the tower looks too much like San Antonio's to me (although I suspect this might just be conceptual).

If OKC does build an observation tower (and I hope OKC does), I hope OKC does it's own design. I personally like the idea of a large 'oil' shaped derrick but would be open to anything that was original and not a copy.

American Indian Cultural Center negotiations nearing approval

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record March 13, 2017

OKLAHOMA CITY – A year after the Chickasaw Nation offered to take the responsibility of developing and managing the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum from Oklahoma City, negotiations are finally approaching final approval stage.

Craig Freeman, the city’s finance director, said a deal will be presented to the City Council for approval by the beginning of April. Construction could resume as soon as this fall.

“It’s been a little longer than we anticipated, but we knew at the time they offered to help that it would be a long process to work through everything,” he said.

Since 2006, the state has spent more than $90 million to showcase its American Indian heritage, but politics over budgeting stopped construction by 2012. However, the interruption did not keep the center from racking up costs: It is still costing the state about $7 million per year for property maintenance and payments on earlier construction bonds.

At the beginning of 2016, Oklahoma City accepted the terms of legislation signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin to finish and operate the center. But city officials also said they didn’t want to enter the tourism business, so they asked for third-party ideas. The Chickasaw Nation suggested the AICCM could be completed by the state’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services, and then any additional capital costs beyond $65 million would be picked up by the tribe. The tribe also said it would pay Oklahoma City $2 million per year to cover operating deficits with any net profits used to fund an endowment for future operations.

One of the biggest hurdles to clear has been collecting at least $10 million to match the state’s pledge of up to $25 million in bond debt to complete work on the museum. Tribal officials announced they had reached $10.8 million in January.

Ultimately, they expect to collect $31 million from private and tribal sources in addition to $9 million pledged by the municipal government.

“In the meantime, the Chickasaw Nation has continued to work through titles, and it looks like they’ve been able to finish that as well. I think it’ll actually end up being an enterprise through the Chickasaw Nation’s Industries,” Freeman said, referring to the corporation operated under the tribal government.

Tribal officials did not return phone calls for comment.

the tower looks too much like San Antonio's to me (although I suspect this might just be conceptual).

If OKC does build an observation tower (and I hope OKC does), I hope OKC does it's own design. I personally like the idea of a large 'oil' shaped derrick but would be open to anything that was original and not a copy.

I think that'd be cool. It could be OKC's version of the Eiffel Tower. I'm sure that the oil derrick monument would attract a lot of people to the AICC museum (as long as they're co-located). But I imagine that the observation tower elevator admission fee would cover only a small fraction of the cost of construction. We should also plan a restaurant at the top of the monument like Seattle's Space Needle.

Maybe this and a parking garage could be a project paid for by MAPS 4. I think a lot of green space is necessary to create a great impression, thus we need a parking garage for the museum and the oil derrick monument. The Eiffel Tower would not be nearly as attractive if it was surrounded by surface parking. MAPS 4 could also create a street car line to Lower Bricktown, the boathouse district, the AICC museum and the oil derrick monument.

I doubt Indigenous peoples want an oil derrick towering over the AICC considering oil was the impetus to swindle the land from so many of them in Oklahoma. It's one of the ugliest parts of Oklahoma's history. If you're interested in learning more, the work of Angie Debo is a good place to start.

I doubt Indigenous peoples want an oil derrick towering over the AICC considering oil was the impetus to swindle the land from so many of them in Oklahoma. It's one of the ugliest parts of Oklahoma's history. If you're interested in learning more, the work of Angie Debo is a good place to start.
Hits nail on head.

I doubt Indigenous peoples want an oil derrick towering over the AICC considering oil was the impetus to swindle the land from so many of them in Oklahoma. It's one of the ugliest parts of Oklahoma's history. If you're interested in learning more, the work of Angie Debo is a good place to start.

Maybe we can build the world's largest tepee. I doubt that a restaurant would fit at the top, but who knows? Engineers can be pretty creative. Maybe the interior of the tepee could be a parking garage!

accidental duplicate post

Maybe we can build the world's largest tepee. I doubt that a restaurant would fit at the top, but who knows? Engineers can be pretty creative. Maybe the interior of the tepee could be a parking garage!

I'm guessing this is a joke. I don't personally find it in good taste just because I've seen such a deep disrespect for Indigenous peoples living in Oklahoma for most of my life. So many people operate on stereotypes and make jokes about tepees. I'm not saying you did that, but I've heard it too much.

Anyway, in case you didn't know, most Indigenous peoples in Oklahoma are not Plains Indians (except the Kiowa Apache and others who settled later) and thus tepees are often a stereotype, not part of their cultural heritage.

Why are people in Oklahoma so obsessed with the idea of an observation tower?

Why are people in Oklahoma so obsessed with the idea of an observation tower?

They look neat.

So neat.

Why are people in Oklahoma so obsessed with the idea of an observation tower?


The better question might be: who is not obsessed with the idea of an observation tower?

Isn't that the entire plot of Lord of the Rings? And Sleepless in Seattle?

Exploitation of Native Americans is an American issue, not just an Oklahoman issue. What I'm saying is: it's larger and encompasses more history than just some exploitive acts by oil barons (which also impacted Europeans and American settlers as well) in Oklahoma.

