Does anyone know how much additional height this will be when its completed? I'm telling you now, this is going to look great when its all done and change the look of our downtown. I can only imagine how completely different our downtown would look if First National if they added only about 50 more feet and had more girth in the tower. Also if SandRidge tower had a crown to add height and was well lit up and the 2 medium sized towers at ne Leadership Square could add on somehow about 10 more floors and connect the 2 buildings. Maybe I am a bit of a dreamer, but every time I drive by Leadership, I stare at them at how cool they look, yet get frustrated by how they aren't tall enough to be seen until you get close to them. I envision a skywalk to connect them and 12 stories of residential connecting them both and as it goes up it continues to get more narrow. Love those buildings as well and wish something could be done to build upon it and let its presence be known. Can someone with the skills to do a photo of what all this would look like please give us a glimpse of how this would look? Also, way off topic, but I think all this land southwest and southeast of DT would be a great spot to recruit companies to OKC. Make them a great offer like Tulsa did with Tesla, and have in the proposal to develop both commercial and residential. With this pandemic and OK not hitting high numbers, we may be a model for people to want to come and live here. We have a big city with things to do, yet still have the the smaller town charm and great affordability when it comes to cost of living. The potential of things that could happen are unreal. I also wish we had our Hamm doing things like Kaiser does for Tulsa. We have one of the richest guys in the world here in OKC, yet he hasn't done nearly anything to help the city of OKC like others do for their cities.

Looks like its a dangerous job, and the winds can't be too high in order for them to work. So with this Oklahoma weather, yea its going to be a while. Unless they get another crew to work on the other side simultaneously.

I have a friend who is a rope-access person who I showed this project to. He said short of getting more crews, there is no speeding this up. As G.Walker mentioned, it's a dangerous environment where slow and steady is the name of the game. There may be a slight speeding up as crews become familiar (assembly line), but largely it depends on how many people they are willing to hire at once. In Oklahoma that's a high demand job with the number of wind farms under construction.

Does anyone know how much additional height this will be when its completed?

07-19-2019, 08:46 AM #604 Page 31

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

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

We know the new signage is 14 feet; don't know if that's in addition to the existing crown or how much of it will be shaved off to make room for the 14 feet of signage.

If this angle is correct (blue shade) it appear to extent 7 feet more than the existing height.

The structure has a height listed at 500 feet.

Good thoughts Catch22. It's interesting that they're using this method but it makes sense. Yeah, they could probably get a crane or two and bust this bad boy out a lot quicker but why? If you have these 4 units at your disposal and it gets the job done that's wayyy cheaper than dealing with crane services. It may be a minor headache for tenants but really their main focus for now should be the lobby area and podium anyway. Good things take time.

I was thinking today though, with the Skirvin Tower (not Hotel) and Petroleum Building (Dowell Center) nearby I really hope this update isn't a mistake. I personally kindof hate the arches at the top as they are now BUT, we lost some much more significant architecture than is in place now due to updating the two buildings. I think the biggest and best change that is occurring is the reflectivity and "pop" of the new glass. Wonder what it would look like if they kept the arches and covered them rather than ditching them for more squares/rectangles.

https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/SroQhLERTO4hVN53qbd1BQ/l.jpg

You (OKGuru) also mentioned Leadership Square.

One Leadership Square is 22 stories at 308 feet. Two Leadership Square is 16 stories at 224 feet.

They could have built one impressive 38 story structure towering 532 feet; that would have been a skyline game-changer.

https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/SroQhLERTO4hVN53qbd1BQ/l.jpg

You (OKGuru) also mentioned Leadership Square.

One Leadership Square is 22 stories at 308 feet. Two Leadership Square is 16 stories at 224 feet.

They could have built one impressive 38 story structure towering 532 feet; that would have been a skyline game-changer.

Oh so true, I think the same thing every time I see these buildings. I actually love the looks of them and wish they had more of a presence. However you literally can't seet them until you get really close or at certain angles depending where you are at. I guess there's no way to add on to one of them is their? I'd sure love to see about 12 more floors on top with some residential. Maybe Hamm can get it done and then also build a nice tower or buy the the Cotton Mill site and make it world class. He can be our Kaiser and he will be a hero to this city! :)

Does anyone know how much additional height this will be when its completed?

