed, Mike Anderson, president of the foundation, said Tuesday.

"In the last 20 months, 24 new tenants have been added to the Research Park," Anderson told an audience of about 150 people attending a health research conference at the park's Conference Center. "There are now 44 tenants here."

The latest tenant is a company created by University of Oklahoma researcher Dr. Jian-Xing "Jay" Ma, called Charlesson LLC and its subsidiary, Lifetrees LLC.

Both companies were formed in 2005, said Mike Moradi, a partner in the companies through his Venture Development Associates.

Charlesson is an analytical research lab performing research for big pharmaceutical companies on a contract basis, while Lifetrees is working to develop products to battle eye disease, Moradi said.

Two patents have been filed based on Jian-Xing's research, and he has won six National Institutes of Health Phase I Small Business Innovation Research grants to support his work, Moradi said.

Jian-Xing's companies are in the same Research Park building where Oklahoma's biggest biotech success story, Novazyme Pharmaceuticals, began. Its successor, pharmaceutical Genzyme Corp. operates its Oklahoma City laboratories there.

Genzyme bought Novazyme in 2001 for $229.1 million.

"A lot of big success stories and serial entrepreneurs are located there, and we're happy to be part of that," Moradi said.

Anderson said the foundation plans up to 10 buildings on the Research Park campus, with planning already under way for a second parking garage and a seventh building. No definitive dates for construction have been established, Anderson said.

The sixth building, which is the location for the Cytovance Biologics biopharmaceutical plant, is complete and awaiting FDA approval to begin operations.

"The FDA is over there right now," Anderson said. "It has begun validation of the Cytovance bioreactors, which have been installed. We look toward manufacturing protein therapeutic biologics within this year."

A local partnership that includes Chesapeake Energy Corp. founders Aubrey McClendon and Tom Ward took over the completion and operation of the Cytovance plant earlier this year after the original group failed to obtain financing.

Meanwhile, the Research Park won't be finished when the 10th building has been built. The foundation has obtained land across Lincoln Boulevard on the south side of NE 8 Street that will allow more development, he said.

The value of the Research Park's six buildings and parking garage approach $100 million, Anderson said.


--------------------------

Airpark development may include river reroute: Downtown OKC property stands to gain value if plan proceeds

by Brian Brus
The Journal Record
4/6/2006

OKLAHOMA CITY - Developers may seek to divert Oklahoma River water to the former Downtown Airpark to enhance its value, investment group partner and former Mayor Kirk Humphreys said.

"It could involve modifications to the river," Humphreys said. "Basically, you'd try to do whatever you can to get the maximum value and utilization out of it.

"But our plans are not firm," he said. "And the land will not come into play until the highway moves. … And that's when it'll really start to realize its value."

In February, Aduddell-Gibraltar Partners LLC placed the winning bid of $7.2 million for the 81-acre airpark property. Last year the airpark was closed and put into receivership after Downtown Airpark Inc. faced financial challenges, owing more than $7 million to creditors.

The new investment partnership is composed of Aduddell Cos. and Gibraltar Investments, headed by Grant Humphreys. His brother Blair and father, Kirk Humphreys, also are involved in the deal.

Kirk Humphreys said he expects environmental-impact studies on the area to be ready for review within a few weeks, with closing on the deal to follow shortly thereafter. Developers will weigh options for the land then, he said.

"Who knows what direction it could take?" Humphreys said. "We haven't even hired a planning firm yet."

Pat Downes, who had a small interest in the property when it was turned over for sale, said river diversion or the creation of an inlet from the river nearby was explored in the conceptual master plan originally published by the River Development Trust.

"It shows an architect's rendering of what that property might look like with water features brought onto the property itself," said Downes, who is also director of development for the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority.

"They've acknowledged the existence of the concept," Downes said when asked if developers had approached him about possible river diversion. "But nobody has said, 'We're going to go do X, Y or Z.' I don't think they're there yet."

As an example of one possible outcome, Downes pointed to the inlet created near the Chesapeake Energy-sponsored boathouse near the Bricktown Canal. He said such construction off the river "is a fairly simple process."

"I know they're discussing some possibilities," Downes said. "I suspect they're thinking about those opportunities."

Oklahoma County assessor's office records show much of the airpark lies in Federal Emergency Management Agency's 100-year floodplain zone. Such FEMA-defined boundaries describe zones of the probability of water covering an area within a particular period - a 100-year floodplain means that historical records show a 1-percent probability of flooding each year.

Downes and Kirk Humphreys both said the park was not in the 100-year floodplain. Assessor's records, which are based on FEMA data, show otherwise. Humphreys said the construction of river dams in recent years would likely change those zones.

The Oklahoma City Zoological Park was founded at the site and was moved to NE 50th Street because of flooding problems in the early 1920s before the Army Corps of Engineers straightened the river. The airpark was built later.

City Manager Jim Couch said city officials would be open to a proposal to somehow divert river water to development.

"We'd work with them on that. We think that could be an amenity to the river, if they'd like to do that," Couch said. "I have talked with Kirk (Humphreys) about it, his development, but that particular option was not discussed."

Downes said, "Typically by adding shoreline, you add value. But you have to be careful how much money you spend creating that shoreline. … In general, waterfront property has a higher value than not waterfront."

Downes said residential or commercial development, "along the waterfront with views of the Oklahoma City skyline across the water, would be a very attractive development model."

Grant Humphreys said earlier that the property would likely be held without development for three to five years while Interstate 40 is realigned.


-------------
Mixed-Use Office Development for Memorial Corridor

BY KEVAN GOFF-PARKER
THE JOURNAL RECORD

From The Journal Record
Site for sore eyes

OKLAHOMA CITY – The 31.13-acre Memorial Business Park planned for northwest Oklahoma City may just be in the platting stage at the Oklahoma City Planning Commission, but for brothers Matt and Eric Roberts, managing members of Colonial Development, the vision is clear.

“This is a continuation of the Memorial corridor,” said Eric Roberts on Thursday. “This has finally come our way, and the time is right.”

As developers, the brothers said they envision a business park with a mix of upscale restaurants, retail shops, businesses, garden offices and possibly several hotels. If approved, new streets will be developed with names like “Memorial Park Drive,” and “NW 135th Street.”

A family-owned business, Colonial Development was started by the brothers’ grandfather, Temple Thompson, in 1961. Thompson had a knack for putting together business deals and land development. His daughter, Phyllis Brawley, and grandsons followed suit. Brawley is the mother of the Roberts brothers.

Once approved, the development should be built on the southeast corner of Lake Hefner Parkway and Memorial Road. The development is adjacent to the Kilpatrick Turnpike.

“We’re working all aspects of Memorial Business Park’s development,” Eric Roberts said. “We’re the third owner of the property. Our grandfather purchased 80 acres in 1958. Part of it was sold off for the Quail Creek Golf Course and houses in Quail Creek.”

Colonial Development has been busy in recent years developing the 40 acres that were left. About 10 acres of the land was used to create Stone Brook, a gated community with homes that average $300,000 to $350,000 at Clear Brook Road and Memorial Road. What remains of the original 80 acres will be used to develop Memorial Business Park.

The development company also sold different parcels of land that were later used to develop northwest Oklahoma City’s Nantucket Condos. The company also owns Colonial Plaza at May Avenue and Britton Road.

“It feels great,” Matt Roberts said. “We’re excited, and we’re ready to put this deal together and get busy. We’re ready to start once the City of Oklahoma City approves our plans.”

[Major AWACS]

1 Devon will not build a 60 story tower. be happy with the pretty upgraded sign.

2 THey need to fix the ped tunnel in OKC as the whole east side is rancid and parts are still unuseable

3 While bricktown is doing great things (hell my friends 4 plex condo is coming along nicely) but the turnover is still too great. The city is going to willy -nilly with the tax abatements and does not have a cohesive system with the County on-board to even out the taxation issues. That must be fixed first

4 As I have said for years, a grocery store must come sooner rather than later, and the Gazette actually said Homeland might make it happen. Time will tell. I hope it happens, so my property values will go up.

5-the west "of the tracks" part of DT is growing slowly, which is good. The hotel bars and cafes are actually drawing more and people shuttling between the Art Museum (for example) and Bricktown at a more regular pace.
(Automobile alley is DEAD) but at least Cafe do Brasil reopened and has a great Bar upstairs (sans their liquor license issues) I hope more, similar places come along for OKCs sake.

Ciao, and Hook 'em Horns,
Capt-AWACS, Forum Alpha Breeder Male

[bluedogok]

There was a grocery and a drug store in one proposal for the Deep Deuce area, but the out-of-town developer was chosen over the in-town developer. They did not have any of that type of retail in their proposal. That type of retail is still a problem in the downtown redevelopment plans of most cities.

As far as the creation of more canal level retail by digging out under the existing buildings, I hope they have fewer issues than we did with the JDM Place building. Ours was pretty challenging in a structural sense, but in some aspects it was easier since it occurred during the construction of the canal as it gave us more room to operate.

