OKLAHOMA CITY | Projects & Construction

[patriotizzy]

Originally Posted by Nautica

I appreciate the fact that no OKC forumers responded to your post. They're much kinder than I am. I don't believe you have to try to be elitist-you just are. Who puts their photo and job title on a forum header? Listen, its just not right coming on to a cities forum site just to bash them. Typical of Atlanta forumers to downplay another southern city's successes. If you want to learn about the city why don't you just do a little research. But as a Creative Director in fa fa land, I'm sure you're just too busy.

You need to chill. Why you take an opinion so personally? Goodness me. You should refrain from visiting the forum if any negative opinion will result with you hurling insults at another forumer

[Nautica]

Originally Posted by patriotizzy

You need to chill. Why you take an opinion so personally? Goodness me. You should refrain from visiting the forum if any negative opinion will result with you hurling insults at another forumer

Oh I'm very chill. It just strikes me as wrong to come on a city site and ask a question with a slur and then try to beg off with I'm not trying to be nasty or elitist. Calling out someone, who clearly acts elitist (I've read many of his posts) isn't necessarily a slam. Now you go on and have yourself a nice day. I won't even end my post with a hurling insult (crazy avatar) like you did to me.

[Peerson]

I wasn't going to jump in on this discussion, because I don't care to get involved in online squabbles. Everyone has a right to their own opinion. But I will make some comments on what is probably the core issue.

I think you could divide most threads on this forum into 2 basic categories. Type I for development in top tier cities, and Type II for smaller cities. (You could break it down a lot more than that -- but I'm keeping it simple)

Type I development is what you see in NY, Chicago, LA. You could also add places like San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Houston, and a number of other cities (please don't be offended if I didn't mention your particular great city). It's exciting to follow this stuff because development proposals and ongoing projects are often high level -- even cutting edge. You often see the best of the best. And even more modest buildings going up in these cities are still amazing to watch because they nestle into the already dense urban fabric.

Type II development is what you get in places like Oklahoma City (I won't mention any other cities by name -- lest I rile up someone who doesn't agree with my catagorization). Even though you might occasionally get something really high level (e.g. Devon Tower in OKC), mostly its about smaller things -- infill, rehabs, and the occasional low or even (gasp) mid rise building. It more about the process of growth, rather than the individual projects. And watching a city grow and mature and become something slightly different (and hopefully better) is pretty compelling in and of itself.

Now I understand that a lot of people come to a site like this because they are interested in the Type I development. And likely spend most of their time following that kind of stuff. If they click on a thread like Oklahoma City Projects -- well... it just won't look that impressive compared to what they normally focus on. I get it.

It's different strokes for different folks. Some will be interested only in the Type I stuff. Some (such as myself) find both types interesting. But believe me, no one in OKC thinks that we're in the same league as those top tier cities. We're a small city, we know it. But that doesn't take away the fun of watching things change and grow.

One more thing. All cities, both large and small, who deal with gentrification, often end up with the kind of odd juxtapositions of shiny new stuff being built next to older, shall we say 'less-than-impressive' stuff. Downtown OKC was devastated in the 60's and 70's from urban renewal and flight to the suburbs. And the lingering effects carried on for decades after that. Not too many businesses cared to remain.

Now that the tide is turned and we're getting a lot of nice new things being developed downtown, some unusual combinations have occured, with more coming I'm sure. It's not a source of embarrassment or concern on my part. Because it's normal. All these areas in downtown will densify in time.

[Peerson]

Together Square




I was debating whether to put up a post about this project.
It's a controversial topic for Oklahoma City.
Reading about today's opening event was the deciding factor.

Located directly west of Myriad Gardens, Together Square features a basketball court branded by the Team Griffin Foundation,
a futsal soccer court branded by The Energy Assist Foundation and a large open space for general use by all.

On Sunday, June 2 at 2 p.m., representatives from each of these organizations will speak, and Mayor Holt will join in helping to kick off a family-friendly opening party
featuring basketball and futsal fun on the new courts, food trucks, music, activities for kids and a grand celebration of the unique space.

https://oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.com/celebrate-together-squares-grand-opening

Which took place today.






