OKLAHOMA CITY | Projects & Construction

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by TheKernel91

OKC looking like Nashville!

I'll take that as a compliment, as Nashville has been really rocking it for several years now.


Though in all honesty, Nashville has a much denser downtown area and skyline.
OKC will likely get to that point sometime in the future -- how long, though, who can say...

Originally Posted by Dale

Does Devon have a window pane problem ?

Apparently so.

A number of panes were knocked out in the window washer incident back in May.
Here's an interesting photo of the top, taken a few days after the accident.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/gaeddert/34004963618/sizes/h/

The damaged windows were boarded up quickly.

I remember at the time thinking that it would be a few weeks before they were repaired.
But that was nearly 5 months ago.
Can't believe that it's been left unfixed for this long.

[Peerson]

Various updates...


Classen Inn Motel

Work commenced on this back in early July:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44111&page=2

But then it seemed to stall.
Lately, the renovation has picked back up again.


https://twitter.com/expastor/status/1179434930247475200



Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center


https://twitter.com/OKCMOA/status/1179073298623291392

The aluminum cladding is slowing working its way around the exterior.



Wheeler District Terminal Building

Apparently this will be referred to as 'Terminal Commons'.







http://picpanzee.com/media/2145942213337970383_1271969511

Very cool to finally see some interior shots of this building.
Looking quite nice.



The Big Friendly brewery and taproom


https://twitter.com/WheelerDistrict/status/1179164216042950656

At last, the building has started construction.
This will be the first commercial building in the Wheeler District.



Heartland HQ


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/48826017703/sizes/h/

[Peerson]

Omni Hotel

Up close:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=35905&page=89


From across the river (at the Wheeler District):


https://deskgram.cc/p/2145262899953430367_15014385

The building is tall enough now to make an impact on the skyline.

It won't get much taller, though.
It's already at the 17th floor, which is the last (technically it will have 18 floors, as there is a basement level).
There will be a crown that will add slightly to the height.

Brasfield & Gorrie held the topping out ceremony last week.





https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/development/omni-hotel-topped-out

[Peerson]

Convention Center Parking Garage

The official groundbreaking was held today for the Convention Center parking garage.


https://twitter.com/ManhattanBuild/status/1180179519556259840

The garage will have 6 floors plus a basement level.
Initial capacity will be 1100 cars -- expandable to 1400.

It will service both the Convention Center and the Omni Hotel.
Construction bid went to Manhattan Construction Group.
TAP Architecture is handling the design.

Renderings:




https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44229&page=6

The exterior walls visible from the street will be covered with some kind of public art, likely using colored glass tiles.

Should be finished by late 2020, coinciding with the opening of the Convention Center and hotel.

[Peerson]

When the BOK Tower was constructed several years ago, two adjacent parking garages were also built to service the building.

The one on the north side was to have retail on the first floor.
But nothing developed for quite awhile.

Back in December, Petroleum Club Deli -- which has been operating at Chase (now BancFirst) Tower -- announced they were opening a deli location in the north garage.





It appears that they are finally about ready to open.
Pete at OKCTalk snapped a picture of the interior space today:



The deli will take up the entire retail space on the first floor of the BOK north garage.

As far as I understand, they will keep the deli in the BancFirst tower as well.
However, it will be closed during the renovation of the tower - which may take about a year.

[Peerson]

The OU Medical Center Patient Tower has topped out at the eighth floor:


https://www.earthcam.net/projects/turner/oumedicalcenter


Rendering:

[Peerson]

Convention Center


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=26179&page=193


On Monday (10-7-2019), city officials revealed the design logo for the new Oklahoma City Convention Center:




This design is quite similar to that used for the new park:


https://www.news9.com/story/38485456/city-officials-announce-new-plans-for-scissortail-park

Similar as in: a minimalistic, semi-abstract design using pastel colors.

A banner displaying the logo is now hanging out front (as pointed to by Mayor Holt).


https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1181243962104958976

The structure is about two-thirds complete.
It's good to see more glass going in.


http://picpanzee.com/media/2147551181755664339_558069632

Expected to be fully finished by late 2020.

[Peerson]

The flurry of activity around the grand opening of Scissortail Park was exhilarating:


http://picpanzee.com/media/2148502649878896522_4255483463


https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1179821049690705920


But now, the idea of the new park is settling in.
Folks are checking it out in leisure, enjoying the amenities and scenery.


http://picpanzee.com/media/2148146128269756492_32309329


http://picpanzee.com/media/2148136350489300449_29410896


http://picpanzee.com/media/2148705479426410291_177711575









http://picpanzee.com/media/2149006323403269068_361783929


http://picpanzee.com/media/2150429893964721601_11794666928


http://picpanzee.com/media/2149716593201319232_1724016067


http://picpanzee.com/media/2149763548721400400_18308832367


http://picpanzee.com/media/2149108940523405612_7767462421


http://picpanzee.com/media/2148912406930565772_4702433561


http://picpanzee.com/media/2148885420008371439_1687932076


http://picpanzee.com/media/2150193732098764025_144230287





http://picpanzee.com/media/2148292810561187253_186144651


http://picpanzee.com/media/2148731935315597563_8006655


http://picpanzee.com/media/2149603512785584235_18840142204


I haven't read a single disparaging remark by anyone who has visited the park.
(and boy have I gone over a ton of comments)
Nothing but raves.

