Whats the square footage of the new convention center vs the old? And are they planning on starting on the condos soon? or is that still demo work going on?

New: 200,000-square-foot exhibit hall, 45,000-square-foot meeting space, 30,000-square-foot ballroom.

Cox: 100,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a 25,000 sq. ft. ballroom, 21 meeting rooms

Also, the new facility can be expanded to the south.

There won't be condos but affordable apartments and commercial space.

The parking garage on the south part of that lot will be built first (should start soon) and Boulevard Place likely won't start for another year.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention062619a.jpg

I pass close by the convention center twice daily and with the roof line coming together it really has a commanding presence in that space for sure.

Looks great but I hope a lot more of it is done by the time the Park opens end of Sept. With all that area closed the area to the south it's going to force 50,000 either to the west or the north for the KOL concert. I guess you could go over the bridge and park down there?

So impressed with the construction in the area; can't help but make an extra few blocks to circle the around. The Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites appears to shrink as the convention center & Omni rises.

Construction update from MAPS3 meeting:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention061019a.jpg

15362

Taken yesterday from the Lincoln bridge.

https://youtu.be/zoXJ9pga47E

That's pretty awesome.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/scissortail070119b.jpg

Anyone know what the brown plantings (if they are plants) are on the backside of the hill?

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/scissortail070119b.jpg

Great picture Pete! Thanks.

https://youtu.be/zoXJ9pga47E

What's the purpose of the concrete wall by itself? Is that supposed to offer increased fire/tornado protection for an emergency stairwell?

Anyone know what the brown plantings (if they are plants) are on the backside of the hill?

Mexican Feather grass. It's all over town

Mexican Feather grass. It's all over town
Is that the same as Love Grass?

^^i don't know. The two look similar. I'm just making an assumption as well, the plantings here could very well be Love grass. Sponsored by loves

From today:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071219a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071219b.jpg

In this video, Mike Carrier with the CVB talks about some time lines with the convention center. Unfortunately, he stood on the opposite side of the room from his slides so we can't see those in the video, but he gives a lot of good info.


https://youtu.be/jyjqRYkr-FY

He said they hope to open by November of 2020.

Omni should be open slightly before then.

They’ve started installing glass on the atrium

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071819b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071819a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071819c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071819d.jpg

Very exciting...and moving along quickly!

Drove that stretch yesterday; surprised to see the glass being installed in the convention center. Although it won't be open before the MAPS 4 vote, we'll see enough of the convention center & Omni hotel complex topped out to envision the finished projects with little imagination.

Drove that stretch yesterday; surprised to see the glass being installed in the convention center. Although it won't be open before the MAPS 4 vote, we well see enough of the convention center & Omni hotel complex topped out to envision the finished projects with little imagination.

Laramie, I’ll see for myself next week but from the pictures the scope of the entire complex is impressive. Is my perception correct?

Laramie, I’ll see for myself next week but from the pictures the scope of the entire complex is impressive. Is my perception correct?

I would say that you are correct, pictures really don't do it justice. Driving East on the boulevard makes you realize just how large this facility will be.

Laramie, I’ll see for myself next week but from the pictures the scope of the entire complex is impressive. Is my perception correct?

Yes it is.

Agree with Southsider2, the pictures don't do it justice.

It will be worth the trip. Hope you enjoy your visit to OKC; you'll witness and attest to the overall improvements in the cosmetic features of the city and the positive environment.

^

Yes, the scale does not come across in photos.


Several years ago when I was still living in California, I came back to OKC and it was the first time I had seen Devon Tower fully built.

Of course, we had a full webcam on the site and hundreds of photos had been posted...

But I was simply blown away by the scale when I landed at the airport and saw it in person. For some odd reason, photos, aerials, videos and all that never properly conveys scale and perspective.

And I think this every time I go down to this area. It's just stunning.

Just want to remind onlookers in the area to be careful, there are many active construction vehicles, closed streets & barriers in the area, stay safe.

I was at vast last night and looking at both Cox and the new convention center side by side, Cox is surprisingly more massive in terms of total land area occupied (presently). I know this is a bit of a viewing perspective issue, but I don't think entirely. I also get that it's the arena that adds that girth to the Cox. Pun intended.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gSppdxcyqpaEwAXj8

I was at vast last night and looking at both Cox and the new convention center side by side, Cox is surprisingly more massive in terms of total land area occupied (presently). I know this is a bit of a viewing perspective issue, but I don't think entirely. I also get that it's the arena that adds that girth to the Cox. Pun intended.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gSppdxcyqpaEwAXj8

Probably because of the arena in Cox.