Blake Griffin was involved because his charity, Team Griffin Foundation, partnered with OG&E in creating the mini-park.
As such, he made an appearance at the event.

Mayor David Holt attempts to grab a jump ball from Blake Giffin:



(I somehow doubt the fairness of the toss when brother Taylor is the one who does the hoisting )

https://twitter.com/TGFoundation_


History

This area used to be the home of the Stage Center.


https://archpaper.com/2016/01/mummers-update/



https://www.reddit.com/r/bizarrebuilding...rs_theatre_oklahoma_city_now_demolished/

Some people loved it, some people hated it.
But it was unique and it had some renown -- including world-wide among the architecture commmunity.

It was in spare use for many years and stopped being used at all after it developed serious leaking issues in 2010.

In 2013 it was sold to Rainey Williams, a local developer whom hardly anyone, even in OKC, had ever heard of.
It was presumed he was acting as a front man for OG&E.
There were ambitious plans for redeveloping the plot as the new home of OG&E as well as additional buildings for office space and residential.

Renderings were released by Clayco that made people's jaw drop.
I'm not even going to post them here - it's too painful to look at now (I'm only half-kidding).

Stage Center was then torn down quickly. Very quickly.
But work on the new developments stalled without any movement whatsoever. Months dragged on.

They were asking for gigantic sums of assistance for the development, specifically TIF (Tax Increment Financing) monies.
But when the city balked at this, the plans quickly withered away.

So now OKC only had a big empty spot where Stage Center used to lie, and nothing happening.
Pools of water tended to gather in low lying areas after rain and stay there for days/weeks.
Some called it Lake Rainey (it had a few other eponyms as well).



https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=38469&page=93

Later, the area got completely surrounded by a fence to close it off from the public.
Various plans for the lot were announced and later dropped.
Frankly, I've forgotten all the twists and turns in this melodrama.
You can read a little bit about it here: https://archpaper.com/2016/01/mummers-update/

Current

Early this year, OG&E announced that it was turning this area into a (kind of) mini downtown park.
As so what is now called Together Square was born.

Well... it's gotta be better than an empty, unused, fenced lot.

This Together Square park is not meant to be permanent.
It should only last for 3 or 4 (or 5 or whatever) years it takes before some real development is proposed for the lot.

[Dale]

Looks like the mayor’s got some ups!

[Peerson]

Spark - A new restaurant/cafe at Scissortail Park



https://www.thesocialorder.com/restaurant/spark


Scissortail Park will include a restaurant/cafe on the north end, across the street from a streetcar stop.
It was revealed a few months ago that the name will be "Spark".
Catchy.
As in "Spark in the Park".

It will be run by the Social Order Dining Collective.
This group manages several other local restaurants including the one at The Jones Assembly.
They have a really good reputation.

It will be approximately 3,000 sf and offer popular fare such as burgers, shakes, and ice cream, as well
as more healthy options like salads and wraps.

Renderings:





https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44335


Location:



https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24502&page=88


A few construction photos:



https://www.enr.com/articles/46672-investing-to-create-a-destination-city






https://www.facebook.com/eatatspark


It should be ready to open in concert with the opening of the park itself, in late September.
The cafe will have a full liquor license.

[Peerson]

Armory

Former armory building to be re-adapted for use as a brewery, taproom, and hotel




COOP Ale Works has purchased the old Armory building on NW 23rd street.
The 72,000 sf three-story building was constructed in 1938 as a WPA project.
It served as a hub for the National Guard and the 45th Infantry Division for many years, but finally closed in 2010.

COOP will completely restore the building's exterior including new windows.
The interior will be divided up into several areas anchored by a large brewery on the ground floor.

A 60 barrel state-of-the-art brewery will take up most of the first floor.
(loading docks, cold storage, and offices take up the remainder of the ground floor).

The second floor will hold an 8,000 sf restaurant and taproom with seating for 160.
A boutique hotel with 22 rooms will occupy the west end of the 2nd and 3rd floors.
The east end of the third floor will be used as event space.


