Afraid this concept will be like so many others in OKC. Start out with grandeous plans but the reallity is that neither the will nor the funding is available to start or complete the project. Finish the AICC and make it into the world class venue it was touted to become. OKC is famous for producing grand plans but as we have seen so often those plans are many time left undone or half done or unfinished. OKC needs to do a few things well and on time rather that selling the public on alot of things done not so well and beyond the original cost and schedule/

Most of the boathouse district is not being done by the city. OU and UCO have raised the money for their boathouses, and I generally have no clue what your point is. You want OU, for example, to not build a boathouse because an unrelated public project is not finished. Lol.

Afraid this concept will be like so many others in OKC. Start out with grandeous plans but the reallity is that neither the will nor the funding is available to start or complete the project. Finish the AICC and make it into the world class venue it was touted to become. OKC is famous for producing grand plans but as we have seen so often those plans are many time left undone or half done or unfinished. OKC needs to do a few things well and on time rather that selling the public on alot of things done not so well and beyond the original cost and schedule/

This is practically the opposite, the original plan was to build one boathouse, if they got enough money it would be styled like a log cabin. However since McClendon was willing donated several million and wanted to have it designed by Rand Elliot they of course said yes.

Further expansion came as more people have been using it. Since they already have built the Devon Boathouse, they should be able to give decent approximations for for the cost of OU's (stated as fully funded), UCO's (last announced something around 3 quarters funded), the Sandridge Pavilion (not sure if they payed for all or just the initial parts being started this year) and the Kayaking boathouse. The main thing which would be an issue if had cost overruns is the rafting center, which comes fairly early in the river projects so would have options to scale back to one channel or not do as much lighting later.

This is practically the opposite, the original plan was to build one boathouse, if they got enough money it would be styled like a log cabin. However since McClendon was willing donated several million and wanted to have it designed by Rand Elliot they of course said yes.

Further expansion came as more people have been using it. Since they already have built the Devon Boathouse, they should be able to give decent approximations for for the cost of OU's (stated as fully funded), UCO's (last announced something around 3 quarters funded), the Sandridge Pavilion (not sure if they payed for all or just the initial parts being started this year) and the Kayaking boathouse. The main thing which would be an issue if had cost overruns is the rafting center, which comes fairly early in the river projects so would have options to scale back to one channel or not do as much lighting later.

This. It's important to accurately label things as failures or successes, at the very least for future reference. From a public policy perspective and on paper the Boathouse Row has been an unbridled success and I don't think any of us should take any of that away. However, while Mike Knopp has done excellent stuff for our city from an athletic standpoint, he aint an urban planner - that is the one realm where the project does leave quite a bit to be desired. Shocking, for this city.. :rolleyes:

This. It's important to accurately label things as failures or successes, at the very least for future reference. From a public policy perspective and on paper the Boathouse Row has been an unbridled success and I don't think any of us should take any of that away. However, while Mike Knopp has done excellent stuff for our city from an athletic standpoint, he aint an urban planner - that is the one realm where the project does leave quite a bit to be desired. Shocking, for this city.. :rolleyes:

The Boathouse District development has received international acclaim because the level of detail put into creating a premier urban aquatic sports venue. Everything from the design and spacing of the inlets, staging areas, facility programming for viewing (with orientation and design of the boathouses and finish line tower were considered). This is a development not only unique in the United States, but unique in the world. This is something OKC will be known for and boathouse development of this scale will not be seen in cities like Dallas or Kansas City, or even prominent coastal waterfront communities. Our river projects have attracted leadership from other cities to OKC to understand our approach to this type of riverfront development (bringing energy and activity to the water). This area is specifically programmed to be a world class outdoor sports and adventure destination and the principles that were used in the design are not and should not be expected to dictate the miles of additional riverfront development potential (where more density may be sought). The success of the Boathouse District will lead to other riverfront development that may have more in common with typical urban planning concepts. Before the Boathouse District is judged from a straight urban planning perspective, it is important to understand the key elements that were considered and are critical for it to achieve the function for which it was designed. The beauty of the development is the diversity in design and function it brings to the downtown area and the impending connection to Bricktown with the canal tunnel and the completion of the new adventure attractions will open a host of new possibilities. It is very unique to be able to do things like row, whitewater raft, zip line, surf, mountain bike, and climb a giant ropes course in an urban area and I am excited to see it all come to fruition.

^

Great post joseph.

