So why the heck are there so many AC units up there instead of a large chiller?

Yeah, that just looks like something they will hang test panels on to see what the new cladding will look like from a distance.

So why the heck are there so many AC units up there instead of a large chiller?

I was wondering that myself. HVAC must be pretty bad if it looks like they just slapped together a bunch of residential units together to cool several areas of the building.

Here is another angle.

If the structure is to be the top of the new crown, then the new height would follow the blue rectangle I added here.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst071819c.jpg

I was wondering that myself. HVAC must be pretty bad if it looks like they just slapped together a bunch of residential units together to cool several areas of the building.

And they could just take them up there in a service elevator rather than adding big commercial units that would require a crane.

And they could just take them up there in a service elevator rather than adding big commercial units that would require a crane.

That's true, best they can do to add capacity. I guess one of the reason for a taller crown would be to hide new giant chillers installed on the roof.

I have a friend who used to be a big wig with the company that is now Veolia, which is the provider of heated and chilled water for the HVAC systems downtown. He told me that, yes, the tower is on their system. And not all the units on a tower roof are necessarily operational. Many times a company might need extra cooling capacity (such as computers) for a specific area, and those units might be left behind if the tenant leaves. Also, not all units that are replaced are removed. He said I would be surprised how often a company doesn't want to spend the money to remove a large unit and instead they just abandon it in place.

It looks like they have added a 3rd rooftop structure on the north side.

To see the hi-res versions, open images in a new tab or window.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst072119a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst072119b.jpg

i dont know if any one else had this feeling, but the first pic gave me a bit of false security like I could be on the roof and then walk off to the other buidings then to the background, like its all at the same level.

Then the second pic reminds you that - this is the 2nd tallest SKYSCRAPER in OKC!! You ARE up there, holy cow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYSGIrrAODU

I always think of this when I see First National's Roof!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYSGIrrAODU

I always think of this when I see First National's Roof!

Haha I remember the day they were doing that. We were just sitting in the office when all of a sudden basketballs started flying past our window every few seconds. Took us a few minutes to realize what was going on. I remember it taking around 3 hours before they got one to go in.

Ok, so is it just me or can you see the 'new' structures in the background of that video from 3 years ago? Check the 18 second mark

Ok, so is it just me or can you see the 'new' structures in the background of that video from 3 years ago? Check the 18 second mark

They were there in May when I last took a rooftop photo.

Let me see if I can go farther back.

Were also there in December 2018. They are clearly not new and likely unrelated to anything BancFirst is doing.

So our speculation the last few days was all for nothing. I wonder what the heck there for then? Antenna mounts that are no longer used? They will have a lot of work getting all the random crap off the roof when the actual crown work starts.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst071819c.jpg

The new crown will add more height to BancFirst Tower.

Devon Energy Center is such a super skyscraper in comparison to BancFirst Tower it makes the mid-size structures (First National, City Place Tower, Oklahoma Tower, BOK Park Plaza & SandRidge Center) appear smaller.

in the bball shot, they say the world record from the top of Chase/Cotter/BancFirst tower was 533 feet.

Do they need to update the tower from its 'current' height of record, 500 feet?

I think that was the Dude Perfect video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm2_6DX_0Bw

BancFirst has filed a whole slew of building permits so major work should be starting there soon.

What happened in regards to the cladding? Originally I was excited but after thinking about it I would like to see the international architecture style preserved. I like diverse skyline and the changes of tall glass boxes being built in OKC are much greater than another 70s style building built.

They are moving forward with replacing all the exterior glass and adding the new crown, as per the latest renderings.

That is really a bummer. Did they not have to go through an approval process?

That is really a bummer. Did they not have to go through an approval process?

They already received approval.

I noticed a sign in the lobby that the deli is moving to the 34th floor on October 1, so seems like a safe bet that work will begin sometime soon after that.

That is really a bummer. Did they not have to go through an approval process?

was approved on 6/20

was approved on 6/20
Do you know if there was any conversation about preserving the current architectural style or it was just rubber stamp approved?

Do you know if there was any conversation about preserving the current architectural style or it was just rubber stamp approved?

there was no discussion

BancFirst set to start complete renovation of city's 2nd tallest tower (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=659-BancFirst-set-to-start-complete-renovation-of-city-s-2nd-tallest-tower)

After purchasing the former Cotter Ranch Tower last year and announcing plans for a major renovation inside and out, BancFirst has filed building permits to start the work on Oklahoma City's second-tallest building.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319n.jpg


The bank currently owns and occupies a building directly west of the tower and plans to move its downtown and other workers into the tower once their space is ready.

