Thanks for those sketches, architect!

This is going to be an awesome sight from the high ground on NW Expressway near Baptist Hospital:

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/gandjdunlap/DEVONTOWER-2.jpg

Doug - in your blog it says completion date of 2014... I thought it was going to be 2012???

My 1st draft of the Devon Tower blog article is finally done. It includes links to 5 VERY high resolution images of "press kit" images already posted in this thread, plus a number photos I took yesterday morning as well as commentary. I'm sure that it will be amended, but it's pretty complete.

Link: Doug Dawgz Blog: Devon Tower (http://dougdawg.blogspot.com/2008/08/devon-tower.html)

Doug, excellent blog as usual. I have one comment though, you have the tower expected completion at 2014, it should be 2012. I hope it doesn't take to 2014.

any other large buildings beingplanned in downtown? any from size 10 floors to 40?

I agree Nawfside, let's even stop referring to Tulsa or even mentioning them. I honestly don't know why people see the need. OKC is clearly in a different level and always has been.

that's no offense to Tulsa, they have a great middle sized city. And a wonderful skyline considering the population.

Other than that, who cares - OKC I-S and always W-A-S Oklahoma. That's the way it should be. So why keep egging them on. Let's make an agreement not to mention Tulsa with oKC's development.

Focus on the positives.

As for egging Chicago - hey, OKC will NEVER hold a candle to the top tier I city in the nation (along with NY and LA). come on now.

Houston is a solid top tier II, OKC is just now making it into tier II.

I think we should focus on KC, Indy, and maybe Denver for trumps (since OKC's tower will be taller and they are closer tier II cities). I know you were probably joking, but sometimes you never can tell and somebody might get the wrong idea.

We might get Chicago-like, once the downtown plan is implemented and we get quite a few more skyscrapers - but in sheer numbers/density/height and overall height; nobody will ever come close to Chi. Do you realize chicago is building a 2000 foot skyscraper right now; known as Chicago Spire, and they are topping off a 1350 foot skyscraper known as Trump tower Chicago even as we speak. And they ahve another 1000 footer under construction but on hold (waterview tower); and countless other towers about the same height as Devon u/c and planned.

Chicago itself is going through a wonderful renaissance and EVERYTHING they're building is close to or taller than Devon in height.

Chicago will always dominate America, when it comes to business and skyscrapers! No question.

We can certainly follow Chicago's lead! be a mini-Chicago of the south. I see that is where OKC is headed actually!


Yeah I was kidding kinda tryna say we are big too. Yes I know about the Chicago spire. I also know We will never be able to compete with Chicago and H-town on sizeable downtown buildings but i'm still willing to push the bullies.

I am so happy to be living in OKC during this moment.the best time probaly in our City's existance.

Go OKC can't wait to see this thing. I'm almost certain this won't be the last skyscraper for OKC before 2020.

any other large buildings being planned in downtown? any from size 10 floors to 40?

I think you'll see several as part of Core to Shore.

Conceptual renderings show mid-rise towers just south of the Myriad Gardens and a large convention center and convention hotel just to the SE of that.

Also, I think we are going to end up with a tall, Hyatt-like hotel in the near future. It's something that is desperately needed and when everything else really gets rolling, I bet some smart developer will seize that opportunity.

that said, does anybody have any night time views? Im interested to see what it will look like at nite.

will it just have the red aviation beacon lights up top, or will it have a Dallas like neon outline (hope not), or will it will the top be outlined like a halo?

Im sorry guys, please no crosses during Christmas. That is way too played out.


Also, this is from today's Oklahoman:


The uppermost cap of the tower will taper in slightly to enhance its proportions and produce a soaring form in the skyline, Pickard said. The cap also will conceal mechanical systems from public view.

During Wednesday's presentation, Pickard turned down the auditorium lights and lit up a model of the building to show how it will define the skyline at night.

"We would like to do something that is appropriate,” Pickard said. "We are going to do it in a responsible way. We're not going to put a thousand klieg lights up there and do silly things.”

^^ Just because the C2S renderings have mid-rises planned doesn't mean they will ever get built. Let's be realistic here, the downtown office vacancy rates are way too high to warrant anymore office space. A developer won't build a spec Class A, AA, or AAA building in hopes of getting someone to lease a large percentage of it, when they could spend far less and renovate the ample space already available. The only chance for continued office construction is if a company decides to consolidate (as in the case of Devon). To see any real office construction vacancy really needs to be under 10%.

