OKLAHOMA CITY | Projects & Construction

[Peerson]

Fairfield Inn

This is the 5 story hotel being built right next to the new Convention Center.


original: http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention111019a.jpg
source: https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=26179&page=194

Pete at OKCTalk recently had a peek inside and reports that it is almost finished.

Let's have a quick look at a construction photo timeline.

7-30-2018



4-8-2019



11-18-2019


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=38017&page=10
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=38017&page=11

This has had a relatively leisurely build pace.
But I'm sure that they are timing this to let most of the surrounding construction wrap up before opening their doors.
That's speculation on my part, but it makes sense.

[Peerson]

Broadway Park

It's nice to catch of view of this building looking north down Broadway - and see it in the mix of other Auto Alley establishments.
Like this next pic (though it only barely peeks out on the right hand side)


original: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EIZ87_BXYAAplja.jpg:large
source: https://twitter.com/AutoAlleyOKC/status/1190776526649868288

This was from a couple of weeks ago -- the scaffolding was still up.
But it has since come down.

11-20-2019

original: http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/broadwaypark112019a.jpg
source: https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=41953&page=11

Definitely one of the slower ongoing projects in downtown (although there is stiff competition for that honor).
It appears to be nearing completion, but at the rate this thing progresses, who knows how far off the finish date will actually be.

No word yet on any prospective tenants.
Here's the rendering:


https://www.skylineink.com/portfolio/broadway-park/

[Peerson]

Left Frame Lofts

I just mentioned in the previous post that Broadway Park was one of the slower projects ongoing in the downtown area.
Another contender would be Left Frame Lofts.

Both those projects are great developments though.
Would love to see a dozen more of each.

Here's a recent aerial of the Lofts under construction:

11-21-2019

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43546&page=4


The developers for LFL had a tour of the project a few weeks back.


https://deskgram.cc/p/2153876756095228413_11130663314


It ended up landing on a miserably cold and rainy day.
Despite this, some hardy folks showed up anyway.


https://deskgram.cc/p/2162148697121953449_4014630838


So the interest is there.
And the downtown views will be great.


https://deskgram.cc/p/2135168806971336953_11130663314

But the condos are very expensive (for OKC, anyway).

[Peerson]

More work on the Classen Inn Motel

11-19-2019

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

The gutting appears to be in full swing.
The interiors are being completely overhauled.

Also...

The blue band you see on the street divider is the beginning of a public art display.
Local artist Joe Slack was commissioned to do the work.



Location:


https://twitter.com/OKCTalk/status/1149655765621153793


It didn't take long to install the artwork pieces.
Just a few days ago, a dedication was held with Mayor Holt, Slack, and a few others in attendance.





https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1197307382902280192

[Peerson]

Will Hider has been posting a bunch of intriguing historical photos of OKC on his twitter page
All of them are great, but one set particularly grabbed my eye.

A collection of photos, circa 1909 show the Oklahoma City Fire Department holding a parade on California Avenue:









https://twitter.com/unfrsakn/status/1197451960737320960

The building at the end of the street is the old Santa Fe train depot.
It was replaced with a beautiful art deco building in 1934.

Interior of Santa Fe Depot:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=28128&page=17

Aerial showing the exterior:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=28128&page=22


That section of California Avenue and all the old buildings in the 1909 photos are now taken up by the Cox Convention Center superblock.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=28128&page=20


If (or, more likely, when) the Cox Convention Center is demolished, that section of California Avenue could be restored.
And a new set of buildings sprout up along the street.
But that's another adventure for another day.

[Peerson]

Volvo dealership on Broadway closes

Possibly a case of deja vu all over again.

Recently, a Mercedes Benz dealership moved north and left an empty building behind on Broadway.
The building was renovated and now serves as the offices of Hogan Taylor accounting firm.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45465


Immediately to the south of the Benz building was a Volvo dealership.
They have just recently moved to a new location in far north OKC.

