http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20131210&Category=BUSINESS02&ArtNo=312100049&Ref=V4&MaxW=300&Border=0&Five-teams-propose-redevelopment-old-Nashville-Convention-Center

This is what Nashville is doing with their old convention center site.

http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20131210&Category=BUSINESS02&ArtNo=312100049&Ref=V4&MaxW=300&Border=0&Five-teams-propose-redevelopment-old-Nashville-Convention-Center

This is what Nashville is doing with their old convention center site.

Is there a larger version of this pic? Looks cool but hard to tell. Maybe I need glasses.

http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20131210&Category=BUSINESS02&ArtNo=312100049&Ref=V4&MaxW=300&Border=0&Five-teams-propose-redevelopment-old-Nashville-Convention-Center

This is what Nashville is doing with their old convention center site.

That would be great across from the MG. What I especially like is the sight lines to the MG would go back to the east half of the development with progressively taller buildings.

Let's find a developer and make it happen in OKC Spartan.

Is there a larger version of this pic? Looks cool but hard to tell. Maybe I need glasses.

I was (well, Google was) able to find a larger copy of it linked from here (http://archive.tennessean.com/article/20131210/BUSINESS02/312100049/Five-teams-propose-redevelopment-old-Nashville-Convention-Center).

http://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9463&d=1415826302

Nashville Convention Center Hotel - Longo Park (http://longopark.com/design/nashville-convention-center-hotel/)

http://longopark.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/92.jpg

Nashville:

https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.607989626541704169&pid=15.1&P=0 https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608017277548629509&pid=15.1&P=0 https://sp.yimg.com/ib/th?id=HN.608016676249469001&pid=15.1&P=0


The 'Music City' is on track with their convention center/hotel complex development.

http://cmsimg.tennessean.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=DN&Date=20131210&Category=BUSINESS02&ArtNo=312100049&Ref=V4&MaxW=300&Border=0&Five-teams-propose-redevelopment-old-Nashville-Convention-Center

This is what Nashville is doing with their old convention center site.

Actually, that rendering is from REI, the lowest scored responder. The winner , designed by Gresham-Smith Partners doesn't look nearly as nice.

It looks like they chose the proposal that maintains the superblock, which would seem bad, but this $230M development also includes the National Museum of African American Music, which not sure if the aforementioned proposal did or did not. Interesting that this one, despite maintaining the former convention center superblock, provides more distinctive siting for what I assume is the Museum of AA Music...

http://wsmv.images.worldnow.com/images/24139876_BG2.jpg

This feels like somebody used Photoshop to drop a streetview crop from Charlotte into a Nashville setting.

It may turn out great but it just looks weird.

Yea. It's trying too hard to be cool.

I don't have a degree in design, but does this look cohesive? It seems to be a bunch of ideas all meshed together. To each his own, but I just don't get it. I see the parallels in the cantilevered parts, but just not working for me.

Everything but the black structure in the back looks cohesive to me.

Everything but the black structure in the back looks cohesive to me.

Which explains why everyone wonders about it. LOL
jk, Spartan

The current proposal for Nashville's former convention center is pictured below. The rendering above is from Emory's preliminary bid design. Few of the Nashville built environment junkies loved it and I'm surprised it won over most of the other bids. Thankfully, Emory teamed up with developer OliverMcMillian and the new Gensler design below was recently unveiled. The development will include a residential tower, a office tower, high-end retail topped with "creative offices," and the National Museum of African-American Music opening up to the Lower Broadway entertainment district.

