DelCamino..those are some awesome pics..Thanks!
i agree, which building are these being taken from?

Actually, "the park across the street from the Sandridge building," Kerr Park, is at a higher elevation than even the street level of Sheridan in front of the Devon site. Downtown is more hilly in places than a lot of people think it is. Not to mention that the hole in the picture is probably around 25-30 feet below the street level, much like the lake at the Myriad Gardens across the street.

As sandy as the site's soil is (look closely at the pictures) any water from yesterday's rain would have probably percolated through by now... ...unless they are really close to the water table or perhaps bedrock. Notice that there's not any standing water, and not even much damp soil, elsewhere on the site. That's not to say that there's not rainwater there, only that something else is probably also at work. It's only science. Good grief!

Shouldn't you be watching the Journal Record van? HA!HA!..I'am keepin a pretty close watch on it. I gotta take little breaks every now and then.

Look - the white van is being highlighted by a sunglare

http://clip2net.com/clip/m24905/1259965692-clip-11kb.jpg

Actually, "the park across the street from the Sandridge building," Kerr Park, is at a higher elevation than even the street level of Sheridan in front of the Devon site.

Yeah. Where on earth did you get that idea, Sethsrott?

Shouldn't you be watching the Journal Record van?

:omg:, is it tagged? I dinna do it. I was in Norman all day (dang it!)

It's also has become interesting and appropriate that Doug's initial post, the one that began this thread, included prominently in the foreground the equipment that would be used to build this barrier. I'm sure Doug caught that equipment quite by accident, but it provided excellent foreshadowing for the thread. Now we understand just how important that equipment and that type of construction is to this project. Basically, they are building this huge tower on a giant sandpile, so they have to dig really deep to get to bedrock, and do a huge amount of preparation to do the job right.

Here's Doug's post:
Soooo ... you don't think that I know my construction stuff, huh? Well, of course, you'd be right about that! I had no idea what those yellow things were until reading your post, Urbanized. Thanks!

I've been all caught up in the campaign that shall not be named so I've not looked at these two sticky threads much lately. All of you guys are doing a bang up job with the pics, the web cam, everything.

One thing that would be nice to consider adding is a distinct thread which presents the fantastic time-lapse stuff that Mad Monk or others put together ... would sure make them easier to locate.

Anyway, great job guys, and thanks.

I'm now kinda caught up on this thread. This pic by DelCamino is one of my favs ... dueling cranes (or whatever they're called) ...

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww242/luckynedpepper/Nov242009-c.jpg

Great pic!

DelCamino, any chance of getting updated pics from the west side of the site? Is there any construction on that side yet? The garage expansion is going up amazingly fast but I and others are curious if there is any ground level construction starting on the west side of the garage.

DelCamino, any chance of getting updated pics from the west side of the site? Is there any construction on that side yet? The garage expansion is going up amazingly fast but I and others are curious if there is any ground level construction starting on the west side of the garage.

I'll try and get some pics from the west the beginning of next week.

There isn't, yet, any construction on the west side of the garage, out toward Hudson Avenue. They are, thought, working on ground support piers in that area.

Speaking of pics, we need some updated ones from the east side of the site. Lauri? Platemaker? ; )

Steel will come out of the ground on Jan. 1, and it will go up 4 floors a week.

oh really?

so Devon is going to be a Steel skyscraper? :)

I was under the impression that it was going to be steel reinforced concrete and glass.

Steel will come out of the ground on Jan. 1, and it will go up 4 floors a week.Are you saying we should see the full height of the structure sometime early Aprilish?

ya, that does seem quite fast. I thought the tower super structure would take the better of a year to top off (about 1 floor a week). 4 floors? wow!

I suppose, maybe they want the tower topped off to show the world just intime for the OKC Thunder PLAYOFFS!!!!! :) lol.

Well, I am fairly ignorant on high rise building construction but from what I understand, since buildings are, in theory, the same or very similar each floor, as far as space and layout, construction will be quick for the skeleton since it is mostly pre-fab work.

Once you get a rhythm between your pre-fab suppliers and the installation procedures, it should be able to go up quickly. Now, doing the interior, electrical, safety, transportation (elevators), etc. will probably consume more of the ~2 year goal than the skeleton work.

The Empire State Building was built in approximately a year's time - and it is an old building.

Speaking of pics, we need some updated ones from the east side of the site. Lauri? Platemaker? ; )

I will do my best to try and take my camera in one day next week. Lots of stuff going on at ground level and below.

