Thanks OKC@Heart...one further question, when you have time--as before--I am not familiar with all this--do they use a turning-gear type method of it raising the mix up the pipe...or is it possible to use pressure alone to move it up that distance? Surely gives one an appreciation of what the guys must do who build these structures--it is not an easy or simple operation. Amazing amount of obstacles to overcome and handle. Impressive. Here we get to watch the whole thing happen...a rare opportunity.

Here's a picture of the pump. I'll have to bring my new camera to work and take some more quality photos one day next week.

http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/okcmomentum/1b23cd16.jpg

I'm guessing these are forms for the upper floors?
http://i651.photobucket.com/albums/uu235/okcmomentum/828c547d.jpg

Vandy and I went down to the site at lunch today. You can see a few more here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/53062852@N00/)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4645554346_789d416a2d_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4644939767_8509353269_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4645554312_28e4ce0c07_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4645554256_3022504608_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4645555528_959e74b26e_o.jpg

Okcmomentum, Yeah those are going to be the forms for the uppers and that is why it will go much quicker they will place them as units and then be ready to pour much more quickly.

I think that it was stated that the first 6 or so were more complicated and then after that it would become more uniform.

Kingober & Vandy, Thanks for those fantastic shots! Made a huge impact! Loved the shot that shows down to the bottom basement level. really shows how much has transpired in the last two months!

So do they slide those forms out from the side of the building after the concrete is poured.

Just think folks, that's just ONE floor, 49 more to go, although they won't be that tall. That pic just gives you some scale of how big this thing really is for those of you who haven't been down there yet.

Yeah they have to preserve them so that they can be reused. It willl be quite interesting to watch how they do that very dramatic due to the size of the sections. With each section they will work to place back re-shoring, often like what is used on the lower floors or wooden posts that are adjustable and install them back to aid in carrying the load until the concrete reaches strength.

Most of the projects that I have worked on had more of a built up shoring system much less modular and even then they were really able to move fast in setting them up floor to floor, so this will be fun to watch!

Just think folks, that's just ONE floor, 49 more to go, although they won't be that tall. That pic just gives you some scale of how big this thing really is for those of you who haven't been down there yet.

I just look at the port-a-potties on site and say "man, those things are small compared to that floorplate!"

Thanks for pictures all! I've been out on leave this week but will return next week nad hope to get some more shots from my angle. The structure will soon be so large it'll be difficult to get shots.
At least my office won't get so hot this summer with full shade!

The lone white van is missing from the cam shot. It must have an oil leak from the size of the stain it that parking spot.

Just think folks, that's just ONE floor, 49 more to go, although they won't be that tall. That pic just gives you some scale of how big this thing really is for those of you who haven't been down there yet.

Actually, they are already working on floor 3. What you see is floor 1 (ground floor) and floor 3. Floor 2 is a 'mini floor' that does not extend all the way out to the outer pillars. They poured floor 2 on Monday or Tuesday of this week. The floor with the porta potties on it up against the elevator cores is the second floor in the first okcmomentum picture of post #1591.

Why is floor 2 a mini floor? (what will it be used for), will they actually call it floor 2 on the elevator buttons, etc? Seems to me to just be a design aesthetic for the grand lobby and not a floor.

Why is floor 2 a mini floor? (what will it be used for), will they actually call it floor 2 on the elevator buttons, etc? Seems to me to just be a design aesthetic for the grand lobby and not a floor.

We have been wondering that also. I know the main lobby will be about 40 feet tall (2 stories). This can be seen in the images that are out there that show a lobby shot looking into the round rotunda. My coworkers and I think the 2nd floor will be a security floor where they will house the security offices. That way they are on a floor to themselves but are low enough to quickly respond if they need to.

We have been wondering that also. I know the main lobby will be about 40 feet tall (2 stories). This can be seen in the images that are out there that show a lobby shot looking into the round rotunda. My coworkers and I think the 2nd floor will be a security floor where they will house the security offices. That way they are on a floor to themselves but are low enough to quickly respond if they need to.

I was thinking that this mini-floor will be connected to the rotunda somewhere on the west side (bridge/ elevated walkway?).

Yeah, I'm still not convinced Devon is considering this an actual floor in the 50 stories.

Usually a "Floor" like that is referred to as a mezzanine level and not considered an actual floor. I guess at this point it is just semantics.

It's gonna be like that floor in "Being John Malcovich". Compared to all the other floors, you'll have to walk with a crooked back to get around & the only access to this floor is a mini elevator, lol...

