From today:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon92111.jpg

Personally, I don't want Oklahoma City to be a large city. Large cities have high crime rates, corruption, large numbers of self centered people that don't care about the people around them, large sections of the city that just trashed beyond imagination... the list goes on.

I like the fact I can drive from one side of the city to the other in twenty minutes or less (30 minutes in rush hour). I like the fact our politicians are still down to earth. They know we will send them packing and throw them in prison if they become corrupt. I like that our city is kept fairly clean. The state and the city ticket those who litter and have litter crews out regularly cleaning up the trash. Last of all I like the fact that people make a reasonable effort to help those in distress. If somebody is in trouble people react personally or they call 911 and report it. People don't turn a blind eye to danger/violence and keep moving like they do in most major cities.

I think you're romanticizing OKC a little bit. Large cities have kind people that don't litter. Their streets are clean. I do think Oklahoma is vry hospitable, but beyond that.... And you have to be kidding about our politicians being down to earth... I'm not sure what planet a lot of them are from. Lol.

Uploading completely stopped... thanks YouTube. I wanted to have it done by the evening news so maybe they could use the footage. I shouldn't have to upload at midnight for it to work.

I think you're romanticizing OKC a little bit. Large cities have kind people that don't litter. Their streets are clean. I do think Oklahoma is vry hospitable, but beyond that.... And you have to be kidding about our politicians being down to earth... I'm not sure what planet a lot of them are from. Lol.

Yeah, I agree and I definitely wouldn't say that Oklahoma City has below average crime for a city of its size.

Yeah, I agree and I definitely wouldn't say that Oklahoma City has below average crime for a city of its size.

Wrong.

Had no idea until I watched this that there was a ceremony up on top of the garage... nobody tells me these things. Oh well. I'm having to re-upload the footage I got. It's just ground level stuff.

Devon Tower Officially Tops Out As OKC's Tallest Building (http://www.news9.com/story/15519863/devon-tower-tops-out-as-okcs-tallest-building)

Ed Murray, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past two years, the Devon Tower has grown from a concrete slab to the city's tallest building. On Wednesday the construction project reached a milestone with the traditional topping out ceremony.

It was mentioned on here a while back, William. I'm sure you read it, knew of it, but simply forgot about it. Sorry!

Sorry dude. I read everything here and don't "forget".

Devon tops 50-story tower (http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-devon-tops-50story-tower-20110921,0,3007821.story)

Ali Meyer Reporting KFOR-TV

5:00 p.m. CDT, September 21, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Devon Energy is topping off their new headquarters in downtown Oklahoma City. The two-year project is nearly complete. Wednesday, the construction company hoisted a small pine tree to the very top.

Did you get video of this pine tree?

Anyone see the irony in this? Devon = Gas = Fire... Oklahoma = Heat = Drought = Fire... Pine...Pine Tree... :-O

Anyone see the irony in this? Devon = Gas = Fire... Oklahoma = Heat = Drought = Fire... Pine...Pine Tree... :-O

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/GIFs/spockeyebrow.gif

My reaction exactly. Now everyone will be waiting for the pine tree to be....torched. Oh, dear.

By the way, they opened up the vertical area of the building where the bucket hoists are (elevators). All the way to half way up. They still work of course, but it's no enclosed like it used to be.

Personally, I don't want Oklahoma City to be a large city. Large cities have high crime rates, corruption, large numbers of self centered people that don't care about the people around them, large sections of the city that just trashed beyond imagination... the list goes on.

I like the fact I can drive from one side of the city to the other in twenty minutes or less (30 minutes in rush hour). I like the fact our politicians are still down to earth. They know we will send them packing and throw them in prison if they become corrupt. I like that our city is kept fairly clean. The state and the city ticket those who litter and have litter crews out regularly cleaning up the trash. Last of all I like the fact that people make a reasonable effort to help those in distress. If somebody is in trouble people react personally or they call 911 and report it. People don't turn a blind eye to danger/violence and keep moving like they do in most major cities.

That's pretty stereotypical. I've been to many "large" cities and have encountered many friendly people, haven't been mugged, and haven't noticed half of the city being disgusting and toxic. Of course a larger city will have more slums, but it's still about the same percentage wise. What makes you think that an increase in population in OKC will lead to a change in attitude of the citizens? That logic is very flawed.

Back to the Devon Tower, it's exciting that it's finally topped out. It's a freaking monster. I can't wait to see the glass all the way finished and the tower lit up at night.

By the way, they opened up the vertical area of the building where the bucket hoists are (elevators). All the way to half way up. They still work of course, but it's no enclosed like it used to be.

I guess they will start filling in the gaps with cladding pretty soon from the bottom up.

I've also been to many of our "large" cities and I'm always glad to get back to OKC. Great city to live in!

By the way, they opened up the vertical area of the building where the bucket hoists are (elevators). All the way to half way up. They still work of course, but it's no enclosed like it used to be.