[shane453]

There's still a grocery and some other specific retailers cited on the wesbite for the Triangle. I think an area with 800 units (about the number we currently have downtown) can support a smallish grocery store, or even a large with help from other developments outside the Triangle.

[Don B.]

Cool stuff. Thanks for taking the time to share this.

I'd like to see OKC get a new signature 40-story tower. That would look great right in the middle of that downtown cluster. :)

--don

[OKCgasm]

1 Devon will not build a 60 story tower. be happy with the pretty upgraded sign.

2 THey need to fix the ped tunnel in OKC as the whole east side is rancid and parts are still unuseable

3 While bricktown is doing great things (hell my friends 4 plex condo is coming along nicely) but the turnover is still too great. The city is going to willy -nilly with the tax abatements and does not have a cohesive system with the County on-board to even out the taxation issues. That must be fixed first

4 As I have said for years, a grocery store must come sooner rather than later, and the Gazette actually said Homeland might make it happen. Time will tell. I hope it happens, so my property values will go up.

5-the west "of the tracks" part of DT is growing slowly, which is good. The hotel bars and cafes are actually drawing more and people shuttling between the Art Museum (for example) and Bricktown at a more regular pace.
(Automobile alley is DEAD) but at least Cafe do Brasil reopened and has a great Bar upstairs (sans their liquor license issues) I hope more, similar places come along for OKCs sake.

Ciao, and Hook 'em Horns,
Capt-AWACS, Forum Alpha Breeder Male

West of the tracks resembles downtown Houston. Hobos big time. Jesus House, County Jail, Rescue Jail, etc, etc. You can call me the anti-Film District.

The city did a survey and I think they may try to lure one of Whole Food's smaller urban markets... or maybe one of HEB's urban brand. Though there aren't any suburban HEBs in OKC right now.

[Major AWACS]

Kid, I don't think you have ever been to DT Houston, but the theatre district, light rail, Bayou Place, and over 100 bars and restaurants plus a REAL ballpark and Arena are nothing like OKC west of the tracks. The hobos DT stay near the South Texas College of Law, the Hobos in OKC area moving onto to Edmond while keeping a good base DT.

HEB will never come to Oklahoma because of the stupid liquor laws. HEB makes the most money (and margins) off of beer and wine sales. West of the tracks looks more like DT Amarillo than Houston. Homeland will come before Whole Foods, but even a Homeland like the mones on north May would be better than the nothing there now.

Ciao, and Hook 'em Horns,
Capt-AWACS, Oklahoma, A Native American word for "Trailer Park"

[Marvel 33]

Hey guys, sorry for getting off topic here but I was wondering if anybody would be interested in helping out with putting together a list of all the Oklahoma City forumers so I can post it on the How many forumers do we have per city? thread I created on Skybar. I also need it so I know exactly how many of you forumers we have.

You can either post it yourself or you can send me a private message with the names and I'll post it.

Here is a link to the thread: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=103189

Thanks!

[CTroyMathis]

I don't know if this has been mentioned anywhere, but, here it is anyway. . .
A little bit of something for Norman:


Hotel and CC Slated for Norman, Okla. (4/27/2006)
http://www.meetingsfocus.com/news.asp

SPRINGFIELD, MO. —John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH), based here, plans to develop a hotel and a conference center as part of the University North Park mixed-use development in Norman, Okla.

The nine-story hotel, expected to carry the Embassy Suites name, will house 240 guest rooms and JQH will develop and manage the property.

The stand-alone 65,000-square-foot conference center will be owned by the city of Norman and managed by JQH.

Construction on both projects is scheduled to begin next March. An opening date has not been set.




Published: April 27, 2006 12:00 am
$50 million hotel project announced
The Norman Transcript
By Carol Cole
Transcript Staff Writer
http://www.normantranscript.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_117002948

Plans for a 65,000-square-foot conference center and a 10-story, 240-room Embassy Suites hotel in the University North Park development in west Norman were announced Wednesday at City Hall.

The estimated $50 million project would be developed and managed by John Q. Hammons Hotels and Resorts LLC, based in Springfield, Mo. Groundbreaking is planned for spring 2007, with the company already initiating the design phase in the development east of Interstate 35 between Robinson Street and Tecumseh Road and west of Max Westheimer airport.

“I am just ecstatic,” said Mayor Harold Haralson. “It’s taken a lot of hard work.”

Hammons, who was present at the announcement, said his company had been studying the area for some time and is impressed with what is planned for the University North Park development.

“We are honored to be a part of such a visionary development and know that as it comes to fruition, it will be a source of pride for not only Norman, but for all of Oklahoma,” Hammons said.

University of Oklahoma President David Boren said Hammons hotels are “top quality” and the new hotel and conference center would help the city and university attract more national and international conferences.

“I know from friends … that these properties are well-developed and well-maintained,” Boren said.

“We are unable to find space for these conferences. So this is a great asset, not only for Norman but for the university.”

There is a contingency on whether the project will happen, that of approval of the University of North Park Tax Increment Financing or TIF District.

“We need the TIF. … We absolutely have to have that,” Hammons said. “You need this and your city will thrive better when that happens.”

He said he hoped the TIF would be approved or he wouldn’t be here.

“I like this area. I like the strength of the market. I like the freeway system,” Hammons said.

The City of Norman would own the conference center, with a contribution of $15 million planned from the TIF District. Hammons said he would supply whatever the difference might be.

“This is an example of the opportunities that we could miss if we don’t approve the TIF,” Boren said.

“It is my profound wish that it should be (approved,)” Haralson said. “But as you know, council sometimes has its own mind. They have to make it up. My sincere hope is that we will pass the TIF.”

Hammons operates more than 60 hotel and resort properties, including two in downtown Oklahoma City and one in Tulsa. Since 1958, he said he has developed more than 173 hotels in 40 states.

“I build for tomorrow, not yesterday,” Hammons said. “Quality always sells and quality is always in demand.”

He said being in a university city was one of the keys to his development philosophy. A prepared release from the company indicates they prefer to locate near state capitals, airports, corporate headquarters or office parks in secondary and tertiary markets.

“We like university and capital cities because in recessionary periods, kids still go to school and politicians never get dismissed,” Hammons said. “I-35 is profound. The University of Oklahoma is profound. And the market is still capable of doing a lot more business.”

Boren said they worked with the airport committee on the project.

“In regard to the height, we are located in areas where we are protected,” Hammons said. “Our 10-story hotel that we planned is within the guidelines of protection on that so we’re all right.”

Boren said pilots will choose to land in Norman because of the mall and hotel.

“And all of these plans have protected the glide path into Norman. … Only very low buildings will be allowed (in the glide path) and there is an additional buffer space for the glide path itself. So it is very well protected,” Boren said.

“All in all, it’s been a great day,” said Sherri Rogers, executive director of the Norman Convention and Visitors Bureau. “And we need meeting space desperately in this town.”

Haralson said the project cements the vision the city has worked on.



Also:
Published: April 28, 2006 12:15 am
TIF project plan recommended
The Norman Transcript
Statutory committee sends plan forward by unanimous vote
By Carol Cole
Transcript Staff Writer
http://www.normantranscript.com/siteSearch/apstorysection/local_story_118011133

[shane453]

Purchased 7 years ago for $5.5 million, sold now for $21 million! Can you believe that price increase?!?! Crazy! DT OKC real estate values have truly skyrocketed. Not only did the mysterious California investors buy the tower but also the 14 story buildings attached. It sounds like they're going to refurbish all of the offices but also we can't rule out some residential uses. Either way it will take a lot more vacant space away- either by signing new tenants or converting away to residential. Great news!

The beautiful 32 story tower with its grand banking hall and two 14 story buildings are included in the sale.

It's almost a million square feet of office space! (999,651 sf)

http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/63.jpg

First National Center bought for $21m


By Richard Mize
The Oklahoman

California investors bought First National Center Friday in a $21 million deal that could change the tenor of an already dynamic downtown Oklahoma City.
The buyers, who were not revealed, have no connection to Oklahoma, said Tim Strange of Sperry Van Ness, which handled the sale of the city’s largest downtown office property.

"Plans are to bring it back to its former glory as the crown jewel of downtown Oklahoma City. To fill it up — and dress her up and take her to the ball. Have a centennial ball in the Grand Banking Hall," Strange said. "This deal really came together, from inception to closing, in 48 hours," he said.

Sperry Van Ness’s Jason Little, who represented the buyers, said he could not provide specifics on the new owners’ plans for the office buildings.

"They’re pretty creative and they’re not ruling anything out," Little said.

First National Center comprises the original 32-story tower of 451,086 square feet built in 1931 at 120 N Robinson, a 14-story building of 201,915 square feet built in 1956 at 120 Park Ave. and a 14-story building of 346,650 square feet built in 1974, also at 120 Park Ave.

