What to do with the extra $ though?

What the city council SHOULD do is consider themselves fortunate and use the surplus to replace the extra money the city spent for overpriced land acquisition and the previously unfunded parking garage.

24 month timeline is impressive. This is going to be moving fast.

Also, happy to see an Oklahoma based company will be doing the work.

Also, happy to see an Oklahoma based company will be doing the work.

Yes and no. Flintco is owned by Alberici which is based in St Louis. But historically Flintco has been an Oklahoma company for 110 years.

Flintco is a good company.

What to do with the extra $ though?

Already been announced they will be adding things to the project, like energy saving shades, the surface lot south of the CC, the pedestrian walkway between the CC and the Omni and the skywalk.

Flintco is a good company.

What to do with the extra $ though?

Already been announced they will be adding things to the project, like energy saving shades, the surface lot south of the CC, the pedestrian walkway between the CC and the Omni and the skywalk.

Yes and no. Flintco is owned by Alberici which is based in St Louis. But historically Flintco has been an Oklahoma company for 110 years.

Ah. I just saw that their corporate HQ is in Tulsa. Thanks for the correction.

Already been announced they will be adding things to the project, like energy saving shades, the surface lot south of the CC, the pedestrian walkway between the CC and the Omni and the skywalk.

That sounds so nice it’s why you told me twice

Convention center bids under budget

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record April 27, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY – The list of alternate additions to the new MAPS 3 convention center falls well within the budget leeway provided by low bids for the main project, City Hall records show.

Of three base bids, Tulsa-based Flintco LLC submitted the lowest at $160.2 million for the project, about $34 million under budget. Both JE Dunn Construction and Archer Western Construction also came in under budget for the base project at $162.8 million and $166.7 million, respectively.

The project’s list of alternates, which include items such as exhibit hall partitions and a connector bridge to a hotel, were expected to cost a total of $14.3 million, which is why they were separated from the base bid to allow for a tight budget. All three companies’ alternate bids were below that price as well.

The convention center is part of a complex worth more than $500 million that will include a hotel developed by Omni Hotels & Resorts and an 865-space parking garage. City officials said the low bids suggest work can begin soon, leading to a grand opening in mid-2020.

The convention center, at 200,0000 square feet, is expected to boost Oklahoma City’s premier convention center space to the next competitive tier to attract bigger events and more tax-generating tourists. The building will include a 30,000-square-foot ballroom overlooking a 70-acre park also part of the Metropolitan Area Maps sales tax.

The plan was prepared by Populous and GSB Inc. after years of discussions and committee meetings. The building will be constructed on S. Robinson Avenue just south of Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Assuming the offers are approved by staff, a construction contract will be drawn up, approved by the Citizens Advisory Board and City Council and presented to the winning company June 6. Construction will begin shortly thereafter, to be finished within 24 months. An early completion incentive of $5,000 per day will be part of the contract.

Will the Omni Hotel construction be started at the same time?

Will the Omni Hotel construction be started at the same time?

Yes, both the hotel and convention center should be start construction about the same time, sometime this year.

The convention center, at 200,0000 square feet, is expected to boost Oklahoma City’s premier convention center space to the next competitive tier to attract bigger events and more tax-generating tourists.

What's the next competitive tier; tier 4, 3?

Essential Attributes of a 2nd Tier Destination:


Affordable, better value (59%)
Attracts a regional drive market (49%)
Convention facilities with less than 500,000 gross square feet (36%)
Regional airport with less nonstop or direct airlift (36%)
Largest convention venue generally a single hotel or conference center (32%)
Productive local industries and business climate (32%)

1st, 2nd, 3rd Tier Cities: What do the Designations Really Mean? http://blog.empowermint.com/article/meeting-destination-tiers/

OKC should always be in a position to plan for the next level; we have all the mechanisms in place with the new convention center in regards to expansion & a complex that could allow for more hotel development thru Omni.

