No seeing any permit, the link below is a good resource re recent building permits filed in Norman:

http://www.destinationnorman.com/development

I am pretty sure there are no plans at the moment. They wanted to remove the homeless population over there and needed some type of cover to justify removing them when they did. All they are doing is putting in a couple of roads. There are already empty plots in UNP, so it is not like they needed land to expand.

I am pretty sure there are no plans at the moment. They wanted to remove the homeless population over there and needed some type of cover to justify removing them when they did. All they are doing is putting in a couple of roads. There are already empty plots in UNP, so it is not like they needed land to expand.

I keep saying this but people think Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue are going to suddenly appear, without anyone having prior knowledge.

I keep saying this but people think Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue are going to suddenly appear, without anyone having prior knowledge.

The only other reason I can think of that might have spurred this "dirt work" is the announcement of the Bob Moore Farms development on the west side. UNP might be prepping the land to attract any future retailers, so they don't lose them to the Bob Moore Farms development.

^

That divided entrance has been there for a while and we already know the clearing of the land was largely to chase off a homeless camp.

As far as I can tell, that is all that is happening there.

I don't think anything is imminent. But this clearing does set the area up for future development coming out of this dip in the economy. At least the land is vacant and cleared now.

https://shopcompanies.com/sites/default/files/UTC%20Marketing%20Package.pdf?v=1675886722

More retail, with a future "entertainment parcel."

with a future "entertainment parcel."

that is the future OU basketball arena

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/utc0302423a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/utc0302423b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/utc0302423c.jpg

that is the future OU basketball arena
I’m not saying you are wrong but it’s shaped like a movie theater on the promotional materials.

The original plan for OU basketball and the surrounding entertainment district was for the area north of Rock Creek along I-35 (middle right of the 3rd image I posted above).

that is the future OU basketball arena

Right there? No.

I’m not saying you are wrong but it’s shaped like a movie theater on the promotional materials.

It won't be an arena there.

I’m not saying you are wrong but it’s shaped like a movie theater on the promotional materials.

i was talking about page 6 of the link north of rock creek "entertainment district"

sorry for the confusion . i now see what you were referring too ..

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/utc0302423d.jpg

God I hope they don’t go through with this stupid idea

God I hope they don’t go through with this stupid idea

What stupid idea? The arena being here?

What stupid idea? The arena being here?
Yes. I am not a fan of that. The “urban village” concept is also very underwhelming.

I am pretty sure there are no plans at the moment. They wanted to remove the homeless population over there and needed some type of cover to justify removing them when they did. All they are doing is putting in a couple of roads. There are already empty plots in UNP, so it is not like they needed land to expand.


I keep saying this but people think Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue are going to suddenly appear, without anyone having prior knowledge.

I don't recall anyone talking in terms of Nordstrom or Saks, but I and others have maintained that more than just "homeless relocation" is going on here which you and a few have steadfastly dismissed. Clearly the opinion that nothing beyond homeless eviction and a "couple of roads" is incorrect. More than that is happening. And the divided driveway, while it has existed in a previous form for many years, has been expanded and enhanced beyond the original placeholder entrance. Including the addition of stone for signage at the entrance.

17950

17951

The original plan for OU basketball and the surrounding entertainment district was for the area north of Rock Creek along I-35 (middle right of the 3rd image I posted above).

I had heard rumblings of a Top Golf/Chicken Pickle-type business going in here. I figured it was all talk, but if they have it on the conceptual plans, then there might be a possibility that talks with a company like that are actually happening.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/utc0302423a.jpg


Also, what are the odds that PF Changs is actually already confirmed? That lot is empty now and it is the only logo on the plans that isn't already built.

Also, what are the odds that PF Changs is actually already confirmed? That lot is empty now and it is the only logo on the plans that isn't already built.

I'd say they have a done deal otherwise they wouldn't be showing them on the plans.

I had heard rumblings of a Top Golf/Chicken Pickle-type business going in here. I figured it was all talk, but if they have it on the conceptual plans, then there might be a possibility that talks with a company like that are actually happening.

I'd kill for a Top Golf in this area.

