MAPS 3 board to vote on approving $2.5 million to completely rebuild Hudson between SW 3rd (just south of the new boulevard) and SW 7th (Union Station).

I would assume the same will happen with Robinson on the east side of the park, but probably not until the convention center and hotel are well along or finished.

An updated timeline shows the first phase of the park will be out for bid in October.

I suspect the work in earnest would then start right after the first of the year.

What's the construction timeline for the park? It seems like it would be minimal (in comparison). Any chance it's open in fall 2017?

Taken today.

You can see much of Hudson along the west side of the park is completely torn up now.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/centralpark080416.jpg

Pete do you (or anyone else) know what the plan is for the numerous power lines that traverse the park? I imagine they will be unnecessary once the power substation is removed to make way for the convention center, right?

^

I believe that is correct and also true for the high power lines that currently run along Robinson to/from the substation.

Taken this morning, you can see they have demolished a lot of the interior streets now including Harvey that runs N/W right done the center.

And Hudson along the west boundary is completely torn up in advance of replacement.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/centralpark091016.jpg

boy that lot between Myriad and there needs to hurry up and do something

boy that lot between Myriad and there needs to hurry up and do something

They've said they are a ways out on that project. They're repaving a portion of it for parking I guess, but they might as well do the whole thing, as they'd easily make the money back from CHK events. At least if they're nice enough looking parking lots with no weeds growing out of the ground then it doesn't completely disrupt the flow in the area.

Also remember the area closest to the park is the Boulevard, so it should start taking shape pretty soon.

I don't think that section of the boulevard will be complete for about 2 years.

Seriously? I thought the Boulevard construction was to be wrapped up by 2018?

That's incredible if so. It's amazing how slowly some of these big projects move.

^

End of 2018 is still 2 years away.

I don't think they've even finalized the engineering for the section between EKG and the western terminus.

I agree. That lot is going to be a major eyesore if the park is completed and nothing has been done here.

It looks like they've started work on the street car maintenance facility in the SW corner.

boy that lot between Myriad and there needs to hurry up and do something

That whole area looks like a war zone. Construction timelines for the Blvd, convention center and park are ridiculous. build the damn things money is in place. Will look horrible in NBA Shots this year

Is that the Streetcar maintenance facility under construction in the top right of the photo?

^



I don't think they've even finalized the engineering for the section between EKG and the western terminus.

You sure about that? It was originally on the January ODOT letting before getting bumped, and I thought it finally did rebid (from Shields to maybe Walker)? I do know for sure it was on the letting schedule at one point. Not all the way to Western though.

That whole area looks like a war zone. Construction timelines for the Blvd, convention center and park are ridiculous. build the damn things money is in place. Will look horrible in NBA Shots this year

Good year to be less relevant I suppose :wink:

That whole area looks like a war zone. Construction timelines for the Blvd, convention center and park are ridiculous. build the damn things money is in place. Will look horrible in NBA Shots this year

That's the perils of progress!

Then there's the upside (2020), the finished product that will give our convention center complex & park free advertising throughout future national telecasts.

Yeah, it really looks like a war zone right now. We were down there driving around this past weekend and had a hard time finding a street that wasn't closed. It'll be interesting when it's all said and done to remember what it looks like today.

From this morning:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/unionpark101716.jpg

I walked down Hudson last week and it's really easy to forget when looking at these pics, but that park will be YUGE. This is going to be a great asset for downtown, IMO.

I walked down Hudson last week and it's really easy to forget when looking at these pics, but that park will be YUGE. This is going to be a great asset for downtown, IMO.

I think it's definitely one of those assets that we like to use the term "game changer" around here for. Having a massive public space like this will do so many wonders for the health of the city and will help promote living in downtown. It won't be long before OKC will start seeing some dense projects around this area.

The Gathering Place in Tulsa will also be a ridiculously superb public park that many around here think can hail in a new perception for the city.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to the park and that whole area being completely developed. I just can't grasp why the park is going to take so long to build. It's a park! It's not a huge skyscraper or something like that. The convention center will probably take less time to build than the park is. But I'm glad to see they've made progress in getting the area ready for actual construction to begin.

