a floor is not complete until the ceiling of that floor is installed. The first floor of the building isn't just the ground, but the ceiling too.

So, they're completing the 19th floor now.

The floor that you walk on and a floor of a building are not the same thing -- they have different definitions in the dictionary. The latter is a synonym for 'story', i.e. Devon Tower will be 50 floors or 50 stories. These terms are used interchangeably in virtually every article/discussion about an office tower.

If we used your definition of 'floor', then Devon would have 51 floors; which we all know it will not.

Not sure I see the relevance in your pointing out the obvious that they are not simply floors but also stories. I am an architect that has made a career out of designing and producing highrise residential structures so am well aware of the terminology. That said, The floor is just that...a floor. It also happens to be a component of the Story (a more inclusive definition that relates more to the space that is created between the floors that is occupied and hence given that designation)

Your assertion that my definition of "Floor" would result in the tower having 51 floors is incorrect, because what you are trying to call a floor is actually in that instance a roof or water proof enclosure that acts as the building envelops protection from the elements. Even if it is formed and poured with concrete just like the FLOORS below it. It would not be designated as a floor, rather it would be properly designated as the roof. You can look up the definition of roof to if you want. (Pete I hope that you know that I am not trying to be a butt about this, just wanting the folks on here to have correct information. That is not to say that I have the absolute say on this or that folks can't choose to disagree, that is everyone's perogative...Nor am I the all knowing when it comes to things construction or architecture, but I do have a fairly good grasp on the basic terminology :tiphat:)

And for the rest of everyone having to read through this debate...I promise that this is the last that I will mention of it so we can all move on to more interesting subjects...so anyone feeling that they need to have the last say...be my guest! I gotta go to bed!

November video is up now. Here's the past four months progress.

8/12/10

http://vimeo.com/14113206

8/19/10

http://vimeo.com/14287209

8/25/10

http://vimeo.com/14445489

9/11/10

http://vimeo.com/15042811

10/09/10

http://vimeo.com/15727044

11/10/10 pt 1

http://vimeo.com/16721922

11/10/10 pt 2

http://vimeo.com/16725771

UnFrSaKn - wonderful video's. Thanks very much for taking the time to make them.

William, that is better than being there in person!

Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Great videos. Just curious what sort of equipment, cameras, mixing etc. that you used?

See the link below for a recent Construction Update Devon sent to it's employees.

Interesting tidbit: they plan to open their health club / wellness center by January:

http://www.tnttri.com/OKCTalk/devonupdate2.pdf

What are those three open slots on the SE side of the property (as depicted on page 16 of that awesome pdf file above)? Something to do with the water filtration system maybe?

BTW, sweet vids once again William. I've only watched one. Have to hit up Part 2 later. I also linked them on my Facebook page. I like the way you labeled all the buildings to give out of towners a feel for downtown OKC!

See the link below for a recent Construction Update Devon sent to it's employees.

Interesting tidbit: they plan to open their health club / wellness center by January:

http://www.tnttri.com/OKCTalk/devonupdate2.pdf

I thought it was cool that the newly erected crane is the only one of its kind in the U.S.

William--
These videos of yours are FAR better than anything produced by any media people locally--you should (if you have not already) sell these to them to use on TV...many local people would find them very interesting. A nice 30-minute or more documentary could be made to show on PBS...superb work on these...really.

William--
These videos of yours are FAR better than anything produced by any media people locally--you should (if you have not already) sell these to them to use on TV...many local people would find them very interesting. A nice 30-minute or more documentary could be made to show on PBS...superb work on these...really.

I haven't talked to anyone or thought about that much. No one's asked me or shown any interest.

I haven't talked to anyone or thought about that much. No one's asked me or shown any interest.

Well...maybe you should send some SD cards to them...be sure to copyright them all with the basic notation...they do tell a story, from the perspective of one interested in the subject--what is often lacking in photojournalism...

i work there there is no better view than being there

Taken November 9th, 5 AM from roof of Sheraton Century Parking garage:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lauri101/5161225166/

IPhone resolution not as clear, but overall effect of lights at that time of morning is overwhelming.

i work there there is no better view than being there

Judging by your screenname, you're working your way around the floors 'installing' the windows, huh?

very nice pic, Lauri. Looks like a scene you would see from New York or Chicago!

Waco folks claim Will Rogers called their city "one tall building surrounded by Baptists." Whether he said that or not, those who have been to Waco know what he meant. The Alico Building, built in 1910, stands 246' above the town, with no other structure reaching more than 100'. It looks odd. I've seen posts from those who feel this tower might give downtown OKC that look, but the recently lowered height would lessen the effect. Just wondering if there are other structures planned or proposed which might keep the OKC skyline standing tall.

Nothing yet, Wacokid.

But given the shortage of Class A office space downtown, I wouldn't be surprised to see another tower announced in the next few years.

Also, a high-rise condo tower is something that is sorely needed.

Nothing yet, Wacokid.

But given the shortage of Class A office space downtown, I wouldn't be surprised to see another tower announced in the next few years.

Also, a high-rise condo tower is something that is sorely needed.