Our best bet is a hotel or residential high-rise.

Doug - in your blog it says completion date of 2014... I thought it was going to be 2012???
My mistake! Thanks, I'll fix it.

Just because the C2S renderings have mid-rises planned doesn't mean they will ever get built. Let's be realistic here, the downtown office vacancy rates are way too high to warrant anymore office space. A developer won't build a spec Class A, AA, or AAA building in hopes of getting someone to lease a large percentage of it, when they could spend far less and renovate the ample space already available. The only chance for continued office construction is if a company decides to consolidate (as in the case of Devon). To see any real office construction vacancy really needs to be under 10%.

As downtown becomes much more fashionable in the next few years (with Devon Tower and the related amenities, the greatly improved Ford Center and NBA team, new downtown boulevard, etc.) many local companies -- perhaps even Midfirst and American Fidelity -- will want to be there.

As it is, there are no large contiguous blocks of quality office space. By the time Devon moves into it's new tower, much of that space will be absorbed.

Also, Devon and Chesapeake were hardly even on anyone's radar just 5-10 years ago. Sandridge could easily outgrow the KM Center or any number of others could rise up or even relocate.

Even with this massive new project, OKC still will have a pretty small downtown in terms of quality total square footage. The city seems poised for a take off and just like Charlotte and other mid-sized cities, you could easily see several cranes on the skyline simultaneously.

This is an interesting excerpt from one of the articles in today's Oklahoman. Does anyone have the details (Doug or Steve?) about the landscaping workshop this Saturday?

Landscaping and the gardens
At a cost of $750 million, the new Devon headquarters will add millions of dollars to the city's tax increment financing district, which can be used to pay for public improvements downtown.
Devon Chairman and Chief Executive Larry Nichols said his company will only request a fraction of the TIF dollars generated by the project for creation of a 2.5-acre park that will front Sheridan Avenue, across from the Myriad Gardens.

The area will consist of a lawn, shade trees and fountains. The design by James Burnett and Murase Associates calls for a "living pool teeming with aquatic life.” A public green will accommodate between 1,500 and 2,000 people during special events. At the western edge of the park, a pavilion will rise up from what is called "a skin of water” and will provide a shaded space for festivities and picnic lunches.

Nichols hopes a significant amount of the TIF dollars generated by the project will pay for an overhaul of the Myriad Gardens, which already has seen an upgrade of its water stage funded by Devon. Nichols said his landscape architects also will be charged with assisting the city and the Myriad Gardens Foundation on possible improvements.

"It is a beautiful park, but there are not a lot of people in it,” Nichols said. "There are some design flaws where the city over time really didn't have the money to do what needed to be done.”

Nichols said discussions are already under way, and a design workshop Saturday will invite the public to tell landscape architects what they would like to see added to the park. "Restaurants, ice skating rinks, dog parks ... they have a list of 30 or so different features you could put into that park to really make it work,” Nichols said. "Our hope is, when you really see what an urban park can do, it will create that much more enthusiasm for the long-term plans the city has for the really big park in the Core to Shore area.”

I wasnt going to mention this with all the debate and comparing of OKC and other cities getting a little heated. (I for one love Dallas, and Kansas city) But with football season coming up and everyone needing to lighten up a little think about this. In Architects renderings (the third one down) doesn't it appear that OKC is giving Texas "the bird" .....:ou2 Boomer Sooner!!

As downtown becomes much more fashionable in the next few years (with Devon Tower and the related amenities, the greatly improved Ford Center and NBA team, new downtown boulevard, etc.) many local companies -- perhaps even Midfirst and American Fidelity -- will want to be there.

As it is, there are no large contiguous blocks of quality office space. By the time Devon moves into it's new tower, much of that space will be absorbed.

Also, Devon and Chesapeake were hardly even on anyone's radar just 5-10 years ago. Sandridge could easily outgrow the KM Center or any number of others could rise up or even relocate.

Even with this massive new project, OKC still will have a pretty small downtown in terms of quality total square footage. The city seems poised for a take off and just like Charlotte and other mid-sized cities, you could easily see several cranes on the skyline simultaneously.