To another question/point, why do people make it a point to see or visit the St. Louis Arch, the Space Needle, the Statue of Liberty, Mt. Rushmore, and many other icons, statues, etc. I'm leaving out?

Because they are larger than life symbols and structures that we are wowed by. They tell stories. That's why I love the idea of some type of observation tower in OKC or the American statue in Tulsa (that is a pipe dream), that ironically people hate and think silly and degrading (according to some people on the Internet). Despite it being an honorable statue for Natives and of all things, it's designed by a Native American.
Plus, these things make cities a tourist destination.

The better question might be: who is not obsessed with the idea of an observation tower?

Isn't that the entire plot of Lord of the Rings? And Sleepless in Seattle?

This. People everywhere love observation towers.

To be clear, I'm not against observation towers (even I'm not personally a fan of it being an oil derrick), I just don't think an oil derrick specifically should hover above the AICC.

To be clear, I'm not against observation towers (even I'm not personally a fan of it being an oil derrick), I just don't think an oil derrick specifically should hover above the AICC.

I dont care what it is reminiscent of, as long as it is tall and looks cool.

I dont care what it is reminiscent of, as long as it is tall and looks cool.
I hope this link works.

http://www.oddee.com/item_98495.aspx

I doubt Indigenous peoples want an oil derrick towering over the AICC considering oil was the impetus to swindle the land from so many of them in Oklahoma. It's one of the ugliest parts of Oklahoma's history. If you're interested in learning more, the work of Angie Debo is a good place to start.

The vast majority of Indians dont sit around feeling sorry for themselves, being professional victims, and looking for trivial things to get offended over... so no reason to do it on their behalf.

The vast majority of Indians dont sit around feeling sorry for themselves, being professional victims, and looking for trivial things to get offended over... so no reason to do it on their behalf.

Attempting to rebrand inclusivity and respect as victimization is a clever little rhetorical misdirection, but there's no substance behind it. No one is 'playing victim' so get off your talking points. Oklahoma has a long history of whitewashing its monuments, history books, and celebrations. Advocating for representing Oklahoma's history and culture accurately and respectfully is important. The AICC is a tremendous step towards that even if it's unbelievable nothing like it wasn't built 50 years ago.

Attempting to rebrand inclusivity and respect as victimization is a clever little rhetorical misdirection, but there's no substance behind it. No one is 'playing victim' so get off your talking points. Oklahoma has a long history of whitewashing its monuments, history books, and celebrations. Advocating for representing Oklahoma's history and culture accurately and respectfully is important. The AICC is a tremendous step towards that even if it's unbelievable nothing like it wasn't built 50 years ago.

Most Indians dont give a **** about the AICC, and I doubt even a fraction of a % would give a **** if something resembling an oil derrick were near it.
I am sure some SJWs could stand out there with a sign and let them know how oppressed they are though.

Also your view of history is incomplete and lopsided AT BEST.
EVERYONE has a long history of whitewashing their past. Including the Indians you mistakenly think you are advocating for.

Most Indians dont give a **** about the AICC, and I doubt even a fraction of a % would give a **** if something resembling an oil derrick were near it.
I am sure some SJWs could stand out there with a sign and let them know how oppressed they are though.

Also your view of history is incomplete and lopsided AT BEST.
EVERYONE has a long history of whitewashing their past. Including the Indians you mistakenly think you are advocating for.

You sure do add a lot of your own dramatic interpretation to my posts. And I also appreciate the cussing. It really proves your point well. ;)

I never claimed to speak for anyone. I have however taught Oklahoma History and had to abandon a lot of what's in textbooks because it systematically misrepresents or leaves out Indigenous perspectives of many historical events. Of course, history is contested and you're welcome to disagree, but I'm not even sure what you're disagreeing with. I've provided few details. If you don't agree that Oklahoma's history has been whitewashed then I am not sure what to tell you. You're welcome to your opinion.

You sure do add a lot of your own dramatic interpretation to my posts. And I also appreciate the cussing. It really proves your point well. ;)

I never claimed to speak for anyone. I have however taught Oklahoma History and had to abandon a lot of what's in textbooks because it systematically misrepresents or leaves out Indigenous perspectives of many historical events. Of course, history is contested and you're welcome to disagree, but I'm not even sure what you're disagreeing with. I've provided few details. If you don't agree that Oklahoma's history has been whitewashed then I am not sure what to tell you. You're welcome to your opinion.

Its pretty clear what I am disagreeing with. The Indians dont give a **** about the AICC or whether or not there is a derrick shaped tower near it. Go feed your ego elsewhere.

In other words, if you cared about people go do something that makes their lives better rather than sitting around bloviating on a message board so that you can FEEL good.

Do good vs feel good. It isnt a hard concept. No one would give two ****s if you "heroically" prevented such a tower from being built because that doesn't help anyone. It serves no purpose other than to feed your ego and virtue signal.

Dude, I literally have dedicated my entire life to working with kids and improving education (particularly social studies education including a research project I initiated on the teaching of Oklahoma History), but I appreciate the assumption that my entire contributions to this world are my ego-feeding posts on this message board. Have a good day, my friend.

