Laramie
08-11-2008, 10:47 AM
I was there when they brought down the Biltmore. I was also there when they imploded the A. P. Murrah Building.
Much the same feeling.
Much the same feeling.
View Full Version : Devon Plans Downtown Skyscraper Laramie 08-11-2008, 10:47 AM I was there when they brought down the Biltmore. I was also there when they imploded the A. P. Murrah Building. Much the same feeling. Insider 08-11-2008, 10:49 AM Just as an update, a friend of mine that works at Devon said they are presenting all of the building information to the employees on August 20 (they are presenting to the employees in the afternoon, to the OCURA in the morning). She said this meeting will include the final building design, height, etc. So, for those of you drooling at the mouth to know what this building will look like, all of the missing information will probably be made public on the 20th of August (9 days). Pete 08-11-2008, 12:33 PM Thanks for the update, Insider. Won't be long now -- very exciting stuff. OKC74 08-11-2008, 12:39 PM Thanks edcrunk...I like it already... :) yukong 08-11-2008, 03:42 PM News flash - the Biltmore was ugly. Thank goodness they tore it down when they did. Imagine how complicated and expensive it would be to renovate or tear down that building today. Just look what the Skirvin cost. The Biltmore would have been 3 to 4X that amount. We can't even get a decent remodel of FNC and it has been in continuous use. Imagine a 30 plus story building rotting before our eyes forever. We would look like downtown Detroit. Well, count me as one what was saddened when we brought that majestic old lady down. In her day, she was a grand hotel. Maybe not as oppulent as the Skirvin, but still a grand hotel. I remember as a kid that she was considered a grand place. So much could have been done with her. And she was constructed very well. In fact...they had quite a time rigging her for demolition. And when they finally did set off the explosives...she resisted coming down and stood there for a few moments before finally giving up the ghost. And then there were the stories and pictures that seemed to indicate that there was a person in one of the upper floors when she went down. A big investigation occurred and the pictures were in the papers showing what appeared to be a person in an upper window. They finally concluded it was a curtain that was flapping, but I remember the big mystery and thought that it was a person waiving. Still wish we had her on the skyline. Regardless of what some think...she could have been a jewel. Just hate seeing all the majestic old buildings that are now gone from your skyline. And don't get me started on the palaces that were our old theatres that are now just memories. HOT ROD 08-11-2008, 03:55 PM I love the Biltmore's classic skyscraper design. Many cities have managed to renovate and keep up similar properties and it gives them some sense of history and class. It's valid that we have had trouble doing it, but saying it isn't easy isn't a good reason not to do it, imo. Bricktown was considered "ugly" not too long ago. IMO, the indicator of a healthy city is a good mix of classic and new design. It shows continued prosperity and a community sense of self and respect for its history and future. The strategy of reckless destruction labeled as renewal that brought much of our city under the wrecking ball in the early 80s showed a disregard and contempt for downtown that took nearly 20 years to overcome and still presents challenges today. IMO, much of what replaced downtown in the early 80s and especially what replaced the Biltmore is extremely ugly and unimaginative with little character whatsoever. The opportunity cost of tearing those structures down has proven to be much more significant than any of the efforts that could have been made to update and renovate them. The short term disposable city mentality that prevailed during those times and even today has hamstrung Oklahoma City many times over the years. It's more the emergence of reinvestment and improvement of current assets combined with more focused development that has helped give Oklahoma City new life and a renewed energy. Hopefully, this will lead to a more diverse and resilient city that isn't taken down by cyclical downturns in its core economies. Maybe a comunity will emerge that remembers the bad times and how to preserve its assets in times of success and in times of struggle. Actually the Myriad Gardens is what replaced the Biltmore, IIRC. I have mixed feelings on this