Ok, this is not Charlotte. Charlotte's finance roots are a little different than OKC's energy base. Do you remember Denver and Dallas and the huge building boom of the 1980s from energy? It took Denver 20 years to grow into all that space they built. They are just now constructing office space, due to the <10% vacancy rates.

OKC's downtown office space is on par with most cities its size. It does lack Class A, AA, and AAA, but that's about to change. Do you really want to have a bunch of vacant buildings downtown forever?

We need to be concentrating on what's at the ground level. Don't get me wrong, I love pretty new skyline changers, but OKC needs more infill at the pedestrian scale.

I'm not suggesting that there will be a huge amount of spec office space built.

Just that it's likely more local companies will want to be down there and if so, we don't have the Class A space for them now, let alone in 3-5 years.


And BTW, downtown OKC has only 5.7 million square feet of rental office space, as opposed to 7.7 million for Tulsa, a city significantly smaller.

I think the best way we'll see new towers in the Core to Shore expansion is with hotels and residential, residential, residential.

Maybe, just maybe the Devon move will give other mid/large companies the urge to give downtown a look. I wonder how many cranes will be downtown when Devon's tower gets started.

Pete - I love the idea of a high-rise Hyatt...or some other nice hotel, downtown. I've wondered WHY in the past few years all of these hotels are being built in Bricktown (which don't get me wrong I think is GREAT), but they are not "tall"...meaning they are not a skyscraper. They are kind of boxy looking and all look similar (of course because of the restrictions for Bricktown). But I'm looking for a hotel...maybe 20-30 stories...downtown. Something higher and skinnier than The Sheraton or The Renaissance...something that will really stick out in the skyline and enhance it even more. Do you think there will be demand for this soon? Or do you think with the amount of hotels in Bricktown as well as the 4 or so in the CBD (the 2 mentioned as well as The Skirvin and Colcord) that we will have enough trouble keeping relatively high occupancy rates in those?

I'm not suggesting that there will be a huge amount of spec office space built.

Just that it's likely more local companies will want to be down there and if so, we don't have the Class A space for them now, let alone in 3-5 years.


And BTW, downtown OKC has only 5.7 million square feet of rental office space, as opposed to 7.7 million for Tulsa, a city significantly smaller.

Could that be because of the significant amount of office space along NW Expressway?

Yet another reason why a downtown-centered rail transit plan needs to be implemented ASAP. Parking is already an issue and you can't increase density without increasing parking OR providing an alternative transport. method. Once concrete plans for light rail/commuter rail are released, hopefully with MAPS III, then that makes downtown even more viable for increased office space in the future.

Could that be because of the significant amount of office space along NW Expressway?

No, because Tulsa has a little more suburban space as well.

Simply put, OKC has never had the same amount of downtown office space of cities it's size and even smaller. Or I should say, that has been the case since at least the 60's.

And I think that's going to start to change because more and more, it will be the place to be.

The naysayers like to point out the energy bust of the 80's and all the empty lots in Downtown Dallas that was supposed to have towers on them but that was a different time and scenario. Most of those were developer proposed buildings, not corporate HQ buildings intended to be "owner-occupied" which it looks like the Devon Tower is to be. Developers rely on financing and most only have the building as the collateral to cover the loans, very few have the available assets to cover the loan without the building. That is why so many of those failed and many projects seem to be on an "indefinite hold" like we are facing in my office now. Even though the economy in this part of the country has been doing well, since everything is national/international now the money woes in California/Arizona/Florida and elsewhere are affecting the credit markets for projects in this part of the country. That doesn't seem likely to be an issue with this project.

Also, energy prices are not going to entirely collapse like they did in the 80's, OPEC can't just flood the market a drop prices back to $8.00 a barrel anymore. Due to the increased worldwide demand of a few billion people in China and India it is a much more competitive market for energy than it was in the early 80's and that has changed the market dynamics from 25+ years ago.

Pete, interesting facts. So with our 5.7 million existing and 1.9 Devon proposed, we're only at 7.6, still 100,000 sf smaller than downtown Tulsa.

Also, Devon is pretty diversified between oil and natural gas, so even if the bottom did fall out of the oil market (highly unlikely for all the reasons mentioned) the demand for natural gas will always be more stable.

Especially in the future, as gas is increasingly being used in all types of applications and is considered a very clean fuel.