Renderings:







from a Brewbound article:

The proposal also includes five acres surrounding the armory building as well as leases for two adjacent properties.
The additional properties will provide substantial parking, opportunities for retail and downtown living, and green space.

More info here: https://www.brewbound.com/news/coop-ale-works-announces-plans-redevelop-23rd-street-armory


Location:




Here's the current state of the interior:






https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44096&page=2
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44096&page=3

This will likely open sometime in 2020.

[jtown,man]

Originally Posted by Dale

I think OKC rocks myself. And what’s wrong with having the best skyscraper in a decade and a Taco Bell just blocks away ?

LOL I agree.

[jtown,man]

Originally Posted by Peerson

I wasn't going to jump in on this discussion, because I don't care to get involved in online squabbles. Everyone has a right to their own opinion. But I will make some comments on what is probably the core issue.

I think you could divide most threads on this forum into 2 basic categories. Type I for development in top tier cities, and Type II for smaller cities. (You could break it down a lot more than that -- but I'm keeping it simple)

Type I development is what you see in NY, Chicago, LA. You could also add places like San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Dallas, Houston, and a number of other cities (please don't be offended if I didn't mention your particular great city). It's exciting to follow this stuff because development proposals and ongoing projects are often high level -- even cutting edge. You often see the best of the best. And even more modest buildings going up in these cities are still amazing to watch because they nestle into the already dense urban fabric.

Type II development is what you get in places like Oklahoma City (I won't mention any other cities by name -- lest I rile up someone who doesn't agree with my catagorization). Even though you might occasionally get something really high level (e.g. Devon Tower in OKC), mostly its about smaller things -- infill, rehabs, and the occasional low or even (gasp) mid rise building. It more about the process of growth, rather than the individual projects. And watching a city grow and mature and become something slightly different (and hopefully better) is pretty compelling in and of itself.

Now I understand that a lot of people come to a site like this because they are interested in the Type I development. And likely spend most of their time following that kind of stuff. If they click on a thread like Oklahoma City Projects -- well... it just won't look that impressive compared to what they normally focus on. I get it.

It's different strokes for different folks. Some will be interested only in the Type I stuff. Some (such as myself) find both types interesting. But believe me, no one in OKC thinks that we're in the same league as those top tier cities. We're a small city, we know it. But that doesn't take away the fun of watching things change and grow.

One more thing. All cities, both large and small, who deal with gentrification, often end up with the kind of odd juxtapositions of shiny new stuff being built next to older, shall we say 'less-than-impressive' stuff. Downtown OKC was devastated in the 60's and 70's from urban renewal and flight to the suburbs. And the lingering effects carried on for decades after that. Not too many businesses cared to remain.

Now that the tide is turned and we're getting a lot of nice new things being developed downtown, some unusual combinations have occured, with more coming I'm sure. It's not a source of embarrassment or concern on my part. Because it's normal. All these areas in downtown will densify in time.

Exactly. I love seeing cities that aren't known as being urban become better, incrementally. My own city of Norfolk is barely building anything right now, so every last small rehab or build gets me excited because I know it will get us one step closer to perfection(whatever that is).

The analogy I would use is this:

Don't make fun of the overweight man/woman at the gym. They may not be perfect, but they're trying. And thats a lot more than many can say.

[Peerson]

^ Exactly.

Funny you should say that because I almost made a similar analogy when I was writing up my post. Except mine was along the lines of: some middle-aged, flabby guy starts to jog to get into better shape. He might look a bit comical at first, but if he keeps up with it, he could be a lean, mean running machine over time.

So even though aspirational cities like OKC might look foolish at times for being aspirational, don't write them off too quickly. Over time -- which might be decades, admittedly -- all this incremental development can add up to something impressive.

Sorry that Norfolk is so quiet. One nice thing about OKC right now is that even though we're not popping out highrises... (*sigh*)... otherwise it's busy as hell. Stuff is happening all over the place. I can barely keep up with it all.

[Peerson]

A couple of construction updates.