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sites/default/files/attachments/85318/Emery%20project%202.png

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sites/default/files/attachments/85318/Screen%20Shot%202014-11-04%20at%207.28.32%20AM.png

The photos for the Nashville's convention center from the last few pages were mostly images of the former convention center that will be redeveloped or the Gaylord Opryland complex in suburban Nashville. The new Music City Center is pictured below. It has sparked a great deal of development in it's vicinity, but was initially unable to lure some of the larger conventions it was built to attract because of lack of hotel rooms nearby. That will swiftly change as there have been a flurry of hotel proposals around Nashville's core in the recent months. The Turnberry two-tower development pictured below the MCC images are one of the new hotel proposals that was unveiled this week and slated to start next summer. It will include a hotel and office tower and sit just to the left of the MCC in the second photo below where the beige and red brick vintage buildings are located. There is also a 27-story Westin starting next month just to the left of the roundabout in the same image.

I don't think any of the Nashville urban enthusiasts had even seen the rendering for the large hotel proposal before Lazio85 posted it here. I'm not sure if that's a current proposal or an earlier proposal for that site.

http://www.visitmusiccity.com/Content/cms/uploads/MCCExt480.jpg

http://greenrisetech.com/images/sized/site_assets/content/project_files/Project_MusicCity_1-700x380.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8D24FY1.jpg

Oklahoma City does need to keep in mind that you want to have a convention center that provides for flexibility. It was a good move to place the convention center complex next to the Chesapeake Energy Arena; this will allow us to incorporate the arena with the convention center.

Now 'The Peake' is an aging facility. It will be a matter of time before we have to replace 'The Peake' with a new NBA style arena; that's where the Cox Convention Center comes into play; that parcel will be ripe when it become time to construct a new venue that serves many functions.


https://s.yimg.com/vw/api/res/1.2/Lzs1QkYlOMAZDhNgWfeN7A--/YXBwaWQ9eWlzcmNoZHNrO2ZpPWZpdDtnZT0wMDY2MDA7Z3M9MD BBMzAwO2g9NDUwO3c9NjAw/http://www.capradio.org/media/1138643/04-Arena_Exterior_Street_View_P_600x450.jpg.cf.jpg

we wont need the full cox site though (which is 4 square blocks).

I say, let the CBD expand into the Cox site and let's build or rebuild the Peake at its current location OR on the other side of the CC (I think Walker Ave. is it?). Even better yet, we could build the replacement on the other side of the blvd from its current location (NE corner of Robinson/Blvd or 3rd) and allow hotels to occupy the Peake's current spot. I actually like this idea as it would give even more hotels 'connected' to the new CC (more or less expanding the convention 'district') and further expand the CBD while still letting the new arena be at the same intersection as the CC and Union Park.

I know it was never going to happen, but the "rose rock" shaped convention center that was shown in the Skyline Ink conceptual video a few years back would be cool.

EDIT:

Here are some screen shots from said video.

http://i.imgur.com/pZnwcXE.png

http://i.imgur.com/7Gr5AyQ.png

Side view
http://i.imgur.com/o0B3v6k.png

Here is the video: http://vimeo.com/1430974

Oklahoma City Destination Guide: Meetings & Conventions (http://www.meetings-conventions.com/Destinations/Destination-Guides/Oklahoma-City-Destination-Guide/)

Could the next arena be built on the big parking lots between Bricktown and Deep Deuce? Just thinking out loud... Not sure that's a plausible space...

Cox Business Services Convention Center an SMG Managed Facility - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Convention Center | Cvent Supplier Network (http://www.cvent.com/rfp/oklahoma-city-hotels/cox-business-services-convention-center-an-smg-managed-facility/venue-851c6247509347cf8ff7c99b150d94db.aspx?tab=overview&ref=DKND288S8SN)

Could the next arena be built on the big parking lots between Bricktown and Deep Deuce? Just thinking out loud... Not sure that's a plausible space...

I would think the new one would probably go in the C2S area if it is built out enough at that time. Or possibly along the river.

Could the next arena be built on the big parking lots between Bricktown and Deep Deuce? Just thinking out loud... Not sure that's a plausible space...

I would hope not, as by that time rail lines to Tulsa and Midwest City would be on those tracks.

The next arena needs to not be in the middle of downtown…East of Shield South of the Boulevard. We can move the substation for the arena!

