I also lean toward preferring the more "classic" or "timeless" look for a convention center (such as the one in Fort Worth referenced by PhiAlpha). While the ultra-modern design looks great right now, I have a concern that it might look dated eventually. These are not super-strong feelings, though. Overall I'm excited about it and am hopeful that someday we might get the street grid back where Cox currently stands.

The Ft Worth convention center is that roundish thing right? If so, I found that to be as unappealing to walk around as the Cox. Timeless is not a word I'd use to describe it.

The Ft Worth convention center is that roundish thing right? If so, I found that to be as unappealing to walk around as the Cox. Timeless is not a word I'd use to describe it.

He's not talking about that side of the Fort Worth convention center. He's talking about the western side of the convention center on Houston St. between 11th and 14th where the building is very inviting-looking and does not appear "imposing" or "overbearing" when walking next to it (which I have many times).

12919

funding separate from maps 3 has already been identified for the hotel ... that is not an issue

Mulitple existing funding mechanisms available in fact.

BTW, OG&E just submitted their design plans for the relocated substation:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ogeriver1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ogeriver2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ogeriver3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ogeriver4.jpg

I love the Omni Austin. That would be amazing if we got a roof top pool that overlooked downtown in OKC

He's not talking about that side of the Fort Worth convention center. He's talking about the western side of the convention center on Houston St. between 11th and 14th where the building is very inviting-looking and does not appear "imposing" or "overbearing" when walking next to it (which I have many times).

12919

ah yes, that's much better, thanks for the clarification. pretty sure I did also walk by that but didn't realize I was back by the convention center again.

He's not talking about that side of the Fort Worth convention center. He's talking about the western side of the convention center on Houston St. between 11th and 14th where the building is very inviting-looking and does not appear "imposing" or "overbearing" when walking next to it (which I have many times).

12919

That's why there are so many people in the picture walking by it I presume. :D

So how many conventions/events is OKC projected to land that it wouldn't have landed with Cox?

27

This may be wholly controversial, but I really like the renderings for this project.

Please no more Hiltons.

Please no more Hiltons.

Hotels or family members?

I really like the renderings! Modern and a bit sleek.

This may be wholly controversial, but I really like the renderings for this project.


I really like the renderings! Modern and a bit sleek.

The new convention center design seems to blend more in with the Chesapeake Energy Arena's new southwest entrance. Overall, Just don't like the two color brick facade of the Peake; they really clash.

http://www.abetterlifeokc.com/clientuploads/blog/ChesapeakeArenaEntrance.jpg http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention082316b.jpg

Love the modern sleek look. It's more complementary of the Devon Tower & the BOK Park Plaza building under construction. Should add to our new building decor.

Now, can we get the final piece of this puzzle solved--The convention center conference hotel...

As for the hotel, I was told by a very good source that they have narrowed down the choice to Omni and Marcus (Hitlon) and Mortensen (Hyatt) have combined forces to become the 2nd finalist.

That means the other remaining applicant from the 4 finalists, Matthew group (Westin), has been cut.

I am really pulling for Omni as they just started a beautiful convention hotel in Louisville (see below), but my money has always been on Marcus due to the relationship that group formed with Cathy O'Connor through the Skrivin, which it still operates.

OKC is the only major city in our area (St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Albuquerque, Tulsa, Wichita) that doesn't have a Hyatt Regency:

Here is the proposed design for the 600 room Hyatt Regency in downtown Portland, Oregon by Mortensen:

http://www.mortenson.com/~/media/images/projects/portland/hyattoccphoto5.ashx?h=451&la=en&w=680
$212 million, 600-room Convention Center hotel is being part financed by $60 million of Metro issued bonds, which will be backed by lodging taxes paid by hotel guests: http://www.nextportland.com/2015/03/13/hyatt-regency-oregon-convention-center/

https://www.oregoncc.org/about/future-hyatt-hotel

Something twice this size in height (22-26 stories) with half the width (with more glass decor) would fit perfectly into the convention center complex, south of the Peake.

Will the hotel qualify for TIF money or does the council have some other source of financial incentives in place?

Not a fan of that Hyatt rendering above, but I do prefer we get a Hyatt or a Westin, because OKC should have both of those by now. Way too many Hilton and especially Marriott brands.

Love the new Convention Center design.

