This thread has more turns than an Arkansas highway!

Some random thoughts. The Eiffel Tower was originally an advertising gimmick, like those inflatable people thingies which grace a car wash on North Penn. Parisians hated it for many years. I guess time does heal all wounds. And what does a cast iron tower have to do with the “City of Lights”?

Lets try this. You are making a movie and you want to identify OKC, and your budget only allows one brief shot to do so. What would be iconic for OKC? Something that would be instantly recognizable to the viewers.

Here’s some examples:

London Big Ben
Paris Eiffel Tower
Rome Coliseum
Cairo Pyramids
Tokyo Mt Fujiama
Sydney Opera house
San Francisco Golden Gate
New York Times Square
DC The Capitol
Rio Christ of the Andes
LA Hollywood sign
OKC ???


My suggestion is a ten thousand foot column of natural gas. Its colorless, odorless, abundant in Oklahoma, and nobody could prove it wasn’t there…

Bennet, Mclendon

Bennett, McClendon

Bennett, McClendonYou forgot about Audrey. JBrown84 tried.

I'm not really opposed to the idea and I have enjoyed many tall structures such as the the Space Needle, the Stratosphere, and the Eiffel Tower. Oklahoma City is so flat and it might be nice to have a place to take visitors to get the lay of the land. I like the idea of the geyser as well as the idea of the base of the structure expanding across the canal. We don't really have any type of tall land mark and I think that Oklahomans would grow to be proud to have the giant derrick, but I don't think the funds should come from our tax dollars, but instead, private donations.

My concern is that it will be located in the flight path of Will Rogers World Airport. What are FAA's legal requirements when it comes to extremely tall structures in close proximity to a World Airport?

I would be embarrassed by it.

When they get to the top of the Big Gush, what are they going to look at? Heritage Park Mall?

Is this a serious discussion? OKC would become the laughing stock of the country if this thing were built. It is like Chicago coming up with a giant fan (windy), or Memphis a gigantic barbeque stand.

To be a bit constructive though, a feature of some kind on, at, or even spanning the river would be great. How about a bridge/observation deck/restaurant in a modern style, similar to the new boathouses? Think of the Aquarium by Calatrava in Valencia, Spain or even the old LAX observation tower, but more updated. Doesn't have to be tall, but unique would be nice.

Is this a serious discussion? OKC would become the laughing stock of the country if this thing were built. It is like Chicago coming up with a giant fan (windy), or Memphis a gigantic barbeque stand.

To be a bit constructive though, a feature of some kind on, at, or even spanning the river would be great. How about a bridge/observation deck/restaurant in a modern style, similar to the new boathouses? Think of the Aquarium by Calatrava in Valencia, Spain or even the old LAX observation tower, but more updated. Doesn't have to be tall, but unique would be nice.

That said it very well. I also think it would make us a laughing stock.

I like the idea of spanning the river but I also think an observation tower would be cool.

But please, not "iconic".

Rep. Jett ought to direct his fund-raising energies to completion of the Centennial Land Run Monument.

I applaud that he is TRYING. It is much easier to criticize than to put your ideas out there for all of us to ridicule.

The idea in and of itself is not a bad one. The reason to ridicule or not would be in the execution of the idea. But at least he has an idea and is willing to publicly share it.

I think this is a ridiculous idea. How about spending the money on our ****ty roads?

Oh wait I know we'll just raise taxes to cover those, while we spend all the normal road budget monies on retarded landmarks.

Oklahoma City Buildings, Real Estate, Architecture, Skyscrapers and Construction Database / Emporis.com (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/?id=oklahomacity-ok-usa)

HAHA, remember the State Fair Space Needle I referenced? Check out the header image on the page... remember this soonerfeaver?


Are you talking about how unporportioned it is to the other buildings? I have worked on several different headers for the page but they keep getting rejected. Seattle's page is the same way. The Columbia Center is over 300' taller than the The Space Needle. However, the picture says otherwise.

