Let me start over:

It'll be a few more years before the new highway opens, if I remember correctly.

By looking at the time stamp, it looks like I may have been about to leave for work, which is why I used abbreviations.

Better?

Let me start over:

It'll be a few more years before the new highway opens, if I remember correctly.

By looking at the time stamp, it looks like I may have been about to leave for work, which is why I used abbreviations.

Better?

I'm so glad that you clarified this. I was reading your original post as "it'll be a few more years before the new highway opens, Interactive Illinois Report Card" and was confused as all get out as to what in the world that was supposed to mean. But this makes a little more sense now. Thanks.

From Mike Baldwin's Thunder chat today at NewsOK.com:

Quote:
[Comment From Edward: ]
Do you know anything about the Ford Center not closing for the Summer for remodeling? They started announcing concerts this Summer. I wonder if it has anything to do with the Thunder making the playoffs. Tuesday March 16, 2010 11:17 Edward

11:18 Mike Baldwin: Edward: It will NOT close this summer. We'll have a story in the paper on that Wednesday or Thursday.
Tuesday March 16, 2010 11:18 Mike Baldwin

11:19 Mike Baldwin: It has nothing to do with the thunder and the playoffs. Bottom line is they can make improvements inside the Ford Center without shutting it down. The new entryway project won't begin until this fall and won't affect the 2010-11 Thunder season or future concerts
Tuesday March 16, 2010 11:19 Mike Baldwin

11:19 Mike Baldwin: They will shut it down for a couple of months in 2011, in June and July for a new floor in the 100 concourse but it will be open this summer

Don't know if this is the Story he was referring too, but this appeared in Wed's Oklahoman:

NewsOK (http://www.newsok.com/ford-center-projects-to-see-design-changes/article/3447054?custom_click=pod_headline_politics&dsq=40264529#comment-40264529)

No mention about delay in last phase getting completed really, just they are re-evaluating things.

I'm extremely dissapointed in the fact that they are removing the warm-up court because of the budget shortfall. It's about as short-sighted as you can get. Having another court like that available makes things a lot more flexible for the facility...it's a facility that would allow for greater flexbility for the Ford Center. Think about how most schools have two gyms...there's a reason for that. And it takes up so little space, I just don't understand WHY they think it should cost 6 million either.

I'd much rather give us some aesthetic items for now and be able to add them back in later. You can just plop in a warmup court in the middle of the floorplan later...and 6 million in savings by not having the court....I'm just not buying that.

I agree bombermwc, at least build the SPACE where the warmup court can go, so they can throw down the hardwood, goals, and the $5 million in diamond crusted warm up benches and 500 flat panel TV's for the practice court later.

I never knew they took the outdoor screen out of the plan (they didn't conveniently mention that that I'm aware of), although glad to see it "put back in".


In particular, a big screen will now be included on the Ford Center’s exterior.

Read more: http://www.newsok.com/ford-center-projects-to-see-design-changes/article/3447054?custom_click=pod_headline_politics&dsq=40264529#comment-40264529#ixzz0iXDIoTYr

Metro, while no official announcement, in another thread (or maybe it was this one), I think Doug posted pics of the various renderings and IIRC the one they used in the season ticket packs was without the screen. That screen sure makes a huge difference on the appearance of that entrance.

Will have to check out the powerpoint presentation but I think the warmup court was in the added sf that was part of phase 3. As you suggest, it would seem they would build the space for the court and just put it in later (unless they have already reconfigured the space for another purpose).

I agree, why couldn;'t the city go ahead and build out the space now, but shell in the actual facilities later once conditions improve and the Thunder really brings in additional/marginal revenue (which surely they will now that the team is playoff calibre so quickly). ....

Maybe this is something that can be voiced. While I agree, maybe we wouldn't want to fully build out the practice courts and other things on the "chopping block" and we definitely want to keep the flash and wow factor amenities now, but couldn't we go ahead and build the space but keep it empty until funding allows the space to be fully built?