This leaves (once again) an empty dealership on Broadway awaiting some kind of re-use.
No word yet on what may become of this property.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45465

I don't think it will take too long before this gets snatched up and re-purposed.
This area of Automobile Alley has seen a lot of renovations and new businesses in the last 5-7 years.


original: http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/volvo3.jpg
source: https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45465

As seen in the photo, the streetcar passes right by as it makes its turn from Broadway onto NW 11th Street.

Some of the nearby buildings...

Broadway Park, which I've posted about a number of times.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=41953&page=11


The Buick building is a block south of the site.


https://www.midtownr.com/property/buick-building

This was renovated back in 2014 and is largely known for the Broadway 10 restaurant on the ground floor.
Here's a recent pic showing the Christmas lights:


https://twitter.com/FactoryObscura/status/1198289018900889600


Just to the west of the Buick building is a parking garage with an interesting louvered window exterior design.


https://twitter.com/DowntownOKC/status/1198357541694128133


Between the Buick building and the garage is a unique piece of artwork called "Architectural DNA".
It's a suspended iron staircase (saved from another renovation) balanced by cables between the two buildings.


https://www.tripsavvy.com/things-to-do-in-midtown-2516800


To the west is the Monarch building, which is nearly finished.


Immediately to the south is a gas station / convenience store.
Next to that is a wholesale florist shop.


source: https://www.google.com/maps/uv?hl=en&pb=...jQjrufpIbmAhUKUa0KHXZvDA0Qpx8wDHoECAoQCw


It's also directly southwest of the new Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center under construction.


https://twitter.com/OKContemporary/status/1197980929098240000


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=29284&page=13


Automobile Alley has seen a lot of activity the past few years.
More shops opening up and more street life.


https://twitter.com/DowntownOKC/status/1198365406852988929

It would be great to see a redevelopment for the Volvo site that moves foot traffic on Broadway even further north.
Particularly if it were to interact with - or complement in some fashion - the new arts center going up.

[Peerson]

Dolese HQ

I've come across some higher quality renderings for the new Dolese Bros. Headquarters.













http://butzerarchitects.com/dolese

I've seen most of the exterior renderings before, though not at this large size and resolution.
The interior renderings are completely new to me.

This will be a two-story, 78,000 sf office building for about 150 employees.

It is part of The Half development by American Fidelity on north Broadway.

Location:

source: https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45173


The last construction photo I've come across is from over a month ago:


http://picpanzee.com/media/2154679779897870865_16627072305

This should be complete by mid 2020.

[Peerson]

A nice downtown evening shot:


http://picpanzee.com/media/2170590487262806499_14037834204

[Peerson]

Progress on the new visitor entrance at the State Capitol:

11-21-2019







https://twitter.com/CapitolRestore/status/1197559502146551809


Renderings for the visitor entrance:







https://fsb-ae.com/project/state-capitol-interior-renovation/

[Peerson]

Residences at Classen Curve

A new multi-story apartment complex is being proposed for Nichols Hills, not far from the Classen Curve shopping center.
This will have 326 units -- 5 stories with a 6-level parking structure.

Rendering:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45471


I couldn't find any other renderings, and I don't like black-and-white, so I made up a colorized version - for grins.




Location:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45471

This is close to several other projects that I've posted about previously on this thread.
Notably, 6100 Grand and The Ellison Hotel, both of which are still at the proposal stage, as well as Flower Child, a restaurant currently under construction.

This is the high dollar section of town, so you can expect the rents to be fairly expensive.


Site Plan:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45471

[Peerson]

I-235 / I-44 Interchange Reconstruction update.

Andrew Penney has provided a set of photos showing the construction when driving north along I-235.

11-27-2019


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/49134755796/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/49134950047/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/49134265878/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/49134266093/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/49134755266/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/49134265723/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/49134949737/sizes/l/


Some aerials from one month ago give perspective on the location:





https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24127&page=48



Flashback:

The railway bridge passing over I-235 was built in an earlier phase of the construction, and was quite a mammoth project in an of itself.

