And the all the critics who have the "style" (self proclaimed, that is) are the ones without the money to do something significant. Makes you wonder that maybe the issue isn't "style" but rather the ability to make good investment decisions. It is easy to criticize other's lack of "style" but hard to spend your own money.

Then explain why stylish architecture exist at all. Somewhere in the world money and style exist together - just not in OKC for the most part. My guess is that it is based in the orgins of money in OKC - oil and government. Neither is known for style. The Gaylords have style and money, but they didn't build much in OKC.

At least that windowless section will be brick.

Dowell is merely matching what is on the other three facades, which makes sense.

I share Spartan's aspiration for downtown and his interest in design excellence, urban planning and preservation. But there is some context with this property that I think is important with this discussion. http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2011/11/13/dowell-center-a-glass-half-full-or-half-empty/

As discussed in this March 2007 blog post (http://dougdawg.blogspot.com/2007/03/petroleum-petroleum-club-buildings.html), today's Dowell Center was originally the Petroleum Building, circa 1926-1927, and, at that time at 18 stories, it was the city's tallest building:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/dowellcenter/petrobuilding1926s.jpg

Of course, that status would not last for long after the "Great Race" with its new 1931 neighbors to its south on Robinson ...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/dowellcenter/petrobuilding03_1931.jpg

It had a serious fire in 1947:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/dowellcenter/petrobuilding01m.jpg

The present day reshaping occurred in 1957 after its acquisition by Kerr-McGee and it has remained the same since that time.

About Dowell's plan to change the east wall of this building, Nick (Spartan) says,




The Dowell Center is perhaps the 2nd ugliest building downtown, behind the AT&T...thing. It does not need to ever be a bright color. It needs to be reclad totally.
I disagree with both of Nick's premises. The AT&T building is pretty magnificent, in my view.

http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/vintage/1920s.swbell.jpg

But, if we're voting on the ugliest downtown buildings, my 1st place vote would have to go to the Southwestern Bell building built in 1957, now Oklahoma DEQ ...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/miscbuildings/deq.jpg

Nick and others also opine about what the Dowell Center COULD be like, but that's rather like reinventing history. History is what it is and at least Dowell's proposal is consistent with the building's present configuration, to make its east side look like its other three sides. I find no foul with that proposition or proposal ... sure, it might be nice for Dowell (or someone else who might purchase the property, like Nick and/or Just The Facts ... a possible joint venture) to redo the building totally and spend a ****load of money doing so.

http://visualphotos.com/photo/2x2473753/tall_glass_elevator_shaft_fog020545.jpg

But that proposition is has no match in reality in any sense of the word, does it? On the other hand, perhaps I'm mistaken in giving no thought to a possible purchase of this property by Nick and JTF. I've been wrong before. Perhaps one or both are standing ready to purchase this property and bring forth their wondrous plans. Not.

Rick Dowell's proposal is not at all bad since the proposed changes are totally consistent with the building's present-day presentation, and there ain't no way that anyone (Dowell or anyone else) is about to revert the building to its original 1926-27 configuration, which, of course, would require undoing the changes made by Kerr-McGee in 1957.

Consider this: Dowell has done downtown a favor by clearing up title to the building, removing the asbestos, and getting the building back online. Dowell is now in his 60s and has no kids. So it's very feasible that in 20 years or so this building might sell to new owners (maybe one named Nick Roberts) who will still be able to embark upon the sort of vision Nick has.
While we're on the "ugly building" topic - who's interested in me posting a poll on the topic?

Just a guess on my part, but I think Spartan was referring to the windowless comm monolith.

To be fair, Nick has spent alot of time in Calgary and I would guess spending alot of time there would make most of us wish we had better developments!Calgary has about the same metro population as OKC but is GIANT in architecture and urbanism,I think Nick just want's way more for OKC and gets bummed out alot from what is developed here!

Having met Nick, he's very passionate about OKC and is constantly advocating for its' betterment.

So unless I am willing to buy the building I should just shut up. Sorry I said it would be nice if he could open up the elevator core instead of just having a large blank wall towering above the new amenities building. I guess I should just be happy with whetever we can get, no matter how bland it is. After all, beggers can't be choosers.

Nope, not saying that at all. I'm just adding some context to the conversation.

Nope, not saying that at all. I'm just adding some context to the conversation.

Sorry Steve, that comment wasn't directed at you.