The purchase puts the distinctive yet largely empty property in new hands for the first time since 1999, when developers Joel S. Hoffman and Mitchell Wolff of Parsippany, N.J., formed First National LLC and bought it from the nonprofit Feed the Children for $5.5 million.

[Hot Rod]

It is amazing and very exciting to see the real estate and construction boom in downtown Oklahoma City. Hopefully this will lead to more exciting announcements - we've all been waiting to hear!!! :)

[shane453]

Wow, haven't posted here in a long time. For a quick update summary of the several months I haven't posted, a lot of the projects detailed in this thread are complete, nearing completion, and beginning construction. The area surrounding downtown is like a ring of churned up dirt and the sounds of construction. Most projects have done very, very well with pre-leasing and more announcements continue to come up.

The biggest deal, in my opinion, is developer Greg Banta's acquisition of 30 historic properties along 10th street in Midtown. He has begun renovating almost all of them- placing banners dubbing the development the "Midtown Renaissance" throughout the district- I think we'll see well over 1 million sf of office, retail, and residential space along NW 10th leased by the end of this year as a result of his efforts. Midtown is starting to look beautiful and all kinds of local retail tenants are announcing moves and new locations in Banta's retail properties.

As the downtown market continues to heat up, rumors are starting to fly in real estate circles. The biggest rumor is the 40-story office tower rumor that originated when local FSB architecture showed renderings of the building at presentations. A few more curious ears have been grabbed by the following pictures:

Light rail?
http://okmet.org/bb/gallery/2_17_12_06_2_38_20.jpg

A glassy highrise in the Triangle?
http://okmet.org/bb/gallery/2_20_12_06_2_37_43.jpg

This model is in the gallery of TAParchitecture, developers in charge of several major downtown projects including the Triangle.
http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g100/TheOkie/Photos%20052806/P1010302-1.jpg

-------------------------------

68,000 people turned up downtown for the Opening Night 2007 celebration:

http://okmet.org/bb/gallery/4_01_01_07_4_33_48.jpg

More photos of the event are here: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=122834

[shane453]

Inner Oklahoma City Residential Unit Count
Recently completed, under construction, and proposed projects

Completed

The Classen-
88 units

222 E Main-
4 units

Total 92

Under Construction (Many should be having move-ins between February and April)

Legacy Summit-
303 units

The Hill-
157 units

Park Harvey-
162 units

Central Ave Villas-
30 units

Block 42-
42 units

Sieber Hotel-
38 units

Harvey Lofts-
13 units

Centennial on Canal-
30 units

Brownstones at Maywood Park-
15 Units

Osler Building-
Approx 40 units

Heritage Building-
Approx 10 Units

The Guardian-
Approx 5 units

Marion Hotel-
Approx 10 units

1100/1101 N Broadway-
Approx 30 units

Film Exchange-
6 units

Total 891

Proposed

Mercy Park-
133 units

Flatiron Lofts-
approx. 50 units

The Triangle-
About 781 units promised, currently about 80 under construction

Total 964

Possible Delay/Rumored Proposals

Braniff Towers-
70 units

131 Harrison-
60 units

2nd & Oklahoma-
50 units

Total 180

Grand Total: 2130
Total Excluding Potential Rumors/Delays: 1950

[john_mclark]

are there any highrise condos (built or renovation) on Northwest expressway?

[shane453]

There sure are. The old United Founders Tower (the cool circular black and white building) is being converted to 68 units, and they are replacing the black colored windows with light bluegreen ones. Each unit will have THREE balconies and they're offering incredible concierge services from what I gather. The revolving restaurant Nikz at the Top is staying.

This pictures shows that they've started replacing the windows. The building will look like brand new when they finish:

http://static.newsok.biz/article/2981813/biz-founders_12-06-2006_GH1OU04.jpg

The land around the 360 will feature a new office building and they're talking with a few hotel chains to put a hotel on the location. W, Hyatt, and Hotel Indigo have expressed interest.

There is also a proposed 11 story condo tower called the Lighthouse near the Expressway overlooking Lake Hefner.

[Hot Rod]

looks great!!

Keep it coming OKC, but I hope downtown also gets some more highrises - taller than 11 storeys of course. It's nice that OKC has 2+ Central Business Districts - but I am more interested in the tall/dense one, Downtown not so much the other one that's relatively short and spread out.

But yeah, its good to see the NW Business District grow as well. Its all good for Oklahoma City.

[shane453]

We could see it soon if we keep going condo crazy and eating up downtown office space with apartments.

Speaking of converting old spaces into residential units... Today the former downtown library building was sold for about 3/4 of a million to a developer who will be turning the ground floor into retail, the second floor into parking, and the third and fourth into 14 residential units.

http://static.newsok.biz/article/3006459/j31-library_01-31-2007_102ADVL.jpg

I'm assuming all of that will entail the addition of some more windows in that boring wall and a redesign of the exterior.

[shane453]

Developers in Uptown OKC hope to revive the district along 23rd St.

This area includes developments like the Classen highrise condos, Gold Dome, Cheevers restaurant, everything in the Asian District, and, most notably, the renovation of the Tower Theater which is at the heart of the commercial district of Uptown.

http://okmet.org/bb/gallery/4_04_02_07_12_57_57.jpg

The Tower Theater has a rich history in the city and in entertainment- its neon sign was even used in a Jay Leno backdrop in early Tonight Show seasons. Now the entire commercial block is being renovated. Clubs and restaurants will open alongside the theater later this year. Other property owners are hoping this is the thing that will set an Uptown Renaissance in motion.

[john_mclark]

hey shane453 is United Founders Tower the one that changes color?

[shane453]

It used to change color, for a while, but the exterior lights have been turned off for quite some time as the ownership changes occurred and renovation got underway.

The new colored glass is about halfway up the tower now. It looks nice. It will be fun to see people living/walking on the balconies in such a high profile old landmark.

Also, the newest plans/renderings for the new Riverside district from the ongoing Core to Shore proceedings:

http://okmet.org/bb/gallery/4_09_02_07_9_06_05.jpg

http://okmet.org/bb/gallery/4_09_02_07_8_58_25.JPG

[shane453]

Speaking of the 360 Condo Tower, the rotating restaurant Nikz at the Top, a longtime OKC staple, will be closing because of disagreement with new ownership. 60 of the 68 units are sold.

There are rumors of a dense mixed use village in Bricktown including a highrise condo tower overlooking the Ballpark.

OKC Population Estimates 2006

County 2006 (2005) Estimates

Oklahoma County 691,266 (684,196)
Canadian County 101,335 (98,451)
Logan County 36,971 (36,414)
Cleveland County 228,594 (224,244)
Grady County 50,490 (49,364)
Lincoln County 32,645 (32,344)
McClain County 31,038 (29,982)

OKC MSA Total 1,172,339 (1,154,995)
+17,344

Pottawatomie County (Shawnee Micro) 68,638 (68,076)

CSA 1,240,977 (1,223,071)
+17,906

[Architect2010]

There might be a possible agreement for that Mixed use village in Bricktown!!!
I think that the city is selling it or something.
Oh and kinda surprised that no one mentioned that Kerr-Mgee tower was vacated and then was purchased by chesapeake and then sold to Sandridge..
and they will be moving into to the tower! jessss!

[jordan]

I am going to make my trip to Oklahoma City. Does anyone from knows how long it takes to get from Dallas to Oklahoma City?

[DallasiteLostinPHX]

I am going to make my trip to Oklahoma City. Does anyone from knows how long it takes to get from Dallas to Oklahoma City?


3 hrs.

[DallasiteLostinPHX]

It really is amazing the transformation OKC is going through. While I attended OU, I spent a lot of time in OKC. Love the areas around Hefner, Nichols Hills and Bricktown. It really is under-appreciated. It took moving to the desert to realize it myself.

[Architect2010]

Has anyone heard anything about the mix-use village across form the ballpark???

The Centennial is almost complete now.
I think it looks really good, and it definitley helps it feel more dense...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/movies/harkins_9_22_07_6.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/1574239640_4237480034.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/1573353957_79b2717122.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/1573353487_d79f6996ea.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2005/1574240622_a061709f01.jpg?v=0

The mosaic at the north end of the canal is now complete and looks gorgeous. Hopefully the Water Tower and Zios building renovations will get under way to really liven up that part of the canal.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1223/1477430537_d0dd811317.jpg?v=0

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/1477429381_5bf146a231.jpg?v=0

[PHXguyinOKC]

OKC looks to really have done a lot of stuff lately. I'm glad I got here a few months ago and not a few years ago... doesn't look like there was much to do back then.
I am really anticipating the new I-40 by downtown.... the current one is hell and my first drive on it really discouraged me about this city... bad first impression.
The Myriad Gardens look nice driving by but walking through it looks to be in disrepair, like the city just forgot about it.
Downtown is much like Phoenix's DT, a ghost town on the weekends and after 5pm... I hope both cities change this.
Bricktown is cool, it's a lot like Tempe's Mill Ave. The Harkin's Theater makes me feel a bit at home... the Cine Capri was a historic Theater in Phoenix that got razed.

