OKLAHOMA CITY | Projects & Construction

[Peerson]

TownePlace Suites - downtown OKC

A new TownePlace Suites hotel is being proposed for downtown.
There is already an existing one in OKC on SW 15th & Meridian.

The original proposal for this was made over a year ago.
It may have run into difficulties about approval - the design was a bit suburban style.
After a lengthy gap, they have finally submitted a second design proposal.

Renderings:













from OKCTalk:

The 111-room TownePlace Suites by Marriott would feature 4 floors of rooms atop a 3-level parking structure.

Other than parking, the ground level would include a 'jump lobby' where guests would unload luggage before proceeding to check-in on the 4th level.

Also on the 4th floor would be the main lobby, a bar connected to an outdoor patio with a glass folding wall system., meeting rooms, a fitness center, and guest rooms.

Floors 5, 6 and 6 would be for guest rooms and suites.

TownePlace is positioned as an extended stay hotel, with all rooms having kitchenettes and larger than average rooms.

This would be built north of a large parking garage and to the west of the new Heartland headquarters.

Location:


That's an older pic, taken before construction started on the Heartland HQ building.

Here's another view using a recent photo of the Heartland construction.



https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44065&page=5

Given its 'tucked in' location, the north side (facing 6th street) is the only part of the building that will have much visibility.

[Peerson]

Thunder Alley Entertainment Block proposal

A few months back, OCURA put out an RFP for the empty section of land south of Chesapeake Energy Arena.
(OCURA: Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority)




They received only one response - from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group.

Here's some renderings from their submission.













from OKCTalk:

Named Thunder Alley, the project would also include surface parking spaces for 70 cars at the east end.

The group anticipates the area to be a gathering space before and after Thunder games and other arena events, but also conventioneers who will be utitlizing the new Omni Hotel and convention center being constructed to the immediate south.

The proposal offers $1.25 million for the city-owned 1.55 acres but also asks $1.5 million in public incentives in the form of tax increment financing funds. They anticipate the entire project will cost $10.5 million.

https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=606-Thunder-Alley-Entertainment-Block-proposed-south-of-arena


To be honest, I'm not really digging that silver basketball-globe-with-hands sculpture.
In fact, the whole proposal leaves me underwhelmed.

It seems to me that the strip could be better developed, particularly in terms of street interaction since it faces the new downtown boulevard.

OCURA has yet to make a decision on the proposal.

[delts145]

I love the look of that building. Hard to believe it was just sitting empty. I'm sure the new owners got a great deal. Simple, but very elegant! Also perfect to have the park as an adj. feature.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/parkside111515a.jpg

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by delts145

I love the look of that building. Hard to believe it was just sitting empty. I'm sure the new owners got a great deal. Simple, but very elegant! Also perfect to have the park as an adj. feature.

Yes, it's a very cool looking building.
The stacked box interface gives it a 3D effect that sets it apart.
There are no other buildings in downtown OKC that look like that.

As for it being empty for a long time -- that's actually pretty understandable.
Sandridge ran into financial troubles right in the middle of building this.
The construction stalled for quite awhile.
It looked as though the building would never be finished.

Fortunately, Sandridge finally did manage to finish this off -- but only barely.
They got the building closed up and the exterior all done, but the interior was left unfinished.

So whoever purchased this building was getting a shell, basically.
They would have to put some hefty funds into finishing out the interior.
Energy companies would be a natural candidate, but after the oil slump a few years ago, not many of them were in the mood for a project like that.

I'm glad that a local company finally stepped up to the plate.
Echo Energy has been working on the building for about a year now, and, as far as I know, it's not quite done yet.
So it took some real initiative -- not to mention cash.

But they will get a great building.
And having that public park right there at their doorstep -- that's a great amenity for the employees.

[Peerson]

Shay Hotel

A new boutique hotel is being proposed for midtown at 516 NW 8th.