Seattle Buildings, Real Estate, Architecture, Skyscrapers and Construction Database / Emporis.com (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/?id=seattle-wa-usa)

Correct me if I am wrong but isn't OKC's Space Needle a ride? Doesn't it just spin around going up and then right back down? It would be nice if you could get off and actually stay up there for a while.

yup.

To be a bit constructive though, a feature of some kind on, at, or even spanning the river would be great. How about a bridge/observation deck/restaurant in a modern style, similar to the new boathouses? Think of the Aquarium by Calatrava in Valencia, Spain or even the old LAX observation tower, but more updated. Doesn't have to be tall, but unique would be nice.

That would be great at Boathouse Row provide a nice restaurant and a bar or two to watch the competitions from.

I agree....very bad idea. I'm actually pretty proud to take visiting out-of-town friends to Bricktown and show them our clean downtown. A giant eyesore like that would be embarrassing, and I agree it would make OKC a laughing-stock given the national anti-oil sentiment.

I travel a lot and our state's roads and bridges are in horrible shape, almost as bad in some areas as a third world country. This money be much-better spent improving our roads, or perhaps toward mass-transit such as a light rail system for OKC.

Well, it's all pure speculation whether or not this thing will become reality. I will say that it most likely would look much better than what the initial design is showing. It's basically just a cheap drawing of an oil derrick to give us an IDEA of what it might look like. If it is built, I'm sure it will involve some sort of world class architect and builder to make it look awesome. As for being a "laughingstock"....that's a bit of a negative attitude. Not to be rude, but it will be a structure that will bring tourism because no other city has anything like it and we need a landmark that sets us apart from the other cities with monuments. What other landmark could we possibly build other than something that shows our past, present and future? OKC is an oil city and will always be, even though our economy is diversifying all the time. Oil is what built OKC, so it only makes sense to have a giant oil derrick with modern amenities and a place for tourists to have a bird's eye view of our great city. There was a time during the early days of this city where the goal was to make OKC the largest city between New York and LA. Our city leaders and business community back then were much like the leaders of our city today.....they all had a vision to make this city grand. There should be no stopping this city and we should ALWAYS reach for the stars if we are ever to become internationally known as a great city. Look what happened when we became complacent.....Dallas took all of our growth opportunities and we've been trying to compete with them ever since. In fact, Will Rogers airport had a chance to become as large as DFW, but the city leaders at the time didn't think we needed it. Just look at what taking a chance did for the DFW area. I truly believe that if the city leaders back in the 60's had taken the same approach as the leaders of today, OKC would be at least twice the size it is today and that is taking into account that the oil bust happened in the 1980's.
So, with all that, I say go for it! What better time in OKC history than now to change the world perception of OKC being a REAL city.:)

I wonder if the designers will consider the Oklahoma Weather into this project?

The last thing we need is a giant oil derrick comes crashing down on I-40 or onto the ferris wheel and watch the wheel goes weee off into the sunset.

if done right... i still believe that it's a great idea and opportunity. i think the oil derrick at six flags is tasteful and has been memorable for me. if it does move forward... we need to cause a ruckus until the paper does an article that gives kerry credit for the idea tho.

I travel a lot and our state's roads and bridges are in horrible shape, almost as bad in some areas as a third world country.

Oh PLEASE. Don't be ridiculous.



I was at Six Flags yesterday and guess what? The observation tower was closed due to "high winds", as it has been every time I've been there.

BAD IDEA, BAD IDEA, BAD IDEA

I say let Texas build it as the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

Oh PLEASE.

I say let Texas build it as the George W. Bush Presidential Library.

hahah

wouldn't that be an awfully large comic book rack?

Or coloring books.

Closed due to high winds? I was there two years ago, it had recently rained and the wind was blowing really hard. We still went up the elevator and stood on the wet deck of the observation tower with the wind blowing us almost over.. it wasn't shut down then. I don't know why they would now.

Let's build a pyramid.

Memphis...

damn your right.

