Rover, I went back to the beginning of this thread and realized it was started in 2008. 2008! It just brings home how long these projects really take when they involve tearing down an old building, design review committees, TIFs, etc. All of this for a hotel that has not held many people's attention. Just think how much more complicated the Stage Center and Preftakes properties are and will be.

Rover, I went back to the beginning of this thread and realized it was started in 2008. 2008! It just brings home how long these projects really take when they involve tearing down an old building, design review committees, TIFs, etc. All of this for a hotel that has not held many people's attention. Just think how much more complicated the Stage Center and Preftakes properties are and will be.I think this project was canceled at one point and then revived.

Dont hate it...it just isnt special. Very average. But everyone on here seems thrilled.

Not everyone.

December 16 2014

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7557/15852622530_5021f162dc_b.jpg

nice blank (but brick) wall.

look at all of those powerlines. Why can't Larry Nichols champion his hate for wires at OGE?

Streetcar will have just ONE wire, not all of these you can see in this pic. ... Yet Nichols is attacking the Streetcar/wire?

No windows on the east side?

It is a hotel sans EIFS - that's something to get excited about. It actually fits very nicely with existing Bricktown architecture and there are some subtle details to the brickwork that give it a vintage feel. Considering all the other hotels in the area, as well as the fact that it's just a Holiday Inn Express, I'm pleased they tried to do it right, given their undoubted budget. Didn't someone say the reason there are no windows on the east side is because there's a planned building adjacent, perhaps a parking garage?

No windows on the east side?

likely future building on that side built right up against it

likely future building on that side built right up against it

Correct.

There are zero lot lines in that area which would allow for a building built right up against it on that side, so they designed the rooms and layout assuming that would ultimately happen.

It's a nice touch that they actually included brick detail that - if you look closely - makes it appear there actually once were windows that were bricked up. Though it sortof violates some standards related to authenticity and creating false history, it breaks up an otherwise huge blank wall, and is a nod to other buildings in the district with bricked window openings. The ballpark did the same thing on the Flaming Lips Alley side. Considering the last column of windows on the primary facade are also bricked, I think it's likely that they located building mechanicals and other engineering on that end.

I stand corrected then, as I can't really tell from the pictures. But that is very good news that they did render the windows to modern standards (brick in historic windows) and as Betts eloquently stated - considering its a HI Express and the ONLY bricktown hotel to pay this much attention to the details: even more impressive.

Also impressive that they anticipated development immediately adjacent on the east side; definitely hope that is the case and we can get downtown streetwall effect over there.

Now, if we can get the power lines buried on Main Street, that would be totally awesome!

It's notable that the ballpark and HIE share the same architect.

From catch22; lots of nice details:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hie122314a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hie122314b.jpg

Looks like the exterior is starting to get close. Any idea on the interior? What about an opening date?

I just hosted their whole team this afternoon (they have a management team that has incredible downtown experience, BTW). Looks like they'll be open in about a week.

Nice! Do we have any pics of the interior or even renderings for that matter?

December 24 2014

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7576/16102996155_f08fb3e4d9_h.jpg

Wow. Love it. Thanks for the photos Will.

nice modern colours!

The blue accent lighting contrasts well with the orange parking garage lights.

I kind of like the overhead powerlines gives that authenticity industrial feel to the way Bricktown was in its earlier days.

This is a real quality project. It should be an example for other limited service hotel developers in Bricktown to follow (*cough* Staybridge Suites). I love the attention that they've paid to the small details.

I kind of like the overhead powerlines gives that authenticity industrial feel to the way Bricktown was in its earlier days.I hate them. I wish they would all be buried. Can't stand those things.

Here are a couple pictures that were posted on Twitter not too long ago:

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That picture on the left... you probably could have convinced me it was taken at Aloft if I didn't know any better.

NewCrest Image (the hotel group) does a really nice job on their properties, as you can see from all the detail and design they put into this little hotel.

Really looking forward to seeing their plans for the Steelyard. Could end up being pretty slick.

NewCrest Image (the hotel group) does a really nice job on their properties, as you can see from all the detail and design they put into this little hotel.