Location:



The 3 story building was constructed in 1963 and has the typical 'mid-century mod' styling of the time.
It has been used recently as apartments.





https://www.google.com/maps/place/Studio...9c77!8m2!3d35.475933!4d-97.5209168?hl=en

Shyon Keoppel, who is also developing the Fan Club / Okie Kush development on 10th & Hudson has purchased the building and is planning on converting it to a 25 room boutique hotel.

It will feature a restaurant, bar and coffee shop on the ground floor.
A large swimming pool and sunning deck will be built on the empty lot immediately to the east.

Renderings:





https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44919


The house immediately to the west is a private residence.
Keoppel reportedly owned this previously, but it's up for sale at the moment.
A zillow listing has it priced at $1,075,000.




The Ambassador Hotel, not too far away, is an outstanding boutique hotel.
Otherwise there are very few hotels (of any kind) in the midtown area.
So this would be a welcome addition.

The pool deck should have great views of downtown.

[chjbolton]

That Devon tower needs some company...

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by chjbolton

That Devon tower needs some company...

Man, you aint kiddin'... LOTS of company.

Not much I can do about it.

Hope for the best.
Stiff upper lip.
Fingers crossed.
Eat my veggies (won't help get a tower, but a good idea anyway )

[Urbannizer]

Originally Posted by Peerson

4th & EK Gaylord

The empty, grassy, triangular plot of land at 4th & EK Gaylord has been rumored for development for many years now.



This time, they received proposals from two different groups.

• Bomasada (a Houston company)
• Rose Rock Development (a Tulsa company).

Here's the Bomasada proposal:







https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=38885&page=18

Rose Rock later issued some amended renderings, with more details about the land use:







Clearly the Rose Rock proposal is the sexier of the two.
But it's a bummer about no residential units for this design.
It would be great if it were modified to add another 3 or 4 floors above the office space for residential -- but that's just my fantasy.

I'm a bit concerned that the mesh material used to cover the parking garage might not look that great in person once built, but that's just a guess.

The Bomasada proposal is fine in and of itself. It looks sharp.
I just don't think it's the best fit for that particular spot in downtown.
I'd love to see it built elsewhere downtown.

No word yet on when the city will announce the winner.

I prefer the Rose Rock proposal. While you note the mesh material may come out odd, the Bomasada proposal has its parking garage completely exposed and a setback for parking along NW 4th Street. I too prefer it to be residential but there are still many areas of downtown OKC to build residential units.

[Peerson]

Lingo Construction saw fit to post a nice morning shot of the Heartland HQ building.


https://twitter.com/buildwithlingo


The small white building to the left (with all the trucks parked around it)
will be the site of the 7-story TownePlace Suites hotel -- if their proposal is approved by the city.

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by Urbannizer

I prefer the Rose Rock proposal. While you note the mesh material may come out odd, the Bomasada proposal has its parking garage completely exposed and a setback for parking along NW 4th Street. I too prefer it to be residential but there are still many areas of downtown OKC to build residential units.

Agree. I'd be wholeheartedly enthusiastic if I knew more about the material that Rose Rock is planning to use as a screen for the parking.

How will it look up close? Will it wear well? I'm concerned about whether it would dent, ding, chip, un-bend, fade, etc. It's a mystery material that makes me nervous.

[Peerson]

6100 Grand



A group of luxury townhomes proposed along Grand Boulevard near Classen Curve


Renderings:

























This is the brainchild of Oklahoma City architect Rick Brown.
He plans to move into one of the townhomes himself.

from an article in the Oklahoman:

The development, dubbed 6100 Grand, will feature residences Brown describes as designed with large, light-filled rooms, 12-foot ceilings, private courtyards, and exteriors consisting of cast stone and slate.