OKC looks to being heading for some good changes, but please, fix these roads... my mustang does not like them.

[wsucougz]

MIDTOWN

Walker Shops:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture020.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture021.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture022.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture024.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture025.jpg

St. Anthony's:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture026.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture027.jpg

7th & Francis Modern Home:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture028.jpg

Here are a few other homes in the same enclave, these are architects building their personal residences in a pretty dilapidated area

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/Picture055.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/Picture056.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/Picture063.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020061210/Picture017.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/Picture060.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/Picture059.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/Picture058.jpg[/QUOTE]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture029.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture030.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture031.jpg

Old Theater. Hopefully this becomes someone's pet project at some point

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture055.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture056.jpg

BROWNSTONES AT MAYWOOD (sculpture and trees are in)

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture032.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture033.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture034.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture035.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture036.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture041.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture040.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture042.jpg

Mostly finished model:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture038.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture039.jpg

Lofts at Maywood:

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture037.jpg

THE HILL

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture046.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture047.jpg

BLOCK FOURTY TWO

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l16/wsucougz/City%2020080105/Picture048.jpg

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CENTRAL AVENUE VILLAS

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[shane453]

Thanks for the construction updates wsucougz.

Bricktown Urban Design will vote Wednesday to allow a height variance on what would become the tallest building in Bricktown (at 12 stories).

http://photos.newsok.com/show_image.php?tn=0&nuvc=0&p=52616e646f6d4956af0f62a651a82ea8c5518ff3f7f8bb3c

http://photos.newsok.com/show_image.php?tn=0&nuvc=0&p=52616e646f6d4956cbcb36fe35231bbfcb3f9637dcb7dcc1

12-story structure and 4-story structure, linked by street-level bridge over canal.

Canal-level and street-level retail.
4 stories of parking (half private, half public)
65ish condo units with 6th floor patio/pool
Top floor restaurant?
Office space
Pending approval, site work could begin by spring

Developer says he'll focus more on RETAIL rather than "a stack of bars."

[Magnus1]

keep the news coming. OKC's renaissance is one of the best in the nation.

Bricktown beats all the entertainment districts in dallas hands down.

HERE ARE MY OKC PICTURES:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=144153

[shane453]

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Residential construction in Downtown/Midtown. Proposed/Under Construction/Recently completed.

[Architect2010]

Nice post Shane, interesting to look at.

Here is a compilation of all projects in DT OKC.

HOTELS
Hampton Inn & Suites Bricktown
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Status: Construction is underway. Architectural Design Group is the architect. Boldt Construction is the contractor. Ground breaking and construction began February 2007 with an opening date of summer 2008.
Project: A new 200 room hotel in Bricktown, located just north of the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark and east of the Bricktown Parking Garage on Sheridan. The nine- story brick structure is a joint development of Marsh Pittman and Raymond Management Group of Madison, Wisconsin. Raymond currently manages and operates 38 Hilton properties and will manage and operate the Hampton Inn & Suites Bricktown.

MEDICAL
St. Anthony Campus Redevelopment Plan
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Status: Construction on St. Anthony's new Physicians Office Building is currently underway. Upon completion the new building will offer over 80-square-feet and include administrative spaces and conference facilities on the fourth floor, an imaging center and breast care center, parking in the basement and three floors of leasable office space. The new building will offer added convenience to St. Anthony physicians and their patients, as well as accommodate a growing medical staff. Developer is Minneapolis-based Frauenshuh Healthcare Real Estate Solutions.
Devon Energy announced the company is donating $500,000 toward the transformation of the east entrance to St. Anthony Hospital. The donation will fund a plaza, landscaping and sculpture along a new boulevard that will lead into the campus from Walker Avenue.
Project: The Campus Redevelopment Plan for the east side of St. Anthony Hospital is currently underway. This encompasses the area from Ninth to Tenth Streets and Dewey Street to Walker Avenue. The redevelopment of the east side of the hospital includes a new entrance to the east side of the hospital, a new physician office building, a boulevard entrance from Walker Avenue, and a new parking lot for patients, visitors and staff.
The new entrance to the east side of the hospital will feature a canopied drop-off area for patients and visitors. The entrance will lead to the main floor of the hospital instead of the current first floor entrance. One feature of the new entrance is the direct access elevators to the new surgery department. This will create easy access for those patients scheduled for surgery. The Campus Redevelopment Plan for the east side of the hospital is designed to enhance the aesthetics of St. Anthony as well as improve the image of the surrounding area.
Architectural Design Group is architect for the recently opened Surgery Department, the Physicians Office Building, the New East Entry and the Campus Redevelopment Plan. The Contractor for the Surgery Department, Physician's Office Building and New East Entry is Flintco, Inc.
The hospital is also undergoing constant updates inside the hospital. Those updates include a newly renovated 10th floor with warm colors, new drapery, artwork, and enhanced safety features. Also recently renovated was the 2nd floor concourse, Joyful Beginnings Childbirth Center, and concourse that connects the west parking garage to the main hospital. The features added to the updated concourse include a colorful mural inspired by the hospital's marketing campaign, Saints in Action.

OU Children’s Physicians Facility
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Status: Construction of the medical office building is underway. The atrium is in construction documents and the education center is currently in design development. Phase one and two of the parking garage have been completed.
Project: Miles Associates is taking a collaborative approach in the design of the new $110 million OU Children’s Physicians Facility by actively working with administration, physicians, staff, patients and their families to create a supportive and healing environment for children.
Funded by the University Hospitals Trust, this project, located at the corner of Phillips and NE 13th, will create the first freestanding, pediatric multi-specialty physicians building in the state.
The new facility will include a 429,514 SF medical office building, atrium and educational center as well as a 1,000 space below-grade parking structure. One of the most important aspects of this project is it will provide one centralized location for patients and their families to visit doctors outside the hospital setting. The goal is to create an outpatient facility that is welcoming to pediatric patients and offers cutting-edge technology and care. It will also provide easier access and better parking.
The six story atrium will serve as a gateway to Children's Hospital and tie it together with the medical office building, the educational center and women's and newborn services. The atrium will also address the needs of patients, families, care givers, researchers, students, educators and the surrounding OU Health Sciences Center community by creating an attractive environment and positive patient experience.
Nature will be the unifying theme throughout the clinic and the atrium. Natural elements such as water and daylight are an integral part of the healing process. This facility has been designed to incorporate as much daylight and natural elements as possible. Water features, organic shapes and healing gardens are key pieces of the design. Playing on the nature theme, the atrium will incorporate activities and educational areas for patients and their families. These spaces will make the hospital a friendly place to visit and take the children's minds off of the reason they are visiting.

OU Cancer Institute
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Status: Construction on the project begun Nov. 2007. The building is expected to be completed in early 2010.
Project: Construction of the new $120 million OU Cancer Institute at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
Plans call for the cancer center to be a seven-story, 220,000-square-foot building for out-patient cancer care, teaching, research, clinical trials, counseling and support care. It also will include a 100-seat auditorium, a café and an adjacent 1,000-space parking garage with an enclosed pedestrian walkway to the OU Physicians building across the street.
The OU Cancer Institute will address the critical need for comprehensive cancer care and cutting-edge research in Oklahoma. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Oklahoma with nearly 17,000 Oklahomans diagnosed each year – one in two men; one in three women. Nearly 7,000 Oklahomans die each year from cancer with lung cancer topping the list as the No. 1 cancer killer.
Treatment at the new cancer center will include chemotherapy, multi-specialty clinical services and radiation oncology with proton therapy capabilities.
Benham Companies LLC, is providing architectural and engineering services on the project. Manhattan Construction will to serve as construction manager.

Shartel Professional Building
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway.
Project: Prime medical space located at 1226 N. Shartel, blocks from St. Anthony Hospital. Over 11,000 square feet of perfectly situated medical space coming available in 2008. Ample on-site parking.

Pastuer Medical Building
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Status: Currently being renovated and updated.
Project: Property located at 11th & North Lee features medical office space for lease. Purchased for $2.5 million.

MIXED USE
The Triangle
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Status: Current projects include Central Avenue Villas, The Lofts at Maywood Park and The Brownstones at Maywood Park.
Project: The Triangle is located between downtown, Bricktown and the Oklahoma Health Sciences Center; bordered by Interstate 235 on the east, Bricktown on the south, Broadway on the west and 10th Street on the north. The vision of The Triangle is to turn a mostly vacant and underdeveloped area of Oklahoma City into a vibrant mixed-use environment where people can “live, work and play” in an upscale, fashionable urban community.
The Triangle will offer a variety of residential options including brownstones, three-story walk-ups and condos, perfect for people who work Downtown or at the Health Sciences Center. The Triangle will include parks, art walks and sculpture gardens to promote a sense of community for residents and visitors to socialize, relax and exercise.
3rd Street and Oklahoma Avenue will be the residential heart of the area. Nearly 1,000 residential units ranging from $170,000-800,000 with a pharmacy and grocery store within walking distance are proposed. The possibility for two-story units set up as a “live-work” layout is also foreseen.