But that proposition is has no match in reality in any sense of the word, does it? On the other hand, perhaps I'm mistaken in giving no thought to a possible purchase of this property by Nick and JTF. I've been wrong before. Perhaps one or both are standing ready to purchase this property and bring forth their wondrous plans. Not.



Also, can anyone show me the large blank sections on the other three walls? I mean, if he is going to make the walls match shouldn't they at least match?

We're cool. I'm in the middle here... again, if I had the money and I owned that building, I'd have all sorts of fun with it. Yes, I'd do something like what Nick showed. And I'd turn it into apartments with a cool restaurant and bookstore on the ground floor.

Then explain why stylish architecture exist at all. Somewhere in the world money and style exist together - just not in OKC for the most part. My guess is that it is based in the orgins of money in OKC - oil and government. Neither is known for style. The Gaylords have style and money, but they didn't build much in OKC.

Kerry, keep in mind who we're talking about here. Rick Dowell. His sense of style isn't exactly typical even for OKC. I know he doesn't skimp on aesthetic, he just has a REALLY weird sense of style. In my opinion some of the stuff he's painstakingly done has been awesome. This is just one of those examples that you have to divorce from the person and impartially critique, and in that way, I hate this.

But I don't hate this as much as I hate SandRidge's demolitions or House of Bedlam or other BAD projects. This isn't a bad project, I just don't personally care for this facade. I just wanted to clarify.

As discussed in this March 2007 blog post (http://dougdawg.blogspot.com/2007/03/petroleum-petroleum-club-buildings.html), today's Dowell Center was originally the Petroleum Building, circa 1926-1927, and, at that time at 18 stories, it was the city's tallest building:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/dowellcenter/petrobuilding1926s.jpg

Of course, that status would not last for long after the "Great Race" with its new 1931 neighbors to its south on Robinson ...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/dowellcenter/petrobuilding03_1931.jpg

It had a serious fire in 1947:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/dowellcenter/petrobuilding01m.jpg

The present day reshaping occurred in 1957 after its acquisition by Kerr-McGee and it has remained the same since that time.

About Dowell's plan to change the east wall of this building, Nick (Spartan) says,




The Dowell Center is perhaps the 2nd ugliest building downtown, behind the AT&T...thing. It does not need to ever be a bright color. It needs to be reclad totally.
I disagree with both of Nick's premises. The AT&T building is pretty magnificent, in my view.

http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/vintage/1920s.swbell.jpg

But, if we're voting on the ugliest downtown buildings, my 1st place vote would have to go to the Southwestern Bell building built in 1957, now Oklahoma DEQ ...

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/miscbuildings/deq.jpg

Nick and others also opine about what the Dowell Center COULD be like, but that's rather like reinventing history. History is what it is and at least Dowell's proposal is consistent with the building's present configuration, to make its east side look like its other three sides. I find no foul with that proposition or proposal ... sure, it might be nice for Dowell (or someone else who might purchase the property, like Nick and/or Just The Facts ... a possible joint venture) to redo the building totally and spend a ****load of money doing so.

http://visualphotos.com/photo/2x2473753/tall_glass_elevator_shaft_fog020545.jpg

But that proposition is has no match in reality in any sense of the word, does it? On the other hand, perhaps I'm mistaken in giving no thought to a possible purchase of this property by Nick and JTF. I've been wrong before. Perhaps one or both are standing ready to purchase this property and bring forth their wondrous plans. Not.

Rick Dowell's proposal is not at all bad since the proposed changes are totally consistent with the building's present-day presentation, and there ain't no way that anyone (Dowell or anyone else) is about to revert the building to its original 1926-27 configuration, which, of course, would require undoing the changes made by Kerr-McGee in 1957.

Doug, you've been a development critic before. I'm not criticizing your logic or your points, because you're right I don't have that kind of money, but you didn't purchase the India Temple, either. I expect that you also live comfortably, and beyond that I don't know what your means are, but I don't imagine that you could have financially competed with SANDRIDGE either.

However, I was referring to this as downtown's ugliest behemoth:
http://s51.radikal.ru/i134/1004/64/c6825c2d8e5c.jpg

I called it the "thing" to differentiate from the historic tower next door. The Dowell Center is also a demonstrably ugly building in its present state. You're right, it's better that some facade be added to the east side rather than practically no facade other than a blank edifice. I don't know the structural state of the Dowell Center, but I would make an educated guess that it is probably a structural necessity anyway. So basically what we are seeing is the bare minimum being done to maintain the structural integrity of the Dowell Center.