subject though. In one respect, I hate that we destroyed a 30 storey skyscraper that had a lot of history. Yet I also like the myriad gardens. In general though, I hate that UR got rid of so many buildings without FIRM proposals for their renewal. Just to get rid of buildings and let things sit as fields for years - now this is what I hate more than ANYTHING. Buildings should be renovated if there are no firm (meaning impending) proposals for renewal. jbrown84 08-11-2008, 05:13 PM Oh there were firm proposals, but most never happened. HOT ROD 08-11-2008, 05:34 PM then they weren't firm. lol. firm means, you got the designs, financing, and approval all in place. all you need is removal of the building and then you're ready to construct. I know for a fact, that some of the locations in downtown OKC, there were NEVER any proposal for them - Urban Renewal disliked anything that was historical or could be thought of as an eyesore (see Mercy Hospital) or urban GRIT and desired fields instead of waiting for a firm and viable development proposal. Remember the Galleria idea? It wasn't firm, it was an idea - a plan for development; but no developer ever stepped up. That's what Im talking about. Why clear the site prior to someone with a firm plan (hence, x building(s) with y floors hosting such and such; approved by the city zoning and council; to be built by so and so; with financing totalling $XXX M from such and such bank, here's the signed note - That's FIRM). The ONLY firm proposal we had was the Century Center - look how that turned out. solitude 08-11-2008, 05:36 PM News flash - the Biltmore was ugly. Thank goodness they tore it down when they did. Imagine how complicated and expensive it would be to renovate or tear down that building today. Just look what the Skirvin cost. The Biltmore would have been 3 to 4X that amount. We can't even get a decent remodel of FNC and it has been in continuous use. Imagine a 30 plus story building rotting before our eyes forever. We would look like downtown Detroit. I'll go on the list of those that liked the Biltmore. Loved that old lobby and, as BDP put it, the "classic skyscraper," look. As for looking like downtown Detroit, there are worse cities to look like. http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8023/detroithe0.jpg HOT ROD 08-11-2008, 05:40 PM Ren Cen did wonders for Detroit. By the way, I would call Devon's proposal firm. They got city approval (or will on Aug 20), they have the financing themselves, they have the developer in place, and on Aug 20 likely will have contruction plan. Firm proposal is right prior to actual construction and typically does not fall through (unless a bank financing it fails or there's some political action that turns agains the firm proposal). OKC74 08-11-2008, 06:51 PM Does anyone think there is a chance that OCURA will not like the plans and ask Devon to adjust them? Meaning...I know there have been concerns listed on this posting of the building being "too high" and "dwarfing" the other buildings downtown. I certainly hope that they wouldn't have any type of "height restriction" in mind...? I know this probably ISN'T the case...but does anyone "in the know" think this is a possibility? I HOPE NOT...for me, the taller and bigger the better!! And hopefully this will spur MORE development!! Luke 08-11-2008, 06:54 PM If OCURA comes to that conclusion, we need a new OCURA. edcrunk 08-12-2008, 12:34 AM just a reminder of what we can expect on august 20th. some of pickard chilton's designs and scrapers. larry nichol's favorite http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/200NRiversidePlazaTower3.jpg their other designs http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/1180PeachtreeExterior_lres_web.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/2551440046_6b38a8c20a_o.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/TheCrown.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/160.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/2551440666_047e1ef452_o-1.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/watlanta_main_2.