Which explains why everyone wonders about it. LOL
jk, Spartan

Well done

I might be a minority voice here (bazinga) but I think the arena is sited perfectly. There is a synergy between Thunder Alley and Bricktown on game days. The arena also helps to draw people toward the MBG and, in the near future, the new Union Park. I actually hope it's rebuilt in its current location, but certainly no further than the substation site.

Way off topic. We need to start a Durant Arena thread.

The Cox site is perfect for a signature building for OKC. A Gehry design or a building with a unique top and lighting. Something that defines the city's image.

When the time comes to replace The Peake; build a new (20,000-seat) arena in that vicinity, downside the Chesapeake Energy Arena (17,500-seats) to tie in with the new convention center-hotel complex. The current Cox Convention Center (Old Myriad) could be used for the CBD as
suggested by Hot Rod.


Way off topic. We need to start a Durant Arena thread. Save for his resigning date.

I might be a minority voice here (bazinga) but I think the arena is sited perfectly. There is a synergy between Thunder Alley and Bricktown on game days. The arena also helps to draw people toward the MBG and, in the near future, the new Union Park. I actually hope it's rebuilt in its current location, but certainly no further than the substation site.

Way off topic. We need to start a Durant Arena thread.+1

The next arena needs to not be in the middle of downtown…East of Shield South of the Boulevard. We can move the substation for the arena!

here, here

The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to approve a request for proposals for a hotel serving the MAPS 3 Convention Center. The move allows City staff to solicit proposals from hotel operators interested in the project. The proposed hotel would likely be among the largest hotels in the city, and would primarily serve large groups of visitors in need of full-service hotel amenities when attending events at the Convention Center. The Council also voted to approve an agreement with Public Financial Management, Inc., to explore possible financing options for the hotel.

As a reminder, a new TIF district is being planned to help pay for the City's costs. It has been estimated at least $50 million in public assistance will be required.


From Cathy O'Connor's presentation to the Council:


The RFP seeks proposals from hotel developers and hotel management firms to partner with the city on the project
Responses are due in early March and the City expects to shortlist qualified firms to conduct further due diligence
Responses will include indications of private sector financing and initial project pro forma
Shortlisted parties will be invited to submit detailed proposals for evaluation
The City has formed a selection committee to review proposals and make recommendations to the City Council
PFM and Capital Hotel Management will act as advisors to the City and the Alliance in the procurement process
The objective of the procurement process is select a finalist(s) by the 3rd overall convention center project
City Council approval will be required prior to entering into any specific agreements with either the hotel developer or management firm


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

From the notes (http://www.okc.gov/councilnotes/2015/cn012015.html) from today's meeting, here is the YouTube video (http://youtu.be/y49UEwPs_0U?t=36m56s) time keyed to the discussion and the short PDF (http://www.okc.gov/councilnotes/2015/012015/Convention_Center_Hotel_Project_Updates.pdf) of the presentation.

The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to approve a request for proposals for a hotel serving the MAPS 3 Convention Center. The move allows City staff to solicit proposals from hotel operators interested in the project. The proposed hotel would likely be among the largest hotels in the city, and would primarily serve large groups of visitors in need of full-service hotel amenities when attending events at the Convention Center. The Council also voted to approve an agreement with Public Financial Management, Inc., to explore possible financing options for the hotel.

As a reminder, a new TIF district is being planned to help pay for the City's costs. It has been estimated at least $50 million in public assistance will be required.


From Cathy O'Connor's presentation to the Council:


The RFP seeks proposals from hotel developers and hotel management firms to partner with the city on the project
Responses are due in early March and the City expects to shortlist qualified firms to conduct further due diligence
Responses will include indications of private sector financing and initial project pro forma
Shortlisted parties will be invited to submit detailed proposals for evaluation
The City has formed a selection committee to review proposals and make recommendations to the City Council
PFM and Capital Hotel Management will act as advisors to the City and the Alliance in the procurement process
The objective of the procurement process is select a finalist(s) by the 3rd overall convention center project
City Council approval will be required prior to entering into any specific agreements with either the hotel developer or management firm


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

Wow things are really coming together in OKC now!
Any word on how many rooms the hotel will likely have?