Really looking forward to seeing their plans for the Steelyard. Could end up being pretty slick.

I didn't realize these were the same people. Now I am really excited about it.

Nice to see quality parking finally coming to Bricktown.
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Nice to see quality parking finally coming to Bricktown.
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Is this serious?

No, I am sure that west side is temporary. There is a huge mess on that side - but it looks like they need all the parking they can muster up since they are open.

They're not open just yet, or weren't as of midweek. Still waiting on a couple of inspections, though they are basically guest-ready. I got a tour on Tuesday. It's incredibly nice considering the flag. The views are amazing. There is a fantastic private courtyard area, and the setting for the pool is impressive. It's going to be a home run. And yes, that parking is temporarily striped until new asphalt is laid.

Interestingly one of the inspection problems had to do with the rooms being too quiet. They are so well insulated for sound that inspectors were concerned that the fire alarms in the hallways couldn't be heard.

They can open any day now.

...

Interestingly one of the inspection problems had to do with the rooms being too quiet. They are so well insulated for sound that inspectors were concerned that the fire alarms in the hallways couldn't be heard....

Wow, that has to be the first time I've *ever* heard that about a hotel, lol!

Last time I talked to them, their target date for opening was the the 22nd, which would be next Thursday.

Here are some photos:



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5wF4ZVCUAMx3Zg.jpg:large


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4IK4adCUAAPHEB.jpg:large


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5wHniwCMAAcyyo.jpg:large


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6wa_N3CYAAsblo.jpg


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6wd1pACMAAopLu.jpg


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6wguvlCcAEcmHF.jpg


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7fEpZEIUAA4rcP.jpg

You can't really tell from this photo, but the (unseen) transom windows, combined with the ones pictured, bike just about everyone in this room a skyline view that might be the best panoramic skyline view from a ground floor anywhere in the city. Also, the suites on the top floor boast some spectacular views too.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5wHniwCMAAcyyo.jpg:large

They opened for business today.

From https://twitter.com/HotDogOKC:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7_mzxTCAAAXqs-.jpg

From the JR:

Main Street amenities: New Bricktown hotel strives for old-fashioned hospitality

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record January 27, 2015

OKLAHOMA CITY – It’s not uncommon to see a group of police officers gathered for coffee at a small-town Main Street diner. Bricktown’s Holiday Inn Express wants to fill that role on its E. Main Street and N. Oklahoma Avenue corner.

“We’re a part of the fabric of Oklahoma City now,” said Brian Werkman, general manager. “If you want a warm cup of coffee and some conversation, we want you to come in. We want to be a hotel that welcomes everyone.”

The hospitality is in the brand’s image, but it’s also part of the site’s history. The hotel stands on what was once Steffen’s Dairy. Sales Director Cathy Doyle said families once made Saturday trips to get ice cream. The Steffen’s building was razed in 2013 to make room for the Holiday Inn Express, but Werkman and Doyle work with their staff to make sure that warm welcome remains.

“This is our guest’s second home,” Werkman said. “We are really encouraging and embedding in our staff that (our guests) are choosing to be here. We are an extension of their home.”

Creating that new home was a challenge for architect Scott Dedmon, principal at the ADG architecture firm. The site was small, but hotel owners NewcrestImage had big plans for the space. The exterior design was demanding as well, Dedmon said. He said NewcrestImage wanted a building that fit into Bricktown, yet had a contemporary feel.

“They didn’t want a Disneyland caricature of a Bricktown warehouse,” he said.

Doyle said she knows the goal was accomplished because the staff is often asked if the building is historic.

“That’s exactly the reaction we wanted,” Dedmon said.

While the building fits into the neighborhood, it still carries an internationally recognized name, and guests expect certain standards. Werkman said NewcrestImage wanted to exceed InterContinental Hotels Group standards. For example, the hotel has IHG’s great room-style lobby, which is a large open area with a breakfast nook, but the second floor overlooks the lobby, a touch added by NewcrestImage.

