3 More Days!

Does anyone know what time on Wed. the information will be made available? If so, someone might start a countdown clock like on the OUInsider sight has for the first OU game of the season.

I was wondering the same thing. I wonder if we'll get word from the newspaper Wednesday morning, or if they'll have some kind of announcement during the day on Wednesday and then it would be in the paper on Thursday. Either way I'm sure once it comes out we'll be able to see it online.

Special meeting of OCURA, Wednesday August 20th at 9:00 AM in the 4th Floor Auditorium of the Downtown Library.

It will surely be online by 10 AM or so.

Special meeting of OCURA, Wednesday August 20th at 9:00 AM in the 4th Floor Auditorium of the Downtown Library.

After this meeting, they are releasing all of the details to the employees at 2:00pm that day. They are bringing in the architects and designers so the employees can ask any questions. If it is not made public before then, it will certaintly be made public after the employee meeting (unless the company tells the employees to not release any information...which is probably not likely).

If they present it to OCURA it is automatically public before the employee meeting.

That is if OCURA doesn't pull a last minute change of date, time and location of meeting. I seriously doubt it this time considering it's such a high profile project.

Devon Energy plans to present building proposal | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/devon-energy-plans-to-present-building-proposal/article/3285282/?tm=1219091702)

I wonder if this will include the "other building" across the street that is going to be connected or just the main building itself.

"other building?"

All we know so far is that they will tie their building in to the Myriad Gardens. I imagine it will be some sort of pedestrian bridge.

All we know so far is that they will tie their building in to the Myriad Gardens. I imagine it will be some sort of pedestrian bridge.

K, thanks Metro.

Cuz we need to keep people of the insanely busy streets of DT OKC...

I doubt it is a ped bridge.

I wonder if this will include the "other building" across the street that is going to be connected or just the main building itself.

I think you're referring to the "meetings" facility that is rumored to be a separate building but attached to the main tower.

I'm sure the plans presented will be for everything they are planning to build, since they will be seeking the approval from OCURA. Also, it's pretty clear they are anxious to finalize their plans so they can move towards construction.

Cuz we need to keep people of the insanely busy streets of DT OKC...

I doubt it is a ped bridge.

They do want to make a "connection" to the Gardens. The original idea was to "drop" the auto traffic below grade and create a street-level pedestrian traffic.

That project, however, is not possible because of the cost involved in moving existing draining and utilities infrastructure that runs down Sheridan.

Not sure if they are looking at a pedestrian tunnel, or will have to go "up" above street level, hence a ped bridge.

A tunnel makes a heck of a lot more sense being that one already exists from Gardens to the building site.

The 6 o'clock news had a blip this evening talking about the building and the upcoming announcement Wednesday...same as the article above. They are still reporting "at least" 37 stories...is this because that was the original announcement that was made, and they don't want to go out on a limb...? Because after all that we've read here, and the people that have these bits of inside information, it sure seems (I HOPE) that it will be much greater than 37 stories! I just have a fear that we've all gotten ourselve so hyped up and that they'll come back with "37 stories"...ugh. But I hope I am (and I think I am) wrong!!! :)

Prediction: 72 floors 270 meters

Wow that's almost double what the original announcement was!! Is that wishful thinking or some inside info...? LOL!!

Someone posted 50 storeys at 750 feet the other day and said he had some inside information. That got everyone including me worked up about it just to see that he had later deleted the post. Now I am fearing the 37 forecast as well.

I didn't notice that...!! :(

Yes. You can see what is left of the post on post 584 located here...

http://www.okctalk.com/159232-post584.html

I'm still hearing around 50 floors and 750' -- with the possibility of it being taller due to architectural elements (as opposed to more floors).

Also, the tower is rumored to be closer to the Colcord with the separate meeting facility west of it, but connected. There will be a large atrium as well and seems pretty certain a connection to the underground and the Myriad Gardens.

From everything I hear, it will be plenty tall and that we won't be disappointed in the design.

So, think positively and look forward to getting all the details in less than two days!

Thanks Pete,

Honestly I want a tall building more than a special design although I would love a well designed building. I guess what I am saying is that I would not cry at a box as long as it was significantly taller than the other buildings.