Plus, Devon has $50 billion in assets and is not going to let themselves be acquired as long as Nichols is at the helm -- which should be quite a while.

It's very, very hard to come up with a scenario where this doesn't get built. I guess the negative types will have to find something else to try and put down.

Due to the increased worldwide demand of a few billion people in China and India it is a much more competitive market for energy than it was in the early 80's and that has changed the market dynamics from 25+ years ago.

And in saying that, imagine what their affect will be on the rest of the world in the coming 25+ years as their populations skyrocket higher and higher and more and more of them become industrialized. It's a trend that is going to keep oil skyhigh.

The billions of people in India and China are just NOW starting to buy cars. And even in the U.S., our population is predicted to grow rapidly over the next 50 years.

As good as this is for companies like Devon, I'm actually much more worried about gas going to $10 a gallon then it dropping way back down.

I'm all for shiny, tall corporate towers in downtown OKC but if things go too much higher our national economy will really suffer, as we're already seeing evidence of that now -- let alone if the price of oil doubles.

So how long will it take for Devon to be as big as Exxon? Can they ever catch Exxon and the mega energy companies? It would be nice for them to be so big no one could do a takeover of them.

I'm not suggesting that there will be a huge amount of spec office space built.

Just that it's likely more local companies will want to be down there and if so, we don't have the Class A space for them now, let alone in 3-5 years.


And BTW, downtown OKC has only 5.7 million square feet of rental office space, as opposed to 7.7 million for Tulsa, a city significantly smaller.

Ok, you compared it to one city.

Note: You claim that OKC's 5.7 million square feet is small to comparable markets, yet there is still a very high vacancy rate. Build more, build more!

Interesting, I heard that concern echoed by a colleague today about the oil bust in the 1980s - suggesting the building of the Devon HQ in some way mirrors that time when our last skyscrapers were built.

I agree with Pete - Things are different now then they were back in the 80s. And I don't think it's just economic. There are other qualitative factors that though hard to measure suggest OKC has reached a tipping point toward something much bigger and better than it has been in the past. More and more evidence accumulates everyday to support this idea...



www.unitedstatesofmichael.com

And in saying that, imagine what their affect will be on the rest of the world in the coming 25+ years as their populations skyrocket higher and higher and more and more of them become industrialized. It's a trend that is going to keep oil skyhigh.
I know, they are effectively going through what the US economy did in the post World War II era growth, they had Communism to strangle it for 50 years and since they have a "modified" Communism-Capitalist society. A migration to cities and personal transportation instead of smaller town/rural living and public transportation/walking....only on an exponentially larger scale.

Ok, you compared it to one city.

Note: You claim that OKC's 5.7 million square feet is small to comparable markets, yet there is still a very high vacancy rate. Build more, build more!

Keep in mind that a vast majority of the vacant space downtown in is in Class C property. The market for Class A space is way underserved.

Keep in mind that a vast majority of the vacant space downtown in is in Class C property. The market for Class A space is way underserved.

Already discussed this. Renovations are obviously needed.

Edit: One thing that could solve both problems is to renovate Class B and C to residential. The floor to ceiling heights of those older layouts are better suited for residential units.

^^ Good job architect! that's awesome. You're getting good at sketchup. That is a massive tower.

Aww...beat me to it! good job.

Note: You claim that OKC's 5.7 million square feet is small to comparable markets, yet there is still a very high vacancy rate. Build more, build more!

There is 1.2 million square feet vacant in downtown OKC and the huge majority is in the FNC and other Class B & C buildings. My point stands there is still very little vacant Class A space and certainly no large contiguous blocks.

And here's how OKC's downtown office inventory stacks up to other cities. This is from CB Richard Ellis market surveys done this year.

(BTW Metro, Devon Tower won't be added to these numbers because it's a private building. All such buildings are left out of market surveys, both in terms of inventory and vacancy.)

Memphis 2.7
San Antonio 5.1
Omaha 5.5
OKC 5.5
Salt Lake City 6.1
Nashville 6.5
Jacksonville 6.8
Tampa 7.4
Fort Worth 8.1
Tulsa 8.4
Austin 8.6
Louisville 9.7
Sacramento 10.6
Columbus 10.6
Indianapolis 10.7
Oakland 12.6
Charlotte 12.7
Kansas City 15.2

Numbers represent millions of square feet in the CBD.

