We can only hope...

http://www.newson6.com/story/14616880/bok-committed-to-land-for-tulsa-pop-culture-museum

Sounds great, but don't venture into the comments... Here's a shining example: "Why can't we have something better than a museum that most people won't go to? It'd be smarter to use that money on an amusement park or something like that so that the children can actually have something to do in this city other then drugs, parties, and shootings."

We have one of those down here, it is next to a head shop.....

[http://samopc.org/]South Austin Museum of Popular Culture[/url]

It sounds great (wish it was coming here instead)!

Another classic OKC bias at the Capitol. The American Indian Cultural Museum, which has failed to meet its side of the financial obligation in fundraising, is coming to the state again for a bond issue...for the 4th time, with Governor Fallin stating publicly that Tulsa's museum won't get funded until it is finished.

What are the chances this would ever happened in reverse? Slim to none. The Tribes (Oklahoma is 3rd in the Nation in gaming revenue) can step up and pay for the balance of the museum. The state has spent almost $90 million on it so far, and it costs about $6 million a year for debt service.

http://www.tulsaworld.com/opinion/article.aspx?subjectid=61&articleid=20110516_11_A11_CUTLIN409229

This, my friends is bulls***

Agree, the tribes should help complete the AICCM. Tulsa's private donors should build the Pop Museum. Tulsa has DEEP pockets and should be able to build it without funding from the state.

The AICCM is not a tribal development. It is a state project that probably should have never been started. It is just one step above a zoo with people instead of animals.

Finally:


Audit requested
Sen. Patrick Anderson said last week he has requested the state auditor and inspector conduct an audit regarding the use of state dollars for the construction of the cultural center and museum. Anderson, R-Enid, said the state owes more than $5.5 million annually in debt service payments on previous bond issues for the project.

The museum is to highlight American Indian culture from Oklahoma and across the country. Federal grants for the project total up to $14.5 million, including stimulus dollars.

Oklahoma City donated land for the project. The museum complex, which is expected to include lodging and art galleries, is off Eastern Avenue and Interstate 40.

Supporters say it is expected to bring in nearly $7.5 million a year in state tax revenue after it’s completed.

Read more: http://newsok.com/bill-advances-in-oklahoma-legislature-for-american-indian-cultural-center-funding/article/3568612#ixzz1Md20CfOx

$7.5 million per year in tax revenue? Someone is smoking the peace pipe when no one is looking. That simply is not mathmatically reasonable. The state sales tax rate is 4.5%. It would have to generate $166 million in annual revenue to do that. That is $3.2 million per week. That is not going to happen - no way, no how.

As for the audit - I am glad to see. They have spent $90 million dollars and all they have to show for it is a big mound of dirt and some structural work.

I suspect they are talking direct and indirect expenditures Kerry, just like other places do. Folks come, and they spend funds for food, lodging, gift items, etc.

The AICCM is not a tribal development. It is a state project that probably should have never been started. It is just one step above a zoo with people instead of animals.

It is a tribal development. The state gave them millions when they made it clear (after breaking ground) that they were uninterested in using their smoke shop and casino profits on their museum.

It is a tribal development. The state gave them millions when they made it clear (after breaking ground) that they were uninterested in using their smoke shop and casino profits on their museum.

Spartan - It is state project. The AICCM was created by the State Legislature.

Spartan - It is state project. The AICCM was created by the State Legislature.

You're exactly right about this one, Kerry. This is a quote directly from their website:

"The American Indian Cultural Center & Museum is a place like no other illustrating how essential American Indian people have been to the State, Nation and World. In 1994 the Oklahoma legislature created the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority, a state agency authorized to develop the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum generating awareness and understanding of the history of tribes and their relationship to Oklahoma today.The American Indian Cultural Center & Museum will enrich the quality of life, culturally and economically or all visitors, the Oklahoma City community and the region at large."

Agree, the tribes should help complete the AICCM. Tulsa's private donors should build the Pop Museum. Tulsa has DEEP pockets and should be able to build it without funding from the state.

Yeah..huh..wait what? You had me there at first. The AICCM shouldn't get any more money (until after the audit and maybe not then either) and the Pop Museum should get its fair share and funded. The Pop Museum is part of the Oklahoma Historical Society's master plan, just like the Oklahoma History Center Museum in OKC was. And you talk about private donors, if you want to be real about it OKC has great corporate citizens and donors but they chose to support an NBA team. And that's the truth. Tulsa's donors have to fund the neccesities that make a thriving city that the state refuses to.

You're preaching to the choir with that comment BG918.

Well, the OHS is named after a number of private donors who put money into it, primarily Pickens and Gaylord.

Well, the OHS is named after a number of private donors who put money into it, primarily Pickens and Gaylord.

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but this is incorrect. The Oklahoma Heritage Center (not a state agency) is named for Gaylord and Pickens, NOT the Oklahoma History Center (state agency), which is a completely different organization.