The Boathouse District development has received international acclaim because the level of detail put into creating a premier urban aquatic sports venue. Everything from the design and spacing of the inlets, staging areas, facility programming for viewing (with orientation and design of the boathouses and finish line tower were considered). This is a development not only unique in the United States, but unique in the world. This is something OKC will be known for and boathouse development of this scale will not be seen in cities like Dallas or Kansas City, or even prominent coastal waterfront communities. Our river projects have attracted leadership from other cities to OKC to understand our approach to this type of riverfront development (bringing energy and activity to the water). This area is specifically programmed to be a world class outdoor sports and adventure destination and the principles that were used in the design are not and should not be expected to dictate the miles of additional riverfront development potential (where more density may be sought). The success of the Boathouse District will lead to other riverfront development that may have more in common with typical urban planning concepts. Before the Boathouse District is judged from a straight urban planning perspective, it is important to understand the key elements that were considered and are critical for it to achieve the function for which it was designed. The beauty of the development is the diversity in design and function it brings to the downtown area and the impending connection to Bricktown with the canal tunnel and the completion of the new adventure attractions will open a host of new possibilities. It is very unique to be able to do things like row, whitewater raft, zip line, surf, mountain bike, and climb a giant ropes course in an urban area and I am excited to see it all come to fruition.

I've been the lone urbanist sticking up for the facilities and for Mike Knopp's dedication to community and creating something that is world class within the athletic world (unsure why you quoted my post, but I'm assuming it was a reaction to something I said). That said, the bottom line is there is no room for private development in this waterfront, and any private development that does go along the river will be even more disjointed than Bricktown is from this - other side of Byers/Lincoln, and so on.

And I never said I wasn't excited for the athletic programming to come to fruition.

Actually- the north side of the whitewater center along the main slalom channel has been discussed in presentations as the key area for private commercial development. A hotel, condos, retail, and restaurant have been discussed. This area of the whitewater course is the premier spectator feature and the area along the channel has been reserved for complementary development. It was mentioned the restaurant at the whitewater center in Charlotte is one of the busiest restaurants in the city of Charlotte. If you look at the plans, what appears as the Adventure Sports Boathouse contains a restaurant and retail concept. Also - the latest plans for the canal extension include a crossing over the canal near the Chesapeake Boathouse stage that will create much better access from the west where private riverfront development could go and be very accessible to the Boathouse District.

The first Maps3 project contract is approved and getting closer to construction here.

http://newsok.com/maps-3-construction-in-oklahoma-city-almost-under-way/article/3688416?custom_click=pod_headline_financial-news

So when are they going to add the wind screens? I thought those were due before the lighting...

I've been the lone urbanist sticking up for the facilities and for Mike Knopp's dedication to community and creating something that is world class within the athletic world (unsure why you quoted my post, but I'm assuming it was a reaction to something I said). That said, the bottom line is there is no room for private development in this waterfront, and any private development that does go along the river will be even more disjointed than Bricktown is from this - other side of Byers/Lincoln, and so on.

And I never said I wasn't excited for the athletic programming to come to fruition.

Wouldn't it seem like the more critical area for high density urban development is the cotton mill which will tie Bricktown and downtown to the river anyway? The Boathouse Row is pretty specific and doesn't have to be mixed use to be relevant. I would certainly think that the success of the river there would encourage more urban development at the cotton mill site.

Man, that site is going to be a mess. It would have been good to just plop the convention center there or on the co-op site. I believe the co-op is moving into the old Dayton Tire plant out west?

So when are they going to add the wind screens? I thought those were due before the lighting...

And I thought the OU boathouse was going in before both!

Man, that site is going to be a mess. It would have been good to just plop the convention center there or on the co-op site. I believe the co-op is moving into the old Dayton Tire plant out west?

Yes, they acquired it, seems like more than two years ago.

Yes, they acquired it, seems like more than two years ago.

They said at the time it was going to take several years just to get all the regulatory approvals in order before they could even start modifying the existing plant to their needs.

Are they going to install the stadium lights anytime soon? The annual Regatta is in couple weeks, I thought for sure they'd have the lights installed and ready for this event.

Are they going to install the stadium lights anytime soon? The annual Regatta is in couple weeks, I thought for sure they'd have the lights installed and ready for this event.

That was the intent early on but reality pushed back and last I heard they would not be finished for a few more months.

Bummer! Hopefully the OU boathouse or zip-line tower (not sure of the name) will break ground after the Regatta so it'll be finished to showoff at next years Regatta.

Bummer! Hopefully the OU boathouse or zip-line tower (not sure of the name) will break ground after the Regatta so it'll be finished to showoff at next years Regatta.