Why is floor 2 a mini floor? (what will it be used for), will they actually call it floor 2 on the elevator buttons, etc? Seems to me to just be a design aesthetic for the grand lobby and not a floor.

Read post #1375... you'll see it in the background. I doubt it'll be considered the 2nd floor..

Read post #1375... you'll see it in the background. I doubt it'll be considered the 2nd floor..

So you basically confirmed my point, that it's not considered in the structures original floor count, although there will be some usable space, so technically I was generally correct in saying that we're starting to see 1/3 of floor two.

I think this is why you see/hear them often say "50-storey tower" or "50 floors" but they engineers will say "51 levels".

If I recall correct, from the skyscraper definitions - a floor is an actual floor but can have any number, a level is the actual level. Many skyscrapers omit floor 13 or floor 4 in the 'official' records (say elevator placards), but obviously there is a level 13 and a level 4.

So I think here, we will have a 50-storey (or more if Devon add back the subtracted floors, somehow I suspect they will 'surprise us') skyscraper that actually has 51(+) levels where the extra 'level' isn't a floor but instead is a Mezz. level.

I believe a while back someone posted a horizontal view representation of the tower showing the floor by floor height from the bottom all the way up to the top. Can anyone repost or tell what page it's on?

I think this is why you see/hear them often say "50-storey tower" or "50 floors" but they engineers will say "51 levels".

If I recall correct, from the skyscraper definitions - a floor is an actual floor but can have any number, a level is the actual level. Many skyscrapers omit floor 13 or floor 4 in the 'official' records (say elevator placards), but obviously there is a level 13 and a level 4.

So I think here, we will have a 50-storey (or more if Devon add back the subtracted floors, somehow I suspect they will 'surprise us') skyscraper that actually has 51(+) levels where the extra 'level' isn't a floor but instead is a Mezz. level.

I agree, HotRod...I think they will build the same structure originally planned, advertising was my career and I think it would make a nice big impact to--later in the construction--"decide" to continue with the original design as a emphasis on future success, which I think they will have--given the natural gas business prospects in the coming decades. Clever idea. And a classic example of good PR. I like it. It will exceed 900 feet in height, maybe more...

...and still dwarfs the rest of downtown like the Wauchovia (or whatever bank) Building in downtown Charlotte did..which led to more highrise construction!

I would love nothing more than to see that happen but that would be a pretty big and carefully orchestrated stunt, and would involve having the local building inspectors be along for the ride and require absolute silence. That would also mean that the revised renderings, and submitted plans that they paid big money for were revised all for the sake of a PR stunt.

Like I said I would love nothing more than to have that wonderful type of surprise unfold...however the realist in me thinks that this will be an awesome structure as it is currently planned and that stock holders while they like bold moves that strengthen the company would not look so favorably on the type of expenses that we are talking about for the publicity. Especially in this economy with gas prices as low as they are...but it is fun to think about!

I am not trying to rain on anyone's parade here but it would be a singularly unprecedented move.

It will be a great mystery for us all--here at least--to see what eventually happens. Sort of a reverse Skirvin Tower-type move, where the taller building was proposed and a shorter one emerged. My main thought was the reasons given for sawing off 75-feet of the structure seemed pretty bogus...and one does not plan a structure of this scale without good planning up front. I assume making it a bit taller would be physically possible--given the type of construction being employed. Maybe they will make it over 1000-feet...then they would really get T. Boone Pickens attention! He could move there and be so much closer to OSU home games! Seems silly to get so close to the "magic" number and not go all the way. :gossip:

I It will exceed 900 feet in height, maybe more...

I thought they took four floors out and made it 850? Where did you hear 900+?

Never mind... I just read the rest of the thread to see you guys were talking in hypothetical wishful thinking. I would love that too but not holding my breath.

I would love nothing more than to see that happen but that would be a pretty big and carefully orchestrated stunt, and would involve having the local building inspectors be along for the ride and require absolute silence. That would also mean that the revised renderings, and submitted plans that they paid big money for were revised all for the sake of a PR stunt.

Like I said I would love nothing more than to have that wonderful type of surprise unfold...however the realist in me thinks that this will be an awesome structure as it is currently planned and that stock holders while they like bold moves that strengthen the company would not look so favorably on the type of expenses that we are talking about for the publicity. Especially in this economy with gas prices as low as they are...but it is fun to think about!

