I saw someone almost get ran over today on Main. Poor girl was looking at her GPS on phone running around trying to figure out where to go. She turned north on Broadway with traffic all around. Clearly did not know the area.

I can't believe this will go on for 2 years.

I saw someone almost get ran over today on Main. Poor girl was looking at her GPS on phone running around trying to figure out where to go. She turned north on Broadway with traffic all around. Clearly did not know the area.

I can't believe this will go on for 2 years.

Was she hurt??

The cross, the empty cross with no one on it, has the added meaning that Christ is no longer on the cross...He died and rose to life after three days...thus the sign of the cross, the empty cross, is meant to portray the hope that we will one day restored to life to live an eternity with Christ.

Yes. Before this, the cross was a symbol of horror, used for crusifiction of criminals. It was something to fear. It was widely used for all kinds of purposes in the preceeding centuries in both the East and West societies. Symbol of lightning, fire, etc.

If one of the buildings downtown would like to put up the Star of David or the Crescent, hey i'm all for that too. It's their building, they get to do what they want with it. A cross is pretty easy to install because of the simple design. People often forget that ADVENT is what the decorations are here for and that CHRISTMASTIDE extends beyond Christmas Day. It's a big birthday celebration (even if its at the wrong time of year for when He was born....thank the Catholic faith for that as they tried to squash the pagan holidays...hence the tree). But that's a story for another thread :)

Was she hurt??

No she didn't get hit, just almost. People are late to work and fly west down Main and don't expect people to pop out right at those yellow barrels at the entrance to BancFirst Tower. Just a super dangerous spot at 8am and 5pm.

Can we get a giant inflatable Krampus on one of the buildings... hehe

In the last photo, you can see they have started to fir-out for the new glass skin that will go over the existing; then the old glass will be removed from the inside.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819ga.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819e.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819h.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819i.jpg

In the last photo, you can see they have started to fir-out for the new glass skin that will go over the existing; then the old glass will be removed from the inside.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819ga.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst120819e.jpg


They built protective barrier wall around the new P180 trees! Took someone 10 years to figure out how much construction work damages newly planted trees. This is progress!

i have been told that it will be back on this buidling

this was confirmed in the paper today

https://oklahoman.com/article/5649628/christmas-cross-will-return-at-bancfirst-tower-after-makeover-completition

this was confirmed in the paper today

https://oklahoman.com/article/5649628/christmas-cross-will-return-at-bancfirst-tower-after-makeover-completition

oh THE HORROR!!!!!!

Yeah, everyone can calm their rears down now. It'll be back up after construction.

this was confirmed in the paper today

https://oklahoman.com/article/5649628/christmas-cross-will-return-at-bancfirst-tower-after-makeover-completition

Great !

Itd really be nice if they could come up with something else or at least have cross on one side (not all four).

Like it or not but skyscrapers define a city and last I saw this was not a religious skyscraper. Yet it does paint OKC in a somewhat negative or non-inclusive way portraying the symbol of Christianity (more associated with his death and resurrection) during the holidays. I wonder why the crosses aren't displayed during Easter - an obvious and very appropriate choice.

Yes, I agree that private ownership can do what they want with buildings but I do recall the city having design ordinances among other things to regulate signage - yet this seems to be ignored. The city can't pick and chose to enforce laws yet I never heard of a permit for this display nor Sandridge's and I'd argue one is enough the other should pick something else or just do colors like most other skyscrapers worldwide.

BTW, I happen to be christian - catholic.

I dont think it actually falls under the signage rules anyway as long as its properly secured. It's a "decoration". I'd say we had more room to complain about the Sandridge Thunder banners (which i love). They are FAR more temporary.

Plus are there actually any ordinances that govern religious symbols on private property? I dont think so....and if you think about it, we wouldn't want it either. It's not a free-standing structure like MetroChurch's (oh excuse me, Life Church) mega-cross. In fact, it's quite insignificant in comparison to the rest of the structure considering how little it takes to make a cross.

The building is already a 200 meter (or whatever) billboard for whomever is the anchor tenant. Hence the sign up top. Only reason it isn't larger and lower is because it would block the window views. Nothing says a sign has to be at the top of the thing. NYC has plenty examples of buildings using large 20 floor banner material for advertisements that DO block windows and are gargantuan to sell you shoes/shows/cologne/etc.

https://i.imgur.com/LeggcGC.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/ZPW0PVG.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/Zw4th8H.jpg

Itd really be nice if they could come up with something else or at least have cross on one side (not all four).

Like it or not but skyscrapers define a city and last I saw this was not a religious skyscraper. Yet it does paint OKC in a somewhat negative or non-inclusive way portraying the symbol of Christianity (more associated with his death and resurrection) during the holidays. I wonder why the crosses aren't displayed during Easter - an obvious and very appropriate choice.