While I agree that OKC may have too many Limited Service/Select hotels; there's definitely not way too many Hiltons,

if anything, we don't have enough as we still need Conrad and a Waldorf-Astoria (which would never happen). I'd also argue we need a proper DoubleTree in downtown. It's nice to have at least one of each brand in a major city, and the top brands downtown - which we're getting there.

not way too many Marriott's either, esp since OKC lost it's former two (one turned into Renaissance). Assuming the Bricktown Renaissance gets built and the existing Renaissance becomes a true Marriott; OKC would still need a Ritz Carleton (which wont happen) not to mention Bvlgari; but I think a JW Marriott is definitely missing downtown.

So just those two flags, OKC does WELL but definitely not too much as we are missing their best brands downtown, considering we should have a Conrad and a DoubleTree and a JW Marriott. I do agree that Hyatt is lagging in OKC, we need a Regency downtown and perhaps a Grand Hyatt (downtown) and/or Park Hyatt (Nichols Hills).

Let's not even get into Starwood (no Westin, W, 4-Points) or Intercontinental/Holiday Inn (no proper HI or Intercontinental in downtown). That's just the major flags; Omni conference hotel will be nice. But you can see OKC has many brands left to add to reach the Tier 2 level that its peers enjoy. Hopefully we'll get there.

Generally agree, but most of those flags are not ideal for a convention hotel. Hyatt best fills that void.

W would be my first choice in general for OKC. Could work for the First National hotel.

Why Hyatt over Omni, in you opinion?

jbrown, we agree but I just want to be sure; I wasn't saying that all of those flags would be great for convention hotel, I was saying those are brands OKC doesn't have - but should. :)

As for the convention hotel itself: I agree that Hyatt Conference Hotel does have a certain cachee that Omni may not (I think Omni is more local/region vs. Hyatt which is worldwide).

^ ^ ^ ^
A modern Hyatt Regency (flag for the conference hotel) on the proposed convention center complex would add a jewel to our current hotels.

Hot Rod, you are right; we do need more diversity & variety. A Hyatt Regency of 600-625 rooms; then if we need a second hotel add a 325-350 room Omni on site to our portfolio.

Omni has a 600 room CC hotel under construction in Louisville, plenty of renderings out there of it if you have not already seen....

https://www.omnihotels.com/blog/omni-hotels-breaks-ground-in-louisville/ I don't know how I feel about the design, but something modern to go with the modern look of the convention center would be awesome.

Omni has a 600 room CC hotel under construction in Louisville, plenty of renderings out there of it if you have not already seen....


Blends in with the Louisville skyline. That particular design doesn't complement our convention center.

I stayed in the Denver Hyatt Regency this weekend and it was quite excellent so I wouldn't mind that here. In fairness I have not stayed at an Omni.

Omni is pretty great in my experience. Even their aging properties, like the CNN Center in Atlanta, are continually kept fresh.

Just curious as to the proposed $4.3 million renovations planned for the Skirvin-Hilton. Is this timing a coincidence with the release of the convention center design.

Just curious as to the proposed $4.3 million renovations planned for the Skirvin-Hilton. Is this timing a coincidence with the release of the convention center design.

Doubtful. They publicly announced that a year ago or so, IIRC.

Just curious as to the proposed $4.3 million renovations planned for the Skirvin-Hilton. Is this timing a coincidence with the release of the convention center design.

Hotels need to be updated/refreshed pretty often; they are used hard. Hard to believe; it has been nearly 10 years since the Skirvin renovation. Also, the expiration of the conditions that enabled historic preservation tax credits now allow the owners to demolish/get rid of historic elements that had to be preserved at the time. So, for instance, they are going to demolish and replace the historic tile floor, paint over previously-preserved historic stencils on the walls, etc. This was impossible until recently, without refunding the tax credits.

So, for instance, they are going to demolish and replace the historic tile floor, paint over previously-preserved historic stencils on the walls, etc. This was impossible until recently, without refunding the tax credits.

Ouch! Urbanized, in your opinion are they going to be getting rid of *good* historic stuff, or is it stuff that really truly needs demolition?

Well, I understand WHY they are doing something like replacing the floor; I just don't agree with the need to. Remember that this is an out of town hotel group (not that this is a bad thing for the most part). They see a worn tile floor and are embarrassed that an out-of-town guest might see it and judge them by the condition. They would prefer the floor be immaculate. Again, understandable.