The Lofts at Maywood Park
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Status: The project finish date is winter 2009. Presales are currently underway.
Project: The Lofts at Maywood Park will have 55 flat condos for sale in addition to up to 30,000 sq. feet of retail/office space. The condos range from 578 sq. ft. to 1291 sq. ft. and range from $124,000-296,000.
Each condo unit will be equipped with washers and dryers, large bath tubs and plenty of dining space. The building will feature a roof top deck for grilling. From balconies to counter space, The Lofts at Maywood Park will support the active downtown lifestyle. The Lofts at Maywood Park will support the active downtown lifestyle. The Lofts are within walking distance of Bricktown and the Central Business District for the same price range as renting.
Maywood Park is bordered by Walnut on the East and Broadway Avenue on the West and extends from 2nd to 4th Street. This four block area will have a town square feel similar to that which marked Oklahoma's early cities. Maywood Park is an Oklahoma City heritage project by the Triangle Development Partners.

The Flatiron
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Status: Construction will begin in Summer 08 with an expected completion of Fall 2009.
Project: The Flatiron, an adaptive re-use development, is located at the gateway to Downtown, Bricktown, Deep Deuce and the Oklahoma Health Center. The Flatiron soon introduce 33 residential loft units as well as 23,000sf of office space and more than 23,000sf of ground floor retail/restaurant space. It will also be the second LEED certified project completed by Humphreys Real Estate Investments follow on the heels of Block 42.
Opening with 33 open, light-filled lofts, The Flatiron will bring a new flavor to Oklahoma City’s urban real estate market. The project’s mixed-use space will seamlessly blend modern amenities with the area’s historical roots to offer residents a community that celebrates both the past and the future. The design of The Flatiron maximizes the advantages of in-city living with community decks, a fitness center, rooftop terraces including a skyline pool and easy access to building retailers. Other amenities will include reserved underground parking, wireless broadband and 10’ ceilings in all residential units.
“We are extremely excited about The Flatiron,” said Grant Humphreys, developer. “The Flatiron is unlike anything ever developed in Oklahoma City. With a vertical mix of property uses including office, retail, restaurant and residential, The Flatiron is an important gateway and anchor that will service the growing urban community in downtown. We hope that the adaptive re-use elements and sustainable design elements in the project inspire other area developers to follow suit.”
A project intent on fostering a distinctive neighborhood culture, The Flatiron aims to stay grounded in the community by targeting a thoughtful mix of both local and national retailers. The value placed on created a ‘sense of place’ will make The Flatiron the select venue for downtown.

Packard Building
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Status: Planningand renovations are currently underway.
Project: This 34,784 square feet building is being converted to mixed-use office, retail property and residential.

Plaza Court Building
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway. Co-tenants: King Emporium, Irma’s Burger Shack II, Subway, James E. McNellies Public House, Prairie Thunder Baking Company, Paul Pearson, Inc. P/R Firm and YMCA.
Project: Property located at 1000 Classen Drive, the 1920s Plaza Court at was purchased for $2.5 million in April 2006. Built in 1927, Plaza Court was once home to the original VZD’s restaurant and Crescent Market, in addition to serving as Oklahoma City’s first suburban shopping center

Park Harvey Apartments
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Status: This 17-story office building has been converted into 162 apartments and 18,000 square feet of office/retail space. The Park Harvey Apartments officially opened on March 23, 2007 and all but one retail/office space is now open for business. Clayborne’s Haberdashery, a men’s clothing store, opened in June, followed by Anita F. Sanders Law firm. The Park Harvey Athletic Club is now open and offers downtown professionals and residents their first opportunity to work out and train in an “exclusive upscale” athletic club. Gaijin’s Sushi, downtown’s first sushi restaurant and bar, will complete the first floor office and retail mix when they open in early 2008.
Project: Gardner Tanenbaum Group acquired Park Harvey Center in November of 2005 for $2 million. The poured-concrete building with an exterior of metal/glass panels was built in 1957. This 17-story office building offers 162 apartments ranging in size from 542 to 1,170 square feet, with studios, one bedroom (some w/study) and two bedroom floor plans. Units consist of exposed ceilings, Berber carpet, large walk-in closets, open floor plans, ceramic tile in kitchen/bath, and designer kitchen cabinetry with white-on-white appliances, along with spectacular skyline views of downtown OKC. Rates range from $600.00 to $1100.00. The property also includes a laundry facility, club room, and business center. The Park Harvey Apartments also feature corporate apartments with all-inclusive packages including furnished apartments, parking in the new Galleria garage, membership to the athletic club, utilities including basic cable. Corporate packages range from $1,295.00 to $2,095.00. Management office and maintenance staff is located on-site. This project has been coordinated with the Oklahoma City’s State Historical Society.

Momentum Market - 111 N Harrison
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Status: Occupancy continues to rise at Momentum Market. With the recently completed lease to e+ Healthcare, the building’s occupancy is approaching 70%. e+ joins OBU International Graduate School, American Professional Services and Urbanworks as tenants in the newly renovated office and retail building. Currently, Momentum has three suites available in the office component of 1,682, 1,252 and 1,393 square feet respectively and approximately 4,500 square feet of retail/office space in the retail arcade. The retail space is divisible. Momentum is ideally situated for both office and retail users desiring close proximity to downtown, the OU Health Science Center, Bricktown and the inner city’s emerging residential district.
Project: The 35,000 square foot building was originally built in 1956 for use by the Oklahoma Publishing Company. It is situated on a triangle-shaped block on the northeast corner of NE 5th and Oklahoma. Momentum Partners, LLC purchased the building in 2006 and immediately began the renovation process, which cost approximately $2 million to complete. There remains the possibility for the addition of a third and fourth floor to the south side of the building. These additions would add another 6,600 square feet per floor.

Lower Bricktown/The Centennial
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Status: Starbucks and The Red Pin Lounge are now open. A new five-story residential building called The Centennial located on a site adjacent to the canal across from the Centennial Fountain is nearly complete. The new construction includes thirty 1,100 – 2,000 sf condominiums, enclosed parking and ground floor/canal level retail space. All 30 units have been sold. Buyers will begin move in in February 2008.
Building 2 (west of Sonic’s headquarters) and Building 3 (northeast of Harkins Theatres) feature tenants including Sonic Café, Firefly, Earl’s Rib Palace, Marble Slab Creamery and Falcone’s Pizza & Deli. In addition, Toby Keith’s “I Love this Bar and Grill”, a 12,000-square-foot restaurant and music hall, is located just south across the canal from the Sonic Building.
John Q. Hammons $20 million Marriott Residence Inn featuring 150 rooms is open. The hotel features a swimming pool and patio facing the Bricktown Canal. Amcat, a company that sells call center technology, has leased 10,000 sf in the Sonic Building leaving 7,530 sf available for lease.
Project:New construction creating a venue of entertainment, dining, hotel, residential and other attractions. Lower Bricktown is located on the southern edge of Bricktown on Reno Avenue, with Bass Pro Shops at the eastern end, Sonic Corp. world headquarters in the center, and Harkins Bricktown 16 on the west end.

Legacy at Arts Quarter
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Status: Retail Street level shops along N. Walker and Robert S. Kerr add to the amenities of Legacy at Arts Quarter. Open now are BodyWerx Fitness and the Velvet Monkey Salon. Space is still available. 229 of a total 303 units are complete and many are occupied.
Project: Legacy at Arts Quarter is open! The first buildings are ready, apartments are being leased and retail spots are filling. The luxury apartments are located on the northwest corner of Robert S. Kerr and Walker. Legacy at Arts Quarter offers 303 upscale one and two bedroom apartments as well as spacious penthouses. Each apartment has covered access to the unique, private garage parking that has been incorporated into the community design. Elevators are easily accessible to the residents in the parking garage and clubhouse.
The spacious floor plans feature many luxury upgrades not included in standard apartments including black-on-black appliances, granite island countertops and designer floor coverings. Residents will enjoy lush landscaping, a resort-style pool with misting sun deck, poolside fireplace, bocce ball court, business center, and much more! The close proximity to the Civic Center, Myriad Gardens, Norick Library and other attractions in the heart of downtown make Legacy at Arts Quarter a most unique and desired apartment home

The Cotton Exchange
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Status:$36 million mixed-use development, including what would be the tallest structure in Bricktown. The initial project went to before the Bricktown Urban Design Committee January 9, 2008. The committee supported an application to demolish a building on the canal at 108 E California Ave. in Bricktown.
The committee also supported a resolution for conceptual project design to include a building height provision of 140 feet for a proposed property to be constructed west of the canal at their $36-million mixed-used project, Cotton Exchange, 116 E California Ave. The application will be continued for four months and final plans will be submitted. Funding is pending.
Project: The 12-story building featuring shops and restaurants on the canal and street level, topped by four floors of parking. The top six floors would be devoted to 66 condominiums. One floor may be developed as office space. The tower would be linked by a new pedestrian bridge to a four-story building between the canal and Mickey Mantle Drive.
The project team includes Architectural Design Group, Timberlake Construction and Sperry Van Ness (sales and leasing). Architectural Design Group said the project calls for a mostly brick facade. The building is also designed with a setback so it would cast less of a shadow on buildings across the canal. An outdoor pool and patio are planned at the sixth floor setback (approximately at the adjoining Kingman Building roofline) that would be exclusive to the building's residents.