The architecture is in the beaux arts style, which Brown said will be a canvas for both classic and modern interiors.

article: https://oklahoman.com/article/5630188/gr...ones-planned-for-area-near-classen-curve


Location:



Amenities listed at the website:

• Classic Beaux-Arts Architecture - cast stone, slate and copper
• Large light-filled rooms with 12 ft. celings and divided light casement windows
• Secure, landscaped grounds
• Walking distance to Whole Foods, Classen Curve, Nichols Hills Plaza, and Starbucks
• Pool and Fitness Center
• Minutes to Grand Boulevard Park and Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club
• Private courtyard and veranda in each residence
• Imported, antique French marble fireplace mantels
• Premium appliance package
• Private second floor master suite, with owner's retreat, and extensive bath and wardrobe areas
• Marble and wood floors throughout
• Plumbing fixtures throughout by Waterworks
• Private elevator in each residence
• Individual 2 or 3 car garages
• 3rd floor en-suite guest or children's bedrooms

There are many locations in OKC where this development would look or feel totally out of place.
But this particular spot is actually a good one.

The nearby businesses -- Anthropologie, West Elm, the shops at Classen Curve -- are all upscale retailers.
And this is close to Nichols Hills, a neighborhood filled with multi-million dollar mansions.
Properties here are typically owned by doctors, lawyers, oil executives, real estate developers.
There's a lot of money floating about in this part of town.

There are 3 types of residences listed at their website:

• Type A: 3 bd, 3308 sf -- $1,395,000
• Type B: 3 bd, 5440 sf -- $2,350,000
• Type C: 4 bd, 6015 sf -- $2,750,000

A total of 14 townhomes are to be built.
Work on the first nine is expected to start in the fall.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44418

website: http://www.6100grand.com

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/6100Grand

[Peerson]

Penn Central

An ambitious mixed-use development has been proposed for the Penn Square area.

Location:



This would require some extensive changes to the area:

Preliminary plans distributed to surrounding neighbors show the demolition of all existing structures, NW 50th rerouted to the south,
and several new buildings featuring retail and restaurants on the first level, then apartments and offices on levels 2 through 5 above.
There would also be several multi-level parking structures.

This is a project by Veritas Development, who are based out of Tulsa.
They have been scooping up properties in the area over the past couple of years and now own all the properties to be removed.
In fact, the old Salvation Army building has already been scraped.

They have spent the last year lobbying for this proposal including conducting multiple meetings with local residents.

Master Plan:






The proposed development is called Penn Central.

It was first announced nearly a year ago.
But due to the large changes necessary (demolishing several large structures, re-routing a street, and extensive rezoning)... it was not a sure thing.
I was hesistant to post about this until we found out something more definite about its future.

Well, the Planning Commission just voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning for this 12 acre site.
Several citizens at the meeting spoke up against this, but the commission decided that the development as a whole was good for the community.
The City Council still has to give its approval before permits can be issued, but it rarely goes against the Planning Commission's recommendation.
So, it appears this project is a GO.


Renderings:
























https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=62...e-project-moves-forward-near-Penn-Square
https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=57...NW-Expressway-and-Penn-mixed-use-project
http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=527...le-development-at-Penn-and-NW-Expressway

Northwest Expressway is a very busy thoroughfare, and Penn Square Mall is a popular shopping destination.
But there's precious little walkable retail anywhere in this area.
So this will be something of a first for this region of NW OKC.

[NYC2ATX]

Is that a SHACK SHAKE I see? And that building that's front-and-center in the last rendering above looks like a RH Design Gallery, eh? Perhaps they'll hope to poach the Apple Store location over from Penn Square Mall? I love it, I say go for it.

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by NYC2ATX

Is that a SHACK SHAKE I see? And that building that's front-and-center in the last rendering above looks like a RH Design Gallery, eh? Perhaps they'll hope to poach the Apple Store location over from Penn Square Mall? I love it, I say go for it.

Boy that really got your attention. You might even say it shook you up a bit.

There's been absolutely no information released about possible tenants.
I double checked before I put the post up.
And since it wasn't a certainty that the project was even going to go through, that makes sense.

To me, that rendering with the SHACK SHAKE just *screams* that Veritas has an agreement from them to put a location in Penn Central.

Now I don't KNOW that (no scoop here folks). It's just the logical conclusion after looking at the rendering.
It just doesn't make sense to display that so prominently if you weren't sure about a commitment.
It would have been ridiculously easy to put a generic burger place in the picture - as is often done in renderings.

