All glass? While I love the look of the Devon Tower, I prefer Art Deco skyscrapers.

Yes! I love Art Deco architecture, and modern interpretations of Art Deco like in the photo above^ of Minneapolis with Wells Fargo Center in the "fire." Looks very similar to the GE Building in NYC. I love both of those towers.

I could definitely see Midfirst building a tower downtown. If the footprint was as big as one third of the corporate offices, that is six stories tall (x3=18) then add in Midland Mortgage six floors, but slim it down to the same size as one part of the home office and you get another 18 floors. Branch downstairs, board room, meeting rooms, room for expansion, etc and you get 40 floors or more.

I would love the tower to be about right there. Somewhere around 760 ft. It would even out the skyline a bit.

Don't mean to be a bother, but how do you post pictures on this thread of something you've created on Google SketchUp??

skanaly, you have to put the photos out on the Internet somewhere (like photobucket.com -- free) and then link here.

This is what a mix of concepts, plans, idea's that has been introduced to OKC, with a little touch of my creativity!

http://s1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii612/skanaly/?action=view&current=111111.png

Looks good.....pictures?

Still trying to figure out how to do that! LOL

So you would just add a gallery to your gmail account by clicking on the photos tab on top. You could either post the link to the gallery or right click the image and and left click copy image location and paste that url link into the button for that when you submit your post. The button looks like a landscape painting of a tree to the right of the fonts/sizes menu.

I'm on photobucket now, and I'm just not able to attach the link...

http://s1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii612/skanaly/?action=view&current=66666.png#!oZZ1QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs12 62.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fii612%2Fskanaly%2F%3 Faction%3Dview%26current%3D444444.png

I like to use tinypic.com. Very easy and you don't need to sign-in or anything!

Now i got them! These are pictures of a mix of concepts, plans, and ideas. Also just some fantasy and creativity.
-Midfirst bank tower- the orange tower north of chase
-First fidelity- west of the Devon tower
-Rand Elliots Turbo tower
-The tallest building, Chspk

http://i44.tinypic.com/2d8pchf.png[/IMG]
http://i44.tinypic.com/pxfeb.png
http://i44.tinypic.com/1zbxo8x.png
http://i42.tinypic.com/nczkb8.png
http://i39.tinypic.com/141oy2g.png
http://i40.tinypic.com/16a4ndh.png
http://i43.tinypic.com/14ni4yf.png

You guys might want to catch up on the latest news in The Oklahoman's business section....

Here's the link to what Steve is talking about. Just to entice you:

"Beffort said another new corporate headquarters will be built downtown starting this year..."

http://newsok.com/downtown-oklahoma-city-office-market-shines-compared-to-u.s./article/3647036

I hope all of you know how much it pains me that I wasn't the one to get this quote.... but I'm glad it was someone on my team!

If it's definitely starting this year, there should be an announcement soon-ish, right? Any intel on an announcement ETA, Steve? Even a ballpark expectation?

Architectural work and design must already be nearing completion for it to start this year. Just no one has said anything. Unless he means announced (start: starting the planning process) this year. I guess there is a difference in starting and breaking ground.

Could very well be. CLR, as they will probably outgrow the old Devon building quickly and was probably intentioned as a temporary home.

Cold very well be. CLR, as ET will probably outgrow the old Sevon building quickly and was probably intentioned as a temporary home.

It's not that late, last call isn't for a little while longer.... lol ;)

Cold very well be. CLR, as ET will probably outgrow the old Sevon building quickly and was probably intentioned as a temporary home.

I find that typing with your eyes open is more accurate.

Check out Steve's blog, too.

http://blog.newsok.com/okccentral/2012/02/08/the-skyline-will-grow/

So should we start a thread entitled "Mystery Tower", later to be renamed?

Yes yes yes!!!! God I LOVE THIS TOWN!

what a tease!!!! i wish he would have given just i little more info!

I go to bed "late" last night...and this news breaks.. I'm pumped!

The article mentioned Charlotte, so here's a cool skyline shot from a year ago.

http://images.metroscenes.com/images/2011/charlotte-skyline/charlotte_nc_apr_2011_metroscenes.com_08.jpg

The article says that possible tenants are vying for Devon's current building, but I thought that Continental Resources was already stated as the company moving in. I'm a little behind on my news, which building is CR now moving into?

Devon occupies multiple buildings downtown, not just the one with its name on it. Here's hoping the news is true and correct.

The article says that possible tenants are vying for Devon's current building, but I thought that Continental Resources was already stated as the company moving in. I'm a little behind on my news, which building is CR now moving into?

That was not the only building where Devon had people. Devon's empolyees were scattered throughout downtown. The article was about was all that other space Devon is vacating

The article says that possible tenants are vying for Devon's current building, but I thought that Continental Resources was already stated as the company moving in. I'm a little behind on my news, which building is CR now moving into?
The article DOESN'T say that, it says vying for Devon's current leased space. As others stated Devon is in 4-5 buildings downtown. We already know the main building, the one that was sold is spoken for, but not the leased space they will be dumping soon.

The remaining Devon space referred to by Beffort would be the several floors at Chase Tower, and space, as I recall, at Corporate, Oklahoma towers.