Personally, I'd rather it just fall down. If we can hemorrhage wonderful old buildings like the KerMac and the India Temple (Dowell's new facade is not as removable as IT's was), then at this point I guess we can lose eyesores like Dowell and the thing.

Spartan, what's your opinion of the following Dowell properties?
- The old Bob Moore Cadillac Building
- The old Fred Jones Body Shop building
- The old Fred Jones Lincoln dealership
- His new two-story building next to Legacy
- The old shopping center strip also known as the old OG&E storage building
- The little gas station
- The motel turned offices
- Dowell Center (which I think I know)

To be fair, Nick has spent alot of time in Calgary and I would guess spending alot of time there would make most of us wish we had better developments!Calgary has about the same metro population as OKC but is GIANT in architecture and urbanism,I think Nick just want's way more for OKC and gets bummed out alot from what is developed here!


Having met Nick, he's very passionate about OKC and is constantly advocating for its' betterment.

Thanks, Steve. This is correct, sometimes I do get a little bummed out. It's hard for me to sometimes avoid posts that come off as a little sarcastic or annoyed. Not to be condescending, but I do regard OKC as a place that is 10 years behind the times, and I regard Calgary as a place that is 10 years ahead of the times--so do the math, that's 20 years. That's a huge difference. Maybe I need a closet full of astronaut suits in Calgary, and a closet full of parachute pants in OKC.

Spartan, what's your opinion of the following Dowell properties?
- The old Bob Moore Cadillac Building
- The old Fred Jones Body Shop building
- The old Fred Jones Lincoln dealership
- His new two-story building next to Legacy
- The old shopping center strip also known as the old OG&E storage building
- The little gas station
- The motel turned offices
- Dowell Center (which I think I know)

I think his stuff is fantastic. I like almost everything he has done along Walker. I like the building he doing right now and may someday complete on the edge of SoSA. I don't think much of his project in Norman, I've had some friends who have considered him a slum landlord for his apartment complex there.

I don't really like the motel though. I do actually like the 50s-style beige building across the street, though, whichever that is.

I'm not very familiar with Dowell's Norman properties. Here's how I would grade his downtown OKC work:
- The old Bob Moore Cadillac Building - B (would rank higher if he engaged the wide sidewalk, which he may someday still do)
- The old Fred Jones Body Shop building - B+
- The old Fred Jones Lincoln dealership - C-
- His new two-story building next to Legacy - B-
- The old shopping center strip also known as the old OG&E storage building - A
- The little gas station - A+
- The motel turned offices - B+ (give him credit for taking an old flop motel and adapting it into outlet offices for law firms, etc.)
- Dowell Center (which I think I know) - too soon to say yet

But, if we're voting on the ugliest downtown buildings, my 1st place vote would have to go to the Southwestern Bell building built in 1957, now Oklahoma DEQ ...

There are far uglier buildings downtown in my opinion. What about Santa Fe Plaza, or the Veolia Energy cogeneration plant across the street? One of the city's ugliest corners in my opinion.
One thing to keep in mind about Rick Dowell, he once told me that just about every development project he's done is self-financed, which is pretty amazing I think.

Yep, that's right.

I'm not very familiar with Dowell's Norman properties. Here's how I would grade his downtown OKC work:
- The old Bob Moore Cadillac Building - B (would rank higher if he engaged the wide sidewalk, which he may someday still do)
- The old Fred Jones Body Shop building - B+
- The old Fred Jones Lincoln dealership - C-
- His new two-story building next to Legacy - B-
- The old shopping center strip also known as the old OG&E storage building - A
- The little gas station - A+
- The motel turned offices - B+ (give him credit for taking an old flop motel and adapting it into outlet offices for law firms, etc.)
- Dowell Center (which I think I know) - too soon to say yet

You know, that sidewalk in front of the Cadillac Bldg is almost a wind-swept plaza. It seems like often the problem is not enough sidewalk, but I see this sidewalk as a real opportunity going forward. However I know that Dowell isn't going to attract the kind of tenants that would utilize that. Maybe that will change, but it would be a great building for retail, restaurant, ideally maybe a bookstore/cafe type thing (Walker NEEDS a streetcar branch for crying out loud). But he's not too wild on the whole "arts district" idear.

I'll go ahead and go through some of these like you did. One of the things about Dowell is I'm just not that familiar with the BEFORE of his work in most cases, for instance I don't really know which Fred Jones bldg is which. I know he has done a LOT of historic alteration as well, often recladding entire buildings that didn't need to be reclad. A rule of thumb is that his projects don't make any sense but often turn out pretty decent.