Couple of questions for you all. What is the expected date to begin and end construction for his Convention Center? When will we see the final designs from the architect and what it will look like? Also, will the CC and CC Hotel be built simultaneously? I am actually getting excited about his as long as they don't cheap out and scale this thing down. It needs to be impressive because we have lost over a billion dollars in lost conventions since 2007. Why keep losing all this revenue that could be going into the OKC economy? It will create jobs both during construction and after it is complete. What are they waiting for? Lets get this thing going with an impressive hotel!

Couple of questions for you all. What is the expected date to begin and end construction for his Convention Center? When will we see the final designs from the architect and what it will look like? Also, will the CC and CC Hotel be built simultaneously? I am actually getting excited about his as long as they don't cheap out and scale this thing down. It needs to be impressive because we have lost over a billion dollars in lost conventions since 2007. Why keep losing all this revenue that could be going into the OKC economy? It will create jobs both during construction and after it is complete. What are they waiting for? Lets get this thing going with an impressive hotel!

How do you figure the amount of lost revenue?

I saw it from a previous post from a couple years ago on this thread. Some city council member keeps track of and has a list of all the reasons for not landing certain conventions. For the ones who declined because of lack of space and hotel, he estimated that we have lost over a billion dollars since 2007 into the OKC economy. That was a few years ago so I am sure at this point it well exceeds a billion dollars. If we are losing out on money to further stimulate the economy, and increased costs for every year we wait to build, why are they moving like they are stuck in cement? That answers your question, now can you or anyone else answer mine?

Can someone answer when this thing is going to be built? Start time and completion date would be great. I think every day that passes will be more money lost to the OKC economy.

Have you not been paying attention? They've been doing land acquisition for some time and design work is underway. You do understand that MAPS is pay as you go and it will take a little time to collect the needed funds?


If anything the CC has been moved up in schedule, largely at the expense of other projects. You can search this thread if you want to know more detailed info.

Have you not been paying attention? They've been doing land acquisition for some time and design work is underway. You do understand that MAPS is pay as you go and it will take a little time to collect the needed funds?


If anything the CC has been moved up in schedule, largely at the expense of other projects. You can search this thread if you want to know more detailed info.

Hey, I was just asking a question because things change. You don't need to scold me for asking when this is due to begin construction. Their are a lot of pages on this thread so forgive me if I don't want to go back and do that and found it easier to just ask someone who could answer. Is it really that big of a bother to you that you feel you had to respond that way?

We need to get the big expensive projects started ASAP because the costs will escalate. We want a convention center, whitewater rapids, street car transit where we don't have to make cuts. The downtown park can have amenities added upon its completion.

The MAPS pay as you collect formula does keep the city's momentum in stride along with debt-free projects.

Can someone answer when this thing is going to be built? Start time and completion date would be great. I think every day that passes will be more money lost to the OKC economy.

They will likely finish land acquisition, via a friendly suit to determine land pricing, this year. I think they have already been making decisions on size and design. I've pretty much stopped paying attention to its process. It will happen when it happens, but that shouldn't be all that much longer.

I'm just thinking out loud here, but I honestly can't believe so many of you are already talking about a new arena to replace the Peake.
It's not an old facility, by any means (twelve years). On top of that, you just renovated it and expanded the total facility space to the tune of $85 million or so (not including the practice facility). And it's nice and modern (well, at least part of it is) and honestly not bad looking to the common eye.

I just say this as a caution because some cities become trigger happy when it comes to demo'ing and replacing perfectly fine arenas. While I am not claiming to be an expert, I do not see any reason why we should be even mentioning this now. This is a discussion to be had in ten years, and only then to begin preliminary talks about how to renovate/replace in a matter of years from then.