I'd kill for a Top Golf in this area.

Students won't drive there. Too far :p

I'm just being serious.

OU students routinely visit Target but wouldn't drive to the next intersection to visit Top Golf or Chicken & Pickle. Tell me more.

OU students routinely visit Target but wouldn't drive to the next intersection to visit Top Golf or Chicken & Pickle. Tell me more.

You missed the smiley on my comment. It was total sarcasm about those who think an arena would be a massive fail here.

You missed the smiley on my comment. It was total sarcasm about those who think an arena would be a massive fail here.
It’s not that it would be a massive fail, it will just be a long-term mistake.

Yeah, only a Sith deals in absolutes. Not being a massive failure doesn’t mean it’s in the best location.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/utc0302423a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/utc0302423b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/utc0302423c.jpg

I could see Old Navy moving from the mall into one of those spots.

If they could figure out how to get an on/off ramp at Rock Creek, it sure would make traffic in and out better. Seems like it would be worth it for the few business that would be affected by the land buy.

If they could figure out how to get an on/off ramp at Rock Creek, it sure would make traffic in and out better. Seems like it would be worth it for the few business that would be affected by the land buy.

Too late now but express and local lanes through Norman would have been a good idea. Two center lanes of thru traffic and 2 lanes of local traffic each way. It would have allowed for more on/off ramps

They have also just completed a massive clearing job immediately west of the new Young Family Athletic Center. Seems to be prep work for more parcel development.

If they could figure out how to get an on/off ramp at Rock Creek, it sure would make traffic in and out better. Seems like it would be worth it for the few business that would be affected by the land buy.

THIS!!! Lived over in those apartments for a bit. The whole area is completely hampered by Rock Creek not having on/off ramps. I'm positive this would relieve some strain from the Tecumseh/24th & Tecumseh/Flood intersections as well. I wouldn't say it's too late to build the ramps, they could just make the on/off ramps similar to Robinson with some reconfigurations (but those are also nightmares tbh but better than nothing). Norman....

If they could figure out how to get an on/off ramp at Rock Creek, it sure would make traffic in and out better. Seems like it would be worth it for the few business that would be affected by the land buy.
They are planning to add ramps to Rock Creek road.

They are planning to add ramps to Rock Creek road.

Sweet.

And its never too late. Just because something got built where the ramp would go, doesn't mean they wont just buy it out and doze it.

A proposed $1 billion entertainment district is set to be announced by Team Norman, a group of city and university leaders, during the Norman Economic Development Coalition’s annual State of the Economy breakfast Wednesday.

Team Norman described the district as a mixed-use development that would include a multi-purpose performance venue for entertainment and sporting events. The development would also include new retail shops, restaurants, bars, offices, a hotel and housing for “thousands.”

https://www.oudaily.com/news/campus/team-norman-entertainment-district-ou-athletics/article_702b8c00-4bf1-11ee-a9a4-53898edcdee2.html

Was just coming to post this.

Pete, what are you hearing about this? Would this be at UNP or part of the rumored campus corner overhaul?

My understanding is they have everything lined up and the project will go forward pretty much as originally proposed, but with the addition of a National Weather Center museum and a lot of housing.

Before, the City of Norman was asked to kick in about $90 million and this time it will be closer to $30 million with the County shouldering more of the load. I believe they have everything lined up -- including the support of City Council -- and it's all systems go.

Exciting stuff, especially with Campus Corner still moving forward behind the scenes.

Pete, what do you think about the arena being set separate from campus?

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou090523a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou090523c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou090523d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou090523b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ou090523e.jpg

Pete, what do you think about the arena being set separate from campus?

I hated it at first, but now I'm fully on board.

It's the only way a new basketball facility can be built within the next two decades and LNC was antiquated 20 years ago. OU has two new talented and ambitious basketball coaches and they need help.

I've been to USC's purpose-built Galen Center and it's awesome; so much better than the 1970s bowl arenas of the past. I'm sure this will be very similar and be a huge improvement.

OU is trying to do a bunch of big things all at once due to the SEC move, so this takes a big piece off of their plate so they can concentrate on everything else. There is much more coming.

