I look forward to them re-opening Nebu to the public, which should be in the near future.

Finally, yay, but seriously pathetic...

^ or build the Devon Tower. ...

I noticed today the chainlink fence is now completely gone from in front of Devon Tower.

And as far as I can tell, all the windows have been repaired.

Just shy of the 2-year anniversary of the accident.

There are still a dozen or so windows to replace. I just walked by and confirmed this to be the case

Finally, yay, but seriously pathetic...

No, not necessarily

The "window washing" crane was being used at around 11:50, and was about half-way down the building, on the south side. I know there have been a lot of false hopes on this one, but maybe today they did something on those windows? I had to go back to work so couldn't go over and check it out though.

If you look closely, you can see there are still several windows that need replacing:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon050121a.jpg

I count 10 still to be replaced. I'm beginning think they will never finish the window replacement. What a joke!

I’ve not paid to much attention to this topic but I thought I recalled seeing something a while back saying that - possibly unrelated to the window washing crane incident - that there was going to be an ongoing project to correct some binding/structural issues in the glass curtain.

I believe I recalled seeing where it would require individual windows to be removed from their frames to relieve pressure, and for the frames to be refitted to the glass (or something like that). According to what I remember it would likely take many months as it was painstaking and had to be done a floor at a time. Was I just imagining this? Has anyone paid attention to whether the missing windows have moved around over time?

^

Nothing like that has ever happened.

They've merely replaced one window about every 2 months.

I’ve not paid to much attention to this topic but I thought I recalled seeing something a while back saying that - possibly unrelated to the window washing crane incident - that there was going to be an ongoing project to correct some binding/structural issues in the glass curtain.

I believe I recalled seeing where it would require individual windows to be removed from their frames to relieve pressure, and for the frames to be refitted to the glass (or something like that). According to what I remember it would likely take many months as it was painstaking and had to be done a floor at a time. Was I just imagining this? Has anyone paid attention to whether the missing windows have moved around over time?

I vaguely recall something like that, but I might just be having revisionist memory now that you mention it. Perhaps it was FNC or something Gary Brooks was working on? He is very forthcoming and shares a lot of details about his projects.

I noticed over the weekend the LED lighting was the most animated I had seen in years. Changing through multiple colors. I recall the white twinkle setting was used for the longest time.

I vaguely recall something like that, but I might just be having revisionist memory now that you mention it. Perhaps it was FNC or something Gary Brooks was working on? He is very forthcoming and shares a lot of details about his projects.

No, it was definitely Devon Tower. I'm glad someone else has at least a foggy memory of seeing it. I may have heard it from a third party rather than in a news story but I definitely recall hearing it specific to Devon Tower. It had something to do with relieving pressure by refitting windows and then moving elsewhere on the same floor and it was going to be very painstaking work, as I recall. I wish I recalled where I had heard this.

http://https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/05/06/devon-energy-tower-window-repair-downtown-okc-enters-third-year/4962747001/?fbclid=IwAR1dnauk7cJr62_Qjg9nlYykQUIVaHoij5i5TZ0F G7tMCd-fUbwxmWPp8WA (https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/05/06/devon-energy-tower-window-repair-downtown-okc-enters-third-year/4962747001/?fbclid=IwAR1dnauk7cJr62_Qjg9nlYykQUIVaHoij5i5TZ0F G7tMCd-fUbwxmWPp8WA)

http://https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/05/06/devon-energy-tower-window-repair-downtown-okc-enters-third-year/4962747001/?fbclid=IwAR1dnauk7cJr62_Qjg9nlYykQUIVaHoij5i5TZ0F G7tMCd-fUbwxmWPp8WA

At least it's getting press, but what a pathetic story for a pathetic situation. The spokesperson doesn't know how many windows are left to fix or how long it will take? She sucks as a spokesperson, she should've at least said "I'll check and get back". Ridiculous and sad.

At least you don't see the plywood pieces that boarded the broken window frames. Don't know why it took them so long. As Lisa Adams mentioned, "The window replacement process on this building is complicated and work is done whenever the conditions are right and can be done safely."

Going to be nice to welcome the new employees into DE Center.

SandRidge is nearly full, BancFirst & FNC under renovation, hope it brings a more illuminated skyline that will make everyone proud.

Really looks nice when Bally Sports Oklahoma show our skyline during Thunder games. Next season should be more exciting.

http://https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/05/06/devon-energy-tower-window-repair-downtown-okc-enters-third-year/4962747001/?fbclid=IwAR1dnauk7cJr62_Qjg9nlYykQUIVaHoij5i5TZ0F G7tMCd-fUbwxmWPp8WA (https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/05/06/devon-energy-tower-window-repair-downtown-okc-enters-third-year/4962747001/?fbclid=IwAR1dnauk7cJr62_Qjg9nlYykQUIVaHoij5i5TZ0F G7tMCd-fUbwxmWPp8WA)

Nary a mention of rationalizing why this is taking longer than a snail's pace through molasses. Bad corporate citizen no matter how you look at it.