I also agree, I find it hard to believe that a practice court costs $6M (especially considering the practice facility costs $10M and surely is much larger).

by the way guys, Im in China now and the CCTV news here just broke about the OKC-Charlotte game. Yes, it was mostly about Michael Jordan and the Thunder did lose, but the Chinese news/sports did PROMINENTLY advertise OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER and of course talk about Kevin Durant and other rising stars; and nothing of Charlotte's players/team other than Jordan.

OKC getting WORLD WIDE RECOGNITION, I can confirm this!!!

I know I am going to get flamed for even making the suggestion, but how about the Thunder actually paying for the warm up court etc? They are doing just fine financially. They easily beat what was self-described as "conservative" estimates of $9M profit (based on sold tickets of 14,000+) by their own consultants (and with the playoffs being a distinct possibility, that just adds more to it).

Im ok with that Larry.

I think it would be a GREAT show of thanks and committment to the city if the team or owners did this. again, it is "only" $6M.

Great way for the team to give back a little bit and surely might ensure completely filling up the seats regardless of wins for the forseeable future/forever. ....

City of Oklahoma City | Public Information & Marketing (http://okc.gov/fordcenter/index.html)
Select "Ford Center Improvements Presentation to City Council (PDF)" from the list on the left

Shows the Practice Court as part of the building expansion (above the loading docks) on the Concourse Level (pg 16 of PDF). The Mezzanine & Suite Levels are open to the court below (pgs 23 & 30).

On the Upper Concourse Level, the Family "Fun Zone" is over the court (pg 25)

I'm not going to flame you for suggesting it, Larry. It would be a nice gesture. However, the $9 million profit isn't much when you've got debt service on some portion of the $425 million the owners have already spent to bring the team here. I think a team is basically a rich man's (or woman's, as if I had that kind of money, I'd own a team) toy, but let's not forget or fail to appreciate their contribution. The city has already gotten a tremendous amount of publicity because of the team's presence, and its citizens have gotten a lot of personal enjoyment and pride as well. I feel like I've gotten my money's worth, considering how small my personal contribution to the Ford Center renovations has been. So, if they don't feel inclined to pitch in the money for the practice court, I'm not going to throw any stones.

Larry - they are supposedly currently redoing the blueprints to make up the short fall in tax dollars. The city recently approved a $100K expenditure to pay the architects to do this....including remove the warmup court.

Right...that most recent post describing the location of the warm up court was a follow up to earlier posts as to where it was supposed to have gone...on top of that location was the family fun zone and the article didn't mention anything about it, so don't know if is being deleted as well or they are moving it somewhere else. Definitely the info is out of date given the recent announcement, but is the most recent that is on the City's website. Gives a frame of reference. Am sure there were a few other changes along the way during the last round of renovations.

I was fortunate enough to get a pre-construction tour of the bowels of the Ford Center given by SMG's general manager right after the FC improvement tax was passed. Gary showed us pretty clearly where each of the improvements would go and described them in detail. It actually was pretty much exactly the same tour that the NBA Board of Governors received shortly before us.

It was difficult to always remain oriented in the underneath portions of the building, but I felt like I came away with a mostly clear picture, and having been in places like the courtside club and the terrace suites a few times since, it seems like this was the case.

The thing about the practice court is that it was to be built over the top of the loading docks. I'm sure that is why the expense was significant. It didn't go within the footprint of the existing building, and it wasn't just a box cobbled onto the outside. The engineering was surely pretty tricky. That's why at this juncture it appears that it wouldn't be reasonable to build the space and do the court later; the court itself was a minimal portion of the cost.

The other thing I took away was that the practice court wasn't specifically an amenity for the Thunder. The practice court was actually something that would have been used more during events like the NCAA games that are currently being played, or Big 12 tournaments. They would have given teams waiting for their game or session a chance to do shootarounds and warmups. There was also thinking that it would be good for Thunder youth events and such. But a warmup court is a luxury that most NBA arenas don't have and was never deemed a necessity.