I'd like to see a pic of that to understand what you're talking about... I can picture what I think you're talking about in my head but its not making sense.

Wrong.

Look at this FBI crime statistic chart from 2010 based on 2009 crimes: http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime/2010/City_crime_rate_2010-2011_hightolow.pdf

Look at the two right below OKC at 51 and 52 (Miami and Dallas) and then note Phoenix, San Antonio, Charlotte, Boston, Denver, Fort Worth, Louisville, Seattle, Los Angeles, Omaha, Portland, Austin, San Diego, New York, and El Paso (lol) as cities that are very close to our population in some cases and significantly larger in others that are quite lower in violent crime stats than OKC.

Topping out ceremony

September 21 2011


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YwuvUn6zeQ

Awesome video!

The guy at 1:53 in red hat is cute. Great capture, William!

Can someone explain the American flag?

That is one hella interesting helicopter spinning the fans so slowly. :-O

Personally, I don't want Oklahoma City to be a large city. Large cities have high crime rates, corruption, large numbers of self centered people that don't care about the people around them, large sections of the city that just trashed beyond imagination... the list goes on.

I like the fact I can drive from one side of the city to the other in twenty minutes or less (30 minutes in rush hour). I like the fact our politicians are still down to earth. They know we will send them packing and throw them in prison if they become corrupt. I like that our city is kept fairly clean. The state and the city ticket those who litter and have litter crews out regularly cleaning up the trash. Last of all I like the fact that people make a reasonable effort to help those in distress. If somebody is in trouble people react personally or they call 911 and report it. People don't turn a blind eye to danger/violence and keep moving like they do in most major cities.

Politicians down to earth? Inhofe's crazier than Charles Manson eating Froot Loops on Ozzy's front porch.

Thunder,

The flag is there in honor of that Lee Greenwood song, the one that goes
I'm proud
to be an American,
where buildings
hold up trees

yeah, ok, that was a bit lame. But I'm tired enough this morning it was actually funny to me.

On your helo, the blades are spinning faster than you think they are, but the illusion is rather neat.

I'd like to see a pic of that to understand what you're talking about... I can picture what I think you're talking about in my head but its not making sense.

Do you see what I mean from watching the video?

Look at this FBI crime statistic chart from 2010 based on 2009 crimes: http://os.cqpress.com/citycrime/2010/City_crime_rate_2010-2011_hightolow.pdf

Look at the two right below OKC at 51 and 52 (Miami and Dallas) and then note Phoenix, San Antonio, Charlotte, Boston, Denver, Fort Worth, Louisville, Seattle, Los Angeles, Omaha, Portland, Austin, San Diego, New York, and El Paso (lol) as cities that are very close to our population in some cases and significantly larger in others that are quite lower in violent crime stats than OKC.

Oops my bad. I thought I read that you definitely WOULD say OKC has below average crime for a city of its size. Having lived in a few of these others cities close to our size I would say there is more crime in OKC.

Do you see what I mean from watching the video?

I haven't gotten to watch it yet. An 11 minute video on a 3g phone is a bit troublesome to Uploads. Will watch at work later though!

Regular video update will be coming after a while. Before the ceremony yesterday.

Oops my bad. I thought I read that you definitely WOULD say OKC has below average crime for a city of its size. Having lived in a few of these others cities close to our size I would say there is more crime in OKC.

Glad to have someone else corroborate that fact first hand. I should not have used a contraction when I said would NOT. lol

After having to cancel the initial upload again... yesterday morning footage before the ceremony is processing. I'll share it when it's done.

September 21 2011


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bYTkiKBofQ

Does anyone know if there are plans to replant the tree used for the topping out ceremony somewhere on the tower grounds with perhaps a placard indicating it's history? That would seem to be an appropriate thing to do.

Thanks, again, William. Yo must be using a hypersensitive shotgun mic. About the 8:30 mark you can hear the steel worker fixin' it with a hammer fairly clearly.

That tree must be close to being the highest tree top in the state...at least for a while.

My contact at Devon Energy is the Community Affairs Coordinator. She was thrilled about the ceremony video, because Devon employees didn't really get to see much of it. I'm handing over a DVD of the footage and other video to her Monday at Devon HQ. Never been inside Mid-America Tower...

My contact at Devon Energy is the Community Affairs Coordinator. She was thrilled about the ceremony video, because Devon employees didn't really get to see much of it. I'm handing over a DVD of the footage and other video to her Monday at Devon HQ. Never been inside Mid-America Tower...

Be sure to get as much money possible!

... That tree must be close to being the highest tree top in the state...at least for a while.

huh? not even close.

Be sure to get as much money possible!

They are giving him popcorn and a handshake

That tree must be close to being the highest tree top in the state...at least for a while.

I think you're forgetting about Black Mesa in the panhandle which is +4,000 elevation...