But if you look at it from a historic preservation and OKC-centric standpoint - and fully understand and appreciate the history behind it - the existing floor has a cool factor that cannot be replaced by a new floor of any type or expense. In the case of this single element (the tile), it was specifically ordered by William B. Skirvin for a purpose. Since Oklahoma City and Oklahoma were in many ways still frontier places in 1911 when the Skirvin opened, he knew that many of his guests would be ranchers, oil men, even tribal leaders. He wanted them to feel at home the moment they came through the door, even though they might be carrying mud on their boots. So instead of using carpets or other more fragile, fancy material he had the floor done in a tough white tile that could easily be swept or otherwise cleaned, so guests wouldn't feel self-conscious or the need to be overly-careful. It was a gracious and welcoming gesture and says a lot about his approach to hospitality and about the type of clientele common during that time in history.

The floor today, while blemished and imperfect, is a direct link to that time and to the founder, William Skirvin. This is why it specifically was identified for preservation when historic tax credits were issued. Does it look gleaming and new? Of course not. But this is clearly not a new hotel, and I personally think as much as possible of its still-intact history should be retained and celebrated. I would much rather see Marcus embrace the floor, have some great area rugs where necessary, and perhaps some prominent signage that explains the floor and tells the story; even brags on it a bit. "Are you wondering why our floor is so beat-up and old-looking? Well, let us tell you a story..."

Some things need not always be so sanitized. But unfortunately the history of the floor isn't important enough to the owner to justify that approach, so bye bye cool old floor.

What interesting background. Thanks, Ubanized. It's too bad...

Well, I understand WHY they are doing something like replacing the floor; I just don't agree with the need to. Remember that this is an out of town hotel group (not that this is a bad thing for the most part). They see a worn tile floor and are embarrassed that an out-of-town guest might see it and judge them by the condition. They would prefer the floor be immaculate. Again, understandable.

But if you look at it from a historic preservation and OKC-centric standpoint - and fully understand and appreciate the history behind it - the existing floor has a cool factor that cannot be replaced by a new floor of any type or expense. In the case of this single element (the tile), it was specifically ordered by William B. Skirvin for a purpose. Since Oklahoma City and Oklahoma were in many ways still frontier places in 1911 when the Skirvin opened, he knew that many of his guests would be ranchers, oil men, even tribal leaders. He wanted them to feel at home the moment they came through the door, even though they might be carrying mud on their boots. So instead of using carpets or other more fragile, fancy material he had the floor done in a tough white tile that could easily be swept or otherwise cleaned, so guests wouldn't feel self-conscious or the need to be overly-careful. It was a gracious and welcoming gesture and says a lot about his approach to hospitality and about the type of clientele common during that time in history.

The floor today, while blemished and imperfect, is a direct link to that time and to the founder, William Skirvin. This is why it specifically was identified for preservation when historic tax credits were issued. Does it look gleaming and new? Of course not. But this is clearly not a new hotel, and I personally think as much as possible of its still-intact history should be retained and celebrated. I would much rather see Marcus embrace the floor, have some great area rugs where necessary, and perhaps some prominent signage that explains the floor and tells the story; even brags on it a bit. "Are you wondering why our floor is so beat-up and old-looking? Well, let us tell you a story..."

Some things need not always be so sanitized. But unfortunately the history of the floor isn't important enough to the owner to justify that approach, so bye bye cool old floor.

Thank you so much for this information! Sorry I missed it until just now.

I totally agree with your suggestions! An explanation of the history would be a GREAT idea! And it wouldn't cost nearly as much as all-new flooring.

We are fortunate to live in a house built in 1923 with all its original and very interesting tile still intact, excepting only the kitchen. I shudder to think if the house had landed with a family who wanted to "modernize" it and destroy nearly a century of history.

Maybe there can be a compromise here, where they keep some of the old floor and tell the story but replace most of it. The story could read something like this:

Dear Guests: In recognition of the status we hope to achieve as OKC's best hotel we decided to replace the floor and some of the fixtures with modern amenities you expect. Notice the X, Y, and Z - all was added for your comfort and to make your stay the best it can be. However, we also recognize the history of our fine city and the role our hotel played in it; so we kept some of the original floor for future generations to enjoy. <Insert paraphrase from Urbanized here regarding why the floor was selected by Skirvin>. As we continue to evolve as a hotel venue, we hope you enjoy our new modern amenities while we also pay respect to our city's wonderful history.

To me, this type of statement (and keeping some of the history) is world class; I really hope the Marcus folks can take this idea and run with it. ....

They just released the latest convention schedule.

Interesting to look at and see all the various events.


https://res-2.cloudinary.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/oklahoma/9_September_2016_dadcc272-9227-4f3c-9858-383444c57184.pdf

Looks like the biggest ones come from horse shows.