$40 million garage will go to TAP

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record May 4, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority authorized the start of negotiations with TAP Architecture for a new multiuse parking garage near the MAPS 3 convention center and hotel Friday.

The 850-space facility will be built just east of the future Omni hotel and directly south of the Oklahoma City Boulevard under development now. It will be bounded by Shields Boulevard, Broadway Avenue, and SW Third and Fourth streets.

The $40 million project will be owned and operated by COTPA, but construction costs will be funded as well through MAPS 3 funds: $9 million will come from the Metropolitan Area Projects sales tax; $26 million will come from the authority’s revenue bonds and cash fund; and $5 million will come from a loan by the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust that OG&E has agreed to carry for 20 years at zero interest.

Following recommendation of the MAPS 3 citizen advisory board, the City Council approved the allocation of MAPS 3 funds to support the garage in December. By January, the city’s Public Works Department had already advertised for professional architecture and engineering services. The bid package included schematic designs, cost estimates, preliminary reports and construction contract administration.

Fifteen firms showed interest, and the selection committee narrowed it down to four consultants for interviews. TAP came out on top, followed by firms ADG, Elliot + Associates and GSB Inc. If a contract cannot be negotiated with TAP, the others will be asked to the table instead.

COTPA spokesman Michael Scroggins said the board anticipates the A&E contract will be handled within the next 30 days. Until then, the project still lacks design renderings and details envisioned by TAP that can be shared with the public.

To make space for the garage, OG&E sold the block where the utility had a control center for power transmission and distribution systems. The property often has been referred to as the gold building because of the color of its unadorned metal plating.

Plans for the convention center itself came in under budget, which might allow officials to add alternative features such as a bridge between the center and hotel. The convention center is part of a complex worth more than $500 million that will include a hotel developed by Omni Hotels & Resorts and the garage. City officials said the low bids suggest work can begin soon, leading to a grand opening in mid-2020.

Do we know if they stuck to the desire to have workforce housing with this garage?

Do we know if they stuck to the desire to have workforce housing with this garage?

That RFP is still out.

Should have responses in a couple of weeks.

Tap designed the Arts garage right? I'm not a fan of parking garages but the Arts garage is pretty nice.

Speaking of garage, article by Steve:

http://newsok.com/article/5594654


Kinda liking the 8-story proposal but need to look closer at them all.

I have all of them and will post the details soon.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/garage051418.jpg



Two West
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage1a.jpg
5 Stories
221 Apartments
Developer: Colony Partners (Ron Bradshaw)
Architect: ADG

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage1b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage1c.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage1d.jpg







Carlton Residential
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage2a.jpg
5 Stories
204 Apartments
Developer: Carlton Development - Dallas
Architect: BGO

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage2b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage2c.jpg







Boulevard Place
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage3a.jpg
8 Stories
241 Apartments
Developer: Rose Rock
Architect: FSB

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage3b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage3c.jpg







Farzaneh
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage4a.jpg
5 Stories
192 Apartments
Developer: Farzaneh
Architect: Rand Elliott

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage4b.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage4c.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ccgarage4d.jpg

Does Rose Rock have a positive track record with these kinds of development? Seems like theirs would be a no-brainer, unless it is ignorantly more expensive than the others.

I think Two West compliments the convention center design the best, and I like it a lot, but I still REALLY like the streetwall created by Boulevard Place.

Boulevard Place has a website with a nice video: http://boulevardplaceokc.com/

Boulevard Place is very austere. I’m not the best at decoding renderings but the Carlton ones hit me the most at first glance.

I like them all except for Farzaneh...it reminds me of a motel :(

Blvd place is a home run

Does Rose Rock have a positive track record with these kinds of development? Seems like theirs would be a no-brainer, unless it is ignorantly more expensive than the others.

Never heard of them, what have they developed/built?

Never heard of them, what have they developed/built?

I believe it is Tim Strange.... he can get it done.