[Dale]

OKC is slowing building an impressive public realm.

[plutonicpanda]

Peerson, thanks again for these updates! Amazing stuff.

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by plutonicpanda

Peerson, thanks again for these updates! Amazing stuff.

No prob. I enjoy putting the word out on OKC...

A few more updates:

Fan Club / Okie Kush

Latest progress on this sport bar and arcade:


https://www.instagram.com/p/B3N0GsnBhJz/

The concrete sidewalks are being broken up and removed, to be replaced with topsoil for plants / landscaping.
The site plan reveals the details:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44948



Cajun Corner

This is the new Asian fusion seafood restaurant being built along 23rd street.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44471
(that photo was from earlier this summer).


It's getting close to opening now.


https://www.pictame.com/media/2132846476890741566_5985430332


https://twitter.com/Uptown23rd/status/1181617925834313728

Social media page says to expect an October opening.
Seems like there's a bit more to finish on the building, but they're already hiring, so it must be fairly soon.

Just for reference, here are the renderings.







https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44471


Edit:
One more item.

The southern plaza near the Bricktown Canal is nearing completion.

Here's how it looked at the beginning of summer:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=23542&page=89

And now from a photo taken within the last few days:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=23542&page=90

The flagpole installed is the one removed from the site of the Bricktown Marriott Renaissance Hotel (currently under construction).

[Peerson]

FlowRider Surf Machine @The Boathouse District

A new double occupancy FlowRider surf machine is to be installed in the Boathouse District.




This will be immediately adjacent to the Whitewater Rapids facility.



https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=35915

This was originally proposed back in 2013.
So long ago that I had actually forgotten about it.

Glad that it's finally arrived.
It fits in with the other activities in the area (whitewater rafting, zip lines, bike pump track...)

Construction bids are currently out.

While flowriding is certainly cool, it has a history of generating injuries from falls.
I hope they design this carefully to minimize accidents and keep this a fun activity.

[Peerson]

Fields & Futures

An interesting undertaking in the OKC metro area is called Fields & Futures.
This is a non-profit organization that builds / renovates sporting venues for local schools.


https://twitter.com/FieldsFutures/status/1172502699432120321

twitter page: https://twitter.com/FieldsFutures

The project is the creation of Tommy Noble and Tim McLaughlin.

The Oklahoman has published a nice article about this:
Meet the man moving heaven and lots of earth to rebuild fields in Oklahoma City Schools

Noble owns a construction company that does all the work at cost.
They receive support from other local businesses as well.


https://twitter.com/FieldsFutures/status/1164953672020893697

Donations have been good -- the organization keeps very busy.
Here's a passage that highlights Noble's heavy schedule:

Over the past six years, he has overseen the completion of 22 fields. Three or four a year.

This summer with the district’s Pathway to Greatness plan shuttering some schools and shuffling others, he is overseeing fields being built simultaneously at eight schools.

Tommy Noble:

https://oklahoman.com/gallery/articleid/5638054

The frantic pace keeps Noble constantly in motion.
He jokes: “It’s a good thing I don’t have hair”.

Here's a look at some of the projects Fields & Futures has worked on:


Track field at U.S. Grant High School


https://twitter.com/RicardoUlloa91/status/1154588385236963330


Futsal court at Classen SAS Middle School







https://twitter.com/TheFFOK/status/1171197467402133505


https://twitter.com/FieldsFutures/status/1171513082591318016



Soccer field at Classen SAS Middle School





https://twitter.com/TylerBHolmes/status/1139341172843749376



New soccer field at Capitol Hill Middle School


https://twitter.com/FieldsFutures/status/1152589483847684097


https://twitter.com/FieldsFutures/status/1153073675400286209



Futsal court at Wheeler Middle School


https://twitter.com/FieldsFutures/status/1164937635208581122


https://twitter.com/TigersWheeler/status/1179093072560435201







https://twitter.com/FieldsFutures/status/1179468094567256064

[Peerson]

ASA Hall of Fame Stadium Improvements

The ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, located just north of the zoo, has long been host to the Women's College World Series (softball championship).




In 2018, a $21 million enhancement project was announced for the stadium.
It was part of a negotiated deal to keep the WCWS in OKC until 2035.

Existing stadium:




Renderings of the improved stadium:





The stadium currently has a capacity of 7300.
The improvements will add 4000 upper deck seats bringing capacity to 11,300.

Other enhancements include new restrooms, suites, media areas and underground connection of team rooms to the dugouts.

Initial work began right after the 2018 series was over.