I am not trying to rain on anyone's parade here but it would be a singularly unprecedented move.

And how do we know that they didn't produce both renderings at the same time and then release them in a timely manner?

:dizzy:

Way to squelch Dallas' fears, lol...

Yeah, I heard a rumor that when Byron Mullens reports to the team this fall he will be eight feet tall. This is a fiendish plot to intimidate the NBA.

The whole controversy was initiated by Devon--and the reasons were dubious. There are two possible explanations--incompetence or sleight of hand? Public relations dictates controlling the message, so which would anyone prefer? I doubt the former...their track record certainly does not lead in that direction. But--a few mind games that lead to even better reality than the expectation is a coup de grace. It is just a fascinating aspect of this monumental event. I am just not at all convinced one designs and finds a way to build a 925' Tower--then decides to lop off a chunk to lower expectations for no reason at all...unless it might be to create an aura of self-reliance and ingenuity to overcome all obstacles. And, surmount the problems--and come back even stronger. A fourth quarter comeback against the odds. Otherwise--their eyes were bigger than their stomachs when they made the big announcement in the beginning. :gossip:

It is common as a project develops from Schematic Design to Design Development and into the Construction Documents phase for changes to occur. In the earlier phases of Concept and Schematic Design, where the 925' height was determined, the design is just that, conceptual and schematic. As the project develops, project programming, details, and scope is more refined and defined. In this case it sounds like the reduction in height may be due reprogramming and relocating the Data Center adjacent to the Records Storage Facility near the airport.

The whole controversy was initiated by Devon--and the reasons were dubious. There are two possible explanations--incompetence or sleight of hand? Public relations dictates controlling the message, so which would anyone prefer? I doubt the former...their track record certainly does not lead in that direction. But--a few mind games that lead to even better reality than the expectation is a coup de grace. It is just a fascinating aspect of this monumental event. I am just not at all convinced one designs and finds a way to build a 925' Tower--then decides to lop off a chunk to lower expectations for no reason at all...unless it might be to create an aura of self-reliance and ingenuity to overcome all obstacles. And, surmount the problems--and come back even stronger. A fourth quarter comeback against the odds. Otherwise--their eyes were bigger than their stomachs when they made the big announcement in the beginning. :gossip:

They announced several months ago that they made the decision to move their data center off site, which reduced the stories by four. I do not see any incompetence or sleight of hand at all. Just a good business decision.

They announced several months ago that they made the decision to move their data center off site, which reduced the stories by four. I do not see any incompetence or sleight of hand at all. Just a good business decision.

Not to mention it was also a good strategic decision. It's good for disaster recovery, not to mention if a routine power-down needs to be done on the building, there is little or no concern about whether the data center will be impacted.

I agree, HotRod...I think they will build the same structure originally planned, advertising was my career and I think it would make a nice big impact to--later in the construction--"decide" to continue with the original design as a emphasis on future success, which I think they will have--given the natural gas business prospects in the coming decades. Clever idea. And a classic example of good PR. I like it. It will exceed 900 feet in height, maybe more...

very good points, jmarkross. :congrats:

also, I noticed the price of the construction budget did not change, despite the reduction of height and floors. .......

anyways, I hope (and believe) we are correct that the skyscraper will be of the original design (or even taller, might as well go for Oklahoma's ONLY supertall 300m building.....).

knowing Devon and Nickels, he could build the tower to 300m (who in the city would object) and also build the data center (or an off-site data center/backup center) at the airport.

anyways, of course I (and jmarkross) are obviously speculating and very hypothetical at that..... , but given some of jm's insight into PR/marketing and my thoughts about the cost still being the same (despite obvious lower materials and labour costs), it really makes you wonder if they are up to something - a 'new' surprise to be announced later this year. ... 300m supertall in Oklahoma.

Ahhhh.

knowing Devon and Nickels, he could build the tower to 300m (who in the city would object) and also build the data center (or an off-site data center/backup center) at the airport.

anyways, of course I (and jmarkross) are obviously speculating and very hypothetical at that..... , but given some of jm's insight into PR/marketing and my thoughts about the cost still being the same (despite obvious lower materials and labour costs), it really makes you wonder if they are up to something - a 'new' surprise to be announced later this year. ... 300m supertall in Oklahoma.

Ahhhh.