But again, I have no insider info.
I know as much as anybody else who looks at the images.
And draws the obvious conclusion.

I do know that Veritas has been working on the project for years now, has already spent a ton of money on it, not to mention time and effort (a total of 6 meetings with local residents of the area).
Clearly they mean business.

Oh, and this quote from OKCTalk:

McNeil told the group he has been working with several national retailers who would be new to Oklahoma City.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=38833&page=10

Ryan McNeil is the developer from Veritas that is leading this project.

So, I guess we'll find out soon enough.

[Peerson]

Bricktown improvements

The 20th anniversary of the opening of the Bricktown canal is coming up soon.



In light of this, I'm going to go ahead and post some items involving the latest improvement to the Bricktown canal and surrounding area.


Bricktown Canal plaza renovation

The west end of the canal was originally slated for a grand project to link it to the adjacent Santa Fe railroad station by way of a tunnel.



This would allow passengers arriving on the train to enter the canal area directly.
A number of improvements on the canal side were planned to accomodate this - specifically an upper terrace and a new stairway to the lower canal level.

However, it turned out not to be.
There were two bids received for the construction of the tunnel, and both came in over budget.
So this idea has been scrapped by the city, for the moment anyway.
I don't think it's dead - I do believe the tunnel may well be constructed at a future date.

The remaining improvements to the plaza, however, are still set to happen.



The upper viewing terrace and the grand staircase, as well as a landscaped lower plaza area are still in the works.

The grand staircase first emerged in late February:


https://twitter.com/watertaxi

Construction picked up pace in the spring.









https://twitter.com/dtokcbuilds


https://twitter.com/_Bricktown

This mural is called "El Pavo Real" (i.e. "The Peacock").
It's by artist Jack Fowler -- an appropriate name.



https://twitter.com/watertaxi

This mural was completed recently as part of the canal improvements.


Aerial view of the progress by mid April:






The latest progress shot from yesterday (6-15-2019) shows the handrails installed.


https://twitter.com/watertaxi


New pedestrian crosswalk

A new pedestrian crosswalk was set to be installed between the ballpark and the entry to the east end of the canal.


https://twitter.com/_bricktown/status/1032308657504047105

This crosswalk somewhat recreates the original stretch of California Avenue that was eliminated when the canal was built.


This would include some placemaking art work.





https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=49...ose-new-entry-gateway-to-Bricktown-Canal


Construction began earlier this year:


https://twitter.com/dtokcbuilds

Cool aerial shot:





https://twitter.com/dtokcbuilds


The crosswalk was finished by early April.




Still remaining

There is still one section left along the side facing the railroad that is receiving attention.
There will be landscaping, benches, and new lighting added there.

Location:




Renderings:







I believe this is set to start very soon.

Also, the placemaking art that was to be positioned on the new crosswalk has yet to be installed.
I haven't heard any word as to whether there is some problem or why the delay.


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=23542&page=89
https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=49...ose-new-entry-gateway-to-Bricktown-Canal
http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=569...connection-between-downtown-to-Bricktown

[Peerson]

Yale Theater

The historic Yale Theater in Capitol Hill is being fully restored.
(Capitol Hill is a neighborhood near downtown OKC just south of the river).

The theater was originally opened in 1918 as a performance theater, but soon became a movie theater and remained that for decades.



The theater as it looked in 1950.

https://www.facebook.com/theyaleokc

In recent years it has been used for various events including wrestling matches.
But the building's condition has been deteriorating - as was the neighborhood around it.

OKC developer Steve Mason, noted for his restorations in the Plaza District and Automobile Alley, has become interested in the Capitol Hill area as well.
He began an effort to restore the old Yale Theater in the fall of 2017.

State of the building just prior to renovation:





The tall industrial building in the background is an old feed mill - now owned and operated by Cargill Animal Nutrition (producers of livestock feed).


Construction work started in late summer of 2018.

By early May of this year:















When complete, the building is expected to host various type of local events, particularly those involving the hispanic community.