Guests can also find a first-floor patio area with two pergolas, a fire pit, overstuffed seating and a grill, fitness area, and indoor heated pool. The pool is surrounded by glass, making it almost feel like it’s outside.

The patio area was created as a byproduct of configuring the building onto the small site, Dedmon said. Another product of the configuration is the room sizes. The hotel has 124 guest rooms on five floors, ranging in size from a standard two-bed to three executive king suites. The executive rooms come with two televisions. Each room has Holiday Inn Express’ amenities, such as a microwave, mini-refrigerator, and Bath & Body Works products.

While the amenities are expected by guests, Werkman said they are surprised with the building’s proximity to everything in the area.

“They can enjoy the Bricktown experience, but have a different type of Bricktown experience at the same time,” he said.

i think I will write the owner/general manager to suggest they flip their vertical sign. All need to do is swap the panes from one side to the other, that would make it correctly oriented and not backward.

Otherwise, kudos to this project.

January 28 1015

Didn't go inside but it doesn't look much different than other photos I shared now that it's complete.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8660/16389792142_a91e6e1468_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/16364737916_b5a84abc84_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/16203317470_1d5a5a0ed5_h.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/16203312170_306e81d132_b.jpg

Would have been nice if they would have buried those utility lines.

Would have been nice if they would have buried those utility lines.

Fo sho'!

With regard to the hotel, this would be my choice for a place to stay for weekend fun and safety if I hit up Bricktown.

Would have been nice if they would have buried those utility lines.

here, here!

2/8/2015

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/16452627056_a82feea936_c.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8611/16477670052_91a6d2e241_c.jpg

I'm convinced that someday there will be pedestrians in pictures of downtown.

I'm convinced that someday there will be pedestrians in pictures of downtown.Actually, there were a very high number of people walking around. This photo was taken a little before 6 and it is a Sunday. I am about to start editing some videos I made and turn them into GIFs which show quite a few people walking around and some activity. Also, this area isn't really built up yet. There is still some vacancy and a lot of offices back here that probably aren't open on Sundays.

powerlines. ...

powerlines. ...

I didn't even notice them until you pointed them out

powerlines. ...I agree. I hate them. It would look so much better without them!

i think I will write the owner/general manager to suggest they flip their vertical sign. All need to do is swap the panes from one side to the other, that would make it correctly oriented and not backward.

Otherwise, kudos to this project.

They look backward to me too. It feels like it should read from the bottom up not top down. But flipping the panes would make the H logo upside down and backward.

I didn't even notice them until you pointed them out

It's a ski lift

It's a ski lift

bwahahaha

powerlines. ...

pigeon firing ranges

They look backward to me too. It feels like it should read from the bottom up not top down. But flipping the panes would make the H logo upside down and backward.

no, just take the pane on one side and move it in the same orientation to the other side, and vice versa. then, the words "Holiday Inn Express" would be correctly oriented to the street and the HI logo would remain on top. I will suggest this if I can get their contact info. This actually shouldn't be difficult nor timely to fix; just switch the panes.

no, just take the pane on one side and move it in the same orientation to the other side, and vice versa. then, the words "Holiday Inn Express" would be correctly oriented to the street and the HI logo would remain on top. I will suggest this if I can get their contact info. This actually shouldn't be difficult nor timely to fix; just switch the panes.

Okay, I see what you're saying now.

lol, ya. That would make a good use of them.

But seriously, (again), I'm surprised that the city doesn't have an ordinance against powerlines in multi-floor areas. .. I can totally see a potential hazard to fire ladder trucks, for example. Also, burying the wires dramatically opens up the streetscape and eliminates pole posters/graffiti.

powerlines. ...

They are just part of the urban landscape. They don't really bother me.

no, just take the pane on one side and move it in the same orientation to the other side, and vice versa. then, the words "Holiday Inn Express" would be correctly oriented to the street and the HI logo would remain on top. I will suggest this if I can get their contact info. This actually shouldn't be difficult nor timely to fix; just switch the panes.

The one on the other side is correct though. It looks like an error where they forgot to reverse one of the panels when it was manufactured.

If that's the biggest problem with this hotel then it's an "A" in my book.

better.
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