The Boulevard Place is impressive, and would be imposing from the street level, particularly people driving down the new boulevard heading to the Convention Center/Arena/Bricktown from the highway.

I don't know what the heck Rand Elliot is thinking with that proposal.

I don't know what the heck Rand Elliot is thinking with that proposal.
Looks like he threw something together in an hour or two.

My pick would be Blvd Place, then Carlton Residential and then Two West. I really like the Two West modern design though. It would go good with the CC

Looks like he threw something together in an hour or two.

You can see his inspiration by searching Google Images for "cheap old motel."

Other than the last one by Rand Elliot, these turned out much better than I was expecting! I also agree that Blvd Place is the best one, but wouldn't be against the other two either.

Really we can’t lose with 3 of them.

Carlton or 2 West. Blvd looks like a hotel & Rand's project looks like a motel from the late 70s...

Carlton's retail frontage along the OKC Boulevard is underwhelming IMO. Boulevard Place hits all the right marks with me, especially all of that glorious retail space. 2 West is a close second, although I don't care for the setback along Shields.

BLVD Place please.

2 west initially looks the best to the eyes, but the design is maybe the last urban.

I agree that BLVD is the best for this location given its promenent massing, scale, height (YES), and retail space. It screams big city and a few design changed would allow it to complement Omni very well (like an extension if you will). The Carleton could do very well in Midtown or Auto Alley area (think fronting Broadway somewhere).

2 West has that 'LA Live' feel; I think it should actually go across the street to cover up the Courtyard Hotel's garage. Could you imagine such a setting, with BLVD "hotel" residences and Omni along one side of OKC blvd and 2 West on the other side blending from the main entrance to the Chesapeake Arena. Add to that (and let us NOT forget) the new Fairfield urban Hotel a block S and you have a very nice, urban setting very different from what's there today. I think all of them would feed each other and connect the CC to Bricktown. ...

Now that would make a GRAND entrance to downtown.

I am surprised Milhaus nor Bomasada put bids in for this project. They both are good out of state developers who have already built quality housing projects here in Oklahoma City.

Milhaus had a bad experience with LIFT and pulled completely out of town. They had stationed one of the acquisition / development people here but they relocated him some time ago. Not exactly sure what happened with LIFT but you may recall they were way, way behind schedule.

Milhaus had a bad experience with LIFT and pulled completely out of town. They had stationed one of the acquisition / development people here but they relocated him some time ago. Not exactly sure what happened with LIFT but you may recall they were way, way behind schedule.

Wow i want to hear more about this. Had to be an issue with local government you would think.

BLVD Place please.

2 west initially looks the best to the eyes, but the design is maybe the last urban.

That's my opinion as well. I think people are drawn to Two West's central corner feature and that corners LED lighting, which makes it look "modern" at night, but look at the rest of the building, particularly the section down Shields--it appears, to me at least, that it's a rather bland, typical apartment building.

That's my opinion as well. I think people are drawn to Two West's central corner feature and that corners LED lighting, which makes it look "modern" at night, but look at the rest of the building, particularly the section down Shields--it appears, to me at least, that it's a rather bland, typical apartment building.

At least in my personal opinion, Two West does the best job of any of the proposals of activating that corner, but I agree that the Shields frontage is severely lacking. It'd be much better if the Boulevard streetwall was continued down Shields as well. Boulevard Place does the best job at that, but does a poor job of activating that corner and making it feel welcome. It probably has the best retail layout as well, but the ground level does not feel inviting to me; at minimum, to change my perception, the storefront windows should be much more closely spaced and cover most of the ground level along Shields and the Boulevard. There also should be some sort of public art installation at this corner too - again, in my opinion. Otherwise the building feels too bland and imposing to me.

Speaking of garage, article by Steve:

http://newsok.com/article/5594654


Kinda liking the 8-story proposal but need to look closer at them all.