I'm just thinking out loud here, but I honestly can't believe so many of you are already talking about a new arena to replace the Peake.
It's not an old facility, by any means (twelve years). On top of that, you just renovated it and expanded the total facility space to the tune of $85 million or so (not including the practice facility). And it's nice and modern (well, at least part of it is) and honestly not bad looking to the common eye.

I just say this as a caution because some cities become trigger happy when it comes to demo'ing and replacing perfectly fine arenas. While I am not claiming to be an expert, I do not see any reason why we should be even mentioning this now. This is a discussion to be had in ten years, and only then to begin preliminary talks about how to renovate/replace in a matter of years from then.

Agree 100%. While some cities have much more attractive arenas than the Peake, many do not and there are some arenas much, much older still in full use. Madison Square Garden was opened in 1968 and it's still in use. While some cities like Charlotte have demolished suburban arenas and replaced them with downtown arenas (amid much controversy), OKC is fortunate to already have an up to date, downtown arena. The city should definitely not be getting trigger happy to replace it in the near future.

I'm just thinking out loud here, but I honestly can't believe so many of you are already talking about a new arena to replace the Peake.

I have seen the future - OKC will not be replacing The Peake. Sooner or later economic reality is going to kick in.

We need this area to have the "Pop" while on screen. It needs to scream Vibrant & a place of destination. No it's not South Beach, but it needs to look like the entire area around The Peake is the place you would like to put on your Weekend Getaway for the next year. Or the next place you would like to go on a Business trip kinda thing.

I have seen the future - OKC will not be replacing The Peake. Sooner or later economic reality is going to kick in.

I agree with you DT! As for JusttheFacts, you are a being a Debbie Downer, come on man stop that thinking. Hope for the best of OKC and let it be grand. I do know what you mean though as I have been there far too many times and get frustrated at how OKC does things on the cheap far too often and goes by the motto that OKC is just OK.

I have seen the future - OKC will not be replacing The Peake. Sooner or later economic reality is going to kick in.

Why do you say that. Do you think the Thunder will eventually leave?

I have seen the future - OKC will not be replacing The Peake. Sooner or later economic reality is going to kick in.

Another hopeful and positive post from JTF. Who would have thought? ;)

Oh come on, JTF wasn't the only one speaking against replacing the arena. Not to mention this is the wrong thread for that discussion in general, if someone wants to talk about that the Post New Thread button is at the top of every sub-forum.

I'm just thinking out loud here, but I honestly can't believe so many of you are already talking about a new arena to replace the Peake.
It's not an old facility, by any means (twelve years). On top of that, you just renovated it and expanded the total facility space to the tune of $85 million or so (not including the practice facility). And it's nice and modern (well, at least part of it is) and honestly not bad looking to the common eye.

I just say this as a caution because some cities become trigger happy when it comes to demo'ing and replacing perfectly fine arenas. While I am not claiming to be an expert, I do not see any reason why we should be even mentioning this now. This is a discussion to be had in ten years, and only then to begin preliminary talks about how to renovate/replace in a matter of years from then.

Agreed.

The vast majority of NBA arenas have been built in the last 20-25 years and the initial construction and the remodel of the Peake benefited greatly from being able to model ours off of those from the standpoint of size, amenities, fan experience and revenue generation.

Until most of those cities start building new arenas to a degree that would render ours obsolete, which isn't even being discussed, there's no reason we'll need to build a new one.

Agreed.

The vast majority of NBA arenas have been built in the last 20-25 years and the initial construction and the remodel of the Peake benefited greatly from being able to model ours off of those from the standpoint of size, amenities, fan experience and revenue generation.

Until most of those cities start building new arenas to a degree that would render ours obsolete, which isn't even being discussed, there's no reason we'll need to build a new one.while I can see what you're saying, why should we wait for other cities to make the first move? We should jump ahead of the game. I'm not saying we should rebuild it now, but I think we should have a new one under construction by 2025.

I know it was never going to happen, but the "rose rock" shaped convention center that was shown in the Skyline Ink conceptual video a few years back would be cool.