^^I think Whenever The new convention center is built we might see a highrise hotel maybe 15-25 floors?I agree a highrise condo tower is needed also!

Hey guys, I don't post here often, but my friend who works in downtown Manhattan just sent me a pic via his phone of the new WTC Tower (from tonight: 11-15-2010). I thought I would post it here and share with everyone so they can see how progress is coming on the new Freedom Tower and maybe make some comparisons to the new Devon Tower. Anyhow, I read this thread daily as I am interested in skyscrapers and I am very excited to see this new tower making it's way skyward in our city.

Enjoy!

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/6113/photoaq.jpg

Hey guys, I don't post here often, but my friend who works in downtown Manhattan just sent me a pic via his phone of the new WTC Tower (from tonight: 11-15-2010). I thought I would post it here and share with everyone so they can see how progress is coming on the new Freedom Tower and maybe make some comparisons to the new Devon Tower. Anyhow, I read this thread daily as I am interested in skyscrapers and I am very excited to see this new tower making it's way skyward in our city.

Enjoy!



They just installed 3 pieces of corner cladding for 1 wtc yesterday. Great progress on both towers.

Wow! Hard to imagine 1WTC will be over twice The height of The Devon Tower!great pic!

Here are few pictures taken November 14th and another progress update.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1362/5181077498_ff032213ef_z.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5181073568_687a509e6a_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5180473285_196652f33d_b.jpg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1419/5180472371_8ac7be19c0_b.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5181071138_56e350cf61_b.jpg

Great Pictures Bryanosaurus...taken at a great time of the day for interesting lighting...thanks!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/freedomtowerdevon.png

Here's a comparison.

... Now we look so small. :-(

^^Are you 4?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/freedomtowerdevon.png

Here's a comparison.
^^Cool! can you put The Burj Dubai(Khalifa) and OKC's Chase tower in this diagram? it would show The Worlds tallest and OKC's current tallest to put it all in perspective!

It would've been easy to stick a spire on top of Devon like a candle on a birthday cake and call it a supertall. I, for one, am glad Devon does not have a spire for the sake of height and nothing else.

Spires have thier place and if the design is appropriate with one, they can add a nice finish to the tower. The Devon tower was designed without one and to add it would seem out of place, forced and not natural to the design. So I agree in this instance. Howerver, In NYC the spires are often necessary for the location of communication antennas so serve a functional and neccessary function as well as aesthetic reasons and additional height.

By chance was anyone going to the site to snap some pics, seems that there has been quite some progress in the rotunda area that is not in view from the main cam. Thanks in advance for any who post images! Those were some great shots Bryan! Just imagine how awesome the skyline will look on similar evenings with all that vertical glass reflecting!!! Wow!

^^Are you 4?

I'm a 6.5. Pretty much tall. lol

As OKC@heart said, this tower wouldn't look good with a spiral for height achievement, because of the top design. Still, the company designed for the present, rather than the future.

Rotunda progress - yesterday morning:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v291/Mad_Monk/DevonTower/Rotunda_11-15-2010.jpg

Great shot thank Metro!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/burjkhalifafreedomtowerdevonchase.png

When you see pictures of Burj Khalifa, the third band going across the skyscraper is how tall Devon will be and second band is Chase.

I have another video up later...

As OKC@heart said, this tower wouldn't look good with a spiral for height achievement, because of the top design. Still, the company designed for the present, rather than the future.

How do you know what they designed for? They may have a lot of excess space at the currently designed height. Plus, there are only so many "straws" you can stick into the ground. In the future we may see more advance rigs that require fewer workers that go deeper into the ground reaching that harder to reach oil or natural gas.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/burjkhalifafreedomtowerdevonchase.png

When you see pictures of Burj Khalifa, the third band going across the skyscraper is how tall Devon will be and second band is Chase.

I have another video up later...
^^Sweet! Thanks for posting this!

http://vimeo.com/16909856

... Now we look so small. :-(

You do realize that NYC has three times the amount of people than the entire state of Oklahoma, yes? The NYC metro area has over 7 times the population of the entire state of Oklahoma. If you need that graph to feel small, then you are in some desperate need of perspective.


Still, the company designed for the present, rather than the future.

What future are you saying they should have planned for: 2250?

Wonder what the vacancy rates are going to be of those 4 buildings pictured.

I'm a 6.5. Pretty much tall. lol

As OKC@heart said, this tower wouldn't look good with a spiral for height achievement, because of the top design. Still, the company designed for the present, rather than the future.

Do you have any clue whatsoever as to how ridiculous this sounds? Yes, I'm quite sure Devon, upon pouring many millions into this building, decided to only plan for 'right now'. Seriously??

Do you have any clue whatsoever as to how ridiculous this sounds? Yes, I'm quite sure Devon, upon pouring many millions into this building, decided to only plan for 'right now'. Seriously??

Just saying Devon will ditch this tower many years later the same as they had ditched their previous tower. I wonder if this new tower can be put to residential use in the future when Devon build a even taller tower?

Just saying Devon will ditch this tower many years later the same as they had ditched their previous tower.

How many years, Nostradamus?