You can stop arguing with Sancho as his posting privileges have been revoked.

http://newsok.com/after-a-decade-work-to-resume-on-indian-museum/article/5557982

Work to resume October 1st, hope to open in 2021.

http://newsok.com/after-a-decade-work-to-resume-on-indian-museum/article/5557982

Work to resume October 1st, hope to open in 2021.

I'm so happy this is finally happening, I really do think this is going to be world-class and something that in the years ahead many Oklahomans will look back and wonder why it was ever delayed so long. I have visitors from out-of-state come here all the time and one of the things I hear most often is surprise that there isn't already something like this in the OKC metro.

I read the article and one thing that I'm particularly happy about is how Native Americans are being not only involved in this project but are also leading it. That probably sounds silly, but I have visited museums in other parts of the country where this didn't happen and the results just didn't ring true to me or celebrate the cultural identities of the tribe... one moment in particular that saddened me was visiting a museum where ancient skulls and other remains were on exhibit... I know how inappropriate that is to most Native Americans and I am confident that anything we do here in OKC will be thoughtful and respectful. I also know that this facility will pull no punches and tell the whole story of our native peoples. I really think this is going to be something that we can all be proud of and am really looking forward to Spring of 2021.

Relationships, responsibilities being finalized for Indian Center

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record August 25, 2017

OKLAHOMA CITY – State, city and tribal entities are formalizing relationships with each other and their responsibilities in the development of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum.

The Oklahoma City Council is expected to approve a memorandum of understanding Tuesday with the state’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services, the American Indian Cultural Center Foundation, AICCM Land Development LLC and the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority. The agreement will clarify the process by which all parties can participate in the review of construction documents and in the value engineering process needed to complete the AICCM within budget.

“Since several parties are participating in providing funds for the completion of the AICCM and in an effort to control construction costs, the parties jointly agree they should all have a voice,” City Manager Jim Couch said in a memo to the City Council.

A representative of the city’s Finance Department said Friday that the memorandum will not address costs directly. It will set a blueprint to help avoid misunderstandings as money comes into play so the project can regain lost momentum.

Center Director James Pepper Henry recently said a 36-month construction timeline will see the center open in spring 2021. Many updates in the initial plan are expected, including the removal of landline phone booths.

It’s been a long time coming. Legislation passed in 1994 established the construction and operation of a cultural center and museum as well as the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority to promote the historic culture of Oklahoma’s tribes. Not until 2005 did City Hall donate land along the Oklahoma River, and construction began a year later, only to shortly run out of funding and legislative will.

In 2015, Gov. Mary Fallin signed into law House Bill 2237, which committed $25 million to the project as long as the city took over. But the project proved to be too costly, so city leaders instead accepted a proposal by the Chickasaw Nation to provide more financial support in exchange for running the center and developing the surrounding commercial property.

City leaders said all parties want to get started right away, which is why the memorandum’s approval Tuesday is needed.

Wondering what the tribe is going to to with the land around it. I mean it can't be put into trust and a casino go in, right? That's what the lawsuit against that tribe is exactly about. And how crappy would it look to see a casino across the street from a cultural center?

I should also note that the casino gaming floor is the only part that has to be on trust land. The parking lot/hotel/etc doesn't necessarily have to be on it. That's exactly what they did with Riverwind and is common practice around the country. So just because we see a relatively small footprint, doesn't mean that they won't "lease" the rest of the land for support operations to a casino....ie parking lot.

Can't build a casino here.

It's really frustrating to hear this one-dimensional speculation about casinos every time a tribe is involved; especially one like the Chickasaws.

First of all like Pete says, it is all but impossible to put a casino in this area, which is not tribal land. It would require nearly unprecedented action on the federal level. And I don't know if anyone here knows about the current administration's history with tribal gaming, but DJT likes it about as much as he likes the media, viewing them as unfair competition to his own casino investments. He will happily screw them any chance he gets, and the executive branch holds the cards here (pun intended).

And all of that being said, "casino casino casino" ignores the fact that the Chicasaws are incredibly diversified. They are invested heavily in (non-casino-related) real estate development, retail development, resort development, golf courses, health care, communications, arts and cultural amenities...the list goes on and on and on. This one-dimensional obsession people have with their gaming investments does them a huge disservice. I'll just leave it at that.

+1

+2

And all of that being said, "casino casino casino" ignores the fact that the Chicasaws are incredibly diversified. They are invested heavily in (non-casino-related) real estate development, retail development, resort development, golf courses, health care, communications, arts and cultural amenities...the list goes on and on and on. This one-dimensional obsession people have with their gaming investments does them a huge disservice. I'll just leave it at that.

Just go to chickasaw.com and spend 5 seconds looking at their front page. They also have a bunch of LLCs (12 I think) that do contracting work for businesses and governments. I am an employee of them doing IT support at the MMAC.

I mentioned this in another thread but I know some higher ups at Ackerman McQueen who do all their advertising. They basically told me they Chickasaws don't want anyone to know what they are a part of. That's what they do all those commercials about themselves and their cultural center. I guess I somewhat disagree though. If I am spending all that money I might as well show the state what all they are a part of, so people just don't think it's only casinos. Cause they are a part of a LOT.