Yes, I agree that private ownership can do what they want with buildings but I do recall the city having design ordinances among other things to regulate signage - yet this seems to be ignored. The city can't pick and chose to enforce laws yet I never heard of a permit for this display nor Sandridge's and I'd argue one is enough the other should pick something else or just do colors like most other skyscrapers worldwide.

BTW, I happen to be christian - catholic.

I agree with this in sentiment. However, Oklahoma City is also the buckle of the Bible Belt and it's also a long-held tradition. Changing that tradition for the sake of political correctness is not something that would go over well with a lot of people, especially if it's enforced by ordinance. I'm not a Christian and I don't like the display of the crosses but it wouldn't be a good thing to have the city design ordinances targeting it. Instead of not displaying the crosses, maybe having additional more inclusive Christmas decorations and lighting would work? Like display the cross but also have a cool red/green lighting scheme on the building during the holidays as well. Or a giant Christmas tree on top of the building. It will be interesting to see what FNC does for the holidays once it's completed.

Of FFS I thought we were finally off this topic. Maybe it needs its own thread.....

Just want to add to the words of my friend Hot Rod; who I've grown much respect over the years we have maintained contact.

Tall towers & buildings impact a city in many ways. It makes a statement to the observant eyes which are programmed to observe all things.

As for the cross, from my Catholic upbringing (lots in common with Hot Rod); your expressions and professions of faith--the cross itself is significant of a birth in life. Birth is resurrection from the wound. Life is a cycle, appreciate and make the most of it.

Saturday or Sunday we reserve as a day of rest, where we allow the mind to refresh.
We're blessed to live in a world of technology where work does not equate to the levels of labor we endured many years ago.

Feel free to express your faith because it is healthy to believe--regardless of what others think.

Have an enjoyable Christmas & holiday season.

https://i.imgur.com/JnoUCAg.jpg

In the first photo, on the left you can see they've started to remove the extra columns:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst011220a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst011220b.jpg

"NOT A PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY"

Oh, okay.

In the first photo, on the left you can see they've started to remove the extra columns:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst011220a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst011220b.jpg

Moving this forward because due to pagination.

How do you get away with removing columns like they, are they just decorative and not load bearing?

How do you get away with removing columns like they, are they just decorative and not load bearing?

Yes, non load bearing.

How do you get away with removing columns like they, are they just decorative and not load bearing?

Never played Jenga? :)

How do you get away with removing columns like they, are they just decorative and not load bearing?

The pedestal is having some columns removed, but not the building itself.

How do you get away with removing columns like they, are they just decorative and not load bearing?

If you look to the 2nd floor you can see only the remaining columns go all the way up. The ones being remove stopped at the first floor

The pedestal is having some columns removed, but not the building itself.

Yes, but there still needs to be some engineered structure to support the pedestal roof. I'm willing to believe that that structure is not the columns, but it has to be something.


If you look to the 2nd floor you can see only the remaining columns go all the way up. The ones being remove stopped at the first floor

The ones being removed all stopped at the same point as the ones that remain since they are on the perimeter of the pedestal roof and not the building core. You may be looking at the second picture that Pete posted and thinking they are the same because they line up with the ones up above, but that is a trick of perspective.

Yes, but there still needs to be some engineered structure to support the pedestal roof. I'm willing to believe that that structure is not the columns, but it has to be something.



The ones being removed all stopped at the same point as the ones that remain since they are on the perimeter of the pedestal roof and not the building core. You may be looking at the second picture that Pete posted and thinking they are the same because they line up with the ones up above, but that is a trick of perspective.
I have a birds eye view of this project on a daily basis. The columns do like up with what goes up the rest of the building except for the north side of the building where the lobby extends out. On the remaining three sides of the building the columns being left do go up The side of the building and line up with these columns

I have a birds eye view of this project on a daily basis. The columns do like up with what goes up the rest of the building except for the north side of the building where the lobby extends out. On the remaining three sides of the building the columns being left do go up The side of the building and line up with these columns

Oh, I see what you mean, I was a little too focused on the north lobby columns. You do appear to be correct about the other sides of the building.

There must have been some environmental concern with the top of the pillars as they have been taking those down in a protected way with sealed off plastic as you can see in the pictures and have several white trailers they are putting the debris into.

There must have been some environmental concern with the top of the pillars as they have been taking those down in a protected way with sealed off plastic as you can see in the pictures and have several white trailers they are putting the debris into.

There is quite a bit of asbestos removal going on in the underground below the building, not sure if that is related at all.