Due to all of the economic factors already mentioned, I agree that this thing will get built. There are only two realistic concerns:

1) Devon is acquired and moved.

2) Economic indicators in oil and gas cause a period of slower growth or no growth of the company in terms of personnel. It seems like this plan has room for about 25% growth in employees from their current payroll. It's possible that the project is scaled down to their current size. If so, and if we assume that it would affect the size of this project in an equal proportion, then you're still looking at 600+ feet.

Neither of these things look likely from where we stand today, but things change quickly and "you never know". But there is a lot more to support that it will get built very close to the scale presented yesterday and, honestly, if it only changes in size, I think that we will still have a building that elevates the image of the city and improves the atmosphere for working and living downtown.

I think the only way we don't get a very nice world class building out of this is if it isn't built at all and I just don't see that happening at this point.

If we're going to play the "what if things get worse" game, then shouldn't the other alternative be considered as well?

What happens if things really go through the roof for Devon in the next 3-4 years? Isn't that just as likely as things going the other way? In fact, based on recent trends, you could make a strong argument that is more likely than their business cratering or them being purchased.

I suppose if that were the case (even greater growth) they could keep their current tower for overflow. But they could also make their new tower even bigger/taller.

Of course, the naysayers don't want to talk about that. :)

This proposal, the new Devon World HQ Building, is great, great news, don't get me wrong.

But for arguments sake, and stepping away from our civic pride and looking purely at aesthetics, is the building a good fit? While the city could handle a newer, taller building, is this proposal too tall? Does is blend in with the existing skyline or overpower it? Will it stick out and look like it doesn't belong? Is the height, size, the best look for the city?

Very true. My guess is that we'd see two towers before this one gets much taller.

stepping away from our civic pride and looking purely at aesthetics, is the building a good fit? While the city could handle a newer, taller building, is this proposal too tall? Does is blend in with the existing skyline or overpower it? Will it stick out and look like it doesn't belong?

I don't see things that way and would love it if the thing were even taller.

As I stated before, Devon Tower will set the bar higher (literally and figuratively) for all developments that follow. And that's a very good thing because the quality and height of buildings to date has been generally below the standards of many other cities.

Also, it may not blend in / fit in now, but as more development occurs and we have more new and less old, that will no longer be the case.

Does is blend in with the existing skyline or overpower it?

Probably if you just described it to me, I would have had that concern, but, really, after seeing the drawings, I think it fits in well and does a good job of being in a more modern concept without trying to prove a point. The features that make it different are very sleek and subtle in nature, imo.

I think from some angles it will look more like a monument than part of the skyline, but from others it will blend in nicely. Honestly, I think Chase looks a little isolated and bloated from some angles and, from those same angles, this building will probably help that as it will balance it out on the other side.

There's no denying that it's pretty tall, but a lot of familiar skylines have isolated buildings that tower over the rest of the structures. I think the greatest concern is how this building will shame buildings like Kerr McGee and Chase in terms of design. That's just my opinion though.

Also, it may not blend in / fit in now, but as more development occurs and we have more new and less old, that will no longer be the case.

Very true and you can't really improve something if you are simply trying to meet the same standards every time.

Particularly with Chase, at some point building owners have to perform major renovations to stay half-way current.

That building was finished in 1971, and in the 37 (!) years that have followed, not much has been done to the outside or inside.

In the near future they will have to get serious about replacing the outside glass and maybe even adding some design elements to the exterior. Otherwise, it's going to look horribly dated, and not in a classic sort of way like FNC.


I like the old Kerr McGee building, though. Yes, it's that 70's International style but at least there are some unique elements to it and at the time it received a lot of praise. With some cleanup I think it will be fine the way it is -- at least on the outside.

This is interesting: Will the Skyline Continue to Rise? (http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2008/08/21/will-the-skyline-continue-to-rise/)

All this is true - suppose I'm remembering the 80's too much. lol. Not sure if more development will come, to help 'fill-in,' and thinking the structure may stand there by itself for a long time.

Even so, it's a very large building. At yesterday's meeting, I was looking at the downtown model, from all sides and good or bad, it does dominate....

Pete, I agree about Chase Tower - Mr. Cotter is going to need to do some serious updating in the coming years, for that building will not age gracefully.