^^^^^^^^^^^
They have a huge impact. Also other sports do; and bookings for sports will increase greatly when we have new convention center, as right now there are problems with mat sports and indoor floor sports due to lack of clear span, low hanging lights, etc., in side halls. The halls are extremely important to events like volleyball, gymnastics, wrestling etc., as there are play-ins/qualifying and such.

The important thing to take away from that report also is the number of events in the 250-2500 range. Those are the bread and butter for a building like our new convention center. Everyone obsesses on what would be termed a citywide - meaning something like Legal Shield that fills hotel rooms all over the city. The new CC will increase citywides, sure. But the real impact will be felt with a dramatic uptick in those smaller-scale meetings, conferences, trainings ad the like. Many of those are statewide, regional, etc., but those still bring the room nights and the per diem.

Right now the Cox center severely limits how many of those we can host, due to terrible lack of loading docks. Currently a new event cannot load-in until after the preceding event loads out. Once we have the new building - with a large number of loading docks - we can actually host SIMULTANEOUS events of that size. This by itself will cause bookings to go up considerably.

As for the hotel, I was told by a very good source that they have narrowed down the choice to Omni and Marcus (Hitlon) and Mortensen (Hyatt) have combined forces to become the 2nd finalist.

That means the other remaining applicant from the 4 finalists, Matthew group (Westin), has been cut.

I am really pulling for Omni as they just started a beautiful convention hotel in Louisville (see below), but my money has always been on Marcus due to the relationship that group formed with Cathy O'Connor through the Skrivin, which it still operates.

Whichever group is selected will bring their own design... The hotel shown in the renderings above is just a placeholder.

http://www.wlky.com/image/view/-/33384488/highRes/2/-/maxh/630/maxw/1200/-/ibtjcv/-/omni-hotel-JPG.jpg

Agree 100% on Omni. I'd also suggest that Louisville is getting that for a CC hotel because 1) Louisville is a community that does not accept boring; and 2) Omni doesn't like to do boring, unlike other chains. Also if OKC got creative (scary words) and introduced a new use into the mix, like condos, that will naturally lend itself to a stacked tower like the above.

Marcus will have a pretty fixed (inelastic) idea for how much of a footprint they want in Downtown OKC. What does a Hilton/Marcus CC hotel mean for the Skirvin, considering we are not taking them up on making the Skirvin the CC hotel.

Also the CC designs are pretty boiler plate. It's the superblock we knew it would be, wrapped in zero of the mixed-use that was originally pitched.

I'm also a little surprised to see the cap blown off on waiting for Maps 4 to fund a new fairgrounds arena. Just what we needed, not transit, but rather another event venue in an unwalkable non-transit accessible location. This will really make OKC stand out and compete against cities that are all really the same.

I'm also a little surprised to see the cap blown off on waiting for Maps 4 to fund a new fairgrounds arena. Just what we needed, not transit, but rather another event venue in an unwalkable non-transit accessible location. This will really make OKC stand out and compete against cities that are all really the same.

It really is not "another" event venue. It's a replacement of an existing event venue. It will serve it's intended purpose in an appropriate location. Also, as mentioned in the thread where it is being discussed, it seems unlikely that it will be a MAPS project.

Agree 100% on Omni. I'd also suggest that Louisville is getting that for a CC hotel because 1) Louisville is a community that does not accept boring; and 2) Omni doesn't like to do boring, unlike other chains. Also if OKC got creative (scary words) and introduced a new use into the mix, like condos, that will naturally lend itself to a stacked tower like the above.

Marcus will have a pretty fixed (inelastic) idea for how much of a footprint they want in Downtown OKC. What does a Hilton/Marcus CC hotel mean for the Skirvin, considering we are not taking them up on making the Skirvin the CC hotel.

Also the CC designs are pretty boiler plate. It's the superblock we knew it would be, wrapped in zero of the mixed-use that was originally pitched.

I'm also a little surprised to see the cap blown off on waiting for Maps 4 to fund a new fairgrounds arena. Just what we needed, not transit, but rather another event venue in an unwalkable non-transit accessible location. This will really make OKC stand out and compete against cities that are all really the same.

What a load of crap... Louisville is getting that for a convention center hotel because they are subsidizing it to the tune of 138 MILLION dollars, a whooping 48 percent of the cost of the project. We can only hope that our city leaders don't get sucked in to such a ridiculous deal...