Backers of popular culture museum for Tulsa want another chance

Supporters of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture again are seeking a $42.5 million bond issue. They tell a House committee that the OK Pop will produce enough revenue to pay its operating costs and that the state won't have to appropriate new funds to make the bond issue's debt service payments.


Read more: Backers of popular culture museum for Tulsa want another chance | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/backers-of-popular-culture-museum-for-tulsa-want-another-chance/article/3713125#ixzz27aTZRLpc)

Backers of popular culture museum for Tulsa want another chance

Supporters of the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture again are seeking a $42.5 million bond issue. They tell a House committee that the OK Pop will produce enough revenue to pay its operating costs and that the state won't have to appropriate new funds to make the bond issue's debt service payments.


Read more: Backers of popular culture museum for Tulsa want another chance | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/backers-of-popular-culture-museum-for-tulsa-want-another-chance/article/3713125#ixzz27aTZRLpc)

There might be space available for them in the Union Depot building.

http://newsok.com/funding-sought-for-tulsa-pop-museum/article/3738395

I really hope they pass this.

....in conjunction with finishing the AICM.

Until the 'I'm more conservabot than you' crowd gets its act together and tackles the sorely needed work at the capitol itself and moves on the Med Examiner facility, both critical needs, it seems unlikely they could come together to approve bonds for either the AICCM or the Pop Museum.

Leon Russell Throws Support Behind Proposed OKPOP Museum - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/20786483/oklahoman-music-legend-leon-russell-helps-announce-collection-for-okpop)

Whatever happened to this? This would be amazing to see built.

Well, with no help from anyone here, I managed to find an article this summer about it.


OKPOP supporters to try again next year

Jamie Oldaker toured the world drumming for the likes of Eric Clapton, among others, but he never lost touch with Oklahoma, where he honed the skills that enabled him to spend his life making music.

Oldaker, who grew up in Tulsa, has lent his support to a group pushing for the construction of a museum that would showcase the many contributions to music, acting, writing and the arts by people with ties to the state.

“People just need to be aware that Oklahoma’s not just a bunch of cowboys running around and Indian casinos,” Oldaker said recently by phone from his home in Norman.

“I’m proud to be an Okie and the state of Oklahoma that supported us all those years.”

Despite the support of Oldaker and other accomplished artists for the Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture, which was conceived of seven years ago, it has failed to secure the $40 million in state funding needed to construct the building in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District. With the project in limbo, many of the 100,000-plus donated items, including films, recordings and other memorabilia, are sitting in boxes at the state’s history center in Oklahoma City.

The museum proposal has had a rough go of it in the Legislature. In 2013, plans to seek financing were withdrawn so the state could focus on rebuilding after tornadoes raked several Oklahoma City suburbs.

This year, the project took a back seat to a $188 million budget shortfall.

The museum, nicknamed OKPOP, wasn’t the only high-concept development to fall victim to the budget ax this year. Plans to appropriate $40 million to match another $40 million in pledges from private donors to complete the building of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City went nowhere. That museum sits unfinished along the banks of the Oklahoma River.

Backers of OKPOP have vowed to lobby the Legislature again in 2015, saying it’s vital to have a place that documents the story of popular culture in Oklahoma — from Leon Russell to Kings of Leon, and just about everybody in between.

Last year, Russell donated more than 4,500 items to the planned museum, including thousands of photos, more than 1,300 audio recordings, 100 video recordings and old concert programs, posters and tickets, among other artifacts in the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s vast collection. Oldaker has donated a drum kit he used while playing for Clapton in the 1980s.

“I’ve got an asset that has worldwide marketability,” said Bob Blackburn, executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. “What we’ve got to do is get financing for the bricks and mortar. Once we get that solved, everything else will fall into line. But I’ve got to get that piece of the puzzle.”

If OKPOP gets the money, Blackburn says the museum will be self-supporting, thanks to revenue from admission fees, special events it would host and a 600-car parking garage that would be built next to the museum.

Some lawmakers see the potential tourism draw for the state.

“I think it will be a much better mood, especially if our revenues increase,” said state Sen. Gary Stanislawski, R-Tulsa.

“I would see the pop museum as the centerpiece for the entire area and something we can actually advertise to other states that we have this very cutting-edge, great exhibit of Oklahoma talent.”

Oldaker — like some of the other artists who trace their roots and careers to Oklahoma — said he’s prepared to support the cause in any way he can next year, and he urged fellow celebrities to follow suit.

The risk of the state going without a place like OKPOP?

“There’s (items) sitting around that are going to end up on someone’s garage sale table, and it’s going to be tossed out,” Oldaker said.