I agree with plmccordj, except in the exact opposite way. I'd much rather have a world class design than it to be just another tall building. Having a great and easily recognizable iconic design will do much more for Oklahoma City, image wise, than just another box that every city in every country around the world has. No one is going to be impressed with "tallest in Oklahoma", but I guarantee you no one would be expecting a world class design in Oklahoma at all. We ahve another opportunity with this building to help give Oklahoma an elevated image and a boxed in building won't do it, even if it is the tallest in the state.

BDP I agree with you completely but maybe I should clarify. No one would deny the leadership square buildings are iconic but they are not tall enough to be seen at a distance. I do think you make a good point.

Well, I'm pretty confident it's going to be the tallest in the state (and thus considerably taller than any current OKC building) and Larry Nichols has said from inception that it being iconic was more of a consideration than height. So, I think most people are going to be satisfied -- or as much as you can ever please a group that has very different ideas and preferences.

Besides the architecture and height, I think the way they are going to tie it into the gardens, create a large atrium and meeting structure, build up the existing parking structure, and how they landscape and make a great street-level presence.... It's all these things that will make the building/complex special and unlike anything in Oklahoma.

And when you consider there have been very few tall/large office buildings built in the last 20 years -- at least west of Chicago -- then you know it will really stand out in terms of just being newer, more modern and more reflective of the current trends and ideas that have certainly changed over the last couple of decades.


When you think about all this being completed just as the Ford Center is vastly improved and about the time Core to Shore, MAPS 3 and all the possibilities that will bring (massive convention center, Central Park, new boulevard, etc.) I think we're going to look back on this tower as the first step of many big things to come.

55 Stories is my prediction...It's a fun guessing game...




www.unitedstatesofmichael.com

I'd like to see 60... :)

Someone posted 50 storeys at 750 feet the other day and said he had some inside information. That got everyone including me worked up about it just to see that he had later deleted the post. Now I am fearing the 37 forecast as well.

Do we need any more proof that we are being monitored?

My prediction is 50-55 floors and 750'-800' tall (all based upon supposed inside information).

As far as the Myriad Gardens tie, the original announcement says they will try to incorporate this as well as a tie to the existing underground tunnel system. However, the tie will almost definately NOT be above ground as there is already a tunnel tieing the Myriad Gardens to the parking deck where the building is going to be built. This tunnel is in place, but has never been used. They want to complete this tunnel and use it. You can see it if you walk to the waterfalls on both sides of Sheridan. The tunnel starts just west of these on the north side and crossed under the street. It continues into the gardens (this is what is inside of the bridge crossing the lake).

Anyone planning on going to the meeting in the morning?

With a direct connection to the Gardens it should improve the lunch time use of the park. Throw in some food vendors and it could become a very popular place. When I worked in downtown Tampa we had Franklin Street Mall (not a retail mall) that was adjacent to Gas Light Park. It was very very popular during lunch. Multiple food vendors working from mobile food stands, live music via street performers, radio station give-aways, and such. It was the place to be during lunch.

One of the local news stations (4,5, or 9) needs to move to ground-floor studios downtown near the myriad gardens. It would be cool if it was incorporated into the Devon tower, overlooking the plaza ala NYC studios.

I though one of them should have done that along the canal a long time ago.

I though one of them should have done that along the canal a long time ago.

News 9 has their Bricktown studios that is just off the canal. I believe it is near Makers if I remember correctly.

Yeah they don't really use it much though, anymore.


No one would deny the leadership square buildings are iconic

I would. They are nice, but far from iconic.

I think location hurts Leadership in that regard. It's in a great place in terms of where it is on the ground, but it gets kind of tucked away in most skyline views. This building will have a great location on both fronts.

If Leadership Square had been the built as originally designed then it would have been iconic. It was supposed to be around 60 stories but then got cut by 1/3 and then divided into two towers. Imagine how cool it would have been as a 60 story building.

It would've been awesome...that's one of my favorite buildings downtown, and it would be absolutely gorgeous if it were taller ane more visible.

Yeah they don't really use it much though, anymore.



I would. They are nice, but far from iconic.