It doesn't look like there will be additional height added. The roof of the existing elevator penthouse, labeled below in the elevation drawing, is what makes the tower 500' tall. It appears the top of the new 14' signage is at the parapet of the tower, below the penthouse roof.

https://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst061219d.jpg

Visually it will be taller, but still under the official height?

Visually it will be taller, but still under the official height?

I don't think it will be visually taller since the new cladding goes up to the top of the existing parapet, but yes, under the official height.

We occupy the 28th, 29th and part of the 30th floors of the building. Reglazing can''t get to us soon enough. The existing windows provide almost no thermal barrier and leak terribly. We just finished a complete remodel and already have ruined ceiling tile from window leaks. On the order of work, one of my partners was told that they will work up to the 14th floor and then start at the top and work down. Don't know why, but that's apparently the plan.

We occupy the 28th, 29th and part of the 30th floors of the building. Reglazing can''t get to us soon enough. The existing windows provide almost no thermal barrier and leak terribly. We just finished a complete remodel and already have ruined ceiling tile from window leaks. On the order of work, one of my partners was told that they will work up to the 14th floor and then start at the top and work down. Don't know why, but that's apparently the plan.

I guess you need to update you username to BancFirstDweller!

Wild that it's already been a year since we first learned about this. Time is flying by it seems.

For the new glass installation, at the pace of 2 floors per week, it won't take that long. 30 floors divided by 2 is 15. So 15 weeks for each side. So by this time next year, they should be almost complete. And if they hire more crew, they could cut that in half.

its 36 floors not 30.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst053020a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst053020c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst053020b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst053020d.jpg

That parking garage could sure use a complete redo of the facade. Would be very cool to see it done something like the convention center garage.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst053020c.jpg

Seems like a missed opportunity for a rooftop ammenity.

Seems like a missed opportunity for a rooftop ammenity.

That is a walk-out patio from the office space on that level.

Ah, didn't catch that.

This is a fantastic Building do over.

Pretty interesting that this building and FNC are both getting massive renovations as the same time and that the SandRidge building was also completely recently redone inside and out.

Leadership Square should be next. Starting to look rough around the edges. The outside plazas have lots of mortar cracks and the inside atrium hasn't changed a bit since opening almost 40 years ago. It seems dark and increasingly dated.

That is a walk-out patio from the office space on that level.

I think the rooftop access is being removed as part of the renovation. It was connected to the old Liberty executive dining room I believe and used to have seating and a putting green. Now there is a large skylight going in that roof, so no more access.

Metro Technology Centers had a business campus on that whole floor for awhile. I walked out on that patio when I was there. They recently moved to a new location the past year, probably because of upcoming renovations and expectations of higher rent.

http://okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst060220a.jpg


http://okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst060220b.jpg

They've picked up the pace. The finish time of 1 1/2 years is starting to look achievable.

I'm still having a hard time visualizing how this is going to look after only knowing the blackish tower for the last 50 years.

Right, the blue buildings are catching up the brown buildings.

Going to add to impressive structures as OKC blends the original, First National, City Place Towers & AT&T Building with Sandridge, Oklahoma Tower and our most recent 21st Century Devon & BOK Park Plaza towers. Our skyline will take on a new look...

I am on the fence. I think it will look great on cloudy days. Bright blue sunny days? might be too much. I'm reserving judgement for now.

Pete have you noticed where all the glass/windows are stacked?

It’s a shame that for such a high profile project we don’t have HD renderings of what this will look like when all finished. Maybe they’ve got a surprise?

I'm still having a hard time visualizing how this is going to look after only knowing the blackish tower for the last 50 years.

Same here. But ultimately I think it'll look pretty stunning, especially in comparison to how it's looked.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst060320a.jpg

16142

Walked past here last night and saw that a few of the columns have been unwrapped

The contrast between new and old will be really interesting once they fully finish the north side.

16142

Walked past here last night and saw that a few of the columns have been unwrapped

Not sure what you mean unwrapped

They are putting up the green board. Then applying a black coating to them that is some kind of sealant I assume. They will eventually be wrapped in the aluminum/metal cladding

Not sure what you mean unwrapped

They are putting up the green board. Then applying a black coating to them that is some kind of sealant I assume. They will eventually be wrapped in the aluminum/metal cladding

Ahh

It'll really be weird looking from the interstate once they get high enough on that side. Like putting on a new pair of pants!

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst060520b.jpg

It'll really be weird looking from the interstate once they get high enough on that side. Like putting on a new pair of pants!