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/37439462_3ec2c7ac27_b.jpg http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/edcrunk/okc/2550619589_30b8d0a050_o.jpg there's a good chance that... it will be mostly reflective glass. it will have a crown that lights up at night. it will be very sleek and futuristic looking. HOT ROD 08-12-2008, 05:52 AM the CBD has no height restriction - so they can't oppose it due to that. metro 08-12-2008, 09:21 AM That last one is pretty cool, I hope it's something like that but wider. I really like the crown and the beam of light shooting out of it. Nawfside OKC 08-12-2008, 09:45 AM number 1,3 or 8 look the best... but all of them are good edcrunk 08-12-2008, 02:33 PM That last one is pretty cool, I hope it's something like that but wider. I really like the crown and the beam of light shooting out of it. that last one i believe is a residential property they designed. OKC74 08-12-2008, 08:29 PM I like 1, 3, and 5... westsidesooner 08-13-2008, 09:17 AM It may be a little late in the game with the anticipated plans for the new Devon headquarters possibly coming out next week, but I thought I'd throw my two cents in. OKC's skyline has been stagnant for the last 2 decades and some buildings would just look out of place in our downtown. I've always thought something with a pyramidal shape on top would look great and add some variety to the boxiness of Chase and kerr mcgee (?) towers. Here are a few I think would look GREAT in our skyline. Sorry about not adding pics.....I'm new to this forum and not sure if it would be acepted. The Buildings. One and or Two Liberty Place in Philly Washington mutual in Seattle Two Prudential in Chicago and Messeturm in Frankfurt Germany Kerry 08-13-2008, 12:20 PM westsidesooner - feel free to post pictures. The more the better. I agree that a building with some kind of spire or [yramid on top would look good. Atlanta is full of them and I love their skyline. stickboy 08-13-2008, 12:54 PM The Oklahomans Sketch a Skyscraper Contest (http://newsok.com/skyscraper) Not entirely related, but it looks like they put together a fun little contest for kids to draw what they think the skyscaper will look like. The winners get a $1000 savings bond, so I think it's worth checking out. DelCamino 08-13-2008, 01:05 PM I've always thought the Washington Mutual building was one the best looking, newer skyscrapers around. One more thing to take from Seattle. heh. sroberts24 08-13-2008, 01:21 PM i am so excited! One week from today.... i have the same feeling i did when i was younger the week before christmas!!!! OU Adonis 08-13-2008, 01:23 PM It may be a little late in the game with the anticipated plans for the new Devon headquarters possibly coming out next week, but I thought I'd throw my two cents in. OKC's skyline has been stagnant for the last 2 decades and some buildings would just look out of place in our downtown. I've always thought something with a pyramidal shape on top would look great and add some variety to the boxiness of Chase and kerr mcgee (?) towers. Here are a few I think would look GREAT in our skyline. Sorry about not adding pics.....I'm new to this forum and not sure if it would be acepted. The Buildings. One and or Two Liberty Place in Philly Washington mutual in Seattle Two Prudential in Chicago and Messeturm in Frankfurt Germany One Liberty Place http://farm1.static.flickr.com/49/149610336_e9f47b4a6a.jpg?v=0 Washington Mutual Tower http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1b/Washington_Mutual_Tower,_Seattle,_August_2006.jpg/451px-Washington_Mutual_Tower,_Seattle,_August_2006.jpg Two Prudential http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/CAI/Images/TheLoop/TwoPrudentialPlaza-001.jpg Messeturm http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d2/Messeturm_(Messegelände)_Frankfurt-2.jpg/383px-Messeturm_(Messegelände)_Frankfurt-2.jpg Insider 08-13-2008, 01:42 PM I think any of those would be amazing! However, I think my favorite is the Messeturm building (the last one). Tex 08-13-2008, 03:23 PM I would love it if the new Devon tower looked like the Frost Bank Tower in Austin. The crown looks amazing at night. Frost Bank Tower stands at 515' tall, a far cry from the potential height of Devon Tower. Frost Bank Tower, Austin, TX on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryancramer/255860945/) Austin on Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dappers/141296718/) metro 08-13-2008, 03:25 PM Nice! BG918 08-13-2008, 03:33 PM I'll take anything as long as it's mostly glass, not just a box (already have plenty of those), and factors in sustainability (LEED). Sounds like that is what we're getting, now I just hope it's over 700 ft. as many have stated it will be and does a good job addressing the street below i.e. retail space along Sheridan fronting the Gardens. I am excited!! sroberts24 08-13-2008, 03:35 PM i would love it to look like the bank of china metro 08-13-2008, 03:45 PM Here's the Bank of China building: http://data.greatbuildings.com/gbc/images/cid_bank_of_china_001.jpg CuatrodeMayo 08-13-2008, 04:24 PM That's what I'm talking about. Lil'PlateBreaker 08-13-2008, 08:00 PM I think this is a GREAT and WONDERFUL time in Okc, we really needed something to make us stand out and for people not to consider us as, Cowboys, Indians, and Tumble weeds, (Don't Forget the Red Dirt), or whatever stereotypes people like to put us under. But as a city who was once a "Late bloomer", Finally Blooming Gracefully, and making history, and landmarking as we grow into........ Finally,.... A GREATER OKLAHOMA....... I couldn't be more proud :tiphat: jbrown84 08-13-2008, 08:28 PM now I just hope it's over 700 ft. I have inside info suggesting it will be more like 900'. ourulz2000 08-13-2008, 08:46 PM I have inside info suggesting it will be more like 900'. ...and my name is Barry Switzer.... OKC74 08-13-2008, 11:11 PM WOW...what would be a good example of a 900' building in another city...? Houston? L.A.?? BG918 08-14-2008, 08:16 AM 900 ft.? I'll believe it when I see it (in 6 days). That would be amazing but unless Devon has another company lined up to lease space they won't need that much tower. The 700-800 range alone puts OKC in the company of only the largest U.S. cities. ourulz2000 08-14-2008, 08:34 AM My prediction: 650 feet. CuatrodeMayo 08-14-2008, 08:44 AM It its 900 ft, then it better have a 200 ft spire or something. Pete 08-14-2008, 09:43 AM If they went with 1.3 million square feet (which is at the very high end of their stated needs) and there were 27,000 square feet in each floor plate, that would put the building close to 50 floors and about 750 feet, and those are the numbers I've heard. For it to be much taller, there would have to be some sort of decorative top element -- which I would love to see, of course. We'll know for sure in six days! I'm really surprised more hasn't leaked as of yet. PLANSIT 08-14-2008, 09:54 AM It its 900 ft, then it better have a 200 ft spire or something. I agree, 900ft to the roof would be extremely excessive given the current skyline. 700ft with a spire would be excellent. Insider 08-14-2008, 10:13 AM I think we have a relatively good chance of the building having a tapered look at the top, thus increasing the height. IMO, I think the completed height will be between 750' and 800' and will be 50-55 stories (with the last few stories being tapered and used exclusively for executive offices). :ou2 westsidesooner 08-14-2008, 01:21 PM Thanks OU Adonis....you beat me to the punch on posting those pics. i am so excited! One week from today.... i have the same feeling i did when i was younger the week before christmas!!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. Remember when it was always the BIG package under the tree that really got us excited!!! It'll be fun seeing what we get next week. As far as how big it will be and where we will stack up with the big boys around the country I found a link comparing the tallest building in each state. Currently Oklahoma ranks 19th in total height. If the building is >750' that would put Oklahoma at 15th, >800'...11th, >850'=10th. I really think it will be between 700 and 800 though. BOK Tulsa is 667' One more thing....I really hope the glass in the building will be a really Deep Reflective Blue to capture and reflect out amazing sky and sunsets. And I still like a mix of mostly glass with brick (per earlier examples) to go along with the art deco theme we have going on downtown. LINK BELOW List of tallest buildings by U.S. state - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_by_U.S._state) ourulz2000 08-14-2008, 02:39 PM The design of CCTV headquarters in Beijing. http://www.g-network.nl/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/cctv_rendering_small.jpg OKCDrummer77 08-14-2008, 04:02 PM For some perspective, the Bank of America Plaza in Dallas is 921 feet, 72 floors, and 1.9 million square feet. Bank of America Plaza, Dallas: Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_America_Plaza_(Dallas)) FritterGirl 08-14-2008, 04:27 PM The design of CCTV headquarters in Beijing. http://www.g-network.nl/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/10/cctv_rendering_small.jpg They were talking about that building during the Olympics coverage the other night. Very cool. In general, the architecture at many of the Olympic venues is really impressive. I watched a documentary on the engineering behind the "cube" swimming and