A structure of this size was always--like in most other circumstances--not a product of "need" (land space is not exactly scarce in OKC) but instead a matter of impression and prestige--and less importantly--a matter of unifed location. As it should be. And look at recent developments in the Gulf. Having this structure underway with a clearly possible future of CNG being the fuel of choice for all vehicles, well, it would be almost criminal not to take advantage of the situation for advancing Devon's position. And--there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing so--in fact--they have every reason to be proud of their success and and their foresight into this clean fuel of the future that is largely produced right where this new icon will stand. Only time will tell...but I see such a golden opportunity to make a big splash, I don't think I am the only one who can see the obvious. The story about the change in plans for the data base management center is rather thinly veiled. I think this bldg. will add stories, and I don't think it will be an accident it will exceed the height of any building in Dallas--OR--Houston! It only has to be 80-feet over the original plan to do that, who would squander such an opportunity? I say it will be over 1005 feet...and that option was built-in from the git-go.

A structure of this size was always--like in most other circumstances--not a product of "need" (land space is not exactly scarce in OKC) but instead a matter of impression and prestige--and less importantly--a matter of unifed location. As it should be. And look at recent developments in the Gulf. Having this structure underway with a clearly possible future of CNG being the fuel of choice for all vehicles, well, it would be almost criminal not to take advantage of the situation for advancing Devon's position. And--there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing so--in fact--they have every reason to be proud of their success and and their foresight into this clean fuel of the future that is largely produced right where this new icon will stand. Only time will tell...but I see such a golden opportunity to make a big splash, I don't think I am the only one who can see the obvious. The story about the change in plans for the data base management center is rather thinly veiled. I think this bldg. will add stories, and I don't think it will be an accident it will exceed the height of any building in Dallas--OR--Houston! It only has to be 80-feet over the original plan to do that, who would squander such an opportunity? I say it will be over 1005 feet...and that option was built-in from the git-go. I hope your right. (Bigger is Better)

I don't mean to sound argumentative but what evidence is there to suggest that the building will not be exactly what they said it would be? The last I heard was 850 feet due to a redesign of the data center being at a different location. I would love to see the building 1,000+ feet but to date, I have not seen a single piece of evidence that the owners even desire one that big much less some sort of conspiracy. I would agree that it would be an awesome sight. I am just curious where all this conspiracy theory business is coming from. Does someone know something that the rest of us do not? I am very skeptical of these types of stories without any evidence to back them up.

I don't mean to sound argumentative but what evidence is there to suggest that the building will not be exactly what they said it would be? The last I heard was 850 feet due to a redesign of the data center being at a different location. I would love to see the building 1,000+ feet but to date, I have not seen a single piece of evidence that the owners even desire one that big much less some sort of conspiracy. I would agree that it would be an awesome sight. I am just curious where all this conspiracy theory business is coming from. Does someone know something that the rest of us do not? I am very skeptical of these types of stories without any evidence to back them up.

Although we do live in "conspiratorial times"...it is not really that apsect, instead the normal options that are open when buildings are constructed. The possible choice to make it be higher (or lower) is just a hypothetical possibility of a way to capitalize on opportunity...similarly, the choice to make it 75' shorter seems an odd duck, certainly not enough of a reason to make a significant change to the plans...more a test balloon and gamesmanship at some level. Advertising oneself is the reason why they are building a skyscraper--and the reason everyone else builds them as well. Did they "just forget" about the placement of the data center elsewhere?--or do you think maybe the mystique of keeping people interested in their company and it's projects is a good way to put a buff on the old company moniker...again...all this is well and good--and why not? Public attention and approval will be instrumental in their marketing of products at some point...unless they are a public service--which I assume they are not. It would not hurt them to be headquartered in the tallest building in any of the major U.S. oil cities...like Dallas and Houston. What kind of a dolt would get really close and then just decide not to--for no realistic reason--go the last nine yards? My speculations are merely that...just conjecture...my only crutch to support it is that I have been around the block a few thousand times and know fairly well perception theory and it's importance if you are selling anything. Start designing logos for the new Devon CNG stations I think will begin appearing real soon. Natural gas is there, technology is there--only the WILL is lacking. Hell--half of the world's problems revolve around where oil is produced and how to drag it all over the world--and it is heavy! Energy self-sufficiency (including using in military aircraft!) is at our feet...and it is enormously cleaner than any other fossil fuel. Destiny itself seems to lead the way.

All this talk about the building size..and I haven't seen anyone on here talk about how well Devon may or may not be doing. Apparently they've been laying off people the last month or so.

