wow, hard to imagine any tower big enough to mast Devon while still having a full skyline view, but I guess Chase is just enough from that angle and distance.

If you look at Devon from the corner of Oklahoma/2nd, Devon looks the same height as chase. Surprised a picture has never popped up of that because it's a really cool view that shows how much location skews perspective.

Panoramic view from the future Outdoor Rooftop Bar & Lounge

I thought initially the rooftop terrace was going to be just for private events. Have they changed this to a public Bar and Lounge?

I thought initially the rooftop terrace was going to be just for private events. Have they changed this to a public Bar and Lounge?

I still think it's part of the meeting rooms.

They already have a large hotel bar on the east end, on both the 1st and 2nd levels.

Pete, can you post another picture from the taller viewpoint? Has the parking garage progressed at all?

Pete, can you post another picture from the taller viewpoint? Has the parking garage progressed at all?

When I drove by there this past weekend, there was no additional work done on the parking structure. It's Wednesday now though so who knows.

When I drove by there this past weekend, there was no additional work done on the parking structure. It's Wednesday now though so who knows.

I hadn't been by in awhile. The size of this project blew me away and the pictures just don't seem to show that, you have to see it. Impressive!

Such a slow project. But I am sure it will all be worth it.

It has been crazy slow.

I know there was some issue getting concrete but beyond that every step has been eternal.

And contrast that to HGI/Homewood Suites. It's fascinating. The HGI/Homewood Suites is being done by Flintco, I believe, and they are very experienced in that level of construction and detail. They may have more money to throw up front too to help speed up construction.

It's been almost exactly 2 years since the original building permit was issued and they are nowhere close to being finished.

The entire Devon Energy complex was finished in 2.5 years.

It's been almost exactly 2 years since the original building permit was issued and they are nowhere close to being finished.

The entire Devon Energy complex was finished in 2.5 years.

That's just incredible. Devon was a magnificent project in every way.

It has been crazy slow.

I know there was some issue getting concrete but beyond that every step has been eternal.

Did they have the same contractor as Whole Foods? LOL

On their facebook they say they are planning for fall 2013, but it doesn't seem like they are on pace for that at all.

They were originally to be open by Spring of 2013, as I had considered their upstairs meeting rooms for a summer class reunion.

We decided to go with the 50th floor of Devon Tower instead, and obviously that was the right choice.

They are nowhere close to being done with this project and although I'm sure they want to open this year, that is even starting to look unlikely.

And contrast that to HGI/Homewood Suites. It's fascinating. The HGI/Homewood Suites is being done by Flintco, I believe, and they are very experienced in that level of construction and detail. They may have more money to throw up front too to help speed up construction.

Flintco built the Devon Tower (with Holder) as well as Chesapeake Arena, OU Children's Hospital, the stadiums at OU & OSU, the BOK Center in Tulsa, among other large projects both in Oklahoma and adjacent states. They can build a Homewood Suites (or Aloft) in their sleep. :)

It's not as if the owner is inexperienced in the building of hotels. The construction materials are different from the Hilton and its definitely a more unique building, from an architectural standpoint. But if they were originally planning to be open this spring, every day they're not is costing them big bucks.

There is quite a bit of difference between the Aloft and pretty much all other hotels in OKC. First, most hotels are stick built (wood, maybe metal studs) which can go up quickly. Aloft is reinforced concrete, and not only that, the floor plans aren't similar. At the Devon tower they were able to do a floor every few days because it was the same for 40ish floors. It was break down forms and move to next floor with the same ones. Aloft has an irregular design which definitely took some time to form and pour.

Whether it will take a little longer is not much concern to me. Im just happy that someone is making a good investment and building a robust, longlasting hotel. Not the same for most Homewood Suites.

Im just happy that someone is making a good investment and building a robust, longlasting hotel. Not the same for most Homewood Suites.

Me too. I'll always wait for quality.

Quality aside -- and I agree this is a very nice project -- they are still going to miss their own stated finish date by about a year.

I hope it doesn't lead to financial problems for the owners.