- OKPOP supporters to try again next year - Tulsa World: Government (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/government/okpop-supporters-to-try-again-next-year/article_114878ff-38ad-5459-941e-0459d5469103.html)

I really hope this happens. If this did, this could really be a starter for some great development in the area. That coupled with a new tower from Williams, would be some good projects to get the ball rolling. Downtown Tulsa needs some major TLC and quick.

Well, with no help from anyone here, I managed to find an article this summer about it.

Forgive us , plupan. We're not worthy. :Smiley099

Forgive us , plupan. We're not worthy. :Smiley099:p I should have just searched for it myself. It only took me a couple minutes on Google to find it.

Ground was broken on this project today:

https://kfor.com/2019/10/23/oklahoma-leaders-break-ground-on-oklahoma-museum-of-popular-culture/

Update with new renderings: https://www.tulsaworld.com/entertainment/watch-now-okpop-museum-makes-progress-take-a-look-at-video-tour/article_218274b3-b779-506f-8b36-a21ebc64ca84.html

There's so much new development going on in that area and in the Tulsa Arts District just in general. Good for Tulsa!

Looks they need more funding: https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/okpop-in-limbo-as-it-searches-for-funding/article_6ec11f98-352b-11ed-a5f2-f3a66fa9ba6f.html

Good news for this museum. Additional funding has been approved: https://tulsaworld.com/news/more-state-funding-for-okpop-narrowly-passes-senate/article_f4efb634-fa5f-11ed-9946-eb06ff65b510.html

That's huge for us. I've been cringing so hard every time I look at that building. So much waste just sitting there for several years now. I will be stoked for it to open. There is big development down the street that is scheduled to kick off in August (assuming it is still on) that will include a new hotel, new apartments, new parking garage, and presumably some retail space. I know people were pissed about the Davenport, but this street is going to be the most vibrant and exciting street in the city pretty soon.

That's huge for us. I've been cringing so hard every time I look at that building. So much waste just sitting there for several years now. I will be stoked for it to open. There is big development down the street that is scheduled to kick off in August (assuming it is still on) that will include a new hotel, new apartments, new parking garage, and presumably some retail space. I know people were pissed about the Davenport, but this street is going to be the most vibrant and exciting street in the city pretty soon.

Which development is that?

https://archinect.com/news/article/150311364/a-new-51-million-tulsa-arts-district-proposal-will-turn-a-parking-lot-into-a-boutique-destination

I'm not sure if they've broken ground yet.. I saw them doing some core testing a couple months ago.

That is uh, interesting. I guess it’s one of those thing that final product will be better judge of how it ends up looking.

^The architect also designed the Arrive OKC location, as well as a number of other Arrive hotels... Most of which look better than this. I agree that I am holding my breath to see it in person, but I don't like the renderings of the apartment exteriors. I'm hoping something changed between then and now and they picked a better exterior. The actual Arrive hotel for Tulsa looks awesome though and really fits the area.

I'm very curious what the client said to get this design. You look at his other work and this one sticks out like a sore thumb: https://www.chrispardodesign.com/

^ This is Pivot Project’s development. The apartments look pretty similar to the Arrive Austin which looks cool in person so I’ll reserve judgment.

JFC this place just can’t a break: https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/oklahoma-house-overrides-stitts-tribal-tags-veto-as-okpop-hopes-fade/article_cd949b00-094f-11ee-8d68-073ba74e5bd8.html

I’m surprised Kaiser just doesn’t step in and get it done. I know he already does a sh!t ton for Tulsa though.

JFC this place just can’t a break: https://tulsaworld.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/oklahoma-house-overrides-stitts-tribal-tags-veto-as-okpop-hopes-fade/article_cd949b00-094f-11ee-8d68-073ba74e5bd8.html

I’m surprised Kaiser just doesn’t step in and get it done. I know he already does a sh!t ton for Tulsa though.

Take a page out of OKC's book. Offer the Muscogee Creek Nation a piece of land downtown in exchange for paying to finish the museum. If they aren't interested, offer it to the Cherokee Nation who bounds the Muscogee Creek Nation at the IDL just north of downtown. Either could build a casino and resort on the land given to them. Obviously OKPop isn't a native american themed museum but they could definitely include native american pop cultural influences from OK (Maria Tallchief, Killers of the Flower Moon, Jim Thorpe, Reservation Dogs...off the top of my head) and a downtown casino/resort would be a pretty big attraction.

^^^ yeah that’s a good idea too. I’m just surprised they haven’t found a way to get it done.

It's still alive: https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/officials-moving-forward-with-okpop-completion-with-new-legal-advice/article_3a6beeea-0eeb-11ee-b8d2-db2bb889774a.html

Sounds like it will still be a long slog to get the funding raised though. Absolutely wild that they need to raise $18 million privately, then get matched ANOTHER $18 million from the state, to complete a museum that was supposed to cost $25 million and has already been built except for the exhibits. Something is very, very off here and it's not just inflation.