The renovation will include completely replacing the black exterior glass with new, blue-tinted glazing, adding lighted signage and an extended crown, removing half of the ground-level pillars and completely reworking the large surrounding plaza and lobby. The lower-level space that connects to the city's Underground tunnel system will also be reworked with a large banking area and glass light wells.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319a.jpg


Originally built as the headquarters for Liberty Bank in 1972, at 500 feet it reigned for almost 3 decades as Oklahoma City's tallest building until the completion of Devon Energy Center in 2012.

The property changed hands several times before the most recent 14-year ownership by the Cotter Family which was often tumultuous with frequent complaints of lack maintenance and a slow bleeding of tenants that has resulted in a near 50% vacancy rate.

BancFirst has worked to secure several existing long-term tenants such as Hall Estill law firm and the Petroleum Club.

The bank also teamed with Continental Resources to purchase the adjacent Santa Fe Parking Garage from the city of Oklahoma City.

Design work on the tower is by Bockus Payne Architecture.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319o.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319g.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319h.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319i.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319j.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319k.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319l.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst091319m.jpg

I love this project so much.

The changes at street level will be massive.

That huge plaza surrounding the building is in embarrassingly terrible shape. Very sad that all the visitors that stay at the Skirvin are hit in the face with that ugliness.

Hopefully that part happens sooner rather than later.

Love the changes! Do hope they add more trees in those planters ( similar to the Devon planting trees all around their campus)

Basically they are building a new building without having to build a new building.

Do you know the order and time frame of the renovations?

I would assume the order is the building's skin before plaza, as equipment and (cranes?) will be tearing up the current plaza by simply being present.

I think work will begin in the lobby and concourse levels, as the Petro Deli has a sign up saying they are moving upstairs, and other things such as the Red Earth group has made mention they will be moving in that direction soon.
I would expect the plaza to begin probably before year end. I know that area is a nightmare right now with project 180's sidewalk from heck and the FNC. The tower plaza demo will just add more drama to that whole corner, lol.

just curious if they'd want to risk damage to the new/extended podium doing it before re skinning the tower. ...

They provided more information to tenants yesterday and said that work will begin on October 21. The glass will take about 2 years to complete and will begin next spring. They'll be doing the lower half before starting at the top and going down. The glass will be installed on the outside of the current glass before removing the inside glass. The entire plaza will be closed during construction with only the south entrance opened in phase 1 and then switching to the north entrance as they redo the lobby in two phases.

Is it just me or does it look like the BancFirst logo on the top is just on the North and South side and not on the East or West side?

They also mentioned that they were working on some "interesting" lighting for the crown, but that there weren't any renderings for what was planned. It'll be really nice for the skyline to have the building is lit up properly.

They also mentioned that they were working on some "interesting" lighting for the crown, but that there weren't any renderings for what was planned. It'll be really nice for the skyline to have the building is lit up properly.
Amen!

I like the sound of that, but am curious to know what they have in mind.

I would love to see some LEDs run the length of the building much like the one in Dallas! Don't know the name of the building though.

I would love to see some LEDs run the length of the building much like the one in Dallas! Don't know the name of the building though.

Sounds like the Bank of America Tower - the 72 story building with green LED lighting.

Some interesting info on the lighting of that Bank of America Tower.
The building's facetted facade was first accented at night by nearly 2 miles (3 km) of green argon lighting running primarily at the edges and corners of the tower. Green was chosen over red or blue because it is more visible from a distance. It has also been reported that the second tower, if built would have been accented with purple lighting.

Several months later, many of the argon tubes had burnt out due to a combination of several high voltage phenomena—one of which is referred to as the "corona effect" that discharges high voltage at the ends of the tube connections burning them out. After an intensive study, the developer shut down the entire lighting system and replaced it with a "mid-point grounded" system and larger, 18 mm tubes. Cold temperatures continued to plague the replacement system's performance.

In a renovation project that began in May 2013, the original green argon lighting was replaced with multi-colored LED tubes. The renovations were 90 percent complete by November 14, 2013, when the LED outline was showcased at the re-lighting ceremony. This was made possible by Innovative Lighting in Irving, and Turner Construction.

Some interesting info on the lighting of that Bank of America Tower.
The building's facetted facade was first accented at night by nearly 2 miles (3 km) of green argon lighting running primarily at the edges and corners of the tower. Green was chosen over red or blue because it is more visible from a distance. It has also been reported that the second tower, if built would have been accented with purple lighting.

Several months later, many of the argon tubes had burnt out due to a combination of several high voltage phenomena—one of which is referred to as the "corona effect" that discharges high voltage at the ends of the tube connections burning them out. After an intensive study, the developer shut down the entire lighting system and replaced it with a "mid-point grounded" system and larger, 18 mm tubes. Cold temperatures continued to plague the replacement system's performance.