I just don't see how this Dowell Center project can turn out well though. That facade is hideous and always will be hideous. I hate the window rows, I hate the sheet paneling that the windows are shrouded in, I hate the brick strips (I didn't even realize it was brick until Pete pointed that out), and so on. I read your latest blog post though, and I would have expected the walls to be covered in that ugly dark brown wainscoting crap that the 60s wants back, and NOT travertine marble. I think the building could be turned into a great Park Harvey-style apartment project if all these things were changed and the supposed strengths of this building were brought to the forefront.

But here's the thing: Dowell claims his "midtown" downtown properties are mixed-use, but they're not. He hasn't attempted any "real" mixed-use downtown. Where's the retail? Where's the restaurants? Where's the residential? No R's, just different types of office. Law office. Medical office. Business office. His office. And so on. I know I'm making a blanket categorization which is never 100% true, but still. Office is just his strength, he works a lot with his tenants, and maybe some of his projects could be considered flex space? I think that comes from his economist background, and finding out what the need is with small businesses.

http://www.dowellproperties.com/400-1.jpg
I think the Cadillac Building is A-. I really liked how the top floor addition was cascaded, yet matched the original design. Almost a relief to see a Dowell addition to a historic building not look strange. This project is bigger than I realized too, apparently 70,000 sf with 150 on-site parking spaces? This photo is weird because I can tell it's scrunched, making the sidewalk look even wider than it is (and the skyscrapers behind it look really blunt/squatty more so than usual).

http://www.dowellproperties.com/midtown%20435%20button.jpg
This one is weird to me, but I like it. Ideally the building layout would be inverted to hug the street corner, and it's a nice building. I like the beige brick that reminds me of the CU campus. I think he should have put the parking in the back of the building. B-

http://www.dowellproperties.com/midtown%20437%20button.jpg
I'll give him props for keeping this building that most people wouldn't see value in it. We're really going to appreciate this mid-century architecture a lot more here in a few years. BUT I think that Chip Fudge took a nearly identical building, the Hart Bldg, and did a much classier renovation. This is bland. This is classic Dowell. It needs more ornamentation, but not a big clock tower. This is also a more attractive building from 6th than from Walker. B-

http://www.dowellproperties.com/midtown%20500%20%20button.jpg
Pretty simple renovation here. I actually like the clock. The parking around it is odd though, because it's almost like he intended for this to be the "town square" of his little "midtown plaza." A-, just because of the parking around the clock tower. It's not bad parking though, at least it's well-landscaped.

http://www.dowellproperties.com/midtown%20520%20button.jpg
Gas station gets an A+. This had to be a fun little renovation.

http://www.dowellproperties.com/midtown%20501%20button.jpg
The old Lincoln dealership is a beaut. I think this is the crown piece of this intersection, afterall, this is where he put his offices. I'm not sure why your grade was a lot lower, but I understand he did some significant alterations? I think it would look a lot better with the white cornice and columns against red brick (I imagine that was the original color?) but it's nice as it is. A

http://www.dowellproperties.com/midtown%20601%20button.jpg
Not a fan, but it's not hideous. I imagine it was a huge improvement, but still not a fan. C

http://www.dowellproperties.com/midtown%20535%20button.jpg
I kinda like what he's doing here. The new facade on this building (this is the one on the edge of SoSA that he's been working on forever) is alright, but I like the red brick better. To each their own, and this is one of those instances where you DO absolutely defer taste-wise to the guy with the money, obviously. This looks just as ridiculous as the next building though because of how obvious the new edifice is. Eh, B-/B.

http://www.dowellproperties.com/midtown%20414%20button.jpg
This building's front facade looks ridiculous. I never really notice it because 4th E/W just isn't an important corridor, but it's going to get a lot more noticeable if the streetcar goes through there. The rounded off windows look stupid, and I hate those. You can really tell how much better the old facade. Still, the building is standing, it is well-renovated, sturdy, still looks historic, blends well with his other properties, and is just as well-landscaped. For those things alone I will give him a B-.

http://cbk2.google.com/cbk?output=thumbnail&cb_client=maps_sv&thumb=2&thumbfov=120&ll=35.472277,-97.521261&cbll=35.472317,-97.521279&thumbpegman=1&w=300&h=118
Again, no doubt he's done good work in the past. Balking at one project of his isn't an indictment of everything he's done or even personally-intended. I really liked this pic from Google. If there was a historic building that had to come into the possession of Rick Dowell, Nick Preftakes (right now), or Chris Johnson--I would hope for it to belong to Dowell, because at least it will be predictable. With Preftakes, we won't know and he'll hold his cards too close to his chest. Johnson or many others would be would be a disaster.