Carnegie Centre
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Status: The Downtown Design Review Committee approved plans at their Dec. 2007 meeting. The deal is scheduled to close January 2008. At that point asbestos abatement will begin followed by demolition and the start of construction. The project is set for completion in spring 2009
Project: $10 million renovation of the old Downtown Oklahoma City Library located at 132 Dean A. McGee Ave. The mixed-use project will include condo, office and retail.
The building was built in 1951 on the former site of the city’s first library. It has been vacant since 2004 when the Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library was completed.
The project is being done by Judy Hatfield, principal of Norman-based Equity Realty who began working on the project several years ago.
Plans include 18 condominiums with five one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units on each of the third and fourth floors. The second level will be secured parking and the first floor will feature retail space. The lower level will be designed for nine office condos and a fitness center. The spaces will start at about $155,000 and go up to $750,000.
Plans inlcude highest level of security to the owners, storage, a private fitness facility and an artful rooftop terrace. The exterior of the project will feature a glass and steel exterior that will lend a whole new personality to the structure

1001, 1007 & 1015 N Broadway
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Status: Renovations are underway by Timberlake Construction. New tenants will include the Iguana Mexican Grill at 1007 N Broadway. The restaurant, which will seat 140 people, is planned for a Spring 2008 opening. Talks are in progress with possible tenants for the temporary space currently being leased to Bicycle Alley continue.
Project: Three-story building at 1015 N Broadway, last home to Habitat for Humanity's Renovation Station, was purchased by Steve Mason, owner of Cardinal Engineering. The property needs extensive repairs, including a new stairway and elevator. Renovations are expected to total $6.4 million. Plans include retail and restaurants on first floor storefronts. Mason plans to eventually move Cardinal Engineering and its 43 employees to the building, located in Automobile Alley.

914/920 Broadway
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Status: The project is now complete and has been turned over to BMI. Tenants have moved in. TAParchitecture is provided architectural design services for the renovation as well as interior design services for the Ballet Conservatory space. Hans E. Butzer, TAP’s Principal of Design, and co-designer of the Oklahoma City National Memorial, is leading the project. Stan Lingo, of Lingo Construction, is the contractor.
Project: 914/920 Broadway was designed by the famed Oklahoma architect Solomon Layton. The three story, 42,000 square foot building was constructed over a period of four years and was originally the home of the Greenlease Moore Cadillac Agency from 1921 – 1938, when it became the home of Kings Van and Storage Company. It has now been acquired by BMI Systems. BMI’s expansion will occupy the majority of the property. Also occupying space is the Oklahoma City Ballet Conservatory. It includes a dance training facility with related amenities

The Film Exchange
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Status: John M. “Chip” Fudge is the developer of this project, design work by J3 Architecture is ongoing, this project is currently in the planning and design phase. Construction will begin in 2008.
Project: Built in 1930 and set with a keystone engraved with “Film Exchange”, 700-708 West Sheridan was the epicenter of Oklahoma City’s “Film Row” from 1930 through the 1960’s. This area, located at the intersection of West Sheridan and Lee, was one of 30-40 regional distribution centers for Hollywood. Theater owners from around the state would come here to screen new releases, sign contracts, trade movies, and gather lobby cards, posters and other necessities. Columbia Pictures, RKO, Paramount, Universal, MGM, Warner Brothers, 20th Century-Fox, United Artists and others all had offices located in buildings in this area of Oklahoma City.
A true mixed-use building is envisioned for the approximately 22,000 square foot Film Exchange Building. Over 12,000 square feet encompassing five storefront locations is available for retail, office, restaurant/cocktail lounge, and gallery space. The second story is being converted into six 850-1250 square foot residential lofts available for lease. All lofts will feature open floor plans with a clean, modern aesthetic, 12-foot ceilings, and exposed wood rafters, ductwork, and brick walls. Two of the lofts will incorporate the building’s two iconic 12 foot tall clerestories into their living spaces with an additional loft occupying the original film vaults. All lofts will have secured, indoor parking and access to a roof top deck with panoramic views of the Oklahoma City skyline.

Historic Film Row Streetscape
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Status: Status: City assistance was finalized in the form of TIF financing to fund Phase 1 of the Historic Film Row Streetscape. Additional funding is still being sought for full completion. It is anticipated that construction on the new streetscape will begin summer 2008.
Project: This Beautification Project is focused on Historic Film Row located along the 600 and 700 blocks of West Sheridan Avenue. As one of the last neglected gateways to downtown, this area is being planned for substantial renovations and redevelopment in the near future. To further these efforts a new streetscape has been designed to improve the aesthetics and safety of the area. This design includes new sidewalks, crosswalks, lighting, landscaping and irrigation. Thematic decorative elements and an Oklahoma Walk of Fame have been incorporated that tell the story of this Historic Area’s connection with Hollywood as a regional distribution hub from the 1920’s through the 1970’s for the film industry.

`The Hart’ on Historic Film Row
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Status: Status: Project is still in the development stages. Construction is pending.
Project: Located at 726 West Sheridan, the 40,000 square foot Hart Building is the largest building located along Historic Film Row. Built in 1948 for a welding supply company, the building is being thoroughly updated and converted into office and commercial space. Common amenities for all tenants will include a two-story atrium, gated and secured parking, and roof top deck with downtown skyline views. Multiple size tenant spaces will be available.

OFFICE
1101 N Broadway
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway.
Project: On June 30, The Banta Companies closed on the old Bolen Auto Group building, 1101 N Broadway, in historic Automobile Alley for $2.4 million at $36 per square foot. The 56,000-square-foot building was built about 14 years after the original Buick Building at 508 N. Broadway to increase space for the dealership. Plans for the building include class A office space.

The Candy Factory
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Status: Construction is targeted for 1st Quarter 2008 with occupancy expected late 3rd quarter 2008. Initial marketing efforts have begun with 3 floors of office space leased.
Project: The Candy Factory is a red brick 8 floor 68,000sf building. Located at 1 East Sheridan, the building is conveniently located in Bricktown within one block of the Central Business District. The proposed redevelopment will provide office space on levels 2 thru 6, retail on the first level and building amenities on the lower level. Building amenities will include a roof top terrace, workout facility, onsite parking and retail tailored for tenant convenience. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this significant property will be restored with great attention to detail and carefully selected finishes.

The Cline Hotel
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway.
Project: Property located at 230 NW 10 formerly a 96-year-old hotel with 9,740 square feet, 3 floors + basement, being converted to office space. The Cline was purchased for $389,000.

1100 N Broadway
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway.
Project: Located at 1100 N Broadway, The two-story historical structure has 20,296 square feet available for Class A Office space

