OKLAHOMA CITY | Projects & Construction
 

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/Age...reindeirng.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/S..._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/Asset.../I40-Study.jpg

-The Factory, a proposed 12 story apartment building in Bricktown by TAP.
http://www.taparchitecture.com/Asset...-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..._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/Asset...naissance-.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..._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/communit...nd/under3a.jpg
http://www.e-a-a.com/images/communit...nd/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/PR2...otelphoto1.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

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

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.

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/p...detail_map.jpg

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

http://www.texasfreeway.com/Dallas/p...ec-01_lres.jpg

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.

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

http://www.e-a-a.com/images/communit...nd/under4a.jpg
http://www.e-a-a.com/images/communit...nd/under5a.jpg

^ 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Something new to Bricktown.

http://www.ilovethisbarandgrillokc.c...005/Toby38.jpg


Toby Keith's New Bar and Grill
http://www.ilovethisbarandgrillokc.c...&d=June%202005

Chiluly Exhibit
 

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

http://www.world66.com/northamerica/...ma?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/la...w%20gates2.jpg
Southwest Airlines New Gates Airside:
http://www.flyokc.com/img/gallery/la...tes%20ext4.jpg

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/sie...+5U+5707_C.jpg

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/image...al_bridge2.jpg

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

Colcord Hotel
 

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/...lobby_wArt.jpg http://www.couryprop.com/images/art/...b_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/downto...13.colcord.jpg

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

Skirvin
 

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_p...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?projec...vin/index.html

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

Chesapeake Boathouse
 

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

Downtown OKC newsletter
 

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

http://www.downtownokc.com/pdfs/skyl...arter_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.

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_...skatepark1.jpg

Sonic HQ
 

Sonic's HQ in Lower Bricktown:

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

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

Bricktown Canal Mosaic
 

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/skyl...arter_2004.pdf

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

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.

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.

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.

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/b2...al_1999_7b.jpg

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.

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/...ldDomeBank.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.

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.

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...1EAF7EC334.jpg
http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/A...BAC7168431.jpg

^ What is the exact location? Streetcorner, etc.

South, west, southwest of campus?

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

^ 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.

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!

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.

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.

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

^ 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.

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

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."

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:

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/v3...k/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...1129957524.jpg

The Hill -
Downtown Residential. 171 luxury units.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...blink/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/b2...05downtown.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b2...assennorth.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/downto...diatemple2.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..._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.

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

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/v3...criverside.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...riverside2.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.

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."