A Ferris Wheel? R U kidding me? And it's Kirk Humphrey's baby?

A Ferris Wheel? R U kidding me? And it's Kirk Humphrey's baby?

He bought the Ferris Wheel that was at Santa Monica Pier in California. The plan was/is to erect it on the south side of the river at the old downtown airpark as part of a larger development.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354121,00.html


SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Round and round it will go, but where it finally ends up no one knows.

The new owner of the Santa Monica Pier's Ferris wheel said he plans to resurrect the attraction in Oklahoma City, though he's not sure exactly where. Grant Humphreys plunked down $132,400 for the ride in a 10-day eBay auction, beating out five others in a bidding war that went back and forth through 35 offers.

Man, I haven't been out to the Santa Monica Pier since the 70's. I have got to go check this out. Thanks for the info!

Well, if Grant Humphreys has that kind of pocket change (132k) to buy a Ferris Wheel on e-bay, then I am sure he must have some spare change laying around to clean up his vacant lots out here in NW OKC!

Kerry,

Since you knew that about the Ferris Wheel, can you answer this one for me, please (totally off topic)?

Humphreys Realty has several parcels out here on Council between Hefner and NW122 just a toads spit away from land owned by Putnam City School District. There has been a rumor going around these parts for a few years that this property will become the new Hefner Middle School...when the school district comes up with the money to purchase the property from Humphreys.

Any truth to all that?

:backtotop

Kerry,

Since you knew that about the Ferris Wheel, can you answer this one for me, please (totally off topic)?

Humphreys Realty has several parcels out here on Council between Hefner and NW122 just a toads spit away from land owned by Putnam City School District. There has been a rumor going around these parts for a few years that this property will become the new Hefner Middle School...when the school district comes up with the money to purchase the property from Humphreys.

Any truth to all that?

:backtotop



I have no idea. I only knew about the Ferris Wheel from OKCTalk and the newspaper. There are several Humphreys' on this site so maybe one of them will know.

By 2014, we should have these landmarks on the Oklahoma River. Great places for OKC vacationers to visit:

1. Native American Cultural Museum
2. Ferris Wheel
3. Chesapeake Boat Finish Line Tower

What else?

Hello, boathouse row will include at least 4 boathouses by then, not just a finish tower. If you want the "Mayor Mick" answer you'd have to include "Dell" but I wouldn't


A Ferris Wheel? R U kidding me? And it's Kirk Humphrey's baby?

Actually it's Grant Humphrey's, but Kirk is a partner in the business.


Kerry,

Since you knew that about the Ferris Wheel, can you answer this one for me, please (totally off topic)?

Humphreys Realty has several parcels out here on Council between Hefner and NW122 just a toads spit away from land owned by Putnam City School District. There has been a rumor going around these parts for a few years that this property will become the new Hefner Middle School...when the school district comes up with the money to purchase the property from Humphreys.

Any truth to all that?

:backtotop

He knew about the Ferris Wheel, because it's been public knowledge for years. There are numerous threads on it. Start here for more info:

http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-area-talk/12735-humphreys-ferris-wheel.html

Thank ya metro and Kerry.

Don't forget about the Kerr-McGee Bell Tower...

LOL hopefully that can be incorporated into Boathouse Row/Regatta Park better, because as a standalone it's rather tiny and lame.

Hello, boathouse row will include at least 4 boathouses by then, not just a finish tower. If you want the "Mayor Mick" answer you'd have to include "Dell" but I wouldn't

The rest of the "Mayor Mick answer" .. There will also be Core 2 Shore. Eh, eh? What more landmarky could you want?

What more landmarky could you want?

A 1000' oil derrick/observation tower that spray water from the top every hour or a series of windmills down the center of the river.

The oil derrick, if ever built, should be placed somewhere in Tulsa. You know, the once named "Oil Capital of the World."

True. On a side note, I think it would be a really neat idea to leave a portion of the river (perhaps east of the AICC) sort of a natural wetlands environment and erect a small windfarm along its edge. If there could be a way to manage the safety concerns in an urban environment, that would be sustainability at its best--instead of sustainably creating energy hundreds of miles from the grid, do it right in the middle of a market city and use less grid to transfer the power. I realize that Western OK's wind conditions are better, but perhaps getting rid of the need for transfer would balance it out? Just a crazy thought.