PUBLIC PROJECTS
The American Indian Cultural Center & Museum
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Status: Thanks to favorable weather conditions, the Duke, ConocoPhillips (DCP) pipeline relocation completed ahead of schedule to accommodate the 2007 Oklahoma Centennial Regatta Festival in October. Site utility work consisting of new water lines, storm drainage and sanitary sewer lines began in August and are proceeding well.
Bid package # 2 involving the South Gallery building basement continues to make progress with the 1st of 3 elevated floor slab pours taking place on 9.27.07 beginning at 1:00am and finishing at 6:00am. This represents the largest single concrete pour that will be made during the course of this project. In addition, the massive walls of the West Passage Tunnel are being poured. Its anticipated completion date will be the first quarter of 2008.
Bid package #3 installed the storm sewer lines under the tunnel. Finishing the tunnel triggers the start of bid package #4 building up the remainder of the Central Promontory. The earth work is expected to be complete by June 2008. When the promontory is completed it will include a full irrigation system and will be seeded with various native grasses. Most grass varieties should germinate in late spring or early summer.
The construction manager at risk is currently evaluating the status of the bids for bid package # 5 which were received in September. Bid package 5 includes the construction of the slabs and foundations for the Hall of the People, the East Wing and the Central Plant. Package #6 includes the complete visitor/welcome center building and canopy which is expected to be completed in late summer 2008. JFA/Hornbeek Blatt spent the summer completing the construction drawings for the visitor center.
Simultaneously the Art in Public Places Oversight Committee drafted and RFQ and process to ensure that artwork be included in the Visitor/Welcome Center. The Ralph Appelbaum Associates “Tribal Working Group,” who advises the design team regarding exhibit content development, toured the construction site on December 3, 2007 to witness their input, in the construction phase.
On December 21, 2007, a special Winter Solstice Ceremony was held at the West Passage Tunnel. In the future, visitors will be able to stand in the Courtyard of Nations and look through the West Passage Tunnel for a beautiful view of the Winter Solstice. In the summer located at that same point in the Courtyard of Nations, the visitor will pay witness to the Summer Solstice.
Project: The American Indian Cultural Center & Museum includes a 125,000 square foot cultural center and museum on a 300-acre site located on river trust property at the southeast corner of the I-35 and I-40 junction. This site, which was donated by the City of Oklahoma City, is located with significant traffic volume and high visibility.
The NACEA has been positively advancing the creation of this new institution by assembling a world-class design and planning team that has demonstrated its commitment by investing significant time and resources with American Indian communities to ensure that interior, exterior, architectural design, exhibit design, and institutional plans appropriately reflect the values and ethos of the tribes throughout the state. This team includes Johnson Fain Partners, Team Leader; Master Planning, Building Concepts; Hornbeek/Blatt Architects, Project Administration and Liaison; Centennial Builders, Construction Manager at Risk; Ralph Appelbaum Associates, Exhibit Design, Thematic Approach and Interpretive Concepts; LORD Cultural Resources Planning & Management Inc., Museum and Institutional Planning; Cardinal Engineering, Civil Engineers; Hargreaves Associates, Landscape Design and ADG/Greeby, Agency Representative.

Land Run Monument
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Status: Seventeen elements are currently in place. Additional installations will continue through 2012. Originally there were 45 statues planned to be installed, but due to unexpected and unusually high rising costs for materials, seven statues are deferred or will not be built at this time. The next statue (#9) is expected to be installed by late spring/early summer.
Project: This Centennial project will be the largest sculpture collection of its kind in the United States, commemorating the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889. The series of bronze sculptures—ultimately 46 pieces stretching more than 300 feet in length—are located on both banks of the canal running through the southern edge of Bricktown. The sculptures, by Oklahoma artist Paul Moore and cast in nearby Norman, New Mexico and Texas, are 50 percent larger than life-size (for example, the sculpture of an average man is nearly nine feet tall), adding to the drama of the historic moment captured by the artwork. Estimated cost of the project is $6 million.

Oklahoma River Projects
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Status: With October 31, 2007 delivery of the Devon Discovery to Oklahoma City, excitement is already building for the Spring, 2008 launch of the Oklahoma River Cruises. And when the Devon Discovery is joined by the Devon Explorer and Devon Pioneer next spring, the initial fleet of three river cruisers will transport passengers on a scheduled basis between the Meridian Landing (SW 15th Street, just east of Meridian), and the Regatta Park Landing (adjacent to the Chesapeake Boathouse), with charter service also available for private cruises. Each river cruiser has a capacity of 49 passengers and features an enclosed, four-season climate controlled cabin, ample deck seating and viewing areas, and a high-end audio-video system for on-board entertainment and business presentations.
Additional river cruiser landings are planned for Stockyards City, Dell Riverfront Campus, American Indian Cultural Center, State Fair Park, and other riverfront development zones. Three area universities (OCU, OU, and UCO) have publicly announced their intent to develop varsity boathouses in the Boathouse Row district of Regatta Park, with substantial completion targeted for 2009. Phase One site and utility construction is underway at the American Indian Cultural Center, on the south bank of the Oklahoma River, just east of Interstate 35.
The initial public investment ($54 million) in the river corridor has already prompted significant private development interest along the newly-created waterway. OG&E funded and installed the first of a series of public art lightscapes on the Lincoln Boulevard Bridge across the Oklahoma River, to the delight of tens of thousands of Oklahoma Centennial Regatta Festival patrons who, along with 1,300 athletes from 30 universities and nine international teams, were among the first to see this innovative art project in October. Master planning is ongoing for a new, mixed-use, New Urban-design project at the former Downtown Airpark site, and site preparation is well underway for a four-hotel development just west of the Meridian Landing.
It is projected that new riverfront development may top $1 billion over the next decade. The Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority approved the first of what they hope to be 18 honorees for the Name the Bridge program, designed to recognize community leaders while raising a targeted $720,000 for the Oklahoma River Foundation, a river-related endowment fund managed by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. The first bridge was sponsored by the American Fidelity Foundation and will be named for the late C.W. Cameron, an extraordinary community, philanthropic and American Fidelity leader.
Project:The MAPS and Corps of Engineers-funded improvements to the newly renamed Oklahoma River (formerly North Canadian River) have transformed the area into a seven-mile stretch of navigable river bordered by landscaped areas. Recreational facilities include nearly 14 miles of trails, public boating and fishing facilities, five wetlands, 18 pedestrian bridges, three dams and more than 6,000 trees. Locks integrated into the Western Avenue (Paul H. Brum, Jr.) and May Avenue dams allow boats to navigate the entire 7-mile length of the active project corridor.

Ford Center Improvements
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Status: Oklahoma City Council voted to call for a citywide election for March 4 to fund major improvements to the Ford Center. If the measure passes, the current sales tax rate will be maintained. The new one-cent tax will begin when the MAPS for Kids sales tax expires on January 1, 2009. If the City has a lease with an NBA team by June 1, 2009, the one-cent tax will last 15 months and include the construction of a NBA training facility.
Without an NBA lease the tax will run for 12 months and the NBA training facility will not be funded. The one-cent sales tax is expected to generate $97 million over 12 months and $121.6 million over 15 months. Timing for the election is driven by the SuperSonics’ application to relocate to Oklahoma City, which is scheduled to be considered by the NBA Board of Governors in April.
Project: Improvement plans for the Ford Center include the addition of restaurants, clubs, concession areas, bunker suites, loge and sky boxes, roof top gardens, lockers, a warm-up basketball court, team offices and a 12,000-square-foot family fun zone.
The cement floors and walls that currently greet visitors on the first floor corridor will be substantially upgraded with decorative tiles. A new grand entrance and multistory atrium will also be built on the southwest corner of the building

I-40 Relocation
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Status: Great progress is taking place in building the new I-40 Crosstown Expressway. A series of some 20 separate construction projects are required to build the new highway. There is a grading and bridge operation (project #4) underway on the west end of the project, running from Agnew Ave. to just east of Pennsylvania Blvd. While construction has been underway since 2006, this project will be the first that is highly visible to motorists and identifiable as a part of the I-40 Crosstown Expressway Realignment effort. Additional grading and bridge projects near Shields Blvd. and Byers Ave. is expected to start around the end of the year.
Design contracts for the new interstate have been approved by and are progressing on all parts of the mainline interstate. Additional enhancement features are planned for inclusion that will benefit the nearby communities, including a park, a pedestrian bridge, and a sound wall. First draft concepts for overpasses at Western, Walker, Robinson and Shields have been developed and continue to be refined.
Project: The new I-40 Crosstown Expressway is being built south of the existing highway, stretches four and a half miles, from May Avenue to I-235, and will incorporate 10 lanes and establish an additional six-lane boulevard into downtown Oklahoma City.
Originally built in 1965, the I-40 Crosstown currently carries approximately 120,000 vehicles per day, nearly 50,000 over the intended capacity of 76,000The new highway, designed to be a combination of ground-level and a semi-depressed roadway, will carry up to 173,000 vehicles per day and will replace the elevated thoroughfare presently in place.
The reconstructed Crosstown is expected to be open to traffic in 2012 and is estimated at $557 million. The project is federally funded using a blend of earmark and regular formula federal dollars.

Core to Shore
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Status: A final Steering Committee meeting was held in late 2007 to conclude the initial planning phase and to kick-off implementation of the project. At that time, the consultant team delivered their final report and presented the committee with several key catalyst projects capable of guiding the earliest stages of implementation. The entire plan has a very long-term view and may take between 20-50 years to fully implement. Key ideas generated by the planning process include an expanded convention center, a new civic park for large events, a downtown retail district , and several new urban density residential neighborhoods.
Project: October 2006, the City began developing a plan (Core to Shore) to encourage and guide redevelopment of an approximately 700 acre area between downtown and the Oklahoma River. The Core to Shore plan has been initiated in response to the new I-40 alignment, which is scheduled for completion in 2012. A new at-grade boulevard will be constructed on the old I-40 alignment between Walker and Oklahoma, and is anticipated to be completed in 2014.
The Core to Shore planning process is guided by a steering committee of 35 stakeholders and community leaders. Mayor Cornett is leading the steering committee with support from the Planning Department and a consultant team led by the URS Corporation.
The major goals of the Core to Shore study are to:Promote new economic development to continue and accelerate the existing downtown momentum

-Ensure a world class design for the new boulevard so that it serves as the City’s front door and a catalyst for development
-Ensure high quality in all new development, raise the bar on perceptions of Oklahoma City
-Create a strong physical connection from downtown to the river
-Ensure strong pedestrian connectivity throughout the study area
-Create a new urban district attractive and accessible to all City residents and visitors
-Mitigate traffic pattern changes caused by the realignment
-Plan for future needs, such as transit
-Create implementation strategies that are linked to viable funding mechanisms

RESIDENTIIAL
Central Avenue Villas
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Status: Currently under construction with a projected completion date of summer 2008. Presales are currently underway.
Project: Central Avenue Villas, located at 4th and Central, offer space for the trendy go-getters in Oklahoma City. This project is in the Deep Deuce complex and offers owners the chance to literally walk to Bricktown and the Central Business District. This project offers underground parking as well as floor plans for any buyer. The spaces range from 750 to just under 3000 sq. ft. and start at $164,000.