Lot of cleanup on that land, and there were some major utility relocations (30" waterline for example) in the area. I mean you can't plant good vegetation and what they want on top of old foundations and parking lots without some remediation.

I think it's definitely one of those assets that we like to use the term "game changer" around here for. Having a massive public space like this will do so many wonders for the health of the city and will help promote living in downtown. It won't be long before OKC will start seeing some dense projects around this area.

The Gathering Place in Tulsa will also be a ridiculously superb public park that many around here think can hail in a new perception for the city.

Have there been any plans for residential fronting the park?

Have there been any plans for residential fronting the park?

I'm not sure off the top of my head if anything has been seriously planned yet. The Strawberry Fields thread is a litte vague on details but I think that's one of the larger conceptual ideas floating around.

For me, the biggest thing will be connecting the CBD and downtown with the River.

Really no easy way to get from one to the other right now, apart from the far east end where the canal terminates.

Will really help connect the river and downtown in terms of recreation, especially biking.

The site does have a history of auto repair use which has contaminated the site. The City is working with DEQ and EPA on their remedial strategy but this project is absolutely, definitely being pushed forward on that front; it is just something that takes time since it will be a public space. Everyone involved wants to make sure that visitors will be safe.

The site does have a history of auto repair use which has contaminated the site. The City is working with DEQ and EPA on their remedial strategy but this project is absolutely, definitely being pushed forward on that front; it is just something that takes time since it will be a public space. Everyone involved wants to make sure that visitors will be safe.

Thanks for the info and welcome to the site!

O’Connor: Housing near downtown OKC park key to diversity

By: Cathy O'Connor Guest Columnist October 18, 2016

The Core to Shore development and MAPS 3 projects have great synergy – when we combine a park and convention center with carefully planned private development, Oklahoma City will have unique spaces that will set us apart from other cities. It’s an incredible opportunity and important that we get it right.

Oklahoma City is now positioned to collaborate with private development around the park to create a balanced mix of retail, green space, housing, commercial development and recreation. We have established six new tax increment financing districts in the Core to Shore area with distinct guidelines to create a particular emphasis in each area.

The area that intrigues me most is the west side of the 70-acre park, an area we expect to see the most residential development.

Without planning and thoughtful zoning and requirements, we could end up with only high-end housing around the signature park due to density and property values. That doesn’t support the variety we need for a vibrant downtown. We want rich diversity of people – families and singles, a spectrum of ages, diversity of income and interests. We also want developers with different visions and different styles of architecture.

The Alliance for Economic Development has worked with the city of Oklahoma City to set stricter development and density guidelines for developers requesting public incentives to perform at a higher level in the Core to Shore area. One option could be additional incentives to develop housing that is affordable for working families. We are looking at other tools that could lead to a range of housing options: reserved land, a housing trust fund to use public resources for diverse housing or inclusionary zoning to ensure that a percentage of residential units are set aside for households in certain income brackets.

Private developers have responded positively to our vision and are acquiring land for development in the area. We estimate there will be $2.5 billion to $5.5 billion in private investment in Core to Shore over the next 35 years.

It’s critical to get the development mix right, and the residential component is key. We are working to ensure that housing development in Core to Shore benefits a variety of people in Oklahoma City, creates the lifestyle that represents what people in our city want and need and leads to our continued growth and quality of life.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5610/30479346441_26a769f49c_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NrmBP8)
OKC Central Park (https://flic.kr/p/NrmBP8) by lazio85 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/77483833@N04/), on Flickr

Foundation to run 70-acre MAPS 3 park

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record November 10, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new nonprofit foundation will oversee the management and operations of the MAPS 3 park now under development in the southwest corner of downtown.

City Council members approved the creation of the foundation headed by local businessman Jim Tolbert this week. The $132 million park will be owned by the city and leased to the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust while the foundation uses the same key executives and administrative personnel as the Myriad Gardens Foundation for running it.

The park will require the same level of management, marketing and programming as the Myriad Gardens to reduce operational costs and increase the park’s value as a community and economic asset, Tolbert said. It is being built under the third Metropolitan Area Projects temporary tax issue, or MAPS 3, along with projects such as the new convention center, Oklahoma River improvements, walking trails and senior wellness centers. Tolbert said one of the first tasks will be deciding on a park name.