The Yale Theater is being restored to serve as a new anchor for the economic and cultural development of the Capitol Hill District.
The Yale Theater will be both a hub of activity for the district and a bridge between the Hispanic and mainstream community.

This new gathering place will be the highest quality event center in South OKC, catering to weddings and the culturally important quinceañeras and creating its own programming including Latin nights
reminiscent of the Latin clubs of the 50’s through the 70’s, classic movie screenings, Mexican Regional concerts, performing arts, and other events.

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theyaleokc

The renovation is expected to be fully finished by mid summer.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42952&page=2
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42952&page=3

[Peerson]

New OKC Public Schools Headquarters

Late last fall it was announced that Oklahoma City Public Schools would be moving its headquarters to a new location downtown.

The selected landing spot was the old Central National Bank building on 615 N. Classen Avenue.




This 3 story, 28,000 sf building is be renovated for its new purpose as administrative offices.
It will be renamed to The Clara Luper Center for Educational Services.

Additionally, a new building is to be constructed on the north section of the site.
The new building will house a large auditorium to be used for board meetings and conferences.







Recent construction photos:

4-19-2019




6-15-2019






https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=36988



The "Wavy" Roof

One more note about this project, which is rather sad.

The old Central National Bank building had a unique drive-thru with a wavy concrete roof.


https://okcmod.com/architecture/rip/slideshow-gallery-2/

It had a certain charm to it and was a favorite of many locals to visit and photograph -- particularly fans of mid century mod architecture.

As part of the bank renovation, OKCPS (Oklahoma City public schools) announced that it would be removed to make room for additional parking.
There was an outcry from some who wished the unique structure to be saved.

Here's one effort to save it:
https://www.change.org/p/okie-mod-squad-save-central-national-motor-bank

OKCPS said that it would try to preserve the old structure and was attempting to find a buyer who could move it to another location.

But apparently not.
Yesterday, 6-18-2019, the distinctive old "wavy" structure was demolished.




https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=36988

[jtown,man]

You know, I obviously appreciate that OKC is building more in their core, adding more people and offices. However, what really excites me is that a city, with a relatively small population and lack of urban history, is adding so many improvements to its public realm. Probably the most per person in the country. Yeah I am totally guessing, but it sounds right lol

[Peerson]

Capitol building restoration

The state capitol building is in the process of being thoroughly renovated and updated.

This is an extremely comprehensive, top-to-bottom re-working.
The 100 year old building was badly in need of corrective repairs and interior modernization.

Funds were initially allocated for this by the legislature in 2014.
Investigative work began in 2015, then, based on the findings, further funds were obtained in 2016.
Then the construction really began in earnest.






http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=34146&page=13


This is a massive project. It's been ongoing for over three years.
While they're getting closer, it's by no means done yet.

One area receiving a lot of attention lately is the new visitor's entrance.
Here's the beginning of the work from last year.



And here are some pics from just a couple of days ago:






Rendering for the new visitor's entrance:




Construction projects (particularly renovations) always seem to dig up interesting stuff.
Here's an off-the-wall but cool find:

Crews working on the exterior found an old newspaper fragment, dating from March 30, 1917, stuffed into a soffit.
Being covered over, it was amazingly well preserved.





A collection of construction pics during various phases of the project:
























Naturally, there was a brief pause in early April for taping of American Ninja Warrior:



https://twitter.com/CapitolRestore


Currently, much of the focus is on interior work.
This includes updating to modern electrical systems, fire safety devices, new data wiring, new plumbing, and new HVAC equipment.

The focus for next few months, while the legislature is in recess:

• House east wing offices (floors 2-6)
• 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floor north wing Senate offices
• Governor’s office suite
• New Lt. Governor office suite
• Supreme Court
• Treasurer’s office suite
• New visitor entrance
• 1st, 2nd, and 4th floor rotundas
• Roof

http://capitolrestore.ok.gov/?p=11778


And on and on it goes.

More info here: http://capitolrestore.ok.gov

Continuous updates and photos here: https://twitter.com/CapitolRestore

[Peerson]

The Classen 16 mixed use residential complex is going vertical.





https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=39587&page=7