I'd like to see something a little more restrained. I really like the classic monuments in Indianapolis. The first time I visited that city, I noticed that it had the feel of a much more cosmopolitain city than it was. Today, I think Indianapolis has actually become a more cosmopolitain city.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Indianapolis-indiana-soldiers-sailors-monument.jpg

I'd like to see something a little more restrained. I really like the classic monuments in Indianapolis. The first time I visited that city, I noticed that it had the feel of a much more cosmopolitain city than it was. Today, I think Indianapolis has actually become a more cosmopolitain city.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Indianapolis-indiana-soldiers-sailors-monument.jpgThose are beautiful structures, and works of art. But OKC needs something just a bit more Iconic. Would you agree?

do we really need to copy the picture again the post after it was just posted?

I'd like to see something a little more restrained. I really like the classic monuments in Indianapolis. The first time I visited that city, I noticed that it had the feel of a much more cosmopolitain city than it was. Today, I think Indianapolis has actually become a more cosmopolitain city.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Indianapolis-indiana-soldiers-sailors-monument.jpg


Those are beautiful structures, and works of art. But OKC needs something just a bit more Iconic. Would you agree?

But of course. :beaten_fi

do we really need to copy the picture again the post after it was just posted?No we don't. And we won't do it again. We're sorry.

I can't see a giant oil derrick in the okc skyline, please tell me your kidding.
This isn't iconic nor modern. talk about revisiting the past. come on.
At least the Effiel Tower is somewhat original to its time.
Why don t we just put a big 10 story boot in the middle of town for that matter. lol.

The boot will give people something to look at when they get to the observation deck.

The boot will give people something to look at when they get to the observation deck.What about a big 10 gallon Hoss Cartwright looking cowboy hat sitting atop the boot. It could serve as an observation deck. You could use the hats center as a rotating restaurant, and the brim as a 360 degree walking platform with some of those 25 cent coin operated view finders. It could pay for itselve a quarter at a time.

do we really need to copy the picture again the post after it was just posted?
OMG BRO!!!

i can only imagine what you're gonna be like when you're old and crochity

What about a big 10 gallon Hoss Cartwright looking cowboy hat sitting atop the boot. It could serve as an observation deck. You could use the hats center as a rotating restaurant, and the brim as a 360 degree walking platform with some of those 25 cent coin operated view finders. It could pay for itselve a quarter at a time.

Keep those ideas comin'! We are on the cusp of greatness here!

OMG BRO!!!

i can only imagine what you're gonna be like when you're old and crochity

wouldn't matter except it's a ginormous picture and takes up more than a half page of posts. Do we really need it 3 times in a row?

Hey born here good idea !! could have a country western club in the boot.
serve bbq, beers and have some 2 steppin....

wouldn't matter except it's a ginormous picture and takes up more than a half page of posts. Do we really need it 3 times in a row?
i just get a chuckle at how annoyed you get when people get off topic and what not.

I dunno metro, someone may have missed it the first time :)

The big pic isn't nearly as annoying as an 1100 foot oil derrick over the Ackerman river would be.

wouldn't matter except it's a ginormous picture and takes up more than a half page of posts. Do we really need it 3 times in a row?I said I was sorry. And I promise to never ever do it again for a long, long time. I'll even make myself go stand in the corner.

nah, just go stand on a really really tall derrick andy ... that way you'll still be ontopic
<insert snort here>

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/Indianapolis-indiana-soldiers-sailors-monument.jpg[/QUOTE]

Can we make it actually drill Oil. That would be a help.

HAHAH! Asses.

Ok this Shane Jett rep that has this bone head idea, said if a visitor pulled off I 40 they spend $250. well goodie. But he also said that this Monstrosity would cost about $100 million dollars , well do the math that would be 400,000 people needed to spend that $250 to pay for that thing. I hope he doesnt think the tax payers are paying for it. No, we dont need to spend 100 million dollars for some .
'iconic' tourist attraction oil derrick bridge observation deck erector set tower.

...if a visitor pulled off I 40 they spend $250.