Colony Partners, led by Ron Bradshaw, and Cornerstone Development, led by Gary Brooks, are suggesting a five-story, 221-unit complex that would include 6,000 square feet of community space and 4,700 square feet of retail at ground level.

The project would include 44 units aimed at 70 percent of average median income, 66 units aimed at 80 percent of average median income, another 66 units aimed at 90 percent of average median income, and 44 units at market rate.

Could this project have been linked to the Omni Conference Hotel much like the Louisville CC Omni with mix-use hotel & housing?

ya, it could have been added to the top of the Omni - increasing its height by -say- 8 floors. hehe

You're Invited
The Mayor and City Council of the City of Oklahoma City invite you to the

Groundbreaking for the MAPS 3 Convention Center
10:30 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2018

SW 5th Street and Robinson Avenue

We shouldn't touch that Farzaneh-Elliot proposal with a ten foot pole.

^^^^^^^

https://newsok.com/article/5595790/advisory-board-oks-oklahoma-city-convention-center-construction

OKC Council expected to approve convention center contract

By: Brian Brus The Journal Record June 4, 2018

OKLAHOMA CITY – The vast majority of taxpayer money going to build the MAPS 3 downtown convention center will go through local companies subcontracting through Tulsa-based Flintco LLC, officials said.

The City Council is expected to approve the construction contract worth up to $168.3 million at Tuesday’s regularly scheduled meeting. It includes an incentive/disincentive clause to pay a bonus of $5,000 per day for completion up to 30 days early and a similar per-day penalty for completion behind schedule. The grand opening at 500 S. Robinson Ave. is expected by mid-2020.

City Public Works Director Eric Wenger said the municipal government would prefer that the sales tax revenue provided by the temporary Metropolitan Area Projects tax stay close to home.

“The city of Oklahoma City does not have a strict policy, but City Council – starting with the original MAPS program years ago – strongly encouraged the use of local businesses whenever possible,” Wenger said. “There is not a state statute or requirement in the city that directs such a policy, and we have found it difficult to enforce such a policy. … But MAPS and MAPS for Kids both had high local utilization rates.”

Data collected for citizen oversight groups in those earlier iterations of MAPS found that more than 80 percent of project money stayed with local consultants, contractors and subcontractors. The city no longer requires such a high level of source reporting, he said, but contractors must still tell City Hall which companies are doing the work.

“From our experience, we find that mostly local companies are performing the jobs for Oklahoma City,” Wenger said.

Flintco project director Josh Patterson agreed with Wenger that certain materials are sometimes procured from out of state – stone tiling or wood trim, for example. However, it still goes through local companies that use local craftsmen for installation, Patterson said. He could not provide examples Monday.

Patterson said Flintco has been fortunate that so many of its preferred subcontracting companies are based in Oklahoma. Flintco led the construction of Devon Corp. corporate headquarters downtown and the Oklahoma City Federal Complex building, replacement offices for the Murrah Building destroyed in 1995.

Patterson said company executives are looking forward to an aggressive schedule to get the convention center work finished, another reason that local subcontractors are preferred in such a major project. The company is already modeling the building designs in 3D for reference and hiring construction crews.

Construction trailers are now on site. Official groundbreaking is Friday June 15 at 10:30AM.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention061218aa.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention061218c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention061218d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention061218e.jpg

Funny how they had to dress up the old SC site. Does the city already own the surface parking?

Funny how they had to dress up the old SC site. Does the city already own the surface parking?

The city owns everything between the boulevard, I-40, Robinson and Shields.

The entire CC complex is huge. I've been wondering where this ranks in regards to size of construction projects through the history of OKC. It's gotta be up there in regards to both cost and size.

Funny how they had to dress up the old SC site. Does the city already own the surface parking?

Yes, The surface parking is for future expansion of the CC.

The entire CC complex is huge. I've been wondering where this ranks in regards to size of construction projects through the history of OKC. It's gotta be up there in regards to both cost and size.

