OKLAHOMA CITY | Projects & Construction

[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/oumedica...nCam%20HD/Live


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









https://www.oumedicine.com/oumedicin.../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?...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-Th...s-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...Clendon-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?...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?...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?...panded-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.

[Peerson]

Originally Posted by Austin55

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

Thanks man!

Btw, are you from Ft Worth? That's a cool town. It's had a lot of stuff going lately as well, I seem to recall. It has a great downtown area with that renovated center called Sundance Square.

Ft. Worth and OKC are often compared as being very similar cities. Similar in size, downtown development, geographic location,etc.
We also share the distinction of being in the shadow of that elephant-in-the-room sometimes referred to as "Big D".

[Peerson]

A couple of renovations leading to some new high-end BBQ restaurants.


1. The Smoking Boar


https://www.facebook.com/smokingboarokc/


A modern BBQ restaurant concept coming to north OKC near May and Britton.





The team: Jim Camp, Boo Hee Newman, and Jason Johnson



https://www.facebook.com/smokingboarokc/

The team of operating partner Jason Johnson, culinary director Jim Camp and executive chef Boo Hee Newman are making a significant investment in the large 5,000 square foot space to feature a full-service restaurant and large bar area.

Newman was most recently head chef at Cheever's Cafe and Johnson and Camp each have more than 20 years of culinary experience.

While living in Indiana, Johnson visited Oklahoma City and saw great potential in the surging local food and beverage scene.

He describes Smoking Boar as a modern take on barbeque to feature traditional items such as brisket, turkey, and ribs but with a strong emphasis on smoked fish, including salmon which will be a permanent feature of the menu.

Some menu items:




Interior design:



The existing building is being extensively renovated, including ripping out all the carpets down to the concrete, and removing all the white paint from the interior brick walls.
Tables are being hand crafted from red oak.


Location:



(This is close to Lake Hefner)

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=45094




2. Clark Crew BBQ



Travis Clark, a native Oklahoman who has made a name in the BBQ world will be opening up his own signature restaurant in OKC.

Travis Clark of Yukon is the most decorated pitmaster in the Kansas City BBQ Society since 2013 and won the 2017 American Royal Invitational World Champion.

Clark recently became “National Pitmaster” for the Minnesota-based Famous Dave's chain and is helping to launch a high-quality barbecue restaurant chain, the first of which will be in Oklahoma City.

The new concept is titled Clark Crew BBQ and work has already started at the old Macaroni Grill at 3510 NW Expressway, just west of Lake Hefner Parkway near the Baptist Hospital Complex.
On The Border is directly east.

The huge 7,272 square foot building is getting a complete reworking and adding a large smokehouse to the northwest corner.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44975


The interior is being completely re-done.
No word on whether any changes will be made to the exterior.


Location:



(This is along NW Expressway, fairly close to Lake Hefner)

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44975

website: http://www.clarkcrewbbq.com/

[Peerson]

Fan Club / Okie Kush

Large property on the corner of NW 10th & Hudson to get complete renovation

Location:



The large white building to be renovated is next to Dust Bowl (a bowling alley) and Fassler Hall (a midtown beer hall).
As seen in the photo, it is right across the street from a streetcar stop.

This building is huge. It's over 10,000 sf and was originally built in 1935.

Shyon Keoppel, a local developer, has signed a long-term lease for the property.
(note: this is a lease, not a purchase)

The building is to be re-purposed as a patio bar called Fan Club.
It will have a large bar and dining area along with an arcade, a sports theater, and karaoke rooms.
Patio seating will be available outside along both 10th Street and Hudson.

Additionally, there will be a medical marijuana dispensary located here, called Okie Kush.
Keoppel is a co-owner in both businesses.


Renderings:

South view (fronting 10th)




East view (fronting Hudson)




Floor plan




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

[Peerson]

Multiple warehouse renovation project - 11 NW 10th

A pair of adjacent warehouses along 10th Street (near the railroad tracks) are being extensively renovated.
This will be a conversion to a mixed-use development. No specific tenants have been named at this time.

Location:



https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44941


These warehouses are nestled in between two popular local spots: Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar, and Twisted Spike Brewery.
Both of those businesses are in refurbished old buildings.

This is a burgeoning section of Automobile Alley, so it's natural that this intermediate dead spot should be selected next for a re-working.


Neighbors

Sidecar Barley & Wine Bar


© Clarissa S. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/side...KQUNxJ_TNTmsCg



© Tony S. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/side...8DHm8mWXJ89DcQ



© Mistyday H. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/side...xppzZ8TghV9r4w



© Tom B. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/side...xlogN7hKLcyqzQ



© Tom B. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/side...ozYVcYGo0dmJsg



Twisted Spike Brewery


© Mary Margaret M. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/twis...D5eaXhu_4dle4Q



© Jonathon P. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/twis...51Pdl9AZ9VGsmg



© Ashley D. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/twis...j7nHk0oRDlFOYQ


© Mallory Y. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/twis...3G3ds1p_KbQWeA


© Mary Margaret M. / Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/twis...82WhA7-CzHdIOQ


Renovation Concept

The specific uses for the buildings have not been revealed, and no name for the project has been given.
It is known that local businessman Richard Hefner has purchased the warehouses.
Hefner has been involved in retail and office development in Shawnee.
Several possible tenants are reportedly being negotiated with.

Common Works Architects, a well respected local firm with a good track record in OKC, have been chosen to design the renovation.

Their concept involves integrating the two structures together as a common unit, while leaving enhanced pedestrian and vehicular access to each.
This will involve some partial demolition work on both buildings.


Architectural concepts:










https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=44941

[Peerson]

I noticed a number of tweets popping up yesterday about the City Building Express 2019 tour .
Never heard of this group before, but it sounds like a fascinating tour of urban developments they have lined up, which started in Oklahoma City and winds up in Louisville, KY.

It's curious to see what the attendees found in OKC of interest to post about.

The streetcar (not too surprisingly)


https://twitter.com/MarkFMillerGR


OKSea (a development next to the Aloft hotel made up of shipping containers)




https://twitter.com/MarkFMillerGR


The Bricktown underpass mural (by artist Kris Kanaly)




https://twitter.com/MarkFMillerGR


A stop at the Wheeler District




https://twitter.com/hblackson


And, of course, a ride on the ferris wheel




https://twitter.com/chrisandrewsCDA


Blair Humphreys gives a tour of Wheeler to the attendees (preaching to the choir)


https://twitter.com/WheelerDistrict

[Peerson]

Omni hotel construction:


https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=35905&page=82

They've gotten to the room floors now, so hopefully the levels will start stacking up fairly quickly.

[Peerson]

A few more convention center / hotel / park shots:





https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=26179&page=185


And on the west end of Scissortail Park, Social Capital OKC (beer garden) is progressing:





https://twitter.com/OKCTalk