Due to the foundation’s close relationship with the operations of the Myriad Botanical Gardens, the group is also uniquely qualified to provide consulting services during the design and construction phases of the park, officials said. City Council members approved a $75,000 consultation fee.

Leslie Batchelor, an attorney with the Center for Economic Development Law, said the conservancy blueprint to engage public and private investment is similar to what’s used for Discovery Green in Houston, Texas, and Bryant Park in New York. Batchelor has been helping the Myriad Gardens Foundation craft a new legal structure to allow the two parks to be managed separately but still benefit from some synergistic savings and programming.

“The private entity won’t be as restricted as the city is in terms of being able to purchase refreshments to sell to park visitors or seek sponsorships,” she said. “By allowing a private charity to do that, they can be a little more entrepreneurial, a little more flexible.

“Surprisingly, there are ways that parks are made more public and more accessible through private management than the city could do on its own,” she said.

Myriad Gardens Foundation’s Maureen Heffernan said it doesn’t make sense for the two parks to compete for events and visitors, given their proximity to each other. The new park is generally bounded by S. Robinson Avenue, S. Hudson Avenue, SW Third Street and the river, just a few blocks away from the Myriad Gardens and its signature Crystal Bridge.

The section of the park north of I-40 is scheduled for completion in 2018, with the south section to be finished in 2021. The full park will be 70 acres, about five times the size of the Myriad Gardens. They will attract different events, Heffernan said.

Tolbert is owner of Full Circle Bookstore. He has served in executive positions in several public companies as well as being an investor and developer of Bricktown.

New article out by Steve about the future name of the park.
http://www.oklahoman.com/login?referer=/article/5527002?embargo_redirect=yes

Union Park is a great name.

Union Park is a great name.

It is and I believe it was hatched here.

I like both of those ideas from the article. Union Park would be a good choice, but Skydance Park has so much life to it and I think I prefer it of the two. Makes me think of being outdoors and active.

all my votes to "Union Park"

There is a stars and stripes park in north okc.
Maybe this more southern located park should be called the stars and bars park.


<ducks the onslaught of exploding brain matter>

I thought it was Union Commons that was hatched here?

Oh yeah... you are correct

I like the ode to Union Station. Afterall, it was there first. They can call the the connecting path Skydance Pathway.

It is and I believe it was hatched here.

I am here to take all the credit. :)

I like both of those ideas from the article. Union Park would be a good choice, but Skydance Park has so much life to it and I think I prefer it of the two. Makes me think of being outdoors and active.

I like Skydance Park as well.

Union Park! Better sounding imho, plus Skydance Park sounds a little hokey to me

The Union Commons at Oklahoma City Park brought to you by the Skydance Bridge.:chef:

Skydance park is far more unique and memorable.
I've noticed that many posters on here when it comes to discussions similar to these, they want the safe and common sounding name. I can only assume this it to try and replicate what larger cities have. But "Skydance Park" that's connected to the South by a bridge called the same resembling a scissor tail fly catcher is what is truly unique and what will make people remember why its named what it is.

"Union Park" sounds like something in NYC or Chicago.
We shouldn't be afraid to try something different and be bold.

Then again, to some maybe Skydance park sounds clunky.

Union park and having the union station building there also ties together the same way Skydance Park and the Bridge connect. I like Union park as its simple and I think a park name should be uncomplicated. Skydance bridge will still be the connection between north and south and its name more purposeful. I like the name skydance because it has a native American feel and is perfect for the bridge.

Personally, I'd be in favor of the upper park being Union Park and the lower park being Skydance Park.

Though I'm with Geographer, The Union Commons at Oklahoma City Park on the OKC Boulevard brought to you by the Skydance Bridge presented by Devon Energy™ does have a certain ring to it... :Smiley199

Personally, I'd be in favor of the upper park being Union Park and the lower park being Skydance Park.