Making good progress and demonstrates how the lobby will be much more open.

https://i.imgur.com/MLxvBup.jpg

just drove by and saw they added renders on the fencing. The renders show the landscaping they will be doing and it looks great! I’m really excited for this honestly! Sorry i couldn’t get any pics

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst012520b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst090918.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst013020a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst080718g.jpg

Put me in the camp that loves the fact we’re rehabbing and leasing an older tower versus just building new ones we don’t need.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst013020b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst020220a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst020220b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst020220c.jpg

It's like looking at someone that the top half is dressed, but the bottom half is still in their underwear.

It's like looking at someone that the top half is dressed, but the bottom half is still in their underwear.

shirt without pants we call.. donald duckin it!

It's like looking at someone that the top half is dressed, but the bottom half is still in their underwear.

In a few months, it will have a very nice pair of pants and a shirt that doesn't match.

There is now some extra barriers places along south wall where people were walking anyway.

https://i.imgur.com/3F8CfMP.jpg

They have also put down gravel in the median between Sheridan and Park.

Even though there is a sign there that says "Not a pedestrian walkway", loads of people were walking in the street on Broadway so I guess they thought they might as well make it easier for people to jump up on the median.

They have also put down gravel in the median between Sheridan and Park.

Even though there is a sign there that says "Not a pedestrian walkway", loads of people were walking in the street on Broadway so I guess they thought they might as well make it easier for people to jump up on the median.

The gravel went down the same time those signs went up

The north side has caution tape up trying to stop people but everyone just goes around the tape

I’m sure this is just an ADA thing where if they called it an actual sidewalk or pedestrian pathway they would have to make accommodations so they don’t want to do that.

Downtown OKC needs more retail to get it over the hump. The time is ripe since internet sales are becoming risky with all kinds of traps for online shoppers.

Some strip store fronts may work as above ground retail signals that a return may be imminent--the metro concourse & the internet has had an impact on OKC's shopping strips & malls.

BancFirst Tower may have room to play...

With the added barriers for pedestrians protection and now they are pouring a handicap ramp at the entrance on Main Street right outside the doors to the tower...

Months after construction started - wonder if someone filed a complaint that got ADA Regulations involved. There wasn’t really handicap accessibility it less you went all the way down to Gaylord and came back down the sidewalk. Don’t think that counts as accessibility.

With the added barriers for pedestrians protection and now they are pouring a handicap ramp at the entrance on Main Street right outside the doors to the tower...

Months after construction started - wonder if someone filed a complaint that got ADA Regulations involved. There wasn’t really handicap accessibility it less you went all the way down to Gaylord and came back down the sidewalk. Don’t think that counts as accessibility.

Could've been triggered by the construction. I could be completely wrong, but I believe that if you're doing extensive remodeling like they are, you have to come up to current ADA compliance? Either way, glad they're doing something about it, huge, huge amounts of this city are unnavigable for someone in a wheelchair.

Could've been triggered by the construction. I could be completely wrong, but I believe that if you're doing extensive remodeling like they are, you have to come up to current ADA compliance? Either way, glad they're doing something about it, huge, huge amounts of this city are unnavigable for someone in a wheelchair.

This it totally a temporary thing for construction only.

They are building the wheelchair ramp out onto the newly paved Main Street. Out towards the cones and barricades they have set up.

This it totally a temporary thing for construction only.

They are building the wheelchair ramp out onto the newly paved Main Street. Out towards the cones and barricades they have set up.

Ah, gotcha, didn't know it was temporary, glad someone made them do the right thing, that's what must've happened.

From this morning. They are pulling out the old glass curtain wall in the lobby.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst021520e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst021520a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst021520b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst021520c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst021520d.jpg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyd01rH8paY

Just saw a sample of the Solarban 67 Optiblue glass that they will be using for the new facade on this tower. Its really modern, sleek, & blue. Its really going to change the skyline forever and look like a brand new building, I am excited!.

This stuff, I assume? Solarban 67 Solar Control Low‑E Glass (https://www.vitroglazings.com/products/low-e-glass/solarban-67-glass/)

Reading the data sheets on that glass, I wonder if there's any chance BancFirst is going for LEED certification for the renovation.

It will likely look a lot like the glass on Devon Tower and BOK Park Plaza.

It would be cool if they did a checkered or some variable of an alternating pattern.

Is the new glass curtain around the lobby going to be pushed out a bit farther? A side note: I never am quite sure when to use farther or further :redface:

Is the new glass curtain around the lobby going to be pushed out a bit farther? A side note: I never am quite sure when to use farther or further :redface:

Based on the renderings, I think it will stay pretty much in the same place.

Definitely not extended all the way to the outside columns.

Is the new glass curtain around the lobby going to be pushed out a bit farther? A side note: I never am quite sure when to use farther or further :redface:

Yeah, it is being pushed out to the exterior columns.

Side note, the base looks so naked now, it looks funny seeing this tall building standing on what looks like match sticks, of course I now most of the building's strength is the interior core.