Pete, what do you think about the arena being set separate from campus?

i'm not pete. but it will be walking distance from my house. just have to cross I-35 at rock creek. so i'm all for it

Are they keeping the same renderings as the proposal from a few years ago?

Just saw Pete’s comment and that answered my question, haha

Hoping this can bring some concerts to the area as well as other events. Neat if they could do the gymnastics events there too. Lots of people seem to go to those.

Hoping this can bring some concerts to the area as well as other events. Neat if they could do the gymnastics events there too. Lots of people seem to go to those.

They will. Gymnastics will follow to this arena, I'm fairly sure.

Ho hum, another $1 billion project coming to metro OKC...

As I stated earlier, we are getting ready to be in the middle of the biggest building boom this metro area has ever seen.

What changes are coming to Campus Corner? I've heard it mentioned a few times recently.

What changes are coming to Campus Corner? I've heard it mentioned a few times recently.

Likely a complete tear-down and rebuild of 3-5 level buildings with apartments and hotel rooms above and retail/restaurants at street level + lots of structured parking.

Likely a complete tear-down and rebuild of 3-5 level buildings with apartments and hotel rooms above and retail/restaurants at street level + lots of structured parking.

Just to clarify, do you mean a complete (all of campus corner) or do you mean 3-5 buildings tear out with replacement of apartments, retail and hotel rooms with the restaurants and retail.

Ho hum, another $1 billion project coming to metro OKC...

As I stated earlier, we are getting ready to be in the middle of the biggest building boom this metro area has ever seen.

Massive win for OU as this removes the liability from having to build their own and can further direct more donor money to other projects that are needed.

Just to clarify, do you mean a complete (all of campus corner) or do you mean 3-5 buildings tear out with replacement of apartments, retail and hotel rooms with the restaurants and retail.

Virtually all of what we know of Campus Corner would go.

We have a thread on this:
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=43116

Ho hum, another $1 billion project coming to metro OKC...

As I stated earlier, we are getting ready to be in the middle of the biggest building boom this metro area has ever seen.

It really is incredible to see! From the Olympics, OAK, Chisholm Creek, Boardwalk at Bricktown, The Half, new arena, OKANA and this (probably missing some) it really is a sight to behold. And of course, all of the other smaller projects happening all over town count too. The amount of construction happening now and to come is mind blowing. And to hear this project has everything squared away is the cherry on top of the sundae. Good times are ahead, and I will look forward to tracking the progress of this and other projects on here.

Keep going OKC!

I will never a support an arena that is not on campus and think it’s a huge mistake. Downtown Norman would be a fine alternative but not by I-35. But I’m also not paying for it.

I will never a support an arena that is not on campus and think it’s a huge mistake. Downtown Norman would be a fine alternative but not by I-35. But I’m also not paying for it.

Word, +1

I will never a support an arena that is not on campus and think it’s a huge mistake. Downtown Norman would be a fine alternative but not by I-35. But I’m also not paying for it.

lol

I will never a support an arena that is not on campus and think it’s a huge mistake. Downtown Norman would be a fine alternative but not by I-35. But I’m also not paying for it.

The only realistic options are continuing to play in a non-renovated LNC or brand new arena at North Park paid for by mostly private funds.

I agree that a new on-campus arena is the most ideal - but it's not going to happen unless mega donors step up...which they won't because football is also making $100MM asks for new facilities. And football is king.

They have been trying to raise money for basketball for a long time and have to face the facts it's not going to happen.

This is by far the best alternative.

I hated it at first, but now I'm fully on board.

It's the only way a new basketball facility can be built within the next two decades and LNC was antiquated 20 years ago. OU has two new talented and ambitious basketball coaches and they need help.

I've been to USC's purpose-built Galen Center and it's awesome; so much better than the 1970s bowl arenas of the past. I'm sure this will be very similar and be a huge improvement.

OU is trying to do a bunch of big things all at once due to the SEC move, so this takes a big piece off of their plate so they can concentrate on everything else. There is much more coming.

The major difference being the Galen Center is directly across the street from USC's campus.