There is construction all over the place down there already with the BLVD, park, hotel, and finishing touches on the street car before the convention center and Omni even begins.

Press release from the City:


*****************



Construction starts on MAPS 3 Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City


Mayor David Holt and other civic leaders broke ground Friday on the MAPS 3 Convention Center, a cornerstone of the ongoing Core to Shore renaissance in downtown Oklahoma City.


“Three of the MAPS 3 projects are right in the heart of downtown – the OKC Streetcar, Scissortail Park and the convention center,” said Mayor Holt. “With today’s groundbreaking, construction is underway on all three and dreams are becoming reality. As much as everyone talks about how far our downtown has come, the opening of these three projects will dramatically alter our city within the next two years.”


Mayor Holt was joined by Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer, MAPS 3 Citizens Advisory Board Chairman Tom McDaniel and representatives from the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, SMG and others.


The convention center, expected to be finished in 2020, will draw events that bring attendees from around the region and world. It will provide a boost to Oklahoma City’s economy and serve as an ideal host for local events.


Its position south of the central business district in the Core to Shore area, along with other MAPS 3 investments, is anticipated to spark the same kind of transformative development that has followed previous MAPS program projects.


About the convention center
The MAPS 3 Convention Center’s total project budget of $288 million, including land acquisition and other related expenses, is the biggest in City history for a single project. The construction contract is $168.2 million, $20 million under budget.


The state-of-the art building will be located east of Scissortail Park along Robinson Boulevard between SW 4th and SW 7th streets. Like the park and many other important landmarks downtown, it will be served by the OKC Streetcar.


The convention center’s sleek and modern design features sweeping downtown views, and materials designed for energy efficiency and resiliency against the weather.


The 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall will dominate the ground floor, featuring three operable walls to divide it in up to four flexible spaces. About 45,000 square feet of meeting spaces are on all levels of the building, and many also have operable walls to make the spaces flexible. The rooms can be configured to provide up to 27 individual meeting spaces.


A 30,000-square-foot ballroom is the main space on the fourth level, complemented by 10,000 square feet of pre-function space and a 4,000-square-foot balcony.


Informal meeting spaces, a kitchen, a potential café space, an expansive loading dock and administrative offices are also planned for the convention center.


The gleaming, angular façade has towering glass walls to make maximum use of natural light and takes its design cues from Oklahoma City’s sky, landscape and architectural character.


Landscaping outside the convention center will use native plants and trees well-suited to the local climate, with a focus on sustainability, comfort and beauty. A central plaza and other inviting spaces will help the convention center’s exterior come alive with activity.


Wayfinding stations inside and outside the convention center will be interactive.


A skywalk will connect the building to the future Omni hotel, which is being developed to complement and support the convention center and is also expected to be finished in 2020.


The City has a marketing contract with the CVB for securing events to be booked at the convention center, and a contract with SMG for facility management.


The CVB and SMG fulfill similar roles now for the Cox Convention Center, which will no longer be marketed and operated at the City’s main convention center when the MAPS 3 facility opens.


About MAPS 3

MAPS 3 is a $777 million capital improvement program to improve the quality of life in Oklahoma City. It is funded by a 1-cent sales tax initiative that began in April 2010 and ended in December 2017. MAPS 3 funds eight projects: Downtown Convention Center, Downtown Public Park, Modern Streetcar/Transit, Oklahoma River Improvements, Oklahoma State Fairgrounds Improvements, Senior Health and Wellness Centers, Trails and Sidewalks.

what are the chances of getting a webcam set up somewhere so we can watch construction?

Where would it go? The closest structures of consequence are the arena and the Courtyard parking garage.

We have had them installed on utility poles at some sites.

Looking at the pics and wondering what is going on with the huge slab of concrete north of the park and west of the arena. That is the old car dealership correct? Has it been announced what is planned for that prime area? I must have missed what is going on there.

We have had them installed on utility poles at some sites.

Ah that makes sense. I wasn't even thinking in that context.