I thought someone said Cornett is the one who made that statement.

I thought someone said Cornett is the one who made that statement.

you are correct, Jett is quoting Cornett on that $250 statement , my bad.

Yeah, don't let it happen again, or we'll have to karate chop you in half with a miniature iconic oklahoma oil derrick figurine from the okctalk gift shop.

As long as it has Oklahoma City on it and its made in China and contains lead.

Whatever we end up doing, let's not forget the Tesla coil aspect. I think that whether we have a derrick, boot, hat or whatever, it's important that it have lightning bolts shooting out of it.

heck we need to have a twister in there somewhere with that cow flying through the air.

I say it needs to look like an OLD derrick.

Oil will be dead and buried in 100-150 years, thats when it will become a TRUE landmark. There will people be coming around to see something thats truely ancient history.

That's probably the best thought I've read in this thread. When we're all dead and gone and our kids are too, something like this could really be a huge deal. Like some of the references about Eiffel throughout this thread, it was hated at first.

Here's something I was thinking about while reading this thread: Have our city leaders made a bad move with any of the urban renewal stuff in the past 15 years? I'm gonna say no. By and large, they've done a superb job of city planning and thinking ahead with their plans. Why do people on here suddenly think these guys are going to "get stupid."

Yes, the derrick in the video looks lame. But come on, initial concepts in videos and drawings almost universally look horrible. Do you REALLY believe they'll just build a huge oil derrick? Come on. That might be the initial idea, but it'll morph and change over the years and when its all said and done, it'll be a 1,200-foot tower that has a likeness to an old oil derrick, but it won't just stand out as one. It'll likely be something that is modern but tips its hat to the old look of the derrick. Some of y'all are freaking out way too much about this.

I, for one, say go for it. Come up with more concepts and see what happens. OKC didn't get where it is now by doing its best impression of Tulsa (eg, "Let's stand pat and do nothing... ever") over the past two decades. I'd love to see a 1,200-foot observation tower in OKC. Think of this just south of downtown spanning the river close to that central park-ish park that's gonna go from the river to Myriad Gardens.

There's no way in hell it would just be a giant derrick. The derrick would be implied in the design, but I bet it would end up with a lot of shiny glass and become a point of pride for OKC citizens.

And hey, if that is true about the kind of money the space needle brings in, we'd be stupid to just turn down that potential revenue stream. That's an amazing amount of jack to just go up a tower.

No, initial concepts usually look BETTER than what actually gets built. It's will be even CHEESIER in real life.

And I've already addressed the Eiffel Tower thing more than once.

We need a monument to our future and not our to past.

And this is not our city council. It's a crackpot homeschooled lawmaker hairbrained idea.

Imagine doing some base jumping or bungy jumping from it. How cool would that be? I agree JWil, lets see what they come up with before rendering a judgement.


homeschooled lawmaker

What does that mean? My kids are home schooled.

No, initial concepts usually look BETTER than what actually gets built. It's will be even CHEESIER in real life.

And I've already addressed the Eiffel Tower thing more than once.

We need a monument to our future and not our to past.

And this is not our city council. It's a crackpot homeschooled lawmaker hairbrained idea.

WTF? A monument to our future? Are you Walt Disney trying to build Epcot? What the hell do you suggest for a "monument to the future" anyway?

I get tired of Oklahomans shunning some great parts of our history (oil, western heritage) because they're embarrassed of it. WHY? I swear, Oklahomans have the biggest inferiority complex in the world when it comes to this stuff. PEOPLE THINK THIS ABOUT OKLAHOMA ANYWAY... why not embrace it?

WTF? A monument to our future? Are you Walt Disney trying to build Epcot? What the hell do you suggest for a "monument to the future" anyway?

Thanks for that.

Welcome.

I just get tired of people trying to minimize history. Oil was a big part of our state's past and I'm sure there's a cool and stylish way to get this done.

In any event, I'd just love to have an insanely-tall observation tower in OKC. That'd rock.