EDIT:

Here are some screen shots from said video.

http://i.imgur.com/pZnwcXE.png

http://i.imgur.com/7Gr5AyQ.png

Side view
http://i.imgur.com/o0B3v6k.png

Here is the video: Oklahoma City's "Core to Shore" - by Skyline Ink on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/1430974)

Too bad this isn't a real proposal, I love the rose rock concept for the convention center especially since rose rocks are found nowhere else in the US except for central Oklahoma. Reminds me of Phoenix's Health Sciences Education Building because of both buildings' relationship to their respective state's geology. It was inspired by canyon formations.
http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/5180231fb3fc4b19c70000c4_health-sciences-education-building-co-architects_03_co_az-abc2_hseb_timmerman_196-1000x542.jpg

while I can see what you're saying, why should we wait for other cities to make the first move? We should jump ahead of the game. I'm not saying we should rebuild it now, but I think we should have a new one under construction by 2025.

The reason the last round of NBA arena construction went the way it did is because teams found a big new source of revenue -- luxury boxes. If you could sell luxury boxes you'd rake in the cash. If you couldn't, you had trouble keeping up with rising player salaries. A lot of the old arenas weren't built in a way so that teams could add luxury boxes to them. It was a lot easier to just build new rather than try to change the old structure. We built ours with luxury box accommodations from the start.

Should OKC build a new arena? Only if there's a new thing (like luxury boxes were) that is becoming the standard and the Chesapeake can't be upgraded to have it. But right now I don't know what something like that would be. We're going to build new and add... what?

The Thunder have an absolute sweetheart deal in place at the Chesapeake. That one guy whose name I forget who is always bitching about how much MAPS costs has repeatedly shown how the city almost gave away the farm to ensure they moved here. The team is very profitable. Part of the reason the city was able to do that is because we got the Peake without using any bonds -- we basically paid cash up front. Most other cities are not going to be in a similar situation, and probably won't be able to offer the Thunder nearly as good a deal as they have here. That doesn't mean that we should never build a new arena, but we should be in no rush at all until something big changes.

The reason the last round of NBA arena construction went the way it did is because teams found a big new source of revenue -- luxury boxes. If you could sell luxury boxes you'd rake in the cash. If you couldn't, you had trouble keeping up with rising player salaries. A lot of the old arenas weren't built in a way so that teams could add luxury boxes to them. It was a lot easier to just build new rather than try to change the old structure. We built ours with luxury box accommodations from the start.

Should OKC build a new arena? Only if there's a new thing (like luxury boxes were) that is becoming the standard and the Chesapeake can't be upgraded to have it. But right now I don't know what something like that would be. We're going to build new and add... what?

The Thunder have an absolute sweetheart deal in place at the Chesapeake. That one guy whose name I forget who is always bitching about how much MAPS costs has repeatedly shown how the city almost gave away the farm to ensure they moved here. The team is very profitable. Part of the reason the city was able to do that is because we got the Peake without using any bonds -- we basically paid cash up front. Most other cities are not going to be in a similar situation, and probably won't be able to offer the Thunder nearly as good a deal as they have here. That doesn't mean that we should never build a new arena, but we should be in no rush at all until something big changes.those are all great points

The Peake can become part of the new convention center-hotel-arena complex.

We need to remember that the Peake was originally built w/o all the bells and whistles; that's why the '97 NHL expansion committee passed on OKC, they didn't think we could possibly build a quality NHL/NBA arena with $89 million. They were right; therefore we had to invest another $100 million into upgrades (2008 MAPS for HOOPS) to bring it to NBA standards.

The Peake will have to do until 2025 (Collection for MAPS V begins), we will need a new arena; also the Cox Convention Center will be history by then.

Look for a new arena to cost in excess of $800 million (20,000 permanent seats/3-4 levels) if we want to keep the NBA in OKC. There will be other aggressive cities (Des Moines,Tulsa, Wichita, Omaha) who will want to lure the Thunder away, just as OKC did with Seattle. NBA expansion will be the topic around 2017-2020--possibly two expansion franchises.