It would like something like... this:
http://www.mtpokc.com/img/feature/donate.jpg

The oil derrick, if ever built, should be placed somewhere in Tulsa. You know, the once named "Oil Capital of the World."

Let Tulsa go dream up their own stuff.

Does the OKC landrun statues count or a little too far out?

I think Skydance Bridge will be a prominent landmark along the river.

I think Skydance Bridge will be a prominent landmark along the river.

cad_poke,

Do you know who designed the Skydance Bridge?

The Butzer Design Partnership team. Hans Butzer was the one who designed the bombing memorial. There are other architects and engineers on the team and I can give you those names too, if you want them.

Let Tulsa go dream up their own stuff.


Nation's Tallest Derrick Erected for Route 66 Transportation Village - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com | (http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=10893964)

I think Skydance Bridge will be a prominent landmark along the river.

Skydance Bridge won't be on the river. It will cross over the new I-40 about six blocks north of the river.

Nation's Tallest Derrick Erected for Route 66 Transportation Village - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com | (http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=10893964)

Well there you go. 800' shorter than I envisioned but a tall derrick none the less.

Nation's Tallest Derrick Erected for Route 66 Transportation Village - NewsOn6.com - Tulsa, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports - KOTV.com | (http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=10893964)

Uhg...I am really not impressed with the development. Hopefully its execution will be better than was represented.

Skydance Bridge won't be on the river. It will cross over the new I-40 about six blocks north of the river.

I realize it won't be over the river but will be very close to it and visiable from the river.

Don't forget the Kerr McGee bell tower!! ;-)

Don't forget the Kerr McGee bell tower!! ;-)

If you have to say that - it isn't a landmark. It is a 'feature' at best.

FYI our own Urban Pioneer designed the Kerr McGee Bell Tower

Thank ya cad poke. I just saw the info on:

City of Oklahoma City | Public Information & Marketing (http://www.okc.gov/skybridge/index.html)

I hope it is as nice to look at during the night as the Savannah River Bridge is.

The Savannah River Bridge is my favorite. That's a tough one to top.

Skydance Bridge won't be on the river. It will cross over the new I-40 about six blocks north of the river.

My mind's eye is having difficulty focusing. Where will the Sky Dance cross the new highway? Please relate it to an existing structure or north/south street. Thanks

I also think that the Savanna River Bridge is pretty cool but, OKC will be a much better looking city than Savanna overall when these new projects are completed IMO.

I also think that the Savanna River Bridge is pretty cool but, OKC will be a much better looking city than Savanna overall when these new projects are completed IMO.

But gen70, Savannah is historic, real old houses and churches, cobblestone streets, refined and genteel. And, they throw theeeee best St. Patrick's Day party in the country! Not to mention the fact the hushpuppies are to die for!IMHO

But gen70, Savannah is historic, real old houses and churches, cobblestone streets, refined and genteel. And, they throw theeeee best St. Patrick's Day party in the country! Not to mention the fact the hushpuppies are to die for!IMHO Agree! Savannah is truly a gem of the South with it's historical square blocks and old historical homes and churches not to mentioned the century old live and laurel oaks and the magnolias that grace the squares. Sorry, but OKC has nothing like this at all. When I think of Savannah it truly is of the old grand, genteel South and charm alot like Charleston!!!

My mind's eye is having difficulty focusing. Where will the Sky Dance cross the new highway? Please relate it to an existing structure or north/south street. Thanks

Doug Loudenback's blog has a lot of information on this, including a map showing the location.

Doug Dawgz Blog: Core To Shore: The I-40 Pedestrian Bridge (http://dougdawg.blogspot.com/2008/09/core-to-shore-i-40-pedestrian-bridge.html)

My mind's eye is having difficulty focusing. Where will the Sky Dance cross the new highway? Please relate it to an existing structure or north/south street. Thanks

Harvey, it's the "axis" of Downtown and C2S.

My mind's eye is having difficulty focusing. Where will the Sky Dance cross the new highway? Please relate it to an existing structure or north/south street. Thanks

It will be on the east side of Union Station.