It was completed by late 2018.
Here are a few construction shots:


original: https://i.imgur.com/KJbMkLa.jpg
source: https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24127&page=31


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24127&page=34


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24127&page=35


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24127&page=38


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24127&page=38

[Peerson]

Will Rogers Terminal Expansion

Steel beams are now vertical.





source: https://app.oxblue.com/open/WRWATerminalExpansion


On the subject of WRWA, they recently held an event where United Airlines showed off one of the new Bombardier CRJ-550 jets.









https://twitter.com/fly_okc/status/1196921025205809154

These jets will be used for daily flights from OKC to Chicago.

[Peerson]

Radisson Oklahoma City Northwest

The Wyndham Hotel along NW Expressway and May Ave. is now under new ownership and is receiving a $6 million renovation.




This 9-story hotel was built in 1969 as a Hilton Inn Northwest.




At the time, a whole series of new highrises were built near Lake Hefner, including the Founders Tower.

Founders Tower:

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=12395

It was a growing and important section of northwest OKC.


The hotel has changed flags several times over the years -- most recently operating under the Wyndham banner.
But it was falling into disrepair under the former owners who were apparenty having financial problems.

The new ownership plans to fully renovate the building and reopen as the 'Radisson Oklahoma City Northwest'.

Location:




Demolition work has already started.



from a press release:

With new ownership in place and a vision that looks to the future, a complete top to bottom renovation has begun on the former Wyndham Hotel Oklahoma City.
Interior demolition of the rooms, restaurant, lobby, registration area and event venues began in early September and will continue through December.

Total investment in the newly renovated hotel is over $6 Million.
The new property will reopen in January 2020 as the Radisson Oklahoma City Northwest.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=913

This is but one of several renovations (and changes) undertaken recently in that section of NW Expresway near Lake Hefner.
Probably worthy of a full roundup post, if I get around to it.

[llamaorama]

That railroad truss bridge is so interesting. I had no idea structures like that were still being built. It looks like something from the 19th century. Yet it makes perfect sense - the angle the highway crosses requires a long span and the bridge must be able to support the weight of a train across it's whole length.

Also thanks for the updates of suburban OKC highrise development. NW OKC looks a whole lot like suburban Dallas, which I guess is sort of unsurprising.

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by llamaorama

That railroad truss bridge is so interesting. I had no idea structures like that were still being built. It looks like something from the 19th century. Yet it makes perfect sense - the angle the highway crosses requires a long span and the bridge must be able to support the weight of a train across it's whole length.

Also thanks for the updates of suburban OKC highrise development. NW OKC looks a whole lot like suburban Dallas, which I guess is sort of unsurprising.

I hadn't thought about it, but yeah... the bridge does have that vintage look to it.

Mostly you see these going over creeks and rivers in more rural areas.
It's more dramatic seeing it in the middle of a city passing over an interstate.

When the steel bridge arrived and was moved into place, it was quite the event.
Despite being in the dead of winter, lots of folks showed up to see it being installed.

Andrew Penney grabbed a bunch of great pics of this.
These photos are from January 2018.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/26078491198/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/28171289879/sizes/h/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/26078279478/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/28171305959/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/28171348809/sizes/h/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/28171359519/sizes/h/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/26078293358/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/26078221268/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/39053375125/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/39241345334/sizes/l/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/18284386@N02/39241329794/sizes/l/

[Peerson]

Cathedral Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help


http://www.cooperpa.com/portfolio_page/the-cathedral-of-our-lady-of-perpetual-help

This Catholic church near the Paseo District has been undergoing an extensive renovation for months.





https://archokc.org/news/restoring-beauty-renovation-of-the-cathedral-of-our-lady-of-perpetual-help

The restoration has finally finished.
The church was re-dedicated on Nov. 16 (a few weeks ago).


https://twitter.com/ArchOKC/status/1195748566641319937


https://twitter.com/ArchOKC/status/1195733959893757952


https://twitter.com/ArchOKC/status/1195735629566484481

[Peerson]

Row on Twelve

A mixed-used development consisting of office space and residential has been proposed for 435 NW 12th in Midtown.

Location:

original: http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/vt081719a.jpg
source: https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=29042&page=11


This is on a tiny, slim plot of land only 37 feet wide:



Now that's infill!