I used to work for a casino back-office software firm here in OKC, and the Chickasaws were one of our clients. Yes they are highly diversified. They also have the largest number of casinos of any tribe in the state. Somtimes down the street from THEIR OWN casino. Like any shrewd business, they put plenty of thought into where they can make a good dollar.

If you think that every casino they have was built on historic tribal land, i have a big surprise for you. THEY AREN'T! So the theory about how the land has to have been tribal land, blah blah blah, it's not true folks. The Chickasaw have been the best at working the system in their favor to be able to build casinos on trust land that wouldn't normally have been allowed to.

The Comanche tribe is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the Chickasaw because of the way they feel the Chickasaws have been able to get away with what i just described. This is where the problem lies, and why i have VALID concerns about a casino here. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is what the body that evaluates the applications of land use...and FAR more importantly, PUTTING land into trust applications. Please carefully read and understand that sentence. It's the placement of land INTO trust, thus qualifying it for casino use. That is NOT the same as historic tribal lands. This is the purchase of commercial land, placing it into the trust, and then using it for what they want (ie a casino if they so choose). The Comanche lawsuit is against the BIA more than really the tribe because they are arguing that the BIA has been FAR too lenient with the Chickasaw tribe in their applications, allowing things that they should not have....WELL FREAKING DUH!!!

Couple of fact points:
1 - The Chickasaws have more than 24 casinos, as i said, more than any other tribe in Okalahoma.
2 - Most of these casinos are on land that was put into trust AFTER 1988!!!!!! No historic lands there folks. Unless you all thought that Remington Park was somehow magically turned from OKC Municipal land, into historic tribal land.
3 - The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act normally prohibits casinos on land put into trust after 1988. EXCEPT, section 20 allows for exceptions. The INTENT was to put in exceptions for lands on the reservation. This is where the loophole is. It doesn't say what date the reservation has to be. So it can be back to pre-territorial times. Guess how much of the state falls under that loophole....the whole thing. THIS is the piece that the tribe has been masterful at working. Most tribes have tried to stay within this and have been forced to by the BIA. The lawsuit from the Comanche is saying that the Chickasaw have been getting an unfair advantage from the BIA, winning cases that others would have lost.

Side Note - The Chickasaw and Choctaw settled a case back in 2015 against the feds for federal mismanagement of trust lands and got 186 milion out of it. No land, just money.

So i'm not just talking out me rear end on this. Working with tribes across the country on a daily basis for that job, gave me insights into several state's gaming affairs. And some states do some weird crap.

TFVC, i'm aware that the offer contracting services to the MMAC, among others. In fact, one of my current employees is a former IT MMAC employee on that contract. But one thing has been very clear from that. Working in that area doesn't equate to know the tribe. Those are two wholly different bodies that work VERY differently.

Duplicate

If you think that every casino they have was built on historic tribal land, i have a big surprise for you. THEY AREN'T! So the theory about how the land has to have been tribal land, blah blah blah, it's not true folks.

There have only been 4 cases (two in Oklahoma) of tribes getting land put into trust (outside the areas in which the tribe already has some jurisdiction/connection) for the purposes of building a casino since the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed in 1988. The most recent example is that of the Shawnee tribe gaining BIA approval for trust land (and state approval for a casino) in Guymon. The Shawnee, however, are a special case because they have no reservation land of their own, so Congress passed the Shawnee Tribe Status Act of 2000 to enable them to obtain lands in the State of Oklahoma, outside those already under the jurisdiction of other tribes, for economic development. Among the lands that would qualify are the Panhandle and the historical Unassigned Lands of central Oklahoma. This sort of thing has been tried before, and failed. There was the proposed casino in Broken Arrow that didn't go through. The Shawnee also tried but failed with a casino at I-35 and Wilshire or Britton, somewhere in that area. Anyway, given that the Chickasaw Nation already has jurisdiction over a big part of south central Oklahoma I find it extremely unlikely that BIA and the State of Oklahoma would approve a casino in downtown Oklahoma City, unless Congress totally reconfigures the Indian gaming framework.

^^^^^
Yep.

Wasn't Remington Park turned into a non-tribal casino long before the tribe purchased it?

I used to work for a casino back-office software firm here in OKC, and the Chickasaws were one of our clients. Yes they are highly diversified. They also have the largest number of casinos of any tribe in the state. Somtimes down the street from THEIR OWN casino. Like any shrewd business, they put plenty of thought into where they can make a good dollar.

If you think that every casino they have was built on historic tribal land, i have a big surprise for you. THEY AREN'T! So the theory about how the land has to have been tribal land, blah blah blah, it's not true folks. The Chickasaw have been the best at working the system in their favor to be able to build casinos on trust land that wouldn't normally have been allowed to.

The Comanche tribe is currently pursuing a lawsuit against the Chickasaw because of the way they feel the Chickasaws have been able to get away with what i just described. This is where the problem lies, and why i have VALID concerns about a casino here. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is what the body that evaluates the applications of land use...and FAR more importantly, PUTTING land into trust applications. Please carefully read and understand that sentence. It's the placement of land INTO trust, thus qualifying it for casino use. That is NOT the same as historic tribal lands. This is the purchase of commercial land, placing it into the trust, and then using it for what they want (ie a casino if they so choose). The Comanche lawsuit is against the BIA more than really the tribe because they are arguing that the BIA has been FAR too lenient with the Chickasaw tribe in their applications, allowing things that they should not have....WELL FREAKING DUH!!!