I've been trying to have a lighter load for my walk from Hudson Street garage - been running into a lot of rather aggressive street people early in morning and want to keep hands free as needed.

On a related note slightly off topic - does anyone know where I can buy pepper spray and/or mace? I can't take a firearm into my building, but I'm starting to feel I need some protection.

Gawd I miss my parking. Sure wish Century Center or Cox Center would offer monthly parking.

On a related note slightly off topic - does anyone know where I can buy pepper spray and/or mace? I can't take a firearm into my building, but I'm starting to feel I need some protection.

Gawd I miss my parking. Sure wish Century Center or Cox Center would offer monthly parking.

I think Bass Pro might carry it. If it's really a problem, I'd call OKC Police and make a complaint. For a while, they had an officer posted at N Walker & W Main every morning, and even through parts of the day to help keep the aggressiveness down.

Sure wish Century Center or Cox Center would offer monthly parking.

Do they not? If not, I know they will the moment the Devon workers move into their garage.

Steel will come out of the ground on Jan. 1, and it will go up 4 floors a week.

Is that confirmed or just a rumor?

I took some pics of the west side this morning

I took some pics of the west side this morning Thanks!

I will do my best to try and take my camera in one day next week. Lots of stuff going on at ground level and below.

I've been trying to have a lighter load for my walk from Hudson Street garage - been running into a lot of rather aggressive street people early in morning and want to keep hands free as needed.

On a related note slightly off topic - does anyone know where I can buy pepper spray and/or mace? I can't take a firearm into my building, but I'm starting to feel I need some protection.

Gawd I miss my parking. Sure wish Century Center or Cox Center would offer monthly parking.

This is why those not nearby don't understand why the parking was an issue - there has always been a problem around Sheridan Walker due to the bus station - Police have been told in the past.

I heard that the parking garage is supposed to be back open in January sometime. Is that really the case? Does anyone have access to the towers construction schedule with more information besides its completion, but an actual construction schedule? It would be fun to see how they are tracking ahead or behind schedule. With the speed that they are progressing I dare say that they would have to be on or ahead of schedule at this point. Any updated pictures of the site and or west Garage? The web cam is great but for those of us remotely located it does not provide much detail. Thanks in advance for all of you who are supplying the images and information. It really makes those of us who are living away feel more connected.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a clear and not too frigid day, so my camera is in my bag. With any luck, I'll get some shots of the south side of west garage and all those areas not within sight of cam on that side.

Just wondering - where have Devon employees been parking lately? If the parking garage will be done by January or so - what garage(s) are they vacating that might be available?

I'm ready with my new pepper spray - hopefully I won't have to use it.:numchucks

Just wondering - where have Devon employees been parking lately? If the parking garage will be done by January or so - what garage(s) are they vacating that might be available?

There was an article (either Gazette or DOK) that said Devon will vacate hundreds of spots in Cox and Century Center, among others. I imagine they're in Main Street and Santa Fe too.

I heard that the parking garage is supposed to be back open in January sometime. Is that really the case?
I was told I would be able to return to parking there at the end of February.

I heard that the parking garage is supposed to be back open in January sometime. Is that really the case?

I think Devon has monthly spots in Santa Fe, Cox, Century and Broadway/Kerr.

Monk - if you are headed back into the garage when it opens can we assume you work at Devon?

No, I don't work for Devon. However, the company I work for pays for our parking in that garage. We started parking elsewhere as of Dec 1st and we were told that we would be able to go back to parking there after the construction is completed in February. Whether or not we would be staying there after the tower has been completed is still unclear. In the mean time I park in the garage at Walker and Sheridan.
I grabbed a couple of pics on the way out last week. I really need to start carrying my "good" camera instead of getting these with my cellphone.
Looking ESE with the Ford Center in the distance:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Mad_Monk/DevonTower/IMG00119.jpg

Looking ENE at the towers. This will be a nice vantage point when the tower is finished, but I think the Chase tower will be obscured.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Mad_Monk/DevonTower/IMG00118.jpg

Good pics, MM - even with cellphone

I just sent 9 pictures to Pete to post - they are full resolution with "good" camera, taken from IRS building about noon.

We lost power today for two hours - something was "hit" during construction per our maintenance guy.

I thought I had heard March for the garage, but could be wrong - they certainly seem to be moving fast on it, but even once they get the internal structure up, there is a ton to be done still before they could open it to parking (the new floors at least).

Here are Lauri's photos from today (12-14-09):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214091.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214092.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214093.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214094.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214095.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214096.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214097.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214098.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214099.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon1214090.jpg

Great pics. Thanks!