Iconic is subjective.

I figured with tomorrow being the unveiling of the designs this threat would be hopping!

At OKCCentral, Steve says, here's a hint: It won't be traditional. What if anything does that tell us?

At OKCCentral, Steve says, here's a hint: It won't be traditional. What if anything does that tell us?

That it wont be a big rectangle?

I think he meant it won't be made out of brick. That leave sticks and straw.

I've heard "all glass"... And hopefully a unique design.

"All Glass" - you know you never hear much about the forth little pig.

On a serious note, all glass is a good possibility but don't rule out a translucent effect like a glowing blue building. A few years ago my wife wanted to make some Christmas decoration so I bought some frosted glass bricks, drilled a hole in them, and dropped in some Christmas light. The effect is pretty cool and a large building done with the same design would look awesome. It would glow like a natural gas flame, especially with a spire on top.

How about a vertical Beijing Watercube!

Yeah they don't really use it much though, anymore.



I would. They are nice, but far from iconic.

if our downtown really starts jumping... i would be thrilled if they added some height to those towers!

Iconic is subjective.

You said no one...

This will be big. I wish I could tell you what I know, but I can't so let me just say, you won't be disappointed. ;)

Told ya....

925 feet!

I have inside info suggesting it will be more like 900'.


...and my name is Barry Switzer....


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.

Aww, wha'd I tell ya!

hmmmmm..... Jbrown.... where did you get that info???

I think it was from you, if I recall correctly... ;)

But you didn't post it... :P

check out steve lackmeyers blog for rendering!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aww, wha'd I tell ya!

It's all in good fun. Don't mean to offend anyone. I was only going off info that someone was kind enough to pass on.

http://newsok.com/devon-chief-says-parking-snag-to-last-6-months/article/3369319?custom_click=pod_headline_business

Larry Nichols, chief executive officer at Devon Energy, learned quickly after announcing plans for a new world headquarters downtown that he faced one potential public relations challenge: a temporary loss of hundreds of parking spaces.

"I understand the importance of parking,” Nichols said. "It was made clear to me when my barber had scissors right next to my head and said ‘you’re not messing with my parking, are you?’”

Six-month delay
The answer is quite possibly "yes.” But Nichols, one of several speakers at Wednesday’s annual Mayor’s Development Roundtable conference, promised every effort is under way to minimize dislocations while Devon doubles the west City Center Garage and builds its adjoining 54-story tower.
"There will be no longer than a six-month period where we are messing with parking,” Nichols said. "From the time we take spaces that are there to where we reopen with twice the parking that is there now, it will be no more than six months.”

With construction set to begin this fall, Nichols estimated the garage mostly likely will be entirely closed for two months — December and January.

Assistant City Manager Cathy O’Connor said the city has been working closely with Devon on planning for the tower construction and garage expansion.

About their plans
Devon is buying the west City Center garage and will be moving all of its employees there from the Santa Fe garage, which is currently downtown’s busiest garage.
That shift, O’Connor said, will result in less spaces left for public parking in the City Center complex (the city will retain the east garage), but more spaces available in the Santa Fe garage.

Mark Beffort, managing partner of the investment group that owns Leadership Square, Oklahoma Tower, Corporate Tower and City Place, said he’s pleased with the way Devon has handled preparations to date.

"We’ve been working closely with Devon and they’re trying to make sure other businesses downtown aren’t impacted,” Beffort said.

"We know where our tenants park. And within 30 days we’ll be visiting with them, discussing where they can park and how they will go back in. We’re taking a proactive approach. Our investments aren’t any good without our tenants.”

At first I was skimming and read 6 month delay and thought 'OH NO!!!' But thank god I read the whole thing. Glad it's just parking and not holding off on construction of the tower for another six months!

ya, I also got scared. But the 6 month 'delay' is just for people having the same amount of parking spaces that they have today.

I wonder if the city could have a variance period during the parking period of Devon's construction - where they will allow people to park on the street in certain areas - for free or heavily reduced rates. ...

Could be a boon to bringing large numbers of people back into downtown - getting them used to what dOKC has to offer.

I dont know - just a suggestion.