Agree! Savannah is truly a gem of the South with it's historical square blocks and old historical homes and churches not to mentioned the century old live and laurel oaks and the magnolias that grace the squares. Sorry, but OKC has nothing like this at all. When I think of Savannah it truly is of the old grand, genteel South and charm alot like Charleston!!!

Yep, I thought about those old Magnolias, Oak Trees, and those Crepe Myrtle Trees (some taller than the Magnolia trees) after I posted my comment.

Doug Loudenback's blog has a lot of information on this, including a map showing the location.

Doug Dawgz Blog: Core To Shore: The I-40 Pedestrian Bridge (http://dougdawg.blogspot.com/2008/09/core-to-shore-i-40-pedestrian-bridge.html)


Harvey, it's the "axis" of Downtown and C2S.


It will be on the east side of Union Station.

Thanks "I can see clearly now the rain is gone"

Skyline Snapshot - Recently Completed (http://www.downtownokc.com/Default.aspx?tabid=189&newsid633=62&)

The bell tower is so out of scale (small) for the site it is more often overlooked then not. I should have been on the Campus of OCU or something similar. You have to think big.

The Butzer Design Partnership team. Hans Butzer was the one who designed the bombing memorial. There are other architects and engineers on the team and I can give you those names too, if you want them.
Structural - Obelisk

The bell tower is so out of scale (small) for the site it is more often overlooked then not. I should have been on the Campus of OCU or something similar. You have to think big.

When I constructed it for the Oklahoma Centennial, I had to contend with the OG+E high lines and a limited budget. It is 50' tall.

However, a statue in a park can be a land mark. So I disagree that it isn't. If you go down there, there is a large compass inlaid into the plaza with granite markers. The tower orientation and lighting reflect this compass. It is brilliantly lit at night.

I would suggest going down there and visiting it to determine scale.

Not to be touchy about it, but I am proud of it.

The foundation is designed to withstand the 300 year flood. The amount of concrete in the ground is quite considerable as it is on a dike made mostly of sand. So it will be around for a while.

When I constructed it for the Oklahoma Centennial, I had to contend with the OG+E high lines and a limited budget. It is 50' tall.

However, a statue in a park can be a land mark. So I disagree that it isn't. If you go down there, there is a large compass inlaid into the plaza with granite markers. The tower orientation and lighting reflect this compass. It is brilliantly lit at night.

I would suggest going down there and visiting it to determine scale.

Not to be touchy about it, but I am proud of it.

The foundation is designed to withstand the 300 year flood. The amount of concrete in the ground is quite considerable as it is on a dike made mostly of sand. So it will be around for a while. Good job dude!! Everybody wants to bitch but, don't know all the variables.

Ideas for River Landmarks:

How about a 30' one of these (with arms and legs of course) by Kelly Haney and sons on a pedestrian bridge where the south end of the park hits the river.
http://www.kellyhaney.com/images/Guardian_Johnbig.jpg

I wonder if Rand, Pickents and the Pokes are making any progress on this: (Could put this on whichever side of the tracks the Conv center is not, right off the new highway where all driving thru will see)
This would be THE ICON for OKC
http://www.contractjournal.com/blogs/world-construction-blog/assets_c/2009/05/turbinomic-thumb-225x429-35304.jpg

And there is always the ferris wheel From Cali...
http://www.foxnews.com/images/368410/1_62_050408_ferris_wheel2.jpg

Ideas for River Landmarks:

How about a 30' one of these (with arms and legs of course) by Kelly Haney and sons on a pedestrian bridge where the south end of the park hits the river.
http://www.kellyhaney.com/images/Guardian_Johnbig.jpg

I wonder if Rand, Pickents and the Pokes are making any progress on this: (Could put this on whichever side of the tracks the Conv center is not, right off the new highway where all driving thru will see)
This would be THE ICON for OKC
http://www.contractjournal.com/blogs/world-construction-blog/assets_c/2009/05/turbinomic-thumb-225x429-35304.jpg

And there is always the ferris wheel From Cali...
http://www.foxnews.com/images/368410/1_62_050408_ferris_wheel2.jpg

LOL...

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/5292/48148210.jpg
The caption said it will rival the Eiffel Tower as a landmark..