Quality aside -- and I agree this is a very nice project -- they are still going to miss their own stated finish date by about a year.

I hope it doesn't lead to financial problems for the owners.

This is true, but I have a feeling it will be a popular spot, even for people not staying there. They could probably even flip it if they get into cash trouble. I guess the bright side is that money is still cheap, if you can get it.

From today, thanks to metro.

Aloft has some stucco on the west side and the Hilton Garden Inn is looking sharp on the East Bricktown skyline.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/aloft53113.jpg

Was able to shoot plenty of photos and video of the progress. I'll try to have it up soon.

Check this out on Downtown OKC's Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.551455488226170.1073741830.138937816144608&type=1

Thanks Will!

This shows they still have a lot of work to do on southern part of the property and the parking structure:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/r270/419083_551456278226091_945326002_n.jpg



View south from top-floor meeting room:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/601788_551456168226102_1291476564_n.jpg



Rooftop Terrace (faces west towards downtown):

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/944785_551456134892772_1244199654_n.jpg



View from suite; will be similar for Rooftop Terrace space:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/r270/934099_551456101559442_1614245965_n.jpg

Wow! Great set of photos.



Aloft Hotel is opening soon in Deep Deuce. We got a sneak peek of the space.


Well, judging by the interior shots, not REAL SOON.

I will try my best to have Monday's stuff up today after work.

I like these as well:

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/983702_551456114892774_1432156785_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/580467_551456264892759_2098735887_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/943564_551456244892761_1656374934_n.jpg

Yes, they still have a ton of work to do... Haven't even completely closed the structure.

I'm starting to think we are going to have to wait until sometime in 2014.


Still, this project will be a game-changer. Will have multiple bars and restaurants and I predict it will be a big hit as a local hang-out place.

Yes, they still have a ton of work to do... Haven't even completely closed the structure.

I'm starting to think we are going to have to wait until sometime in 2014.


Still, this project will be a game-changer. Will have multiple bars and restaurants and I predict it will be a big hit as a local hang-out place.

It's a knockout. I'm already thinking about booking a room once they're open just to check the place out.

Wow, I am in LOVE with the view of Mid-town and A-Alley over the top of LEVEL.

Yeah...the gentleman that answers all questions on Alofts Facebook page says they're opening this fall. I call BS.

My god, they have still have so much work left to do. What is taking them so long?

Aloft Hotel (June 03 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157633957375337/)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/8963694375_f2cc933444_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/8963569875_924ce2fab3_b.jpg

My god, they have still have so much work left to do. What is taking them so long?

You can't rush perfection??? (I hope)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/8963569875_924ce2fab3_b.jpg[/QUOTE]

Dang.. this building is impressive, even in its current unfinished state.

It's going to be a jewel.

Oh man! This place is going to be awesome! Thanks for posting the photo set, Will.

Stellar photos Will! I found myself looking at other details in the photos besides the Aloft. ;-)

Great photo set, Will! Thanks so much for this.

My goodness... you can already see how nice the final building is going to look.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8963681395_dfe50cfcb3_b_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/8963665171_cc17c27319_b_d.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8964840186_9aec8278ff_b_d.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3711/8964806392_8383f96d1d_b_d.jpg


It's more massive than I was originally thinking. It really redefines the whole area

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/8964767234_b31a697b43_b_d.jpg

Stellar photos Will! I found myself looking at other details in the photos besides the Aloft. ;-)

Yep, there's some great shots of the LEVEL too. Like these:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/8964916468_895fbdb52d_b_d.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3690/8964906564_0798403098_b_d.jpg

I'm still kind of giddy looking at these great photos that Will has posted. Just awesome.

Now someone like Sid, for example, probably just feels like "ho-hum, whatever... I see this every day". But when you don't see the daily progress and then all of a sudden get a great close up look... it's exciting.

No, I am giddy every day. That view of the Aloft from Skinny's is one of my favorites. That hotel is creating a landmark wall of great design facing Bricktown and is something Deep Deuce should be proud of.