Though I'm with Geographer, The Union Commons at Oklahoma City Park on the OKC Boulevard brought to you by the Skydance Bridge presented by Devon Energy™ does have a certain ring to it... :Smiley199

This reminds me of some old threads on the Continental Airlines FlyerTalk forums, when we all used to joke that CO would merge with UA and Greyhound to form ConUniHound

I do like the idea of calling the lower park Skydance Park, because 1. It gives emphasis to a park that will otherwise be forgotten, and 2. I appreciate the greater weight on History with Union Park.

Or since we're big fans of the definite article in naming things these days, we could just call it "The Park (by Union Station)" And then people would just naturally refer to it as "Union Park"

i agree,

upper name 'Union Park', lower name 'SkyDance Park'. ..

I'm betting the powers that be will nix any split naming on the basis of it diminishing the impact of their achievement. Union Park is OK, but the station is important enough to stand on it's own, so I personally really like Skydance Park. It is a name that could be referenced across the country that everyone might know without ever say the words "Oklahoma City". However, I suspect that privilege will fall to The Gathering Place. Nonetheless, I remain hopeful.

The Gathering Place is a nice park but our park could be more iconic if it becomes a masterpiece to the urban core which depends on how the area around it is developed. I wish standards would be set. If our Boulevard was built as envisioned here: https://andrewkstewart.wordpress.com/category/ideas/urban-design/the-new-oklahoma-city-boulevard/ it would instantly be one of the most amazing and iconic boulevards in this country and could potentially be a bigger boost to this city than the Thunder. Same goes with the park. If they develop it right and set standards now, it could be great. It would be super cool if we could get something like French Quarter in New Orleans around the lower park close to the river. I would also like to see a specific type of architecture around the park.

The Gathering Place is a nice park but our park could be more iconic if it becomes a masterpiece to the urban core which depends on how the area around it is developed. I wish standards would be set. If our Boulevard was built as envisioned here: https://andrewkstewart.wordpress.com/category/ideas/urban-design/the-new-oklahoma-city-boulevard/ it would instantly be one of the most amazing and iconic boulevards in this country and could potentially be a bigger boost to this city than the Thunder. Same goes with the park. If they develop it right and set standards now, it could be great. It would be super cool if we could get something like French Quarter in New Orleans around the lower park close to the river. I would also like to see a specific type of architecture around the park.

I've always liked that idea! The roundabout would offer much better connectivity to the surrounding areas than what is currently proposed, though I'd imagine it wouldn't speed as many cars through which seems to be the number 1 priority of ODOT. The boulevard by the park and the park itself still have great potential imho.

Is there anything at all that can be done to change ODOT's course for building the Boulevard, and implement at least the Market Circle idea? I know there've been rumblings that the City wants to go back in after ODOT relinquishes the Boulevard to the City and fix some of the problems. I absolutely love Andrew Stewart's vision for the Boulevard and I'd be ecstatic if we could make even just half of that come to fruition.

or here's another, better question - can OKC implement the round-a-bout using MAPS?

I know it is a mistake for ODOT and we would be fixing it, but just think of the HUGE implications for Oklahoma City if that roundabout was implemented, even after the fact? And, to have it built-up on all sides. ... I'm salivating and likely it wouldn't cost too much to 'redesign' and implement.

Would almost have been nice if ODOT hadn't funded that monstrosity. The Boulevard as Stewart envisioned it could have been one of the major public works projects in a MAPS 4 that seems to be unclear what it wants to do as far as large-scale capital improvements go. Seems like it would be much harder to convince people we should pay to go in and tear up parts of this one right after it's built, than it would have been to convince them we should build a nice Blvd from scratch.

People didn't vote on ODOT's plan. They had no formal voice in the process. If you presented it on a MAPS ballot (not saying we should) then they have a formal voice in the process.

Took these today.

All the interior roads are pretty much gone and the only utilities are on a temporary set of poles running n/s (first photo).

2nd photo is of Hudson which is being completely rebuilt. Hope they do the same with Robinson as it's something out of a 3rd world country.

3rd photo shows the approximate location of the convention center and hotel.



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/centralpark112016a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/centralpark112016b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/centralpark112016c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/unionstation112016a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/unionstation112016b.jpg