The Peake can become part of the new convention center-hotel-arena complex.

We need to remember that the Peake was originally built w/o all the bells and whistles; that's why the '97 NHL expansion committee passed on OKC, they didn't think we could possibly build a quality NHL/NBA arena with $89 million. They were right; therefore we had to invest another $100 million into upgrades (2008 MAPS for HOOPS) to bring it to NBA standards.

The Peake will have to do until 2025 (Collection for MAPS V begins), we will need a new arena; also the Cox Convention Center will be history by then.

Look for a new arena to cost in excess of $800 million (20,000 permanent seats/3-4 levels) if we want to keep the NBA in OKC. There will be other aggressive cities (Des Moines,Tulsa, Wichita, Omaha) who will want to lure the Thunder away, just as OKC did with Seattle. NBA expansion will be the topic after 2020--possibly two expansion franchises.

Teams want new arenas because they produce more revenue, and for no other reason than that. Until some new design comes along that significantly increases revenue, and requires structural changes to the arena, there's no reason to build new.

Now eventually we'll have to replace the Chesapeake, I don't think anyone is denying that. But I don't think we're talking about 10 years from now. I think we're talking 20 years from now at least. By then I'm sure there'll be a new preferred design. I'm sure there are a significant number of current NBA arenas that were publically financed, and I bet some of them won't be paid off for quite a while. I don't think there's going to be a new round of arena one-upmanship until some of those places are paid for.

Teams want new arenas because they produce more revenue, and for no other reason than that. Until some new design comes along that significantly increases revenue, and requires structural changes to the arena, there's no reason to build new.

Exactly - new arenas weren't built just for the heck of it. The economic model of the league changed and facilities needed to change with them - but it was a one-time change. The NBA isn't constantly changing their business model.

Keep in mind that the city will likely have significant proceeds from the sale and redevelopment of the Cox Convention Center grounds. This could be useful in redevelopment of the Peake or an outright new building then the city could sell/redevelop this existing Peake grounds.

That's the beauty of downtown development, it doesn't need to be a zero sum game for the city if it plays its cards right. Build it and satisfy the existing market AND/OR create one that likely will lead to more development. .... But again, OKC needs to be savvy enough to place rules, have a Master Plan of what kind of city it wants to become, and oversight on development (at least in the greater core) so that the CITY controls what gets built not developers/investors who likely may only be wishing for a ROI. This has worked in countless other large cities, no reason OKC can't become big league and start running this city/downtown as an investment on its future.

Personally, I think we could do another upgrade to the Peake - especially considering there were elements of the initial upgrade that didn't get implemented; we could implement those AND perhaps add more amenities/restaurants still within the existing property line. If we wanted to, we could retrofit the exterior with glass and there you go - a brand new building that could compete with anyone. As was mentioned, OKC already meets and competes well with the current NBA standard. We'd be stupid to be first to create the new standard given the risk and our small market size - leave it to Chi, NY, LA to do that and then with the redevelopment of nearby lands - OKC will be ready to potentially build a new arena 20+ years down the road. ...

I'm sure Pete has stated the time line on the purchase of the property before, can' remember. I was told by a source, not sure how reliable, that they were wanting to settle for a lot of money. If this is the case, would this not effect the monies left to build the convention center?

You have to figure they are probably wanting 10 million a block plus for the parcels to the south of 2nd st.

There is likely to be some sort of land swap involved, which would negate some portion of the land acquisition costs. But yes, those costs would come from the CC budget.

The eminent domain resolution has been dragging on for quite a while now, which indicates the parties cannot come to agreement.

Based on comparable downtown sales over the last few years, it looks like the price would be somewhere between $20 and $33 million and the CC budget only includes $17 million for land and site preparation.

Any land swap is still a cost that should be billed to the convention center project.