Nary a mention of rationalizing why this is taking longer than a snail's pace through molasses. Bad corporate citizen no matter how you look at it.

Nah. They’ve been great for the City.
No matter how you look at it.

Agreed. The window situation is frustrating, but IMO they have done a lot of good for the city. Don't Forget the prepaid a lot of their taxes so project 180 could be funded earlier than it would have been.

Nary a mention of rationalizing why this is taking longer than a snail's pace through molasses. Bad corporate citizen no matter how you look at it.

Yeah calling them a "bad corporate citizen" is way extreme over just not replacing windows fast enough. Agree that it's a bit absurd how long it's taken but let's not get carried away. Be glad they are in town. Losing WPX up here sucks and it easily could've been both of them being acquired and heading elsewhere.

Nary a mention of rationalizing why this is taking longer than a snail's pace through molasses. Bad corporate citizen no matter how you look at it.

Take a walk through Myriad Gardens and see how "bad" of a corporate citizen they have been. LOL. Again, some of you are taking the window situation WAY harder than anyone should. Seriously.

Take a walk through Myriad Gardens and see how "bad" of a corporate citizen they have been. LOL. Again, some of you are taking the window situation WAY harder than anyone should. Seriously.
^^^ This 100% ^^^

Agreed. The window situation is frustrating, but IMO they have done a lot of good for the city. Don't Forget the prepaid a lot of their taxes so project 180 could be funded earlier than it would have been.

and look how that turned out. We would have been better with P180 if it were just funded normally or bonded. Appears to have been a huge money grab to me. By-the-way, not Devon's fault at all but the fault of the city getting so much money up front they forgot to make good designs and hold contractors accountable. ... Did I mention the cuts??

Nevertheless, Devon has been a great OKC citizen - definitely the tallest in the greater region. ...

Not holding my breath; however it's time for OG&E to step up its game--diversify, get that new corporate headquarters tower(s) you promised on prime land at the old Stage Center site.

Devon Energy Corporation has always had OKC's back...

with everything that's gone on (ice, rates, etc) I think there would be a significant uproar if OG&E tried to do such a thing at this point.

with everything that's gone on (ice, rates, etc) I think there would be a significant uproar if OG&E tried to do such a thing at this point.

Don't doubt that; however wasn't it 2014 (7 years ago) when OG&E purchased the old Stage Center site with enthusiastic plans to redevelop that parcel with its corporate headquarters and possibly some adjacent towers. If we're going to harp on a downtown corporation, let's stand in line on OG&E.

Big let down...

They didn't purchase it directly though, right?

They didn't purchase it directly though, right?

Where are you going with this--they didn't purchase it directly... ...maybe you know something that's been left out.


OGE Energy Center is on hold, but OGE Energy Corp. CEO Sean Trauschke promised Monday the ambitious four-tower proposal that was to be built on the former home of Stage Center is far from dead.--Lackmeyer, Monday, January 11, 2016 12:00

Forgive me, didn't mean to divert this Devon Energy thread to OG&E.

They are painting their core values on the walls in the garage west side store fronts. Guess we get colorful results, integrity, relationship words instead of empty white walls now

Or a blank canvas for grafitti.

They are painting their core values on the walls in the garage west side store fronts. Guess we get colorful results, integrity, relationship words instead of empty white walls now

Don't forget "synergy", lol.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon062021a.jpg

They should have just left it open and made some deals with local car dealerships. Selected Devon employees get to test drive a different series of vehicles each month and have front space parking spots.

It would be slightly less pointless and wasteful than what is there now.

They should have just left it open and made some deals with local car dealerships. Selected Devon employees get to test drive a different series of vehicles each month and have front space parking spots.

It would be slightly less pointless and wasteful than what is there now.

devon never wanted those windows in the first place .. they are not "store" depth they are just window boxes ...

"Courage" is hilarious.

devon never wanted those windows in the first place .. they are not "store" depth they are just window boxes ...

Yeah, obviously. Its like a teenager who makes a weak sarcastic effort when told to do something.

"Courage" is hilarious.

Maybe they're paying homage to Dan Rather's CBS News signoff back in the 80s. Maybe not, they laughed at Dan Rather, too.

devon never wanted those windows in the first place .. they are not "store" depth they are just window boxes ...
I believe there is depth and infrastructure behind the windows for retail space buildout when and if demand makes it economically realistic. The windows are placeholders .

I believe there is depth and infrastructure behind the windows for retail space buildout when and if demand makes it economically realistic. The windows are placeholders .

there are parking spaces behind the windows ..

there are parking spaces behind the windows ..

But the parking spaces were designed to be converted if desired. The spaces are flat (no ramp) and are sort of segmented off from the rest of the garage.

But the parking spaces were designed to be converted if desired. The spaces are flat (no ramp) and are sort of segmented off from the rest of the garage.

they were not designed to be converted ... Devon added the window boxes at the request of the DDRC (so if they "changed" their mind ) they could add stores in the future ...