Where exactly is that building by SoSA (cross streets)?

http://www.panteraplace.com/Pantera%20Pics/fred%20jones.JPG
501 N Walker before it was renovated by Dowell. Something I've long wanted to do is to show a photo of a similar style and vintage Lincoln or Ford dealership I once saw in Fort Worth (Googie architecture on both?) that was restored instead of being stripped down and re-imagined as Dowell did on this property. Unfortunately, after driving by the property several years back, I've not been able to figure out what it is I saw. Architects, Fort Worth folks, can you help out on this?

http://www.panteraplace.com/Pantera%20Pics/fred%20jones.JPG

Wow! Had no idea it used to look like that. I assumed the European look was original.

Oh wow. Surprise!

It was a great mid-century building that was (in my opinion) completely ruined by the remodel. It's nice that he wanted a high finish and all, but that was a clear-cut case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," which should have not passed design review.

I also take issue with the removal of the great casement windows in the old Cadillac dealership. If you want to see how much better the retention of authentic casements makes a similar building look, check out the Midtown Renaissance projects like 1101 N. Broadway (http://midtownr.com/ViewProperty.aspx?id=21) building done by the Midtown Renaissance people. The photo on that flyer shows the old windows, before restoration. If you drive by now you can see the carefully re-glazed casements, which are fantastic and create a historic, urban feel that can't be matched by large tinted panes clear of mullions. There are other examples of restored casements downtown, and those rehabs are dramatically superior to those where the windows were "modernized."

Rick has also done some other, more tasteful remodels of historic buildings, but those buildings - especially the old F-J Lincoln Mercury dealership - pain me when I drive by.

Incidentally, until that Lincoln-Merc point was moved to the (now defunct) Ford dealership property south of the MBG, it was the oldest continuously-operating Lincoln dealership in the U.S., in that location. Those Fred Jones dealerships had some incredible history attached.

Totally agree about the windows!

You know, this has turned into a really fascinating thread for me, personally. I consider myself to have a pretty good memory of downtown projects in the post-MAPS era, but this was totally new to me. We all need to be reminded how much we don't know on a regular basis. There was a lot of development 1980-2000 that we just don't realize because we've had this "There was no development during this period!" version of things pounded into our heads.

Another building with some incredible authentic casements is the old F-J plant on Classen. I hope that building some day gets renovated and finds a higher use, the right way.

I am more and more shocked that he didn't put a new facade on his office building at 6th and Walker, the big beige building on the NE corner. OR that he's not putting a new facade on the Dowell Center.

Where exactly is that building by SoSA (cross streets)?

5th and Dewey (NE corner). It was an old apt building at one time. Destined to be more office space per Dowell unless he builds a apt building next door. In that case, it would be part of that complex if that happens as residential. Also, he is planning on adding a pitched tile roof like some of the other buildings.

Thanks UP, it would be great if he would develop just one housing project and/or retail space.

big over reach by city staff a change from brick to EIFS with out discussion

6. DTCA-11-00092, at 250 N Robinson Ave (DBD), by Pierre Derenoncourt for Midland Center LP for revision to original Certificate of Approval to install EIFS in place of originally approved brick veneer on upper levels of the east elevation; and modify the proposed work to reflect only floors 13 to 18 at east elevation.
7. DTCA-11-00092, at 250 N Robinson Ave (DBD), by Pierre Derenoncourt for Midland Center LP, for second revision to original Certificate of Approval to delete previously approved window systems in upper levels of east elevation; install metal panel systems in lieu of windows in same configuration and location at rear elevation.

this is an overreach by city staff IMHO

this is from the latest downtown design review agenda for feb 16th .. section 8 Administrative Approval Report

ROFLMAO - "install metal panel systems in lieu of windows "

It's so nice to see people that have nothing to do with these projects putting their "grades" on them. Especially since those same people aren't putting a dime into doing any projects to restore anything downtown. I was worried that someone might do something without getting the all important stamp of approval.

NOT

Can someone translate the changes in layman's terms?

Can someone translate the changes in layman's terms?
Yes please...