Shane Jett's latest..the proposal to remake the state flag with an exclamation mark.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2009/20090306_flag0306.jpg

LOL

I was looking for iconic observation towers and saw that same design by rand.

Shane Jett's latest..the proposal to remake the state flag with an exclamation mark.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/articleimages/2009/20090306_flag0306.jpg

LOL

When doing some background on our flags history (did you know there have been 14 flags that have flown over what would become Oklahoma? Take that "6 Flags over Texas"

Anyway, I digress, but the word "Oklahoma" was added to the flag to combat illiteracy.

At least with adding the exclamation point it ties into the state song etc. But does remind me of the car tags when I 1st moved back in the 80s "Oklahoma is OK!" They had the exclamation point too. Needed really to give it some oomph. We Okies have this inferiority complex anyway and when we put it in print on our car tags that we are "OK" (not great, but not bad either) what message does that send? LOL

LOL...

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/5292/48148210.jpg
The caption said it will rival the Eiffel Tower as a landmark..


LOL


WOW! Just WOW! Ok...and YIKES!
I hope that doesn't happen. Looks rediculous! IMHO!

Ideas for River Landmarks:

This would be THE ICON for OKC
http://www.contractjournal.com/blogs/world-construction-blog/assets_c/2009/05/turbinomic-thumb-225x429-35304.jpg

I like this one the best, especially if the top portion of the spier (above the silvery rim) rotated 360 degrees during each 24 hour period.

Originally Posted by Urban Pioneer View Post
When I constructed it for the Oklahoma Centennial, I had to contend with the OG+E high lines and a limited budget. It is 50' tall.

However, a statue in a park can be a land mark. So I disagree that it isn't. If you go down there, there is a large compass inlaid into the plaza with granite markers. The tower orientation and lighting reflect this compass. It is brilliantly lit at night.

I would suggest going down there and visiting it to determine scale.

Not to be touchy about it, but I am proud of it.

The foundation is designed to withstand the 300 year flood. The amount of concrete in the ground is quite considerable as it is on a dike made mostly of sand. So it will be around for a while.

Indeed the tower is a beautiful piece of work. Most people going down I35 can not even see it and it is lost to the motorists. Being at the far east site of the boat house row the most pedestrians do not venture that far and are not aware of the the tower. If it was larger it would draw more attention by passerby's. Perhaps when the row is completed it will draw people to the area where they can appreciate it's beauty. Not bitching, I should have elaborated to say great piece but, a poor location.
To me it seems lost in it current location, as stated earlier with the construction in the area I hope it changes. Will the boats full of tourists get that far, if so will they be able to appreciate it design and construction? I was impressed when I walked down to see it. I am asking for river and highway traffic so more people can appreciate it and. If it was near Byers it would be a great location where many more could enjoy.

Originally Posted by Urban Pioneer View Post
When I constructed it for the Oklahoma Centennial, I had to contend with the OG+E high lines and a limited budget. It is 50' tall.

However, a statue in a park can be a land mark. So I disagree that it isn't. If you go down there, there is a large compass inlaid into the plaza with granite markers. The tower orientation and lighting reflect this compass. It is brilliantly lit at night.

I would suggest going down there and visiting it to determine scale.

Not to be touchy about it, but I am proud of it.

The foundation is designed to withstand the 300 year flood. The amount of concrete in the ground is quite considerable as it is on a dike made mostly of sand. So it will be around for a while.

Indeed the tower is a beautiful piece of work. Most people going down I35 can not even see it and it is lost to the motorists. Being at the far east site of the boat house row the most pedestrians do not venture that far and are not aware of the the tower. If it was larger it would draw more attention by passerby's. Perhaps when the row is completed it will draw people to the area where they can appreciate it's beauty. Not bitching, I should have elaborated to say great piece but, a poor location.
To me it seems lost in it current location, as stated earlier with the construction in the area I hope it changes. Will the boats full of tourists get that far, if so will they be able to appreciate it design and construction? I was impressed when I walked down to see it. I am asking for river and highway traffic so more people can appreciate it and. If it was near Byers it would be a great location where many more could enjoy.