I'd also mention in regards to your other comments that while Louisville is spending such an insane amount of money on a convention hotel, they have no streetcar system and their mass transit sucks...

double post

Louisville & OKC situations are different:

They definitely have some competition surrounded by Big League cities in the area; all with new or renovated convention centers that are in Louisville's vicinity:


Cincinnati (92 miles -NW- 2.2 million population)
Indianapolis (109 miles -N- 2 million population)
Columbus (192 miles -NW- 2 million population)
Nashville (153 miles -S- 1.8 million)


OKC has one Big League city (Dallas) in its area some 190 miles south.

Louisville is subsidizing a convention hotel with public-private funds--accounts for 48% ($139 million); Omni is paying 52% ($150 million) of the $289 million project total.

Just don't see OKC subsidizing an Omni or any hotel to the tune of 48%. The $289 million Louisville Omni will cost more than the $287 million we have budgeted for our new convention center.

Oklahoma City's project is down to two developers: Omni vs. Marcus (Hilton) & Mortensen (Hyatt) combined forces as the 2nd finalist: both will submit bids for a 600 plus room conference hotel.

Louisville & OKC situations are different:

They definitely have some competition surrounded by Big League cities in the area; all with new or renovated convention centers that are in Louisville's vicinity:


Cincinnati (92 miles -NW- 2.2 million population)
Indianapolis (109 miles -N- 2 million population)
Columbus (192 miles -NW- 2 million population)
Nashville (153 miles -S- 1.8 million)


OKC has one Big League city (Dallas) in its area some 190 miles south.

Louisville is subsidizing a convention hotel with public-private funds--accounts for 48% ($139 million); Omni is paying 52% ($150 million) of the $289 million project total.

Just don't see OKC subsidizing an Omni or any hotel to the tune of 48%. The $289 million Louisville Omni will cost more than the $287 million we have budgeted for our new convention center.

Oklahoma City's project is down to two developers: Omni vs. Marcus (Hilton) & Mortensen (Hyatt) combined forces as the 2nd finalist: both will submit bids for a 600 plus room conference hotel.


Hopefully whatever brand it is it will be a highrise that adds to the skyline.

Hopefully whatever brand it is it will be a highrise that adds to the skyline.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention082316a.jpg

Good possibility since the new site wants to provide future growth/expansion for the convention center; therefore you could see a tower higher than the Continental Resources Center.

The villes are pumping more money into those conference hotels: Louisville offered $139 million & Nashville included $128 million in incentives for their conference hotels. Nashville's new convention center complex will cost a whopping $623 million.

OKC may have to pay a high premium for a conference hotel with only two future bidders: Omni vs Marcus-Mortensen being submitted.

What a load of crap... Louisville is getting that for a convention center hotel because they are subsidizing it to the tune of 138 MILLION dollars, a whooping 48 percent of the cost of the project. We can only hope that our city leaders don't get sucked in to such a ridiculous deal...

I'd also mention in regards to your other comments that while Louisville is spending such an insane amount of money on a convention hotel, they have no streetcar system and their mass transit sucks...

I actually mostly agree with this. OKC was discussing also subsidizing half of the project. The difference is we might go a cheaper route with design and quality, so that there is less that we have to subsidize.

Also agree that any city that doesn't have transit yet (a few notable, egregious exceptions) is absolutely behind the times. Louisville is a lot like OKC in being stuck in a state that proactively harms its big cities.

Are there efforts to ensure/encourage restaurants/coffee shops on the parts of the convention center near the most walkable areas, particularly along the park? A couple restaurants and coffee shops that serve convention go-ers, park users, downtown workers, Thunder fans, and area residents could ensure that the convention center isn't just a dead space most of the time. In fact, it would be nice if a few places were clustered together with some outdoor patio space to create some synergy.

...OKC was discussing also subsidizing half of the project...
Where was this discussed? Do you have a link?

Are there efforts to ensure/encourage restaurants/coffee shops on the parts of the convention center near the most walkable areas, particularly along the park? A couple restaurants and coffee shops that serve convention go-ers, park users, downtown workers, Thunder fans, and area residents could ensure that the convention center isn't just a dead space most of the time. In fact, it would be nice if a few places were clustered together with some outdoor patio space to create some synergy.

I hope so. The convention center really needs the hotel and the old Ford site to have a variety of these types of options, but it seems so obvious that I can't imagine that the responsible parties would fail to deliver.. For me, the Hotel needs a bar on the NW corner and a coffee shop on the SW corner. The Ford site then needs a variety of restaurant and retail options.

Would have been a perfect use for the Film Exchange building. . . amazing how easily we shoot ourselves in the foot sometimes.