Due to the timing, the team relocation and whatnot, it seems that all of those improvements were for the team. Certainly they were DRIVEN by the effort to bring the team here. But if you've paid attention throughout the construction you know that many of the improvements were just as much for other multipurpose uses as for the NBA.

NewsOK (http://www.newsok.com/article/3447056?searched=Ford%20Center%20is%20ready&custom_click=search)

Ford Center is ready for its NCAA visitors (Oklahoman, 3/17/10)


...more renovations are scheduled in the next 18 months.

The biggest addition among the final phase of a $50 million project will be a new grand entryway on the southwest corner of the arena near Robinson and I-40. That project will begin with excavation in September and is scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2011.
...
The Ford Center, though, will not be shut down this summer as originally planned.

A handful of projects will be completed this summer inside the Ford Center — new concession stands, two new restrooms on both the concourse and upper deck levels and novelty stands. But major projects inside the arena were completed last summer.

"These renovations will not require us to close the building,” Desjardins said. "We will be staying open.”

Another part of the final renovation project is new floors will be constructed on the 100 concourse level, which will require the Ford Center to be closed for two months in the summer of 2011.

so it sounds like Ford Center will need to be closed for the floors and not because of the expansion. ....

Good to know. I want to see that expansion!!!

More cranes downtown!!!!!!

SO if they are closed for 2 months, how is that not closed for the summer?

SO if they are closed for 2 months, how is that not closed for the summer?
It won't be closed THIS summer, but will be closed for two months during NEXT summer.

Oh my god, its true!! July 20th...book it!

Lady Gaga : News : Monster Ball 2010 North American Tour Announcement! (http://www.ladygaga.com/news/default.aspx?nid=25001)

Told ya! Hehe. :)

The Canadian Press: Oklahoma City scales back plans for upgrades to arena, new practice facility (http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ibJbhaQyG8AAAYsLbBFOUW7PJ6OQ)

OKLAHOMA CITY — An oversight board charged with keeping renovations of the Oklahoma City Thunder's arena under budget now has a clearer picture of a multimillion dollar shortfall in funding for the project.

Members of the city board were told Tuesday that the final budget for the renovations will be US$112 million, or about $9 million less than anticipated when voters approved a one-penny sales tax intended to upgrade the arena and lure the Thunder away from Seattle.

The Canadian Press: Oklahoma City scales back plans for upgrades to arena, new practice facility (http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5ibJbhaQyG8AAAYsLbBFOUW7PJ6OQ)

OKLAHOMA CITY — An oversight board charged with keeping renovations of the Oklahoma City Thunder's arena under budget now has a clearer picture of a multimillion dollar shortfall in funding for the project.

Members of the city board were told Tuesday that the final budget for the renovations will be US$112 million, or about $9 million less than anticipated when voters approved a one-penny sales tax intended to upgrade the arena and lure the Thunder away from Seattle.

Considering the amount of massive cutbacks being implemented in other areas due to budget shortfalls, this doesn't sound unreasonable. It shouldn't have any large impact on the overall effectiveness of the projects.

Remember, construction costs are also down and the practice facility award was much less than budget. Don't be surprised if the entrance bids come in lower also. Materials are coming down again.

Let me see if I understand this.

$121 million original budget
-$9 million shortfall
+$5 million practice facility savings

=$4 million shortfall, NOT $9 million shortfall

Plus the likelihood that the $50 million Phase 2 could come in perhaps $4 million under budget--after all, practice facility did come in 33% under budget.

Why are they scaling things back, at all??

Why is the Canadian Press reporting this story? Seems odd to me.

Why is the Canadian Press reporting this story? Seems odd to me.

Probably because our AHL franchise is tied to the NHL Edmondton (Canada) Oilers and they will probably play some games in the Ford Center. Not to mention we play the Toronto Raptors in the Ford. They do have some interest in it.