I wouldn't be surprised if the next corporate HQ and skyscraper is announced in the next few months, more or less in conjunction with Devon Tower opening.

I really believe Larry Nichols is working with this mystery company to put together a project on the Preftakes property. Remember, it was his idea that a good chunk of the Devon TIF go towards incentives for new companies to move downtown and it's pretty clear Devon is behind what Preftakes has been doing.

Beffort and Nichols are tight, so it makes sense that Mark would know about this. I think the announcement will be timed just as Devon Tower is finishing to help keep the momentum rolling downtown.

It seems like the evolution of skyscraper development goes like this:

Speculation -> Rumor -> Soft Announcement -> Hard Announcement-> Groundbreaking

Speculation (the What If? factor)

Rumor (people just going by here say, not officially reported)

Soft Announcement (Articles mention it, but with limited details, i.e. Mark Beffort's article)

Hard Announcement (Official Announcement by Company)

Groundbreaking

It seems like the evolution of skyscraper development goes like this:

Speculation -> Rumor -> Soft Announcement -> Hard Announcement-> Groundbreaking

Speculation (the What If? factor)

Rumor (people just going by here say, not officially reported)

Soft Announcement (Articles mention it, but with limited details, i.e. Mark Beffort's article)

Hard Announcement (Official Announcement by Company)

Groundbreaking

Based on this, we are on stage 3.

It seems like the evolution of skyscraper development goes like this:

Speculation -> Rumor -> Soft Announcement -> Hard Announcement-> Groundbreaking

Speculation (the What If? factor)

Rumor (people just going by here say, not officially reported)

Soft Announcement (Articles mention it, but with limited details, i.e. Mark Beffort's article)

Hard Announcement (Official Announcement by Company)

Groundbreaking

For what, ONE skyscraper so your going to assume this is the process?

Skanaly, great renderings but I think Turbonomic Tower is supposed to be MUCH MUCH taller than shown.

Defcon 3!


As far as the timing of actual construction, given that Preftakes has owned all the properties on that block for years now, there has been plenty of time to plan. I'm sure when there is an announcement they will already have some pretty strong plans in hand, as they'll be needed in order to gain the necessary design approvals before they can finish all the final architectural and engineering work.

I hope Pickard Chilton is once again involved as they do great work; this new structure could be bridge between Devon Tower and the rest of the skyline.

I also love the idea of expanding the CBD/skyline to the west

Defcon 3!


As far as the timing of actual construction, given that Preftakes has owned all the properties on that block for years now, there has been plenty of time to plan. I'm sure when there is an announcement they will already have some pretty strong plans in hand, as they'll be needed in order to gain the necessary design approvals before they can finish all the final architectural and engineering work.

I hope Pickard Chilton is once again involved as they do great work; this new structure could be bridge between Devon Tower and the rest of the skyline.

Pete, I agree, BUT if this is the case, why wouldn't they have coordinated it at the same time to minimally disrupt downtown traffic and streets as well as all of the property would be coming online around the same time instead of creating it for a continuous 5-6 year period?

Defcon 3!


As far as the timing of actual construction, given that Preftakes has owned all the properties on that block for years now, there has been plenty of time to plan. I'm sure when there is an announcement they will already have some pretty strong plans in hand, as they'll be needed in order to gain the necessary design approvals before they can finish all the final architectural and engineering work.

I hope Pickard Chilton is once again involved as they do great work; this new structure could be bridge between Devon Tower and the rest of the skyline.

I agree, Preftakes already has demolition permits for most of the buildings on that block, so the hard part is done. We will all know soon when the cranes come down from Devon Tower, just to only move next door! lol...And based on success of Devon Tower, I am sure Nichols and Preftakes can get pretty much get anything approved by the DDRC.

I don't think that small area of downtown could handle two simultaneous big tower projects along with all the Project 180 stuff.

Devon workers now fill that entire block where the downtown elementary school is to go, for example. And the P180 work will last at least another year and probably two. And don't forget the convention center and boulevard work will likely be starting soon.

The timing would also help a lot of the construction crews shift from Devon to the new tower.


Just some thoughts with lots of speculation on my part.

I am not aware of any demolition permits taken out for the buildings on the Main Street block. And he would not be able to get such permits without going through what would be seen as "the hard part," going through Downtown Design Review, which has not happened either. Not sure if you're speaking tongue in cheek, but this is a pretty extreme mis-statement of fact.

I am not aware of any demolition permits taken out for the buildings on the Main Street block. And he would not be able to get such permits without going through what would be seen as "the hard part," going through Downtown Design Review, which has not happened either. Not sure if you're speaking tongue in cheek, but this is a pretty extreme mis-statement of fact.

I thought there was a article about a year ago, stating he got demolition permit for Carpenter Square Building? And that he had a hard time getting the permit, because he did not give details as to the reason why?

BTW, Mark Beffort will be added to the OCURA board at tomorrow's city council meeting.

I thought there was a article about a year ago, stating he got demolition permit for Carpenter Square Building? And that he had a hard time getting the permit, because he did not give details as to the reason why?