Thanks!

Very cool shots. Is there a place where the public can get that view? I would love to take my daughter up to see the construction.

Unfortunately, not that exact view - our building is locked down except n first floor. I wish I could let folks in to see - it's cool to watch!

Maybe the Colcord has a public area with a western view? Platemaker?

Another option is to watch from the top of the east garage. I normally just take the elevator on the north end of the garage to the top level and then walk down to the south end and stand in the enclosed area at the top of the stairwell. It blocks the wind and you can still see a lot of the activity going on. So far no one has kicked me out or asked what I was doing. I've run into a few people that do the same thing. Before the weather got so cold anyway.

Looks like they're starting to dig deeper.

A few pics from lunchtime today:

The south side of the parking garage.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Mad_Monk/DevonTower/IMG00135.jpg

They are beginning to dig around the secant piles now:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Mad_Monk/DevonTower/IMG00136.jpg

A closer look at the famous white van: :kicking:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Mad_Monk/DevonTower/IMG00134.jpg

BONUS: I captured myself getting the van picture.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Mad_Monk/Metakingpictures.jpg

Good one Monk! "The Van..The Van.." It's fame is expanding faster than the universe.

I took some pics yesterday and will post as soon as I can.

I took three. I'll go back with a better camera eventually.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L3gtvb8usg4/Sy68NBCTT5I/AAAAAAAAAS4/lQREvC7t5vg/s320/IMG01071.JPG

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L3gtvb8usg4/Sy68M6H0O5I/AAAAAAAAASw/OlIsRFf8SGY/s320/IMG01070.JPG

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_L3gtvb8usg4/Sy68MvzZebI/AAAAAAAAASo/N7NPChPAk9E/s320/IMG01069.JPG

Is the frame really going to rise at a rate of 4 floors a week in January?

quick question. Im sure this has been answered but im not gonna go through 15 pages of forum...

are they just adding on the the parking garage that was there? or what exactly.

It was already there.

quick question. Im sure this has been answered but im not gonna go through 15 pages of forum...

are they just adding on the the parking garage that was there? or what exactly.

Yes, they are doubling the size of the existing garage. Originally had 5 floors, now will have 10.

At least the under cover white van has "The Journal Record" on it and not something more obvious like "Flower Delivery".

I have noticed a significant decrease in what is visible as far as the Drilling rigs on the site augering the piers. Much of the site is now obstructed by the fantastic rising of the garage. I know that they are expanding the garage westward, does anyone have any shots or know what is taking place over where the base of the tower is to be? I know they were excavating around the piers but could not tell if they were existing piers from the old garage or if they were exposed tops of newly placed ones that they were going to somehow tie in to? Anyone have info on this area? I appreciate all the effort that many have contributed to allow us all to participate in the progress of this great tower.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8593.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8599.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8601.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8605.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8607.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8612.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8613.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8618-1.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8619.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8621.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8622.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8624.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8626.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8627.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8629.jpg
The completely unnecessary new sky walk to Oklahoma Tower

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8630.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8633.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8640.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8641.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8642.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8644.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8645.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8649.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8652.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8655.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8681.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8683.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g320/martymcflyjb/IMG_8689.jpg

Stunning pics.

I love how they're puting the garage together like some giant Lego blocks. Can't wait for the actual tower to start taking shape.

Stunning pics.

Thanks!

Was the garage originally designed to handle a 100% increase in size? Did they need to reinforce the supports?

Great pics!

The west garage was designed to be expandable. The east section was not, so it was left alone.

Are they not going to expand the garage to the street? It doesn't appear they are.

And wow. Those pictures are stunning Jbrown. Oklahoma skies never cease to amaze me.

Awesome Images of the exact areas that I was requesting! Thank you so much for those very comprehensive shots! I have truly become an addict! I must check this thread several times a day for updates and I am on the Devon CAM many times an hour...yeah...its both a good thing and and bad thing that I work for myself! But dude this is huge for OKC!!! Unprecedented in my life time at least! Again Thanks JBrown!

JBrown - these pictures are awesome - thanks for your work!

I'll be back at work next week and will get some from the east. There's a lot going on!

Kudos to JBrown...well done.

Architect - yes, they are extending it to the street. That portion is supposed to house a new workout facility for Devon employees to use. Will be interesting to see how they tie it in to the existing parking garage. My guess is they are going up first and then west.

Does anyone know what those 2 huge brown tanks are on the south end of the site?