Probably because our AHL franchise is tied to the NHL Edmondton (Canada) Oilers and they will probably play some games in the Ford Center. Not to mention we play the Toronto Raptors in the Ford. They do have some interest in it.

Ahh, sometimes I forget we are a "Big League City".

The news is on the wire services. The fact Canadian Press cover it is no big deal.

I don't believe the hockey team will ever play at Ford Center. That is why the Cox is upgraded.

Let me see if I understand this.

$121 million original budget
-$9 million shortfall
+$5 million practice facility savings

=$4 million shortfall, NOT $9 million shortfall

Plus the likelihood that the $50 million Phase 2 could come in perhaps $4 million under budget--after all, practice facility did come in 33% under budget.

Why are they scaling things back, at all??

Did you mean $19M shortfall? (That was the amount reported) but isn't math fun? LOL

I understand what you are saying and did some math on it a while back but don't have the info handy so am doing from memory...

The practice facility "savings" is closer to 60% of what was originally earmarked (3 months of the 15 month, $100M/year tax = $25M mol). It was often reported that the P.F. was I around $21M but there was one after the vote that had the $25M figure. Winning bid came in at $10M (article said $15M was budgeted. Quick and dirty math:

$25M Earmarked
-$10M Bid (actual cost may be higher)
= $15M "savings"

Know there were some of the Ford improvements that came in over budget, but should have been offset by the P.F. savings and agree that the "shortfall" really shouldn't be an issue.

Why is the Canadian Press reporting this story? Seems odd to me.

Probably because I just got back home from Calgary.

Did you mean $19M shortfall? (That was the amount reported) but isn't math fun? LOL



The article under discussion reported a $9M shortfall: "or about $9 million less than anticipated".

Isn't reading fun? LOL

The article under discussion reported a $9M shortfall: "or about $9 million less than anticipated".

Isn't reading fun? LOL

Yes it is...I missed the article in question...but some of their math doesn't match with what was previously reported (numerous times in the Oklahoman and Gazette). The $19M shortfall figure was in line with those (but out of line with the same $19M shortfall to the general fund which on the surface is double the amount.

Am going to go back and read the referenced article again and see if I can make any sense out of it...:busterbun:busterbun:busterbun

The point is that there have been a lot of different numbers thrown around and it is confusing. Some psuedo news sources (like a local TV station) just shouldn't even bother reporting facts and figures sometimes..

Absolutely Spartan....

The point is that there have been a lot of different numbers thrown around and it is confusing. Some psuedo news sources (like a local TV station) just shouldn't even bother reporting facts and figures sometimes..

Yes, the local TV stations like to start news stories with facts and figures without really doing any investigative reporting into what those facts and figures really mean. It usually results in distorted news coverage.

Why don't we make up the shortfall by cutting City employee wages a bit more? Instead of 5%, lets make it 10%, that should do it.

Why don't we make up the shortfall by cutting City employee wages a bit more? Instead of 5%, lets make it 10%, that should do it.

Not for renovating the Ford Center, but I would gladly give up 10% of my City retirement pay to save jobs (Fire, Police, AFSCME and Management).

Does anyone have any updates on what's going on with the Ford Center?

Does anyone have any updates on what's going on with the Ford Center?

http://newsok.com/ford-center-renovations-to-be-complete-by-summer-2011/article/3473997?custom_click=pod_headline_sports
(Oklahoman 7/7/10)
...Final renovations on the Ford Center will begin this fall and be completed in the summer of 2011. City officials have earmarked nearly $40 million for the final phase — a grand entryway on the southwest corner near Robinson. ...