Couple of fact points:
1 - The Chickasaws have more than 24 casinos, as i said, more than any other tribe in Okalahoma.
2 - Most of these casinos are on land that was put into trust AFTER 1988!!!!!! No historic lands there folks. Unless you all thought that Remington Park was somehow magically turned from OKC Municipal land, into historic tribal land.
3 - The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act normally prohibits casinos on land put into trust after 1988. EXCEPT, section 20 allows for exceptions. The INTENT was to put in exceptions for lands on the reservation. This is where the loophole is. It doesn't say what date the reservation has to be. So it can be back to pre-territorial times. Guess how much of the state falls under that loophole....the whole thing. THIS is the piece that the tribe has been masterful at working. Most tribes have tried to stay within this and have been forced to by the BIA. The lawsuit from the Comanche is saying that the Chickasaw have been getting an unfair advantage from the BIA, winning cases that others would have lost.

Side Note - The Chickasaw and Choctaw settled a case back in 2015 against the feds for federal mismanagement of trust lands and got 186 milion out of it. No land, just money.

So i'm not just talking out me rear end on this. Working with tribes across the country on a daily basis for that job, gave me insights into several state's gaming affairs. And some states do some weird crap.

TFVC, i'm aware that the offer contracting services to the MMAC, among others. In fact, one of my current employees is a former IT MMAC employee on that contract. But one thing has been very clear from that. Working in that area doesn't equate to know the tribe. Those are two wholly different bodies that work VERY differently.

Oklahoma Tribes can have land put into trust anywhere within their national boundaries (which are the borders of the historical reservation pre Dawes Act) and they can open casinos on that land. Oklahoma is different than all other states in this because out reservations were carved up and the land allotted out to the tribal members.

Remington Park, while owned by a tribe, is NOT a tribal casino. It’s a state charted casino owned by a tribe on non-trust land.

Central Oklahoma is not part of any tribes national area and cannot have casinos unless a tribe can show historical links to the area and with BIA approval have that land placed in trust. That will likely never happen a with Trump administration.

Oklahoma Tribes can have land put into trust anywhere within their national boundaries (which are the borders of the historical reservation pre Dawes Act) and they can open casinos on that land. Oklahoma is different than all other states in this because out reservations were carved up and the land allotted out to the tribal members.

Remington Park, while owned by a tribe, is NOT a tribal casino. It’s a state charted casino owned by a tribe on non-trust land.

Central Oklahoma is not part of any tribes national area and cannot have casinos unless a tribe can show historical links to the area and with BIA approval have that land placed in trust. That will likely never happen a with Trump administration.

Totally agree. While it's true the state could charter a casino at AICC a la Remington, there's no reason to without some compelling outside reason, like the state's desire to support the horse racing industry. Putting a casino in AICC doesn't really make sense from that perspective. Does anyone really think OKC needs a casino with everything else we have going on?

And the comment about the current administration is spot on. The Guymon casino almost didn't make it through because of the transition in January...

And I don't think the tribe has much of a desire to equate "American Indian Culture" with "casino" by building one right next door.

We'll see. I hope you're right, but they do have a path to be able to make it happen, whether you all feel like they do or not. Legally, there's a path there and they've used it plenty of times. The lure of the dollar is hard to ignore. And this is the most successful tribe i've ever come across from an economic development perspective. As pointed out, with a large diversification outside of just casinos, but lets not forget how much money those casinos bring in.

Having worked in the industry, i can say that just because a casino is there, it doesn't make it bad either. There are plenty of examples of the casinos being a good economic neighbor. Just being a casino isn't a bad thing. But who runs it can make or break that. Personally, i feel the Chickasaw's do it right (at least in most cases). There are plenty failed casinos out there that are good examples of how NOT to do it and poor tribe management as well. As d-usa said (and like I said in my first comment), it would not look very good from a PR side to have a casino across the street from a cultural center. But mind you, the Chickasaws do have casinos near their own cultural center....several of them. The Artesian isn't next door, but it's what a mile away from the big center. And Bedrae is across the highway from a Chickasaw casino. Granted that's not the same thing, but my point is that it's not a stretch to see it happen.

I definitely see the point about not wanting to make a direct correlation between casinos and Chickasaw culture, but I always thought a museum with a heavily artifact-focused theme would make a great addition to Oklahoma City. With the addition of the new convention center and all the new development and hotels going in, Oklahoma City should put some focus on a few large-scale, year round, tourist-centric ventures and I think an upscale casino would be an excellent addition to downtown. Not only would it give convention-goers and the like an easy place to plunk down for a few hours but upscale casinos bring with them a host of other positive additions like concerts, high profile stand-up comedians, and large scale weddings. I think, if done tactfully, it could be a great way to incorporate native culture into our growing downtown. The bar at the bottom of Top of the Rock in Big Cedar lodge comes to mind, the bar tops were glass display cases with artifacts arranged and little placards describing their significance; it created an experience where I just came to grab a drink but I walked away having learned something- I think that could hold value to both the city, tourists, and the Chickasaws.
I do not have any experience with the legal loopholes to be jumped or what it would cost the city in terms of TIF funds, etc. but allotting land and allowing for an upscale casino to be built seems like it would be an easy way to see to see another 30+ story tall tower added to the skyline. Margaritaville in Tulsa, their newest casino, is 27 stories tall and competing with what, 4 other large scale casinos? I say why let Norman and Tulsa have all the fun.