It sounds to me as though perhaps putting windows in on the east side of that building might have been more complicated than they thought. Did the east side ever have functional windows historically?

While Rick would never do it, it would be a great opportunity to do a cool mural or modern facade/cladding. I'll bet if Rogers Marvel knew about it, they would probably have an opinion.

Someone that knows all this lingo should shoot RM an email. Jeff you up for it?

the windows change doesn't bother me .. however the change from brick to EIFS is a huge one .. and IMHO should not just be rubber stamped by city staff

Someone that knows all this lingo should shoot RM an email. Jeff you up for it?

I can't get involved in that. Rick is a client and a friend. Just expressing my candid opinion on the aesthetics of it. Just pointing it out publicly in the event that Sandridge reads these threads and can help him "make it better".

Point well taken. I still then a well executed letter would bode well to our Sandridge PR contact and to Rogers Marvel. Craft the letter and I'll sign off on it. You understand the lingo of the biz better than I.

I'm not sure why these changes were made but about two months ago Dowell submitted a design that showed brick on the east facade; this would be uncovered as the old Globe Life building was demolished by SandRidge. Wherein that entire side of the building had been blocked, it would now be exposed from the 13th floor up.

Brick is used on the three other sides. The original design also showed windows being added in the same pattern as the other sides of the building; now he's going to put up metal panels that look similar instead:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/dowell1.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/dowell2.jpg

NO windows on the east side? They already cut holes for windows!!

NO windows on the east side? They already cut holes for windows!!

They want to put metal panels where the windows were supposed to go.

Then why cut the holes in the first place?

They must have run into some issues while working on that facade.

However, I don't know why that would necessitate the switch from brick to EIFS.

Then why cut the holes in the first place?

If I had to make a wild guess - Dowell thinks Sandridge should pay for the windows (or a portion of the cost - which probably came in over budget) since their construction is responsible for the situation and Sandridge doesn't want to pay. The solution - put up sheets of metal facing the new Sandridge campus.

FYI - I totally made up that scenario with no proof or anything. I am just offereing it up as one of many possible explinations.

Is it metal panels between windows or covering the windows? In the drawing it looks like there are still windows, but above/below them will be metal panels instead of some type of brick or other solid. Looks like windows aren't floor to ceiling, rather just mid-wall and up.

Rover, in a separate application (which is now not available on-line) it said:


delete previously approved window systems in upper levels of east elevation; install metal panel systems in lieu of windows in same configuration and location at rear elevation.

I thought the posting at the top was current and showed both windows and panels. I thought that since it also shows EIFS, which I thought was a change from brick. So, I guess the original was a combination of windows with metal panel system and now you are saying it is totally metal panel and no glass at all.

Yes, I believe the original plan was to put in glass windows but now they are just going to have it all be metal panels that simulate the windows on the other three sides.

Yes, I believe they the original plan was to put in glass windows but now they are just going to have it all be metal panels that simulate the windows on the other three sides.

That reminds me of the Simpsons episode when the nuclear plant has a fire drill and the workers discover the emergency exits are only painted on.

Yes, I believe the original plan was to put in glass windows but now they are just going to have it all be metal panels that simulate the windows on the other three sides.

Is there any legal basis for denying their change? Sounds like a hokey and cheap work-around.

From today:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/dowell21712.jpg

See the window openings? Why even cut them??

See the window openings? Why even cut them??
It's not like they can't fill the hole. As its been said before, they probably encountered unforeseen issues and expenses once started and had to go to plan B.

Windows went in, I am not sure what all that metal panel stuff was all about. But on the East face, there are most certainly windows.

I think they cut windows into the top three levels then decided it was either too expensive or difficult for the rest of the floors, so the idea was to have panels that look like windows and not be able to tell the difference. Of course, it would be obvious in the dark.

OHH, so under the top 3 floors there will be the metal panels?

OHH, so under the top 3 floors there will be the metal panels?

I believe so. Photos from last week showed they had not cut any more window openings after the top three floors.

If I understand this correctly, that means floors 16-18 will have windows on the east side but 13-15 will just have solid panels that mimic the windows above.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6803825374_98473e9981_b.jpg

I forgot to post this ... talked to Dowell a couple weeks ago. Those are windows on the top floors. He reduced the number of floors where windows are being added because, he says, he's being told the SandRidge amenities building next door will be higher than first planned. I talked to Greg Dewey and he said he was unaware of any such change, says it's still planned to top out at 5 1/2 stories high... so not sure what to think.