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-might-save-as-much-as-14-million-on-ford-center-renovations-practice-facility/article/3473998
Oklahoma City might save as much as $14 million on Ford Center renovations, practice facility (Oklahoman 7/7/10)


...
Cost, Project
$12.2 million, professional fees (A&E, testing)
$1.5 million, early basketball operations
$1.3 million, relocation of I-40, Robinson Ave.
$4 million, 2008 Ford Center renovations
$29.8 million, 2009 Ford Center renovations
$2.8 million, 2010 Ford Center renovations
$40 million, 2010-11 Ford Center renovations
$14.5 million, practice facility
$106 million, TOTAL COST

Wait a minute...didn't a portion of the Ford Center renovations get cut due to lower-than-expected tax revenue? I guess it's just how you spin it...

yep it was originally projected at 130 Million so it was cut.... read today article in the Oklahoman for the explanations and the support for the numbers listed previously

Wait, wait, wait.

They said the final phase is only the new grand entrance?

What happened to the rooftop garden, child center, more restaurants and whatnot?

There was more in the final phase, than just a new grand entrance.

I thought the only thing to get cut was some kind of frontside office and the warmup courts?

Wait, wait, wait.

They said the final phase is only the new grand entrance?

What happened to the rooftop garden, child center, more restaurants and whatnot?

There was more in the final phase, than just a new grand entrance.

I thought the only thing to get cut was some kind of frontside office and the warmup courts?

The article states that interior renovations will begin next summer after basketball season. It doesn't detail what those renovations will be though.

I can't imagine cutting a rooftop garden really saving that much. Imagine the statement that it would make for sustainability in our city, and the VIEW IT WOULD HAVE!! :)

As for the grand entrance and new facade, the city is currently letting a contract for architectural services on that. Or did ADG, Little, or FSB already secure it? lol

The contract has been with Benham since the start, Nick. There is no new contract for architectural services being advertised...

http://okc.gov/AgendaPub/pubmtgframe.aspx?meetid=1091&doctype=AGENDA

OCPP.F. I was there are the meeting and I assumed it was referring to a contract that hadn't been designated yet because there was NO discussion on it. If it was already with Benham then how come they didn't even discuss their work when they forked over $10 million so they will design the next phase? I don't get that.

That item was for the City to purchase the OCPPA's plans for the Ford Center. The $10 million covered the whole design... which makes sense, if you think an arch/eng fee ranges from 6.5% to 10% depending on the project. City trusts/authorities often pay for A/E and then the City reimburses the trust/authority when the funds are available.

OK, now I get it. I wasn't aware of the separation between the OCPP and the City. I guess some of the Medical Business District people are now going to come on here and insist that OCPP is entirely separate from the City (joking).

I knew Benham did the practice facility design, so I'm guessing the ENTIRE Ford Center and practice facility were just bundled together for the architectural services contract?

That item was for the City to purchase the OCPPA's plans for the Ford Center. The $10 million covered the whole design... which makes sense, if you think an arch/eng fee ranges from 6.5% to 10% depending on the project. City trusts/authorities often pay for A/E and then the City reimburses the trust/authority when the funds are available.
I wish we could get close to that percentage in fees....

It makes sense to use Benham for the Ford Center stuff since they did the original project and many who worked on it are still there, it greatly reduces the learning curve. I didn't work on it when I was there, only the Wranglers locker room before they folded.

By the way - Benham did NOT design the practice facility. That contract was given to HOK Sport (now called Populus). Funny, considering the practice facility is being built in the shadow of Benham's building.

By the way - Benham did NOT design the practice facility. That contract was given to HOK Sport (now called Populus). Funny, considering the practice facility is being built in the shadow of Benham's building.
C.H. Guernsey is the "Architect of Record", HOK Sport/Populous is the Designer. The Ford Center was Benham as the Architect of Record and Sink, Combs, Dethlefs of Denver as the designer. Benham is now owned by a large California company (SAIC), at the time of the Ford Center work I think the WS Atkins acquisition had already occurred, It was AtkinsBenham when I left to move to Austin. I think Bennett was involved with the group that financed taking Benham back from Atkins a few years before the sale to SAIC.