Devon did not change any part of the inside design ...

they were not designed to be converted ... Devon added the window boxes at the request of the DDRC (so if they "changed" their mind ) they could add stores in the future ...

Devon did not change any part of the inside design ...

I agree they didn't change the design. But the design accommodates build out when financially responsible. What are you arguing about?

Anyone have any idea why they haven't installed the last remaining glass piece at the top of the tower?

I
they were not designed to be converted ... Devon added the window boxes at the request of the DDRC (so if they "changed" their mind ) they could add stores in the future ...

Devon did not change any part of the inside design ...
If there was a serious and profitable demand for retail there it can and would be converted. At normal rates built out space is more profitable than parking. Vacant space is way less profitable. Simple.

I
If there was a serious and profitable demand for retail there it can and would be converted. At normal rates built out space is more profitable than parking. Vacant space is way less profitable. Simple.

What do you mean by “demand”? Do you expect consumers to show up on the sidewalk and start demanding imaginary businesses be built out? If Devon had prioritized walkable design in those spaces and worked with developers then we can talk “demand.” They didn’t even try. Lots of businesses like Devon struggle to imagine walkable urban design because the parking garage these spaces are attached to is what they value. Parking garages are extensions of their suburban homes. They lacked an urban vision because it’s not part of the suburban mindset that dominates in OKC.

That "suburban mindset" dominates far and wide, not just OKC.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/suburbs-take-center-stage-u-s-growth-slows-n1279305
"Census data reveals that the 10 fastest-growing large cities in the U.S. are all suburbs."

Is the “suburban mindset” your term or is that used in the article? I haven’t read the article yet.

Is the “suburban mindset” your term or is that used in the article? I haven’t read the article yet.

Post #11925

Post #11925
Okay yeah even in BRIC countries I’ve read car ownership is skyrocketing as well as places like the Netherlands. LA agree by 2.6 percent while the suburban areas like OC and IE grew at least three times as fast. It’s clear that the urban myth of the suburbs are dying has no basis and the exact opposite is true. I personally think sprawled out communities and single occupant car commuting will be the future for some time and that will become even more true with self driving cars and subscription based services as opposed to ownership.

What do you mean by “demand”? Do you expect consumers to show up on the sidewalk and start demanding imaginary businesses be built out? If Devon had prioritized walkable design in those spaces and worked with developers then we can talk “demand.” They didn’t even try. Lots of businesses like Devon struggle to imagine walkable urban design because the parking garage these spaces are attached to is what they value. Parking garages are extensions of their suburban homes. They lacked an urban vision because it’s not part of the suburban mindset that dominates in OKC.
This is a very strange view of how development and economics actually work.

This is a very strange view of how development and economics actually work.

After the first sentence is where your contribution to the conversation goes. I’m happy to learn from you, but a snarky Internet comment adds nothing.

W
After the first sentence is where your contribution to the conversation goes. I’m happy to learn from you, but a snarky Internet comment adds nothing.
It’s because you ascribe meanings to my statements that are not implied or logical just to demean the argument, not to add clarity to your own. You definition of demand and the understanding of how and why developers make decisions is not realistic. If all this is is an attempt to discredit, then fine, fire away.

Devon has not been using the tower's LED lights at any capacity for a long time now. I would say the last time I saw them on was maybe around the beginning of spring.

Is Devon paying for window washing still? I am sitting at the Omni Hotel bar staring straight at it and the building has a dusty brown tint to the windows. Sharp contract from the shiny BOK building next door with a brilliant reflection of FNC.

Beautiful blue sky today.

Devon has not been using the tower's LED lights at any capacity for a long time now. I would say the last time I saw them on was maybe around the beginning of spring. I have noticed as well. Although they have been so underwhelming as it is since not fully programmed and reached their full potential which is sad. I have noticed the OMNI lighting is a bit glitchy recently and I hope they get it operational as it should and we don't just have another half assed job of lighting on the skyline. I trust Omni will want it to look correct however.

Is Devon paying for window washing still? I am sitting at the Omni Hotel bar staring straight at it and the building has a dusty brown tint to the windows. Sharp contract from the shiny BOK building next door with a brilliant reflection of FNC.

Beautiful blue sky today.

Devon owns both buildings so I assume if one’s being cleaned both are. I know they replaced/fixed the crane used to do so.

17241

In addition to the window still being broken, they are now missing a letter from their street level sign. Everyone meet Devo

Are we not men?

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon121421a.jpg

That’s the new nightclub opening up near Vast.

Devon did put up Christmas decorations but not the big displays they did in the past.

They did not put the giant ornament in the middle of their lawn and did not hang those huge ribbons and pinecones in the rotunda.

And although they sponsored some of the Christmas events in the Myriad Gardens, they did not hold any of the events (like Saturday with Santa) in the rotunda as they had before Covid.