diving venue. Really mind-boggling, especially considering the fact that it is covered in a plastic material that is really little more than a very highly-engineered and complex form of saran wrap! Amazing. HOT ROD 08-14-2008, 08:27 PM I'd like to see a 750 foot tower with a common floorplate (nothing higher than that). If it has setbacks and/or a decorative spire, then 900 feet could work (with the usable office space still around 750 or so). In all honesty, I think something between 700' and 800' range would be good enough, but hey - if Devon wants to build a 900' monster (with spire) then by all means! That surely would elevate Oklahoma City - and then some. We only need to worry about 'in-fill' skyscrapers, and hopefully by 2010-2012 we'll see more private (and even for-lease) tower announcements and construction. actionman 08-14-2008, 10:22 PM I just saw some of the posts from several months ago. I have a contract in the IRS building and I would not expect it to connect to there. That building does not connect to any of the underground and I don't believe the owner has any plans to. architect5311 08-14-2008, 10:39 PM I just saw some of the posts from several months ago. I have a contract in the IRS building and I would not expect it to connect to there. That building does not connect to any of the underground and I don't believe the owner has any plans to. You mean the highly secure IRS building is not willing to have a tie into the subgrade underground where anyone could have access into the building? Bitter taxpayer or non-taxpayer, terrorist, etc..............................? architect5311 08-14-2008, 10:42 PM I just saw some of the posts from several months ago. I have a contract in the IRS building and I would not expect it to connect to there. That building does not connect to any of the underground and I don't believe the owner has any plans to. I'm sorry, but i just don't get it.................... OKC74 08-16-2008, 12:41 AM Does anyone think that Devon's planned announcement will NOT happen on the 20th...? Or do we think they're ready to show us what they're going to do? I just pray it is NOT boxy...but after everything that has been said about it, I don't think it will be. Everyday when I drive home from work and I look over at the skyline (there's a perfect view of it just past Baptist on NW Expwy just before the light at Independence) I get excited to think that SOON there will be something NEW going up into the sky!! OKCisOK4me 08-16-2008, 01:39 AM Does anyone think that Devon's planned announcement will NOT happen on the 20th...? Or do we think they're ready to show us what they're going to do? I just pray it is NOT boxy...but after everything that has been said about it, I don't think it will be. Everyday when I drive home from work and I look over at the skyline (there's a perfect view of it just past Baptist on NW Expwy just before the light at Independence) I get excited to think that SOON there will be something NEW going up into the sky!! I love that view as well! edcrunk 08-16-2008, 02:25 PM i love that view so much i made a thread about it... http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-area-talk/12916-whats-your-favorite-vantage-point-city.html jbrown84 08-16-2008, 04:42 PM 900 ft.? I'll believe it when I see it (in 6 days). That would be amazing but unless Devon has another company lined up to lease space they won't need that much tower. The 700-800 range alone puts OKC in the company of only the largest U.S. cities. Feel free to take that info with a grain of salt. I would expect nothing less. Just reporting what I heard. Also, don't be surprised if it's more Dubai-iconic than Oklahoma-iconic. venture 08-16-2008, 05:19 PM If it is more Dubai-ish...fine by me. At least we know it won't be a boring design. Steve 08-16-2008, 05:53 PM OKC74, the plans will be released Wednesday. OKC74 08-16-2008, 07:22 PM Thanks Steve. Can't wait!! ourulz2000 08-16-2008, 09:36 PM Steve, have you seen the renderings? OKCisOK4me 08-17-2008, 05:01 AM I think 900' would be great. Then tonight I hear from a friend who has a friend that works at Devon that it would be 950'! No telling what to believe. The amount of feet keep inching up the closer we get to Wednesday. I'm forecasting between 700-800 feet. Who knows anymore though... plmccordj 08-17-2008, 12:07 PM With all these forecasts of 700+ feet, we will all be disappointed if it is less than 700 feet. OKC74 08-17-2008, 02:51 PM I was thinking the same thing... 950' would be amazing though!!!!!!! |