The Brownstones at Maywood Park
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Status: The first fifteen Brownstones are spec homes, presales are currently underway. 12 units are still available. Residents will begin to move-in at the end of Jan 08. Now is the best time to choose the amenities for your custom home. For more information about this historic project, stop by the sales office at 415 N. Broadway, Ste. 100 in downtown OKC. www.reinventokc.com
Project: The Brownstones are out of the ground and rising higher and higher at 3rd and Oklahoma. Construction began in November 2007 with the footings for the foundations. Insulated Concrete Forms, one of the “green” components used in the construction of The Brownstones, can now be seen on-site.
Rich components of slate tile, copper, and wrought iron will clad the Brownstone’s unique insulated concrete structures, along with the finest masonry brick exteriors. The Triangle Development Partners have taken more than the obligatory effort into building green homes. These structures will endure for literally centuries with very low maintenance or upkeep costs. These "legacy" homes can be expected to be passed from generation to generation.
Maywood Park is bordered by Walnut on the East and Broadway Avenue on the West and extends from 2nd to 4th Street. This four block area will have a town square feel similar to that which marked Oklahoma's early cities.
This project is accentuated by the TIFF Streetscape project which extends throughout the Triangle. By Spring of 2008, the streets in Maywood Park will be an inviting place for pedestrians and motorist. Maywood Park is an Oklahoma City heritage project by the Triangle Development Partners.

The Sieber
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Status: The project is currently under construction and is ready for pre-leasing and move in in March of 2008!
Project: Sieber Holdings, LLC, in late 2006 launched an $8.5 million rehabilitation of the Sieber Apartment Hotel and Grocery buildings located at NW 12th St and Hudson. The Sieber will include 38 apartments ranging from 843 to 1,401 sq. ft. as well as commercial space on the first floor of the main building. Total square footage is estimated at 58,000. Allen Brown Architects designed the rehabilitation with Architects Collective of Tulsa overseeing the construction phase. The general contractor is J.L. Walker Construction, Inc. The Sieber was first constructed in 1922 as a two-story building. Later in 1928, the six-story hotel was built, and just last year the buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Hill
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Status:Framing is finally underway on the first 32 units of Phase I. Foundation work, meanwhile, has begun on another 32 units. Paving has also begun within the development.
Project:The Hill at Bricktown, located on a prominent site overlooking Bricktown and Downtown Oklahoma City is bordered by Interstate 235 and Russell M. Perry Avenue. Drawing its inspiration from the rich cultural history of the area and the emerging vibrancy of Bricktown’s landmark venues, The Hill offers residents a unique combination of proximity to amenities amid the privacy and security of a town home neighborhood.
Residents of The Hill will enjoy unusually easy access to many of the city’s primary places of employment. These include those in the downtown business district; at the nearby Health Sciences Center; Presbyterian Research Park; or even those just minutes away, such as the new Dell Computer Center and Tinker Air Force Base. With proximity to major thoroughfares, all parts of the city are within easy reach of The Hill.
The $75 million development features 157 town homes varying in height from two to four stories and ranging in size from 1600 square feet to 3517 square feet. Our design team has created twenty-six floor plans to complement the unique lifestyles of our homeowners. The Town Hall, located on the grounds, will provide residents with many exclusive amenities designed to make urban living at The Hill both easy and convenient. Postal and package services, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, concierge service, and large entertainment spaces connected to beautiful terraces overlooking the downtown skyline will enhance life at The Hill.
With entrances framed by graceful arches and lush landscaping, arriving home is both convenient and inviting. Attached garages are accessed through secured alleyways. Interiors are luxuriously appointed with wood floors, crown moldings, spectacular kitchens, fireplaces, indulgent master baths, skylights and the state-of-the-art technology that sophisticated buyers would expect, such as wireless access and individually monitored security systems. Terraces, balconies and porches integrate the outdoors with the interior living spaces.
The Hill captures the architecture of the famed Deep Deuce District in the 20’s and 30’s. The facades of the town homes and Town Hall have been heavily influenced by the prominent buildings of the time, including the Dunbar Library, Luster House and Avery Chapel. The town homes at The Hill will have stone and brick facades reminiscent of a time past, but the most modern construction techniques combined with quality low-maintenance materials will insure easy living amid a vibrant urban landscape.

The Guardian
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway.
Project: Located at 1117 N Robinson, The garage will be converted into residential condos. Units will range from 966 – 1,717 square feet.

Overholser Green
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Status: Oklahoma City Urban Renewal has designated Wiggin Properties as the conditionally designated redeveloper. Urban Renewal commissioners approved a redevelopment agreement that allows the number of units to between 85 and 100. The new, smaller units will sell for between $220,000 and $450,000. Design and construction documents are currently being developed by Architectural Design Group, Inc.
Project: Overholser Green will be a self-contained community that consists of 109 homes built in a style which evokes the classical style of the historic Heritage Hills neighborhood to the north. The buildings will be designed to complement the stately architecture of the homes across 13th Street in Heritage Hills, but with modern materials, the finest finishes, and exceptional facilities and amenities.
Built around a central “green”, the four-story buildings (22 units each) will overlook the surrounding 13th and 12th Streets, and Walker and Dewey. The southeast corner at 12th and Walker will rise to eight stories (43 units), to give residents especially good views of the downtown skyline, the Capitol, the nearby medical districts, and of course, Heritage Hills.
This ambitious project will feature single-level residences, accessed by elevator from a below-ground, controlled access parking garage connecting all four buildings.
Each owner will have two parking spaces, and will be able to ride an elevator from the garage to his or her floor. The smallest units will contain one bedroom in approximately 1,100 square feet. Most units will range in size from 1,600 to 2,500 square feet, with two or three bedrooms or two bedrooms and a library. Units will feature high ceilings, large windows, open floor plans, hardwood floors, and elegant kitchens and bathrooms, with top quality fixtures and appliances. Prices will range from approximately $250,000 to $700,000.
The property will include a pool in the courtyard, a fitness center, a community room, and a rooftop terrace on the eight-story building, for use by all residents. A management office and maintenance staff will be located on-site.

The Marion Hotel
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway.
Project: Property located at 110 NW 10 a former 98-year-old hotel being converted to residential condos. Units will range from 1,100 – 3,000 square feet.

Osler Building
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway
Project: Property located at 1200 N Walker Ave. is being converted to residential condos. Units will range from 2,700 – 6,000 square feet.

The Heritage Building
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Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway
Project: This property was originally built as the parking garage for The Osler and then was converted to office space, it is now being converted to residential condo’s. Units will range from 1,000 – 1,500 square feet.

Hadden Hall
Status: Planning and renovations are currently underway
Project: Property located at 215 NW 10 formerly known as the Fellowship Travelers Building being converted to residential condos. Units will range from 1,200 – 1,400 square feet.

Block 42
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Status: First buyers begun moving in this January. The remaining buyers will move in through the spring. 14 of 42 units remain. Block 42 has pre-sold the project to a diverse group of urban pioneers. Included are civic leaders who like the access to downtown events and entertainment as well as med-school students and young professionals who are drawn to the energy of the urban lifestyle and the entertainment of Bricktown. Empty-nesting baby boomers appreciate the low maintenance lifestyle and the ability to ‘lock it and leave it’.
Project: Block 42 is a new Downtown residential project consisting of 20 town homes and 22 elevator accessed flats. Block 42 is adjacent to the central business district, Bricktown and the Oklahoma Health Center on NE 4th Street and Central. North- and south-bound I-235 is immediately accessible from Block 42, providing easy access to every part of the city.
All ‘for sale’ units will be customized to the owner’s finish selections with wood floors, stone counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Each condo has a private balcony or rooftop deck as well as a private garage. The entire project will be pre-wired for high-speed internet and state-of-the-art telecommunications.
Block 42 is the first official ‘green’ project in downtown Oklahoma City. By attaining LEED certification (for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Block 42 has met the sustainability standards of the U.S. Green Building Council. This attention to eco-friendly design translates to a better quality of life for all residents, better indoor air quality and lower monthly utilities expense.