I think this is really going to impact the skyline in a good way. It's going to look like brand new building.

I think this is really going to impact the skyline in a good way. It's going to look like brand new building.

Totally Agree! What a massive improvement

I probably have a post stating the contrary earlier in this thread, but I would like to retract that opinion and agree that this is looking like a big improvement so far.

I probably have a post stating the contrary earlier in this thread, but I would like to retract that opinion and agree that this is looking like a big improvement so far.

It looks a lot better than the renderings. Its hard to show what tinted glass is going to look like.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst060820a.jpg

This is going to look awesome

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst061120a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst061120b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst061120c.jpg

I think Devon needs to see how fast they can install windows.

I'm running out of words to describe how awesome this project is...but now something needs to be done to the facade of that parking garage. Perhaps a whole new facade, one that compliments the "new" BancFirst tower.

Once they finish the section up to the blue mullions, they should start working from the top down.

That will be even more fun to watch.

Pete, does that mean they will rework the crown at the same time?

Pete, does that mean they will rework the crown at the same time?

I don't think so.

I believe they have to replace all the windows underneath. It could be the crown will be the very last thing done to the outside.

Is my memory deceiving me or did this building used to have BancFirst logo on the top in the past? I am talking like early 2000's,

Is my memory deceiving me or did this building used to have BancFirst logo on the top in the past? I am talking like early 2000's,

It had a Bank One logo prior to the Chase logo. I believe it was stylized as “Bank1One”. I think I have non-digital pics of it somewhere.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bancfirst061220a.jpg

Such an improvement! Can't wait to see it when it's finished.

An internal release to BancFirst employees, minus some small department details that shouldn't be public:

Phase I work on the Lobby and Plaza (north ¾) and Underground (entire Underground) area began in October 2019 and is scheduled to be completed on January 4, 2021.

Phase I – NORTH ¾ OUTDOOR PLAZA

• The outdoor plaza surrounding the Tower will include landscaping with plants capable of thriving in an urban environment. Agronomists from the Myriad Gardens assisted with selection of plant materials.

• A new pergola-covered outdoor seating area will be added to the east side of the plaza, including an area for food trucks.

• Valet service will be added at the north entrance for both bank customers and tenant customers.

Phase I - NORTH ¾ of LOBBY

• The north side first floor lobby will include a security desk with a prominent Oklahoma art piece; teller kiosks; offices for business bankers and support staff; and a 24 hour ATM with a separate exterior entrance.

• Those familiar with the previous food service options will see a new Petro Deli in the northeast corner of the lobby with seating for 50. A separate coffee bar will serve specialized coffee, include a pastry case, and bar-height seating.

Phase I - UNDERGROUND

• The Hot Tamale Mexican Café in the Underground will have a total new look but will serve the same great menu.

• The Executive Barbershop under our existing building will move with us and be adjacent to the Hot Tamale.

• Included in the Underground plan are teller kiosks, a contract US Post Office, safe deposit boxes, and offices for Universal Bankers.

• A large BancFirst employee lounge will be added to the Underground where fresh and healthy food options will be available, as well as sodas and snacks. Restaurant style tables and chairs will be available in addition to areas of comfortable seating.

Phase II – LOBBY AND PLAZA

• Work on the remaining south portion of the Lobby and Plaza will commence upon completion of Phase I with an estimated completion in July 2021.

• The south side of the lobby will be occupied by Red Earth with both a retail presence and museum quality art display/rotation area.

BANCFIRST FLOORS 2-14

• Demolition and renovation of the BancFirst occupied floors 2 through 14 is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year. The exception to this plan is the 2nd floor which will be completed by July 2021, at the same time as Phase II of the Lobby and Plaza.

REPLACEMENT OF TOWER GLASS

• Replacement of all of the exterior glass on the Tower has begun on the north side of the building. Glass will be replaced on 4-14, one side at time with estimated completion at the end of 2020. The glass on floors 1 and 2 will be done in conjunction with Phase I and II of the Lobby, Plaza and Underground.

• Glass replacement will then move to floor 15 and work up to the 36th floor, one side at a time, with the completion of the glass scheduled by the end of 2021.

^

Awesome.

Incredibly helpful.

They are finishing up the windows 14th floor on the north side.

Will be interesting to see which side they do next. Sounds like they will replace glass up to the 14th floor on every side before moving on to the upper levels.

I was down there around 1 pm last Saturday and they were installing the glass.