I hope so. The convention center really needs the hotel and the old Ford site to have a variety of these types of options, but it seems so obvious that I can't imagine that the responsible parties would fail to deliver.. For me, the Hotel needs a bar on the NW corner and a coffee shop on the SW corner. The Ford site then needs a variety of restaurant and retail options.

Would have been a perfect use for the Film Exchange building. . . amazing how easily we shoot ourselves in the foot sometimes.

Ford site was asking way too much $100 million (overpriced). True, we shot ourselves in the foot; only as the result of our own success with MAPS.


The city saw the filing last summer as “friendly” and began advancing design work for the convention center by its consultant, Populous. But after paying Populous $2.2 million for work to date, a $100 million asking price by Howard and Hall has city officials preparing to start over. Howard and Hall declined to discuss the land deal.

http://newsok.com/article/5399396

They just released the latest convention schedule.

Interesting to look at and see all the various events.


https://res-2.cloudinary.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/oklahoma/9_September_2016_dadcc272-9227-4f3c-9858-383444c57184.pdf


Surprised the Memorial Marathon is not in the book?

Surprised the Memorial Marathon is not in the book?

I don't run, myself, so I have no direct knowledge, but I always thought the marathon was just that, a marathon. Are there related events where event space would be used? I mean, there's at least one event on there where 44 hotel rooms are estimated...I always hear stories of people coming from all over to run and would have no problem believing they would use 44 rooms if not more. Is the difference that lack of event space/hotel blocks? Or is it that it isn't booked by the Convention and Visitor's Bureau?

I don't run, myself, so I have no direct knowledge, but I always thought the marathon was just that, a marathon. Are there related events where event space would be used? I mean, there's at least one event on there where 44 hotel rooms are estimated...I always hear stories of people coming from all over to run and would have no problem believing they would use 44 rooms if not more. Is the difference that lack of event space/hotel blocks? Or is it that it isn't booked by the Convention and Visitor's Bureau?

When I ran, there was a health and wellness expo that coincided with the marathon. That is where you got all your running stuff for the race.

Marathon participants book thousands of room nights. And yes, related events do book space, including check-in and other pre-race events. Not sure why it is not on the list. The CVB does work closely with the marathon to provide visitor services, but I don't know that they have direct involvement in bookings, etc.. I'll find out why it is excluded.

Yes, there is always a large expo in the Comvention Center.

For the marathon there's also that optional dinner event to carb up the night before....

Also, take into consideration that the marathon starts at 6:30am and most participants are there by 5:30am, so, you have a room the night before and may have a room that evening, depending on where you are from. I would love to see the airport the afternoon of the marathon, all the people wearing the shirts and struggling to walk to the gates. I would want at least one day of relaxation afterwards. And, typically, it falls on a Sunday of the arts festival which just increases the number of people staying in town.

Surprised the Memorial Marathon is not in the book?

After checking, just found out that it will be, the details just haven't been turned in yet. That schedule is a living document; updated each month.

Ford site was asking way too much $100 million (overpriced). True, we shot ourselves in the foot; only as the result of our own success with MAPS.



http://newsok.com/article/5399396

Laramie I was talking about shooting ourselves in the foot by demoing the Film Exchange building that was directly across from the current convention center in what will soon be the MAPS-3 Park. That building would have made a perfect cafe that would be slammed by convention business.

Laramie I was talking about shooting ourselves in the foot by demoing the Film Exchange building that was directly across from the current convention center in what will soon be the MAPS-3 Park. That building would have made a perfect cafe that would be slammed by convention business.

http://journalrecord.com/files/2015/09/mf-film-300x160.jpg Film Exchange front & back...
http://kwtv.images.worldnow.com/images/22936946_SA.jpg

How about a MAPS Historic Preservation Initiative?

True, a real afterthought. You could have said the same about the bus station, Black Hotel, Hotel Oklahoma, Baum Building, Criterion Theater...

We value the significance of historic buildings; unfortunately, we don't find out about these structures until dooms day. Oklahoma City should have designed a separate MAPS historic initiative to save all of these structures that were in the path of MAPS III & previous MAPS projects. Attempts to preserve historic projects now would make deep cuts into the projects we plan to build. It's too late for structures that have been demolished.

MAPS for Historic Preservation: Preservationists should look at what few jewels we have left; push for a MAPS historical preservation initiative.

That CVB list is essentially organized conventions that book rooms in block rates.
It's really tough for the CVB to organize visiting hotel room numbers.