No, absolutely not. I just double-checked the permit database.

They did demolish 421 W. Sheridan on that block (just west of the Lunch Box) some time ago, but that's it.

Oh ok, my mistake, no big deal...but we all know most of those buildings will go!

More good info from Mark Beffort via okcreview.com:

http://www.okcreview.com/news.php?news_id=204&page=1

Q&A Quick Take: Mark Beffort

Several top local commercial real estate pros devoted a few minutes of their valuable time to give us their take on both the year that was 2011, and more importantly, a glimpse into what will be making headlines in the new 2012 in Oklahoma City.

Here are a few thoughts from Mark Beffort, Managing Partner with Grubb & Ellis/Levy Beffort in OKC.

Q: What was the biggest story in OKC commercial real estate in 2011, and why?

The new jobs that have been and are being created. Expansion by Chesapeake, Devon, SandRidge and many other energy-related firms, along with the relocation of Continental Resources and Boeing. The wages for these jobs are well above the current average wage for the private sector.

Q: What will be the biggest story in 2012, and why?

Definitely the CBD. The completion of Project 180 phases 1-5, completion of the I-40 cross-town, the opening of the Devon (headquarters) facility, completion of the renovated SandRidge campus, absorption of over 200,000 sq. ft. of the vacated Devon space, ground breaking of the convention center, ground breaking of 2+ new parking garages, announcement of 1+ new corporate facilities to be built, growth in our downtown living population, and more… and will we see a downtown grocery store open?

>> Ben Johnson, January 16, 2012 | 7:47 AM

More good info from Mark Beffort via okcreview.com:

http://www.okcreview.com/news.php?news_id=204&page=1

Q&A Quick Take: Mark Beffort

Several top local commercial real estate pros devoted a few minutes of their valuable time to give us their take on both the year that was 2011, and more importantly, a glimpse into what will be making headlines in the new 2012 in Oklahoma City.

Here are a few thoughts from Mark Beffort, Managing Partner with Grubb & Ellis/Levy Beffort in OKC.

Q: What was the biggest story in OKC commercial real estate in 2011, and why?

The new jobs that have been and are being created. Expansion by Chesapeake, Devon, SandRidge and many other energy-related firms, along with the relocation of Continental Resources and Boeing. The wages for these jobs are well above the current average wage for the private sector.

Q: What will be the biggest story in 2012, and why?

Definitely the CBD. The completion of Project 180 phases 1-5, completion of the I-40 cross-town, the opening of the Devon (headquarters) facility, completion of the renovated SandRidge campus, absorption of over 200,000 sq. ft. of the vacated Devon space, ground breaking of the convention center, ground breaking of 2+ new parking garages, announcement of 1+ new corporate facilities to be built, growth in our downtown living population, and more… and will we see a downtown grocery store open?

>> Ben Johnson, January 16, 2012 | 7:47 AM

That makes me nautious! Two convention centers side by side zapping any growth to the south of downtown! I see this killing anyone wanting to live south of it, but it will push more development in Deep Deuce and Midtown. Just love the bad planning wall they are creating with the convention center and 6 lane blvd.

The 1+ quote implies at least one and maybe more.

Don't forget that the Chamber hinted at a big relocation of another HQ around the time of the last Boeing announcement. I think this is separate from whoever will be building this mystery tower.

BTW, Mark Beffort will be added to the OCURA board at tomorrow's city council meeting.

not that it matters ..but this happened at yesterdays meeting and he was also added to the redevelopment authority

That makes me nautious! Two convention centers side by side zapping any growth to the south of downtown! I see this killing anyone wanting to live south of it, but it will push more development in Deep Deuce and Midtown. Just love the bad planning wall they are creating with the convention center and 6 lane blvd.

the blvd will NOT be 6 lanes of traffic .. it will be 4

Any predictions on the location??

SW corner of Main & Hudson is the best location guess.

the blvd will NOT be 6 lanes of traffic .. it will be 4

That is what we all thought but it was cofirmed in another thread this week that it is still 6 lanes. It appears the the '4 lane' comment originated with someone who was not in a position to decide such things.

That is what we all thought but it was cofirmed in another thread this week that it is still 6 lanes. It appears the the '4 lane' comment originated with someone who was not in a position to decide such things.

i was at the meeting when several of the city staff including russell claus (who has been at the blvd planning meetings) confirmed that it will be 2 lanes of traffic in each direction

i was at the meeting when several of the city staff including russell claus (who has been at the blvd planning meetings) confirmed that it will be 2 lanes of traffic in each direction

But it is being built by the state, not the city. Maybe they are the uninformed sources. Don't get me wrong though - I hope it is 4 lanes (actually, I liked the idea of having it integrate with the existing street grid west of Walker). Steve even confirmed nothing has changed from 6 lanes.

How about MidFirst? They are big and busting at the seams at current building...and does anyone know which highrise they own/and or occupy in downtown Pheonix?

I think going east/NE has benefits too. Lots of good more density could do for the health corridor, State complex, Bricktown, Deep Deuce, Flatiron, etc.

I like E/NE much more than west.

Connect the medical core to the CBD...larger CBD quickly.