1. New OU Medical Center Patient Tower






They have a live webcam setup for this here:

https://public.earthcam.net/oumedicalcen...er%20Expansion/ConstructionCam%20HD/Live


Here are a few screen captures from this morning (6-5-2019):









https://www.oumedicine.com/oumedicine/ou-medical-center/watch-us-grow




2. Heartland Headquarters on Broadway




They are now pouring concrete for the floors:





https://twitter.com/buildwithlingo

[llamaorama]

Free standing fast food chains with drive thrus aren't actually that uncommon in downtowns. Chicago had a 2 story McDonalds, Portland had a Burger King, etc.

I am not a real estate expert but I would assume they are like placeholder buildings that were cheap to build and cheap to tear down which can generate revenue for a landowner while they wait for the right time to build a skyscraper?

[Rhodium]

Originally Posted by Peerson

^ Exactly.

Funny you should say that because I almost made a similar analogy when I was writing up my post. Except mine was along the lines of: some middle-aged, flabby guy starts to jog to get into better shape. He might look a bit comical at first, but if he keeps up with it, he could be a lean, mean running machine over time.

So even though aspirational cities like OKC might look foolish at times for being aspirational, don't write them off too quickly. Over time -- which might be decades, admittedly -- all this incremental development can add up to something impressive.

Sorry that Norfolk is so quiet. One nice thing about OKC right now is that even though we're not popping out highrises... (*sigh*)... otherwise it's busy as hell. Stuff is happening all over the place. I can barely keep up with it all.

Charlotte can attest to this. OKC's situation is very similar to Charlotte's in the 90s with Bank of America Corp. Tower. Same type of criticism. It wasn't even that long ago when it was critcized for trying too hard. Keep going OKC,
shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars.

[NYC2ATX]

Originally Posted by Rhodium

Charlotte can attest to this. OKC's situation is very similar to Charlotte's in the 90s with Bank of America Corp. Tower. Same type of criticism. It wasn't even that long ago when it was critcized for trying too hard. Keep going OKC,
shoot for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars.

Very THIS. A lot of the infrastructure and land use improvements underway right now in Oklahoma City, as well as the emerging districts and local culture, are literally the foundation that will give way to growth and accommodate the growth when the trickle turns to a torrent. It's necessary. Charlotte is thrilling to watch as well because it's working to level up from where it's at, while OKC is working to level up to where Charlotte is now. Always be leveling up

[Peerson]

Flix Brewhouse



https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=541-First-look-at-plans-for-Flix-Brewhouse

A combination movie theater and brewhouse will be constructed in north OKC, along the Broadway extension near Britton Road.

Flix Brewhouse originated in Round Rock, Texas and has 9 other locations including Albuquerque NM, Des Moines IA, El Paso TX, and Madison WI.
This will be the 10th location and the first Flix Brewhouse in Oklahoma.

The theater will have a microbrewery onsite, brewing around 30 beers, including at least half a dozen unique to Oklahoma.
These will be available across the site’s nine auditoriums, which will offer seating to around 950 people.
Each seat has a call button – designed not to disturb other guests – where movie-goers can order drinks and food from a menu that offers an elevated take on American pub food.

https://www.405magazine.com/Movie-Theater-Plus-Micro-Brews/

This is the first project of an ambitious set of new developments by American Fidelity.

American Fidelity Corporation is privately owned with its primary business being American Fidelity Assurance, a health insurance company.

The Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce shows the enterprise as one of OKC's largest employers at approximately 1,650 employees.

American Fidelity originally purchased the land holding the OPUBCO properties in 2012.
This included a 12-story tower, which they have since renovated.
OPUBCO (Oklahoma Publishing Company) moved their offices downtown.

http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=398-American-Fidelity-buys-large-parcel-from-McClendon-estate


Location:



The land to be developed is a 55 acre tract, south of the tower and several large ponds.
As seen in the photo above, this tract has been scraped down to red earth in preparation for the new buildings.


Design plans:



https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=541-First-look-at-plans-for-Flix-Brewhouse

The plans are quite ambitious.
In addition to the Flix Brewhouse building, there are 4 restaurants, 3 office buildings, and 2 hotels (an 8-story and a 6-story) depicted in the design draft.
Flix will be the first development in this lot.