They are giving him popcorn and a handshake

If I'm that lucky.

I think you're forgetting about Black Mesa in the panhandle which is +4,000 elevation...Didn't forget the panhandle. Just wasn't sure there were any tree tops at the Black Mesa...but I digress.

Didn't forget the panhandle. Just wasn't sure there were any tree tops at the Black Mesa...but I digress.

http://www.trishalexsage.com/2010/07/highpoint-oklahoma-black-mesa-4973-ft.html

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ZiNcOaKymxw/TEDaVrHRaLI/AAAAAAAAEfY/JUdBW7r4k5A/s1600/black+mesa,+ok+--+july+4,+2010+057.JPG

Yeah, a number of peaks in the Ouachitas (SE Oklahoma) are 2500+ and COVERED with trees. Mt. Scott down by Lawton is around 2600, I think. But the point is still a good one; the tree is dang high up there. No question the highest treetop within an hour's drive.

Back to subject!!

Yeah, a number of peaks in the Ouachitas (SE Oklahoma) are 2500+ and COVERED with trees. Mt. Scott down by Lawton is around 2600, I think. But the point is still a good one; the tree is dang high up there. No question the highest treetop within an hour's drive.

Downtown's elevation is right around 1,260 ft. above sea level. Add 844 ft. to that and you're at 2,104 ft. above sea level at the top. FYI

Is there still a chance the tower will be 850ft. or are we sure it is 844ft. and no more than that?

it's 850

also, I went to the 47th floor of that building and they told me we were at the highest point in Oklahoma.

also, I went to the 47th floor of that building and they told me we were at the highest point in Oklahoma.

Their math was a bit off.

Downtown's elevation is right around 1,260 ft. above sea level. Add 844 ft. to that and you're at 2,104 ft. above sea level at the top. FYI

FYI actual elevation of Black Mesa...4,973. WAY HIGHER. Back to subject.

Tower is looking great. Can't wait to see the cranes come down so we can see it by itself!

Tower is looking great. Can't wait to see the cranes come down so we can see it by itself!

Speaking of which, I'm REAL curious to see how they dismantle those cranes.

Speaking of which, I'm REAL curious to see how they dismantle those cranes.

Probably exact opposite of how they constructed them

Maybe they'll treat Thunder to a surprise and do it like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcqvf3G0aoU&feature=player_embedded

Speaking of which, I'm REAL curious to see how they dismantle those cranes.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3mqUumEkKI


And here is a video of how they are constructed.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB91Sm-kGJ8

Maybe they'll treat Thunder to a surprise and do it like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zcqvf3G0aoU&feature=player_embedded

Off topic (sorry), the caption indicates that was KAUT-43's tower here in OKC, and a new U/L to Youtube. Wonder why that wasn't publicized?

I took this from the top of the Gaylord Stadium parking garage at OU, looking north toward downtown Oklahoma City.

http://i53.tinypic.com/34gptaf.jpg

Off topic (sorry), the caption indicates that was KAUT-43's tower here in OKC, and a new U/L to Youtube. Wonder why that wasn't publicized?

There is another thread on this topic. Also it probably wasn't heavily publicized for safety reasons.

Does anyone notice that Devon is finishing at such a rapid pace than the new World Trade Center (minus one)?

:doh: One World Trade Center is more than double the height of our tower. Of course it's going to take longer.

It is also being built in OKC and not NYC, building anything in NYC takes longer and costs much more than building most anywhere else. There is just so much bureaucratic red tape and union challenges to deal with no matter how big or small the project is. Both the city gov't and unions seem to revel in creating new and interesting challenges.

It is also being built in OKC and not NYC, building anything in NYC takes longer and costs much more than building most anywhere else. There is just so much bureaucratic red tape and union challenges to deal with no matter how big or small the project is. Both the city gov't and unions seem to revel in creating new and interesting challenges.

Are you the workers at the Devon site non-union, then?

:doh: One World Trade Center is more than double the height of our tower. Of course it's going to take longer.

Also,

1. People died at the wtc site so their was an abundance of caution when they were building the foundation to make sure any remains were recovered.

2. 1 wtc partially sits on top of a subway so that took some time to build around.

3. 1 wtc is built with a lot of reinforcements to remain safe from any possible terrorist attacks(concrete and steel podium, reinforced concrete core, etc.)

4. A lot of coordination has to be done at the wtc site with several construction projects happening at once and all of them are interconnected somehow.

5. They started building at the bottom of the "bathtub" which is like four or five stories below street level.

Are you the workers at the Devon site non-union, then?
I'm sure many of them are union but I doubt that every single trade on site is union, plus the OKC unions don't seem to try to throw up road blocks for no apparent reason every single chance they can like what I have found on some projects with NYC trade unions. They have it down to an art form. That doesn't include all the NYC city BS that makes the OKC permit people look downright complicit with the contractors.