What you can't see under the tower is the contingency plan involving rockets allowing the tower to blast off and travel to another planet once Earth becomes overcrowded or succumbs to nuclear holocaust or disease.

What you can't see under the tower is the contingency plan involving rockets allowing the tower to blast off and travel to another planet once Earth becomes overcrowded or succumbs to nuclear holocaust or disease.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044207/

Hi everyone, back again with some pics of WTC 1, this time during the day. Enjoy!

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/9642/photo1mw.jpg
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2003/photo2kn.jpg
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3162/photo3cmt.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/4317/photo4l.jpg

Does anyone have any pics of the Chase tower or Oklahoma tower being constructed? It would be interesting to compare the methods of building those towers with the methods used with the Devon tower.

I thought the new WTC was completed a year or two ago?!

Well, you thought wrong didn't you?

I thought the new WTC was completed a year or two ago?!

The entire WTC complex was supposed to be finished by 2011, but political wrangling, lawsuits, and the like have kept it from being built. Now, only 3 of the 7 towers are slated to be built and finished in the next 2-3 years(Tower 7 is already finished, and was built in record time back in 2004 I think.)

It's really sad what happened, 10 years to the date of the attacks and the complex won't even be finished, way to go New York

I think NYC has been through enough. They don't need to be mocked by the delayed reconstruction on the site of America's worst terrorist attack. There shouldn't even be a mandatory need for Freedom, WT2, WT3, and WT4. I would just appreciate the money, investment, and dedication it has taken to get from September 11th, 2001 to now and realize the strength it has taken that city to overcome such a tragic event. We in OKC know that all-too-well.

I think NYC has been through enough. They don't need to be mocked by the delayed reconstruction on the site of America's worst terrorist attack. There shouldn't even be a mandatory need for Freedom, WT2, WT3, and WT4. I would just appreciate the money, investment, and dedication it has taken to get from September 11th, 2001 to now and realize the strength it has taken that city to overcome such a tragic event. We in OKC know that all-too-well.

:yeahthat:

Just saying Devon will ditch this tower many years later the same as they had ditched their previous tower. I wonder if this new tower can be put to residential use in the future when Devon build a even taller tower?

Well, you set an even lower standard for 'ridiculous' than before.

Don't cry too much for NYC, they are a Jerry Springer worthy dysfunctional family that suffered a great tragedy. Instead of the tragedy bringing them closer together (like OKC), it only served as a pause in their fighting. They didn't learn the bigger picture in life that tragedies are supposed to teach us.

If it had been me in charge, I would have rebuilt the WTC complex exactly like it was except every building would have been 1 foot taller.

Does anyone have any pics of the Chase tower or Oklahoma tower being constructed? It would be interesting to compare the methods of building those towers with the methods used with the Devon tower.

Here you go - Chase (Liberty) Tower:

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww242/luckynedpepper/125A3LibertyTowerunderconst.jpg
Looking south along Broadway, from the area today known as Kerr Park.

http://i724.photobucket.com/albums/ww242/luckynedpepper/125A4LibertyTowerconst.jpg
Looking northeast - probably from the vantage point of the Biltmore (note the roof of the Colcord in the left foreground of photo).

A question for the construction engineers: Seeing the pictures of the WTC 1, building, and the construction of the Chase Tower, what determines the type of construction crane used in the project (the exterior crane with a extended arm or boom, currently used on Devon, vs. the interior crane, using the elevator shaft, as on WTC)?

Is the answer as simple as the confines of space?

Thanks.

Note of minor interest...when I first went to work for OCURA in 1968...they were at 22 Park Avenue, which was where the footprint of the Liberty Tower was...

BTW--notice how many oil wells were still extant back in the late 60's in these pictures...wow...

You can also see the old-style type of skyscraper construction, where they would use a lot of steel then blow on insulation.

Now -- such as with Devon Tower -- they use primarily concrete reinforced with steel.


I know the former method was used in the WTC Towers and I saw a documentary that explained the insulation was largely blown off by impact then the intense heat melted the steel, resulting in complete collapse.

You can also see the old-style type of skyscraper construction, where they would use a lot of steel then blow on insulation.

Now -- such as with Devon Tower -- they use primarily concrete reinforced with steel.


I know the former method was used in the WTC Towers and I saw a documentary that explained the insulation was largely blown off by impact then the intense heat melted the steel, resulting in complete collapse.

They still use a lot of spray-on fire proofing for any steel not encased in concrete. Of course, application techniques have improved since the original twin towers were built.

The new 1 wtc's first 20 stories of steel is covered with red intumescent paint.
wvtQmWlKDzM

A question for the construction engineers: Seeing the pictures of the WTC 1, building, and the construction of the Chase Tower, what determines the type of construction crane used in the project (the exterior crane with a extended arm or boom, currently used on Devon, vs. the interior crane, using the elevator shaft, as on WTC)?

Is the answer as simple as the confines of space?

Thanks.

I think the crane used for the Chase Tower was the cheapest type of crane available at that time. The twin towers were built about the same time using cranes that are closer to cranes currently in use today.

I like the "Hotel Skirvin" sign on top of the hotel in that second picture. It's kind of tacky but I wish it was still there :D