The large warehouse containing the old OPUBCO printing presses was not needed and was demolished.
This was finished by early March.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=30155&page=13


Meanwhile, construction continues on the south section:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43109&page=2


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43109&page=3

(The last photo was from just a couple of days ago)

The entrance to the theater/brewhouse will face the east side.
The back of the building will face the highway, as shown in this rendering:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43109&page=2


Completion is set for late 2019.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43109&page=2
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43109&page=3

website: https://www.flixbrewhouse.com/oklahoma-city

[Peerson]

Will Rogers World Airport - Terminal Expansion



Will Rogers World Airport is in the midst of an $89 million expansion.

from OKCTalk:

The project will expand the east concourse, add four new gates, a glass-enclosed public observation gallery, additional seating in the baggage claim area,
more space for shopping, dining and concessions, and completely reconfigure the security check-in process with a consolidated and streamlined checkpoint.

The two existing security areas were constructed before the sweeping changes that occurred due to 9/11 and the new construction will allow for a large, single security check area
with the goal of significantly reducing check-in times through the new layout and smart technology.

The entire structure will feature ceilings that will be much taller than the existing building, allowing for natural light and a large Town Square that will provide comfortable seating
for those waiting on arriving passengers, and easy viewing of the east concourse and aircraft operations on the ground.

The design of the 145,000 square foot addition allows for a total of 9 new gates which can be added to address ever-increasing travel volume.

Renderings:









https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=59...g-on-89-expansion-at-Will-Rogers-Airport


A simulation video was released at the time of the official announcement in March that shows look and layout of the expansion:

• Video Link

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=32325&page=66


Recent construction photos:


















https://www.facebook.com/WillRogersWorldAirport/


This expansion is scheduled to be complete in the second quarter of 2021.

[Peerson]

WRWA - new public art displays

The Oklahoma City Airport Trust ran a “Call to Artists” last year for designs of new public art to be displayed
in the terminal expansion project at Will Rogers World Airport.

The winner was local Oklahoma City artist Matt Goad with an entry called “OKConnected”.
Goad's designs will be implemented in multiple terrazzo floor displays, and also in etched glass walls, thruout the airport.

Here's what the design elements look like:



















https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=60...plays-to-be-featured-in-expanded-airport


Goad will oversee the installation of these displays.
It is expected to be complete at the same time as the terminal expansion -- the second quarter of 2021.

[jtown,man]

Originally Posted by Peerson

^ Exactly.

Funny you should say that because I almost made a similar analogy when I was writing up my post. Except mine was along the lines of: some middle-aged, flabby guy starts to jog to get into better shape. He might look a bit comical at first, but if he keeps up with it, he could be a lean, mean running machine over time.

So even though aspirational cities like OKC might look foolish at times for being aspirational, don't write them off too quickly. Over time -- which might be decades, admittedly -- all this incremental development can add up to something impressive.

Sorry that Norfolk is so quiet. One nice thing about OKC right now is that even though we're not popping out highrises... (*sigh*)... otherwise it's busy as hell. Stuff is happening all over the place. I can barely keep up with it all.

Luckily, Norfolk is FINALLY growing in population, which is nice, and our citiy has some decent history and older-dense sections...so at least we have that(thank God!).

Yeah, OKC, for its size, is building tons of development. I think you're right that decades is probably the measure we should be looking at, but thats fine. I remember in the early 2000s I would see projects or conceptions that were to be done by 2020-2030 and thought to myself..."JESUS THATS LIKE A 100 YEARS"...now its becoming today. Just keep on truckin. Its very interesting to me to see the changes.

[Peerson]

BancFirst


A few new renderings have been released of BancFirst's planned re-working of the Chase Tower.




This one appears to be a little more conservative in terms of changing the exterior look than the initial rendering released (shown here).





On the left side of the image appears to be a new shade structure for the east side of the building.





The pyramid structures shown would cover the access to the downtown OKC underground.





This is the first image shown of the planned lobby renovation.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=19447&page=21
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=19447&page=22

[Austin55]

OKC has had a tremendous last few years. I'm very envious of what the city has accomplished.