11-12-2018




3-10-2019




Construction paused to allow the 2019 world series to be played.


https://www.adventureroad.com/destinatio...omplex/ncaa-womens-college-world-series/


It resumed again this summer.

Latest pics: 10-7-2019





This will complete in time for the 2020 series to be played in the spring.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43218&page=2
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43218&page=3

[Peerson]

Construction activity has finally started at The Forum at Lincoln Plaza:







https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=27007&page=7

This complex is being renovated by Richard Tanenbaum, a prominent local developer.

The rounded hotel building will become 113 luxury apartments.
The rectangular building with the open courtyards is to be a combination of office space and amenities for the apartment residents.

Renderings:









https://gthokc.com/work/multi-family/the-forum/

This is expected to start leasing in late 2020.

[Peerson]

Some more updated info on the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine...

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has selected The Boldt Company as the general contractor for the project.

The Boldt Company is a national construction company with offices around the country, including one in Oklahoma City.
They have worked on numerous other projects in the OKC area including the Bricktown Ballpark.

The groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 3rd.


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/tcukkmjamqu7xsr/AAAsly-xFo3g8mKnaHo1k0fRa

The groundbreaking event will be 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the future site of the shrine.
The event will include kid and family activities and is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required.

https://archokc.org/news/archdiocese-selects-the-boldt-company-for-bl-stanley-rother-shrine-1


They have recently released a few new renderings:





https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rv2o2ez93way402/AAAOUe1cxL7-Rmo90_TOMooma


An article from Constructor Magazine goes into great detail about the design of this project:

"The front of the church will feature two towers at the main entrance.
Extending out in front of the church will be a large zocalo (or plaza), with a central fountain, that serves as the focal point for large gatherings, as well as to connect the church to the surrounding buildings and the landscape beyond.
The zocalo is bordered by a covered arcade that provides protection from rain and sun."

Flanking the church and the zocalo are a pair of buildings.
One building will house a museum with exhibits telling the story of Father Rother’s life, as well as a Pilgrim Center with a gift shop and café, along with offices for the shrine staff.
On the opposite side of the zocalo is a large multi-purpose event hall and classrooms for religious education.

The Pilgrim Center will be the first arrival point upon reaching the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine and the pathway for pilgrims to reach the main church and chapel.
Inside the 6,000 sq-ft facility, pilgrims will find an orientation room with a video documentary, and the museum will feature artifacts from every stage of his life.

Building on a Prayer - Constructor Magazine

The shrine is designed in the Spanish Mission style reminiscent of the buildings in the Guatemalan village where Stanley Rother served.

A simulation video has been released that gives a virtual tour in and around the planned shrine:

• Video Link

[Peerson]

State Capitol Restoration

Here's a look at the State Capitol and its ongoing restoration project.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/48882741577/sizes/h/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/48866325716/sizes/h/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/48866526432/sizes/h/

The roof has been getting a lot of attention lately.


https://twitter.com/CapitolRestore/status/1182302789315289089

Also, the visitor's entrance, rotunda, and governor's office have seen a lot of activity.
They've posted a progress video from which I grabbed some still shots.





















https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzqA0N3QBC0

[dc_denizen]

wow nice renovations!

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by dc_denizen

wow nice renovations!

Well, I won't argue with that.
(it would be rude to argue afterall... )

Scissortail Park is holding regular Fall Markets (every Saturday in October).
Some of the photos posted of the event give a nice view of the Convention Center and its progress.

And it's looking mighty nice with the glass going in.

Look at a shot from earlier this summer:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=26179&page=187

Compare with how it looks now:


https://twitter.com/ScissortailPark/status/1183034346682376192



http://picpanzee.com/media/2153193505290511041_464331

Although it wasn't designed as such, the park will end up as a major - if not the main - amenity for convention goers.

[Peerson]

St. Joseph Old Cathedral

On this quiet Sunday, I thought I'd introduce a wonderful church in downtown Oklahoma City.



St. Joseph Old Cathedral is located on 307 NW 4th Street.
This is along the streetcar route.


original: https://hollybaumannphotography.files.wo...gpost_aerialphotography_devontower-1.jpg
source: https://hollybaumannphotography.wordpres...r-oklahoma-city-commercial-photographer/

The interior is stunning.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/katsrcool/48700039538/sizes/h/

The building received extensive damage from the 1995 bombing.
It was closed for 2 years for repairs.

Afterwards, the church installed a statue called "And Jesus Wept" on the north side where the old rectory used to be (it was destroyed in the bombing)


https://www.flickr.com/photos/timthast/1836158613


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Joseph_Old_Cathedral_(Oklahoma_City)

It is still very much an active church.













https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Joseph-Old-Cathedral/241630509233727


A recent wedding photo:


https://deskgram.cc/p/2139278929595522801_182991626

The cross atop the steeple is now illuminated at night.
This began earlier this year -- the first time in 50 years.


https://twitter.com/downtownokc/status/1097159540854931463