This is interesting: Will the Skyline Continue to Rise?

That is interesting!

Just goes to show what momentum, excitement and perception can do.

The bottom line is that if even a medium-sized company wanted to move downtown right now, their only option would be a bunch of B & C class space spread amongst multiple buildings.

I think in the next 10 years OKC could easily sustain a couple more 30- to 40-story office towers that would bring about 2 million more square feet to the CDB. And I hope some taller hotels and residential buildings will come as well.

I wouldn't doubt if more companies give OKC a second look. NBA, Devon, C2S... I mean come on.

I wouldn't doubt if more companies give OKC a second look. NBA, Devon, C2S... I mean come on.

That was exactly the thought that went through my head when I read Cuatro's comment.

Does the Devon Tower carry more benefits than even we have considered before?

If that link is true, does that mean existing Oklahoma City companies are considering construction of their own buildings---though obviously on a smaller scale than Devon's---or does it mean that companies outside of Oklahoma City are taking a closer look at OKC now that Devon's plans have been unveiled?

Either way, I can hardly remember OKC ever getting so much press and visibility on the business side. And don't forget the NBA. The NBA in OKC was another thing that people had speculated would increase out-of-state business interest. Does Devon's new project put that interest at an incredible new high?

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/gandjdunlap/DEVONTOWER-SW.jpg

This will be the new view of the skyline I'll bet. On news broadcasts, postcards and whatnot. Otherwise, it's just not balanced right. At some angles, it's just asinine.

:)

I'm trying to get my bearings looking at that picture. The view is looking southwest, right?

A pic like that could be taken from, say, St. Anthony's?

Deep Deuce

I decided yesterday that I would wait a day before I give my comments on the new tower so that I could think the whole thing through. And after a day of looking at the tower and all that comes with it, I am thoroughly impressed. Yesterday was another fine day in our city's renaissance.

As a soon to be college graduate, I am proud to say that I am NOT going to Texas, LA, the usual places people my age threaten to go so they can leave "boring" Oklahoma. I want to stay and see all the good things that are happening and I am glad that I get to live through all this.

And Steve's latest blog posting is very encouraging indeed as he has talked to people in the know who think more towers downtown are becoming more likely...

Good job Devon!:congrats:

I'm trying to get my bearings looking at that picture. The view is looking southwest, right?

Southeast.

I've said it before, and been criticized. But I really think Paycom (small to mid-sized, but poised for growth). Should build one of those smaller towers (10-20 story range) shown in the C2S renderings. We all know they bought acreage on far far west Memorial Rd. near Council for development on HQ, but they have been reconsidering. Yes, they are a suburban company, but I wonder now that NBA and Devon Tower have been announced and knowing Maps III/ C2S is coming up, they'd have to be foolish not to at least consider it......

I'm trying to get my bearings looking at that picture. The view is looking southwest, right?

Yes.

Southeast.

Negative sir, this would be looking to the Southwest from say NW 5th & the I-235 Southbound exit where you go down toward Bricktown. Over near where Grant Humphreys project is.

yep, now I see it, although it is strikingly similar to the SE view.

I really think Paycom (small to mid-sized, but poised for growth). Should build one of those smaller towers (10-20 story range) shown in the C2S renderings.

How about Express Personnel?

Of course, Bob Funk chose to build out in the sticks as well.

This proposal, the new Devon World HQ Building, is great, great news, don't get me wrong.

But for arguments sake, and stepping away from our civic pride and looking purely at aesthetics, is the building a good fit? While the city could handle a newer, taller building, is this proposal too tall? Does is blend in with the existing skyline or overpower it? Will it stick out and look like it doesn't belong? Is the height, size, the best look for the city?

Another city comparison:

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r170/OkStateBBall78/burj_dubai_emaar_properties_cb21070.jpg

Granted, it's a much larger and richer economy and much more excessively taller but the amount of notoriety this city has seen has been overwhelming. Also, the buildings that surround it ARE much more modern being that Dubai used to be a strip of communal housing in 1997 along a dusty two lane stretch of highway along the Persian Gulf.

Oklahoma City's age does show when it comes to the last round of architecture. Heck Leadership Square sticks out from its surroundings but it is not noticed as much because the chop down it got from its original design. Hence, I do not think this new tower will look out of place. Especially, and this should happen, if Chase upgrades their exterior. They need to look only to their sister in Indianapolis! They redid their whole exterior and it made a helluva difference.