Indian cultural center gains momentum

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record February 12, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY – City Hall will close on deals this week to accept the property surrounding the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum for development, officials said.

The first step Monday involved putting up $9 million to help finish the decade-old project while the state government contributes $25 million in bonds, Finance Director Craig Freeman said. On Tuesday, City Hall is scheduled to sign a contract with the Chickasaw Nation to move much of that land to the tribe’s ownership via AICCM Land Development LLC while agreeing that a related tribal foundation will raise $31 million in private donations.

In another sign that momentum is picking up, the City Council on Tuesday also is expected to release water and wastewater easements along the Oklahoma River at the Interstate 40 and I-35 interchange in order to facilitate the property’s closing. The easements were for water and wastewater lines that have since been abandoned, officials said.

The project has been fraught with delays since its launch in 1994. The state government created the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority to build and operate the AICMM, issuing $63 million in bonds for expenses. However, construction was halted in 2012 when funds ran dry. In 2015, the state passed House Bill 2237, which projected the completion cost at $65 million and committed the state to work with Oklahoma City to produce funds to get the job done. That law also required the city to take responsibility for the future operations and maintenance, as well as ownership of the undeveloped commercial property nearby.

The Chickasaw Nation promised to find the remaining funds in exchange for ownership and operations. To that end, AICCM Land Development has agreed to provide $14 million for operations of the AICCM, including significant pre-opening costs, and to provide up to $15 million for unexpected costs that exceed the construction budget.

As late as Monday, plans were being updated and attorneys contracted for the closing, Freeman said. Construction is expected to start once the state bonds are sold. The city’s portion of the funds will be payable 12 months after the start of construction.

Freeman said the city’s internal loan for $9 million will be repaid through the General Fund from sales tax generated by the AICCM and surrounding development. Any operating deficit that exceeds available funds from the AICCM Foundation will also be the responsibility of the city.

Press release from the City:

********************

02/15/2018

Agreements signed to move AICCM forward

The City of Oklahoma City, the State of Oklahoma and a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation have closed on land agreements enabling the completion and operation of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum (AICCM).

Construction will restart this summer and will take about two years to complete. Exhibits and other interior finishes will take another year to install. The museum is scheduled to open in 2021.

Construction stopped six years ago on the museum, which sits at the junction of Interstates 35 and 40 in the heart of Oklahoma City and in the heart of Indian Country, when State funding ran out.

“It’s exciting to say the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is headed toward completion,” said Mayor Mick Cornett. “In a few years, we’ll share the rich culture and proud history of Oklahoma’s Native Americans with the world through one of the nation’s finest museums. We would not be here today without the City’s partnership with the Chickasaw Nation and we’re all looking forward to the day the finished facility opens its doors.”

The Chickasaw Nation subsidiary involved in the agreements is AICCM Land Development, LLC.

“This is another important milestone in our journey to fulfill the vision of a world-class facility which will tell the powerful and significant story of Native Americans in Oklahoma,” said Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby. “We appreciate all the leaders of Oklahoma City, the State of Oklahoma and others who share our belief that investment in the cultural center and surrounding development will offer great returns in the form of educational benefits as well as economic development. We appreciate our supporters across the state who continue to share our vision of a world-class facility which will tell the story of Native Americans in Oklahoma while serving as a hub for tourism, economic development and job creation.”

Gov. Anoatubby is the board chairman of the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority (NACEA).

“We sincerely appreciate the open and frank dialogue with representatives of the City of Oklahoma City as we worked through the complex due diligence phase of the project,” said Bill Lance, Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce. “The property rights and environmental concerns required more thorough reviews due to the unusual nature of the original platting and the fact this land is along the Oklahoma River. We are excited to move forward on the next phase and continuing our dialogue with city officials as we firm up development plans that complement the comprehensive plans for the museum.”

The agreements required a close collaboration between the Chickasaw Nation and the City.

“We look forward to AICCM Land Development’s work on the development of the property surrounding the AICCM. This week’s closings would not have been possible without committed cooperation by all parties,” said Henry. “As we continue our work to develop the full potential of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum, we are grateful for the involvement of the City of Oklahoma City and AICCM Land Development, as well as our many other partners, and look forward to many years of successful collaboration.”

Background
The State of Oklahoma created the NACEA in 1994 to study, build and operate the AICCM.

The State originally issued $63 million in bonds for construction, but the project was suspended when funding ran out in 2012. The AICCM has sat partially finished ever since.

The City, State and AICCM Land Development approved agreements that were finalized this week regarding finishing the AICCM, ownership, operation and development of the museum and surrounding property.

The estimated cost to finish building the AICCM is $65 million. The City will contribute $9 million, the State will contribute $25 million in additional bond proceeds and the AICCM Foundation will contribute at least $31 million through private donations.