In a renovation project that began in May 2013, the original green argon lighting was replaced with multi-colored LED tubes. The renovations were 90 percent complete by November 14, 2013, when the LED outline was showcased at the re-lighting ceremony. This was made possible by Innovative Lighting in Irving, and Turner Construction.

Very interesting! So is the "green building" now lit with varying colors, or have they kept it green?

Very interesting! So is the "green building" now lit with varying colors, or have they kept it green?

I was in Dallas a few weeks ago and it varies in color now. It looks great!

Wow they are truly building a new building around the old skeleton! Very excited for the final outcome!

I was in Dallas a few weeks ago and it varies in color now. It looks great!

I've seen it candy cane striped at Christmas and Rainbow during pride. they do a great job using the functions of that LED system

Beginning this weekend 10/19, any and all entrances via the concourse into the Banks tower will be shut down. I think you can still get concourse access to the Santa Fe garage but walking past that old teller area on your way to continental will now be cut off.

Beginning this weekend 10/19, any and all entrances via the concourse into the Banks tower will be shut down. I think you can still get concourse access to the Santa Fe garage but walking past that old teller area on your way to continental will now be cut off.

Correct. Concourse level from
Parking garage towards CLR and cox center still will be accessible but will be cut off from remainder of underground for remainder of project. The hall way to the parking garage can be expected to close for short times when work occurs in that specific area.

Also all exterior exits on the ground level will closed for construction and entire plaza fenced off with the exception of the south doors. And the entire lobby will be closed with exception of the area around south entrance and elevator lobby area.

Work has started:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst102019a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst102019b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst102019c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst102019d.jpg

Gotta give this construction project credit for not closing off the sidewalk on Main and Broadway.

Gotta give this construction project credit for not closing off the sidewalk on Main and Broadway.

Nice change from typical projects around town.

Also they have hit the ground running. They have begun removing the covering on the exterior columns.

As someone who appreciates good wayfinding signage I must say they did a great job with directional signs. The signs they posted are helpful and professional.

Someone pass to the Rick Dowell "blocking sidewalk for years, parking signs on torn up land, etc."
Kudos to this project for their professionalism

Someone pass to the Rick Dowell "blocking sidewalk for years, parking signs on torn up land, etc."
Kudos to this project for their professionalism

Just looked out the window and they now have half of the northbound broadway lane closed off and there is now no sidewalks on that block to access due to this construction on east side and Fnc on west side

Basically now you cannot get from Main Street to park by foot without walking in the street or going around a different block now.

Just looked out the window and they now have half of the northbound broadway lane closed off and there is now no sidewalks on that block to access due to this construction on east side and Fnc on west side

Basically now you cannot get from Main Street to park by foot without walking in the street or going around a different block now.

Wonder what would happen if you reported that to the Action Center? :Smiley122

Wonder what would happen if you reported that to the Action Center? :Smiley122

Submitted it just to see....

Request c19-67480

They closed it saying action taken “resolved”.

Basically the city doesn’t care about the pedestrians. I saw a handicap man having to walk down the street to go thru here
They could at least put up signs directing to go around. I don’t think there is even sidewalk closed signs. I give up on the action center. I never have good look when I submit things. They just close the issues when it’s not resolved.

Have a huge dip that had developed on south Gaylord at the main intersection that I have submitted several times and they say it’s resolved but nothing has changed and is still very rough on cars going thru the intersection.
There actually was just a news article about the action center just closing requests when issues aren’t resolved..so something is happening.

Submitted it just to see....

Request c19-67480

They closed it saying action taken “resolved”.

Basically the city doesn’t care about the pedestrians. I saw a handicap man having to walk down the street to go thru here
They could at least put up signs directing to go around. I don’t think there is even sidewalk closed signs. I give up on the action center. I never have good look when I submit things. They just close the issues when it’s not resolved.

Have a huge dip that had developed on south Gaylord at the main intersection that I have submitted several times and they say it’s resolved but nothing has changed and is still very rough on cars going thru the intersection.
There actually was just a news article about the action center just closing requests when issues aren’t resolved..so something is happening.

Yeah, the action center isn't great, they've always been fine with potholes, but that's about all I think they're good for, thanks for following through, though! Since it's in Ward 2, next step would be to email or call JoBeth Hamon or your own ward's council member and have them pass it off to Hamon. When I email Cooper (my council member), his assistant usually takes care of things pretty quickly. And Hamon is way more interested and concerned about pedestrians than her predecessor or the action center or pretty much anybody else in the city government except maybe Cooper.