Not sure where I saw it, I believe in Steve's chat, but IIRC the Facility and zip lines are to be started in just a couple of months......

There have been building permits issued for the zip line towers and the play area.

Not sure when they are going to start, but they have all their approvals.

Does anyone else find it strange that the OU boathouse has not moved forward yet? They've supposedly had full funding for quite a while now...

Does anyone else find it strange that the OU boathouse has not moved forward yet? They've supposedly had full funding for quite a while now...

Yes. Very.

Does anyone else find it strange that the OU boathouse has not moved forward yet? They've supposedly had full funding for quite a while now...

I don't know if it has to go through more approvals than the standard building but it seems like it was two years after funding was completed that all the build permits were in and administration gave final approval.

This may or may not be the right place to post this, but I was driving down I-40 eastbound today and it looked like they were digging under the I-40 bridge that will connect the Oklahoma River to the Canal. Can anyone verify that?

Yes. Looks like they are starting the canal/river exchange connection.

YAY! That northside is a jungle!

Check out this whitewater rapids proposal in Dayton:

http://www.downtowndayton.org/pdfs/recommendations_rivers_appendix2.pdf

Check out this whitewater rapids proposal in Dayton:

http://www.downtowndayton.org/pdfs/recommendations_rivers_appendix2.pdf

While that looks like an interesting concept it has a very different purpose when compared to what is more similar to an Olympic style course in OKC.

While that looks like an interesting concept it has a very different purpose when compared to what is more similar to an Olympic style course in OKC.

I believe we'll have both in different locations along the river. The rowing course would be further east from the whitewater rafting and kayaking, and is planned to include grandstands, a stage on the river, etc.

Check out this whitewater rapids proposal in Dayton:

http://www.downtowndayton.org/pdfs/recommendations_rivers_appendix2.pdf

From google maps it looks like they only have the depth to do like one of those falls, are they planning on deepening the channel?

I believe we'll have both in different locations along the river. The rowing course would be further east from the whitewater rafting and kayaking, and is planned to include grandstands, a stage on the river, etc.

We already have a rowing course where they will add grandstands. The information about Dayton shows nothing about a rowing course and it certainly isn't an Olympic style white water course even if it is very nice.

From google maps it looks like they only have the depth to do like one of those falls, are they planning on deepening the channel?

I believe so

Noticed an updated rendering of the new projects

http://riversportokc.org/files/PRIME_Whitewater_image11.7.12.jpg

^Nice!

It doesn't look like there is any elevation change in the "rapids".

Notice the site is rendered "flat", it requires quite a bit of modeling and processing time to render something like that accurately. Something like that image is meant to be a representative rending, not a photo-realistic rendering.

It doesn't look like there is any elevation change in the "rapids".

http://i.imgur.com/MyxGV.jpg?1 (http://imgur.com/MyxGV)

There would have to be an equal change in elevation somewhere to offset this one, correct?

Unless the water is essentially multiple "pools" that give the sense of being connected. Not sure how this works, but I can't wait to give it a try!

Notice the site is rendered "flat", it requires quite a bit of modeling and processing time to render something like that accurately. Something like that image is meant to be a representative rending, not a photo-realistic rendering.

To add to this, it still may have major changes in the design at this point and there was some real differences since the last one, so making accurate ones at this point risks wasting some money. In the last rendering the pump house was in a different location (which alters the land elevations a lot since that is where the high and low spots are), the raft storage facility was a different style and the channels have gone from being mostly curvy to mostly linear/angular.

It happens with physical models as well, the models for our Minot airport project reflect the design months ago, before some cost cutting measures took place.

Any chance we'll see the Rapids complete by summer? or is that still way out on the timetable?

Any chance we'll see the Rapids complete by summer? or is that still way out on the timetable?

Begining of summer 2015 was the planned end of construction for the project, though I have no idea how reliable the estimates in the plan were.

http://i.imgur.com/MyxGV.jpg?1 (http://imgur.com/MyxGV)

There would have to be an equal change in elevation somewhere to offset this one, correct?

Unless the water is essentially multiple "pools" that give the sense of being connected. Not sure how this works, but I can't wait to give it a try!

best image of the blvd interchange at the east end that i have seen

^ That's what I was thinking. So it looks like the Blvd will flow into Byers to provide Boathouse Row access from downtown?