The AICCM Foundation will operate the museum on behalf of the City, and the AICCM Land Development will develop the surrounding property. The Chickasaw Nation will contribute $14 million over the next seven years to support operational costs, including pre-opening costs. The Chickasaw Nation also committed its expertise and resources to help ensure budget targets are met.

Once the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum is completed it will be an epic indoor/outdoor adventure for the entire family. It will include one-of-a-kind exhibits, hands-on educational programs, first-hand accounts and cultural demonstrations celebrating the collective histories and contemporary cultural expressions of Oklahoma’s original peoples.

The outdoor cultural park where the plains, prairies and wetlands converge provide an intimate connection with the natural environment such as earth, wind, water and fire used to interpret American Indian perspectives.

Good to hear more about this but I must say, I am becoming skeptical. It seems like this project is always being pushed back. After what seemed to be endless delays, they promised it would resume this spring after the last failed promise of early fall 2017 and now it won't start until this summer.

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-chickasaw-nation-subsidiary-close-on-land-deal-for-american-indian-cultural-center-and-museum-development/article/5583354

Land looking for an idea: Acreage surrounding AICCM owned by Chickasaw Nation

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record May 10, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY – Irish Realty founder John Kennedy stood in front of commercial real estate brokers and salespeople and asked them what they’d like to see on some riverfront property.

Specifically, he wanted ideas for the 100 acres surrounding the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. A subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation bought the surrounding land. His company is working with them to develop the property. The tribe doesn’t expect it to be an overnight process, Kennedy said Thursday during the Commercial Real Estate Council luncheon at the Embassy Suites Downtown/Medical Center.

“I think it’s important that everything on this site be relevant,” he said. “We only have one shot at it.”

The land falls within the design purview of the city of Oklahoma City’s Riverfront Design Committee, which reviews projects approved by the Riverfront Redevelopment Authority.

Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort Chairman Harrison Levy suggested high-end hotels. He said with the number of people who are expected to come to the museum, there should be hotels built on the site.

Broker Gerald Gamble suggested restaurants, though there will be a restaurant and a cafe in the museum. He also said there should be an art museum where people can also purchase Native American art. The items would seem more authentic being next to the museum.

Maccini Construction President Ronald Rocke said there should be plenty of outdoor event space. Kennedy said there are discussions about areas for powwows and American Indian rodeos on the site.

Other ideas included a ropes course and an indoor/outdoor water park.

Another suggestion was to create an area to show how the tribes lived. The Chickasaw Nation has a replica tribal village at its cultural heritage center in Sulphur. But Kennedy said the museum is seen as a United Nations of Indian tribes. Every tribe had a different way of constructing camps and homes, so it would be difficult and expensive to show how each of the 39 tribes historically lived.

The one amenity the property won’t have is a casino, Kennedy said. Legally, it would be too difficult. The land hasn’t been put into the federal trust, which would give the tribe an option to put a casino on it. Putting land into federal trust is expected to slow down under the Trump administration.

Construction on the museum will resume soon, with an opening slated for spring 2021. Kennedy said some of the commercial development could be complete by then. But the tribe doesn’t want construction happening at the same time that the museum is trying to prepare for its grand opening.

“A lot of this (development) will happen organically,” he said.

American Indian Cultural Center & Museum, An Overview: https://www.chickasaw.tv/videos/american-indian-cultural-center-and-museum-an-overviewhttp://


http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/kgou/files/styles/medium/public/201405/american_indian_museum.jpg

http://mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/kgou/files/styles/medium/public/201403/museum_side_shot.jpg
OKC American Indian Cultural Center & Museum, scheduled opening 2021



Agreements signed to move AICCM forward
Post Date:02/15/2018 9:38 AM

The City of Oklahoma City, the State of Oklahoma and a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation have closed on land agreements enabling the completion and operation of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum (AICCM).

Construction will restart this summer and will take about two years to complete. Exhibits and other interior finishes will take another year to install. The museum is scheduled to open in 2021.

Construction stopped six years ago on the museum, which sits at the junction of Interstates 35 and 40 in the heart of Oklahoma City and in the heart of Indian Country, when State funding ran out.--

Source: Agreements signed to move AICCM forward https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/2569/140

For three years, “that hill on the river” has been the site of the unfinished American Indian Cultural Center & Museum. After it’s built, it will draw visitors from all over the country and world, will bring hundreds of millions of dollars into the state economy and will forever pay tribute to the 39 tribal nations in our state. Make this potential jewel in the crown of Oklahoma’s tourism economy into a reality – support the completion of the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum.

Land looking for an idea: Acreage surrounding AICCM owned by Chickasaw Nation

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record May 10, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY – Irish Realty founder John Kennedy stood in front of commercial real estate brokers and salespeople and asked them what they’d like to see on some riverfront property.

Specifically, he wanted ideas for the 100 acres surrounding the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum. A subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation bought the surrounding land. His company is working with them to develop the property. The tribe doesn’t expect it to be an overnight process, Kennedy said Thursday during the Commercial Real Estate Council luncheon at the Embassy Suites Downtown/Medical Center.

“I think it’s important that everything on this site be relevant,” he said. “We only have one shot at it.”

The land falls within the design purview of the city of Oklahoma City’s Riverfront Design Committee, which reviews projects approved by the Riverfront Redevelopment Authority.