I can't say enough good things about Native Roots too. I run into people all the time looking to move into the neighborhood and I have to try hard not to gush with enthusiasm for all the stuff that's happening and scare them off! :)

That's funny. Thanks.

Good to know I'm not the only one who gets ridiculously charged up about all this stuff.

"That hotel is creating a landmark wall of great design facing Bricktown"

Yes, I would agree.

Hopefully the parking garage doesn't hinder the cool way it looks sitting on that hill over BT.

The parking structure is only two levels, so it shouldn't be very visible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fpDi0OpkXU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fpDi0OpkXU

Superb video, Will, one of your best. Your presentation of different perspectives not only covered Aloft excellently, it also gave pause to see how far Bricktown and Deep Deuce have come in a relatively short period of time. Thanks a bunch!

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/8964080678_e49c79302e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77483833@N04/8964080678/)
Aloft Hotel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77483833@N04/8964080678/) by lazio85 (http://www.flickr.com/people/77483833@N04/), on Flickr

Oh sure... now everyone wants to take a pic of the Aloft, now that it's the "in" thing to do... :wink:

Thanks Lazio!

Thanks for the video Will.

As Doug said, it does a great job of visually connecting all the elements of DD and Bricktown -- especially the new developments. That whole area is just sparking.

Question for structural engineers: it appears that the Aloft is a fortified bunker. Would it make a safe refuge for Deep Deuce residents in the event of a large tornado?

Steve said he expects Aloft to at least be partially done by Fall.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/8964080678_e49c79302e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77483833@N04/8964080678/)
Aloft Hotel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/77483833@N04/8964080678/) by lazio85 (http://www.flickr.com/people/77483833@N04/), on Flickr

Incredible photograph. AWESOME to see :D

Question for structural engineers: it appears that the Aloft is a fortified bunker. Would it make a safe refuge for Deep Deuce residents in the event of a large tornado?

You'd be much better off in Aloft during a tornado than the stick built apartments that surround it. At the very least you'd want to be in levels parking garage or in an apt on the NE side of the parking garage. Basically reinforced concrete structures are good at holding up to high wind speeds.

Also, just judging by the pictures, it looks like they should be able to be open in the fall sometime. Most of the remaining work is interior stuff so it shouldn't take all tha long.

Thanks Praedura, but I have quite the historical perspective of the downtown development captured in my pictures on Flickr ... check out the progress there. I appreciate it Spartan, please let me know if I can get pictures of anything else downtown. Also, in the right upper quarter of the picture you can see the lots in previous discussions regarding the development next to The Hill.

Some of these latest pictures and Will's video help with perspective on the size of this project, but only helps. Really you have to actually see it up-close and personal to realize just how big a beast of a building this is. Beautiful.

Thanks Praedura, but I have quite the historical perspective of the downtown development captured in my pictures on Flickr ... check out the progress there. I appreciate it Spartan, please let me know if I can get pictures of anything else downtown. Also, in the right upper quarter of the picture you can see the lots in previous discussions regarding the development next to The Hill.

Always love to see your photos of the SandRidge developments.

The areas surrounding the tower and Braniff Building should be close to finished now.

In fact, Braniff should soon be ready for occupancy.

Always love to see your photos of the SandRidge developments.

The areas surrounding the tower and Braniff Building should be close to finished now.

In fact, Braniff should soon be ready for occupancy.

Any word on potential tenants for the Braniff building?

Forgot about Aloft. This is from the West side.

Aloft Hotel (June 10 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634064751277/)

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8411/9012863921_22a6254096_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2884/9014039272_6d215d9f1f_b.jpg

Restaurant space still available? Hmmmm. Too bad Louie's is on Walker...I think something like that would be a good fit in this space.

restaurant space still available? Hmmmm. Too bad louie's is on walker...i think something like that would be a good fit in this space.

noooooooo!!!!!!!!!

noooooooo!!!!!!!!!

It works well in Midtown. If it were not present in Midtown, why would you not want a Louie's in this location? Is it too suburban for you? How about a Whiskey & Rye? Or is that strictly an Omni brand?