If the meaning of this is that the power lines running allong the river from Harvey to the RR tracks will not allow for a tower, Core to Shore includes the removal or at least integration of that power substation that feeds those lines right off 4th st. Besides, the original intent of those lines have changed. Right now it heads west from robinson to harvey, S to the river, then back east to the tracks. Likely, whether it be a convention center or just a park, this will be addressed. Possibly continuing west to Western then accross the river, or east on 3rd or 4th, then S paralleling Sheilds / RR tracks then connect where it is crossing the river right now.
The utility service lines along the river can go underground, while the Aerial lines along the new I40 will not be affected.

Rand's pipe dream would look better if he inverted it, with the fat part at the top and not the bottom. That's more of an organic shape. I assume doing that would also increase the productivity of the wind turbines designed to generate power for the building.

are you implying you know more about design and architecture than Rand Elliott?

Rand's pipe dream would look better if he inverted it, with the fat part at the top and not the bottom. That's more of an organic shape. I assume doing that would also increase the productivity of the wind turbines designed to generate power for the building.


are you implying you know more about design and architecture than Rand Elliott?


:doh:

Rand's pipe dream would look better if he inverted it, with the fat part at the top and not the bottom. That's more of an organic shape. I assume doing that would also increase the productivity of the wind turbines designed to generate power for the building.

Since those turbines are spinning it would probably become very unstable and eventually would just fall over (and in spectacular fashion).

Rand's pipe dream would look better if he inverted it, with the fat part at the top and not the bottom. That's more of an organic shape. I assume doing that would also increase the productivity of the wind turbines designed to generate power for the building.I think you may be on to something. By inverting it the City could market it as the worlds largest top. Just think of the tourist it would attract. We would blow Cawker City out of the water, and off the map.

When I constructed it for the Oklahoma Centennial, I had to contend with the OG+E high lines and a limited budget. It is 50' tall.

However, a statue in a park can be a land mark. So I disagree that it isn't. If you go down there, there is a large compass inlaid into the plaza with granite markers. The tower orientation and lighting reflect this compass. It is brilliantly lit at night.

I would suggest going down there and visiting it to determine scale.

Not to be touchy about it, but I am proud of it.

The foundation is designed to withstand the 300 year flood. The amount of concrete in the ground is quite considerable as it is on a dike made mostly of sand. So it will be around for a while.

It's a great project. It just gets forgotten at that dead end. Once boathouse row grows and it becomes more of a destination, hopefully the belltower will be tied in with the overall park/grounds.

I hate the powerlines there with a passion. It's really too bad that they got in the way of this possibly being a bit bigger.

The oil derrick, if ever built, should be placed somewhere in Tulsa. You know, they were once named "Oil Capital of the World."

True Tulsa was once called the "Oil Capital of the World"; however, Oklahoma City was once laced with over 1,000 oil derricks.

I say build the Oil Derrick Tower here:

Oklahoma Horizon Tower Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGiJ0JWaOm0


Jett?s oil derrick might put OKC in limelight Opinion The Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/x519233376/Jett-s-oil-derrick-might-put-OKC-in-limelight)

are you implying you know more about design and architecture than Rand Elliott?

Well I know the definition of ugly. Sometimes Rand doesn't.

True Tulsa was once called the "Oil Capital of the World"; however, Oklahoma City was once laced with over 1,000 oil derricks.

I say build the Oil Derrick Tower here:

Oklahoma Horizon Tower Video:

YouTube - Oklahoma creating an icon to rival the Eiffel Tower?? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGiJ0JWaOm0)


Jett?s oil derrick might put OKC in limelight Opinion The Edmond Sun (http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/x519233376/Jett-s-oil-derrick-might-put-OKC-in-limelight)

I sincerely hope that you are being sarcastic in trying to promote that one hundred million dollar monstrosity, which its gimick will be that as people come through, they will think how backward a place this really is.

I am proud of our heritage and the ties that we have currently; and our rich heritage that spurs from the oil and gas industry. When considering icon making which could potentially define a place, you have to be extremely careful that the symbol you are erecting is executed impeccably. There is honestly so much wrong with that proposal that I will not take the time now to discuss each of them. All I can say is...wow...and not the good kind. I wouldn't want Tulsa to build it either.

What @heart said! ^ ^ ^

An oil derrick is an American icon of the past. I see nothing wrong with the thought of building one, especially one higher than the Eiffel Tower.