Overall, I do think it will overpower the skyline...I mean, it is a 415' height difference! But that's okay. If we as a city are willing to step up to the plate of wanting to be a world class city (whether thats Tier 2 or Tier 1) then we need to represent ourselves as that. Overpowering is a good thing in that case.

Negative sir, this would be looking to the Southwest from say NW 5th & the I-235 Southbound exit where you go down toward Bricktown. Over near where Grant Humphreys project is.

The view from Block 42 and Central Ave. Lofts I believe.

http://www.greatmirror.com/images/medium/018403.jpg

Those in Maywood Park will be getting that view. It's the view towards the southwest. There's a gap in the skyline just for the new tower. :)

For comparison:

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk92/gandjdunlap/DEVONTOWER-SW.jpg

How about Express Personnel?

Of course, Bob Funk chose to build out in the sticks as well.

Bob Funk isn't moving more than 10 minutes from Piedmont, but I bet he's interested in having a presence in our new downtown. Thing is, he just built a new HQ, Paycom hasn't but has expressed that they are planning to, and recently announced their plans are on hold and "reconsidering design, etc.". My point is maybe companies like Paycom could be persuaded to build 10 story or so HQ's on the border of the C2S park.

Devon tower architect draws inspiration from area (http://newsok.com/devon-tower-architect-draws-inspiration-from-area/article/3286584/?tm=1219292992)

By Steve Lackmeyer and Jack Money
Business Writers

The Proposed 54-story Devon Tower will be one of the tallest skyscrapers west of the Mississippi, but its lead designer, Jon Pickard, looked to the neighboring 11-story Colcord Hotel for much of his inspiration.

"One of the key founders of skyscraper design, in fact, the gentleman responsible for much of the Colcord's terra cotta design, is the architect Louis Sullivan,” Pickard said. "And when Mr. Sullivan spoke of a skyscraper, he preferred the skyscraper as where every inch should be a proud and soaring thing — that it should, with great exaltation, reach to the sky without a dissenting line.”

Pickard's design attempts just that, even as he also looked to other components in the downtown Oklahoma City skyline, including First National Tower. The 33-story tower, built in 1931, inspired the planned Devon Tower's diamond-shaped faces at the very top.

The tower will have a three-sided footprint so that it will have no back door and can be viewed in the round from all points in Oklahoma City.

"A skyscraper has a different attitude,” Pickard said. "It is an attitude that embraces issues beyond just the pure, rational solutions to a problem. It looks at how a building fits into the city, and what it says about public values.”

To that extent, Pickard said, yet another downtown icon, the Crystal Bridge at the Myriad Gardens, influenced the round, glass rotunda with a visible steel superstructure that will serve as a key entry for employees and visitors.

Pickard calls the rotunda, 100 feet high and 100 feet across, the heart of not just the new Devon Tower, but perhaps all of downtown.

"You have a tough climate,” Pickard said. "And we need to compensate for that. This space will rise up 120 feet and will allow people to come together.”

Pickard said the rotunda is designed to welcome outsiders who might want to use it for public gatherings or simply to cross through from Harvey Avenue to the Myriad Gardens. Restaurants and shops will call the area home, similar to what exists with the atrium at Leadership Square.

When people will look up at the glass rotunda, they will see not just a skylight, but also walkways connecting to the tower.

The rotunda is part of a six-story "podium” that stretches west to Hudson Avenue. Just the podium alone would be a significant addition to downtown. Designed at 400,000 square feet, the building will house auditoriums, classrooms and offices and is almost as big as Chase Tower or the former Kerr-McGee Tower.

Pickard said the podium and the tower itself are designed to provide open views for a 2.5-acre park that will front Sheridan Avenue and the Colcord Hotel.

The roof of the podium likely will be lined with plantings that will capture rainwater and allow it to slowly seep back into the city's storm sewer system.

"What you can see we have not done is create a big, high-rise corporate building that was surrounded by security and did not embrace the city,” Nichols said. "In fact, what we have done is to create exactly the opposite — a building that surely houses our employees, but down at the ground level, where citizens work, eat and dine, it is wide open to the public. ... We tried to design a building that embraces the city and is open to its citizens to enjoy as much as possible.”