Actually, this proposal was originally submitted over 3 years ago.
It looked like the project was dead, but recently they re-submitted designs for the site to the Downtown Design Review Committee.

Renderings:







https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42843

The plans show 1,300 sf of 2-story office space along NW 12th and four 3-story townhouses to the north.
This is located immediately behind the Walker Building, which was constructed itself just a few years ago.

Walker Building:


https://www.iconic-construction.com/


original: http://www.walkerterrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/NIGHT-TIME.jpg
source: http://www.walkerterrace.com/


That section of land has been sitting there quietly with the 'Coming Soon' sign -- and no activity -- for months.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42843&page=2

Finally, signs of construction have arrived.

12-3-2019

https://twitter.com/dtOKCbuilds/status/1201868377716936704

[Peerson]

400 N. Walnut

This 100 year old building is being renovated to serve as the future home of a local law firm.

Progress photos -- courtesy of Tietsort Design...













https://www.instagram.com/p/B5nU2LLBMir/


There will be a rooftop patio as well.
The views are awesome.







https://www.instagram.com/p/B5GDECXBhEX/


Just for comparison, here's what the project looked like back in June:





https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuQpuBhNbl/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&igshid=1kmpssdxsd84d

That's progress.

I believe this is nearing completion, but I don't know of any estimated finish date.
Right across the street, the new Level East apartments will be built.

[Peerson]

Play Cafe

This restaurant with an integrated children's play area is being built along 23rd Street.
The structure - originally a pawn shop - is receiving a complete renovation.

Tietsort Design has posted some updated photos of this project.









https://www.instagram.com/p/B5YYxUlhZWp/


The staff is busily preparing for the opening.


https://www.instagram.com/p/B5YrBizB5HB/

This is located at 600 NW 23rd.
Right next door are a couple of other restaurants: Pizza 23 and Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt.


https://www.crexi.com/lease/properties/29023/oklahoma-600-nw-23rd-st

The opening date is uncertain -- probably will be ready early next year.

[Peerson]

Uptown 23rd District


https://twitter.com/Uptown23rd/status/1196966708361203712

I just mentioned in the previous post about the Play Cafe project being developed on NW 23rd.
But it's just one of many.

Lots of activity in this area, with renovations and new builds.
This includes the Tower Theater, which acts like an anchor for the area.
But also: Ponyboy, Scottie's Deli, Bunker Club, The Eleanor, Cajun Corner,...

Recently, the city established the area as a Business Improvement District (BID).
I'm not knowledgable enough about these things to understand what that means, haha...
Presumably, the district will have more (and steadier) funding for cleanup, maintenance, and general self-sufficiency.

article that explains more: https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/district-improvement/Content?oid=6764300


East End of NW 23rd

By contrast, the easter section of 23rd next to I-235 is more run down.
It has lagged behind the developments occuring further west (closer to Classen).

However, it is starting to receive some attention lately as well.

One item of note is the coming of a new Starbucks to the area.

Renderings:







https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24994&page=53


This will be built at a currently empty lot at the corner of 23rd and Robinson.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=24994&page=53

On the other side of I-235 is the old armory which is being completely renovated by COOP Aleworks.
And then, past that, the State Capitol complex, also in an extensive renovation.


Across the street from where the Starbucks will go is a collection of businesses in flux.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44833


The Uptown Building is set for a renovation into mixed-use: ground floor commercial, second floor residential.

Rendering:

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44833

Some work has been done on this, but it remains unfinished AFAIK.


The building next to it (2412 N. Robinson) is also being renovated.
No word yet on what is planned.
The owner is apparently still seeking tenants.


The Blue Note Lounge is an OKC institution.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/34465297@N00/7828462718

Bar, dive, local music venue.
It's been there, seemingly forever..... (actually it opened in 1951)
Still going strong.

One place that hasn't seen any improvement yet is Martinez Tires.
It was purchased by a group that plans to convert it into a marijuana dispensary.
But so far, no action -- the building is currently empty.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44833&page=2

Just west of Martinez Tires is a happier story.
It was renovated from apartments to office space.





https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44833

So the revitalization of the Uptown 23rd district is trickling eastward, if slowly.