PlutonicPanda put this on OK River Dev. thought I'd share it here: Construction begins on latest additions to Oklahoma City's Boathouse District | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/construction-begins-on-latest-additions-to-oklahoma-citys-boathouse-district/article/3734180)

PlutonicPanda put this on OK River Dev. thought I'd share it here: Construction begins on latest additions to Oklahoma City's Boathouse District | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/construction-begins-on-latest-additions-to-oklahoma-citys-boathouse-district/article/3734180)Ooops. My bad.

Saaaalright, thanks for sharing

All this while we still wait for another actual boathouse.....

All this while we still wait for another actual boathouse.....

Sad it has taken OU longer to approve the design after all the money was collected than it will to build it

Sad it has taken OU longer to approve the design after all the money was collected than it will to build it

Your quite right, they either need to start or let it be known that they have no intention of doing anything so other plans can be made for those spots.

Is approval all they're waiting on? It's pretty ridiculous if so, because funding was rumored to have been secured long ago. As I've said elsewhere, there seems to be something else going on entirely.

Your quite right, they either need to start or let it be known that they have no intention of doing anything so other plans can be made for those spots.

I am sure they are in communication with the decision makers within the Boathouse Row community... Of course, we'd like to know what's going on also.

I am sure they are in communication with the decision makers within the Boathouse Row community... Of course, we'd like to know what's going on also.
They probably are, and there may be a good reason for the delay. But, the issue is that the remaining boathouse slots - along with the "White water" course and "zip-line" facility - are the core of this project area. Once they are done, growth can take place around them. Perhaps they are waiting on a finalized White water design and implementation plan. There real danger is this core area is under construction "forever", losing momentum as a place to visit, instead of avoid, because of the construction. And, that housing or retail that wants to develop with the momentum of this area is lost because it is stretched out over too long of a time. This actually may be a reason to delay, so that construction takes place at the same time as the final projects so that the area in not under construction "all the time". Wow, now I'm rationalizing in circles....... frustration!

I know that UCO simply hasn't raised enough funds.

I suspect very strongly that previous pledges for the OU facility are either slow to be collected or have completely gone away.

I know that UCO simply hasn't raised enough funds.

I suspect very strongly that previous pledges for the OU facility are either slow to be collected or have completely gone away.

Had Chesapeake donated to the OU boathouse? If so, that donation likely disappeared.

Aubrey McClendon made a big pledge; so did Clay Bennett.

Yet another example of how OCU can fundraise well. OCU typically doesn't build until the funds are all there, and look who's building is already there and being used. One would think the larger support base of OU would have sped along at light speed, not crawled as slow as UCO. And UCO has one of the more original designs for the use of their building beyond just a boathouse.

I fear that if we dont get moving, we'll lose momentum and the interest will wane.

I'm sort of relieved OU is reconsidering their boathouse. It is quite a drive for current students and I'm not sure alumni would make use of it. I feel that if we are going to make extravagant and unnecessary expenditures, they should at least be on campus! All this combined with the fact that McClendon is actually a Duke man made me skeptical of the project.

I'm sort of relieved OU is reconsidering their boathouse. It is quite a drive for current students and I'm not sure alumni would make use of it. I feel that if we are going to make extravagant and unnecessary expenditures, they should at least be on campus! All this combined with the fact that McClendon is actually a Duke man made me skeptical of the project.

where do you get that OU is reconsidering their boathouse?? ... they're not

I'm sort of relieved OU is reconsidering their boathouse. It is quite a drive for current students and I'm not sure alumni would make use of it. I feel that if we are going to make extravagant and unnecessary expenditures, they should at least be on campus! All this combined with the fact that McClendon is actually a Duke man made me skeptical of the project.

They already row on the Oklahoma river, they just don't have their own facility. Unless you see student rowing as extravagant, it would much more unnecessary and wasteful to try and find a way to bring rowing onto campus or even to Norman when Oklahoma City already has a rowing facility worthy of Olympic training.

Learn more:

SoonerSports.com - Official Athletics Site of the Oklahoma Sooners - Women's Rowing - SoonerSports.com - Official Athletics Site of the Oklahoma Sooners (http://www.soonersports.com/sports/w-rowing/okla-w-rowing-body.html)

You left out the option of continuing to sublease like what they're doing. I never felt a boathouse would mean as much for OU as other schools. If the private funding comes, it comes. If not, continue to sublease.

You left out the option of continuing to sublease like what they're doing. I never felt a boathouse would mean as much for OU as other schools. If the private funding comes, it comes. If not, continue to sublease.

I propose they share a boathouse with OSU........jk