All this talk about the building size..and I haven't seen anyone on here talk about how well Devon may or may not be doing. Apparently they've been laying off people the last month or so.

They sold off their Offshore assets, thus the people working those projects are no longer needed for their services. Most of the layoffs are in houston. If you don't believe me, the Devon houston offices are next door to my company and talk of the offshore sale to BP was followed by talks of layoffs and personel transfers to BP which was then followed by people who disappeared off my park n ride.

Devon is repositioning themselves for north american drilling. Doesn't mean they are not doing well.

knowing Devon and Nickels, he could build the tower to 300m (who in the city would object) and also build the data center (or an off-site data center/backup center) at the airport.

anyways, of course I (and jmarkross) are obviously speculating and very hypothetical at that..... , but given some of jm's insight into PR/marketing and my thoughts about the cost still being the same (despite obvious lower materials and labour costs), it really makes you wonder if they are up to something - a 'new' surprise to be announced later this year. ... 300m supertall in Oklahoma.

Ahhhh.

The Data Center is completed or near completion. It even had to take some hits during design.

Even Larry Nichols has to answer to a Board of Directors.

They sold off their Offshore assets, thus the people working those projects are no longer needed for their services. Most of the layoffs are in houston. If you don't believe me, the Devon houston offices are next door to my company and talk of the offshore sale to BP was followed by talks of layoffs and personel transfers to BP which was then followed by people who disappeared off my park n ride.

Devon is repositioning themselves for north american drilling. Doesn't mean they are not doing well.

I'm not saying I know all about it - I do know people were laid off in OKC

Holy conspiracy theories...

I had a good friend get laid off last month and another said they hire a consultant to go to each department and see who is needed. He also said they hired 50 college grads and have 100 interns this summer.

Photos taken at 6 p.m. Sunday night...

Photo 1 (http://i46.tinypic.com/2ihqag0.jpg)

Photo 2 (http://i46.tinypic.com/qovwa8.jpg)

Photo 3 (http://i46.tinypic.com/5x8swz.jpg)

Photo 4 (http://i50.tinypic.com/aubbdw.jpg)

Photo 5 (http://i46.tinypic.com/ae46x3.jpg)

Looking at the renderings closely, It looks like the mezzanine level or "mini-floor" is the second floor of the podium building. The second floor of the tower is the third floor of the podium building. Devon employees can access most if not all the podium building floors from the tower through the rotunda.

This makes sense because it makes it easier for Devon employees to access all parts of the complex without having to take two elevator rides.

Read post #1375... you'll see it in the background. I doubt it'll be considered the 2nd floor..

I think it depends on how they view the whole complex. If they view it as one building I think they would call it the 2nd floor because its the 2nd floor of the podium building.

ourulz2000 - nice shots! I really like #5, with the sun sparkling off of the building in background.

Thanks OUrulz2000--the ground level photos are excellent--and as mentioned before--number 5 was a GREAT shot! Thanks for the sidewalk trip by "electronic device"...saw more of the area I had wondered about. :bow:

It's about a week old... but here is a panorama to include the gardens.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll14/Platemaker_photos/pan01.jpg

:congrats: BREATHTAKING :congrats: panorama, Platemaker!:omg:

^^ niiiice!

very, very nice platemaker!

Platemaker, that is a great view. I wish that was the angle the live cam was on. It is awesome because it shows the whole project.

Thanks for taking the time to shoot and share.

One question for anyone who can answer it? When The tower reaches a height taller than any tower in DT OKC where will The Web Cam be placed?I'm guessing The same place just tilted upward?

One question for anyone who can answer it? When The tower reaches a height taller than any tower in DT OKC where will The Web Cam be placed?I'm guessing The same place just tilted upward?

We'll have someone on here hack into the KWTV tower cam controls/feed and 30,000 times zoom that feed toward the worksite. That should allow for great views! ;)

One question for anyone who can answer it? When The tower reaches a height taller than any tower in DT OKC where will The Web Cam be placed?I'm guessing The same place just tilted upward?Placed on the tallest building in Dallas with a heckuva zoom lens and tilted up...maybe.

We can do a more wide-angle shot with the existing camera and obviously tilt it more skyward.

We may also look for another location that gives a broader perspective, as in the near future it's going to be hard to fit that monster in a frame!

What is the structure now going up just north of the tower?

I believe the following rendering shows the structure that will be between the tower and the east parking garage. This view is approaching from the Colcord, although plans were changed to include some sort of connection to the hotel.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/devon/devon9.jpg