Newmark Grubb Levy Strange Beffort Chairman Harrison Levy suggested high-end hotels. He said with the number of people who are expected to come to the museum, there should be hotels built on the site.

Broker Gerald Gamble suggested restaurants, though there will be a restaurant and a cafe in the museum. He also said there should be an art museum where people can also purchase Native American art. The items would seem more authentic being next to the museum.

Maccini Construction President Ronald Rocke said there should be plenty of outdoor event space. Kennedy said there are discussions about areas for powwows and American Indian rodeos on the site.

Other ideas included a ropes course and an indoor/outdoor water park.

Another suggestion was to create an area to show how the tribes lived. The Chickasaw Nation has a replica tribal village at its cultural heritage center in Sulphur. But Kennedy said the museum is seen as a United Nations of Indian tribes. Every tribe had a different way of constructing camps and homes, so it would be difficult and expensive to show how each of the 39 tribes historically lived.

The one amenity the property won’t have is a casino, Kennedy said. Legally, it would be too difficult. The land hasn’t been put into the federal trust, which would give the tribe an option to put a casino on it. Putting land into federal trust is expected to slow down under the Trump administration.

Construction on the museum will resume soon, with an opening slated for spring 2021. Kennedy said some of the commercial development could be complete by then. But the tribe doesn’t want construction happening at the same time that the museum is trying to prepare for its grand opening.

“A lot of this (development) will happen organically,” he said.

The good news is, the Chickasaw Nation is a POWERHOUSE! Like, they are infinitely more than just casinos. I have complete faith that what they develop, will turn to gold. They have their hands in so many industries, it isn't even funny.

If they were to build a Great Wolf Lodge sort of place, that would be tremendous.

For three years, “that hill on the river” has been the site of the unfinished American Indian Cultural Center & Museum. After it’s built, it will draw visitors from all over the country and world, will bring hundreds of millions of dollars into the state economy and will forever pay tribute to the 39 tribal nations in our state. Make this potential jewel in the crown of Oklahoma’s tourism economy into a reality – support the completion of the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum.

I'd rather be wrong, but i think that's overestimating the importance of this place. The biggest issue is that its very difficult to have one place speak for all tribes. That's one reason why we had so little interest form the tribes themselves. So i'm hesitant to think this is going to magically become some powerhouse to attract folks. But i am VERY happy that the place is back on track to at least get completed.

Would we ever build a big monument or like a memorial for Native Americans? The land near it would be great to incorporate something like that.

This! I've had the same thoughts/concerns.


I'd rather be wrong, but i think that's overestimating the importance of this place. The biggest issue is that its very difficult to have one place speak for all tribes. That's one reason why we had so little interest form the tribes themselves. So i'm hesitant to think this is going to magically become some powerhouse to attract folks. But i am VERY happy that the place is back on track to at least get completed.

The AICCM may not be anything mega in the sense that it will be a game-changer for the city; its Smithsonian trademark is reputable in itself. It's the collective developments since 2000 that have or will have the cumulative impact on a city that makes a favorable impression as we expand our city's profolio:



Oklahoma River 3 dams & development
New convention center complex with Convention Center & two hotels--605 room Omni Hotel & 133 room Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites.
Scissortail Park
50 story (844 ft) Devon Energy Tower
27 story (433 ft) BOK Park Plaza
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark
Chesapeake Energy Arena
OKC Riversport Rapids
Bennett Events Center
Renovation of 1st National Center
Santa Fe Intermodal Transit Hub
OKC Streetcar (Midown-Downtown-Bricktown) rail
Oklahoma Riverfront Development & Boathouse District
Bricktown Entertainment District
Adventure District (Oklahoma City Zoo--ongoing developments)

What we have to look forward to is the 100 acres the Chickasaw Tribe will have under their development umbrella.

It's these pieces of the puzzle that rebrand a city.

On Tuesday, city council will consider a resolution that would be the first step in establishing a separate TIF district for the area around the AICCM.

This public money would go back to the Chichashaws as they developed the surrounding land.

On Tuesday, city council will consider a resolution that would be the first step in establishing a separate TIF district for the area around the AICCM.

This public money would go back to the Chichashaws as they developed the surrounding land.

I have no doubt this will pay off. The Chickasaws are MUCH more than casinos (I know you know that, Pete, but some might not). They may not be able to put a casino there, but it will be a great value to OKC, regardless.

Also, to be clear, TIF revenues come from new taxes collected above the baseline established at the time of implementation. Meaning there would be no monies to be given without the development itself driving new property taxes. I think it’s important that everyone understands the entire process.

If anyone wants to read about TIF districts in Oklahoma City, the way the monies are derived and how they may be used, you can find intormation here: https://www.okc.gov/departments/economic-development/tax-increment-finance-tif and here: https://www.theallianceokc.org/tif

Also, to be clear, TIF revenues come from new taxes collected above the baseline established at the time of implementation. Meaning there would be no monies to be given without the development itself driving new property taxes. I think it’s important that everyone understands the entire process.

1. We don't know how this particular TIF will be setup. Likely will be sales tax as well and not sure if the collection area will be just the Chickasaw land.
2. Property taxes rise without new development.