Probably because of the arena in Cox.

That, and also there is a little bit more steel work to be done to the east. Plus, the picture was taken closer to the Cox Convention Center so its going to look a lot more bigger than it is.

This is going to be great for OKC. I have no data but it seems very few cities built convention centers the past 10-15 years. If true we will have one of the most modern conventions for some time. Not saying the best but modern. I expect this to resonate in the industry and with park next door plus SC as well, combined with new OMNI - we should get rave reviews is my guess. Also don’t discount all the NBA teams and entourages traveling here for games. This one square block will be one of the great investment from MAPS 3.

This is going to be great for OKC. I have no data but it seems very few cities built convention centers the past 10-15 years. If true we will have one of the most modern conventions for some time. Not saying the best but modern. I expect this to resonate in the industry and with park next door plus SC as well, combined with new OMNI - we should get rave reviews is my guess. Also don’t discount all the NBA teams and entourages traveling here for games. This one square block will be one of the great investment from MAPS 3.

Just have to hope that somehow it spurs big-time private investment beside the park. OKC has very few wealthy investors and developers, and those who are always seek massive public funding. But yes, this has the potential to be a game-changer for OKC. Especially if OKC and Omni could work out a future expansion of their hotel (since I feel there will be more demand than anticipated).

This is going to be great for OKC. I have no data but it seems very few cities built convention centers the past 10-15 years. If true we will have one of the most modern conventions for some time.

There are a lot of new openings and renovations in the pipeline across the US.

Convention Centers Across Major U.S. Cities Expand and Renovate (https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/Planning-Tips-and-Trends/Site-Selection/new-expanded-Convention-Centers-United-States)


The sense that convention business is booming has opened the spigot for the flow of investment into these public-works projects. The 10 largest opening from 2018 to 2023 will cost more than $7 billion in total, not including all the ancillary development such as new hotels.

Thanks for the link BDP.

Glad OKC decided to construct a new convention center instead of a redo of the Cox. The Memphis convention center looks nice with its renovation.

We'll have a competitive convention center complex: with the Omni & garage, area hotels will provide conventioneers with options; the streetcar & Scissortail Park will be equally impressive to guests. Hope the fruits of MAPS 3 will make a favorable impression.

ENR Texas & Louisiana--Investing to Create A Destination City: https://www.enr.com/articles/46672-investing-to-create-a-destination-city

There are a lot of new openings and renovations in the pipeline across the US.

Convention Centers Across Major U.S. Cities Expand and Renovate (https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/Planning-Tips-and-Trends/Site-Selection/new-expanded-Convention-Centers-United-States)

Thanks for link. Most of those are renovations. I also think we are in a prime spot. We won’t compete with coastal cities but offer a new convention in a basically new downtown. We are located perfectly to draw national conventions where travel is coming from all over US. And within a mile of convention offer all amenities. Conventions can be cheaper here than other cities and I think will resonate with attendees.

Even costs to travel from airport to convention will be cheaper. I think its going to do fine and will draw a lot of midwest companies as well.

Thanks for link. Most of those are renovations. I also think we are in a prime spot. We won’t compete with coastal cities but offer a new convention in a basically new downtown. We are located perfectly to draw national conventions where travel is coming from all over US. And within a mile of convention offer all amenities. Conventions can be cheaper here than other cities and I think will resonate with attendees.

Even costs to travel from airport to convention will be cheaper. I think its going to do fine and will draw a lot of midwest companies as well.

Would be nice to have a rail link from airport to downtown. That would be a biggie IMO.

Would be nice to have a rail link from airport to downtown. That would be a biggie IMO.

Woulda been cool to have built Street Car going thru building at basement level with glass type see thru so visitors can see it. But not in a way that noise distracts convention meetings.

Would be nice to have a rail link from airport to downtown. That would be a biggie IMO.


Its hard to compete with shuttle vans for the cost.

bragging a bit :cool:

https://www.pcma.org/how-one-city-is-paying-cash-for-a-brand-new-convention-center/

When Oklahoma City opens the doors to a new convention center in 2020, the city’s tourism officials will be free from a typical worry: debt.

While that article appears to be over 2 years old the information is still appropriate. I just looked back at the first page of this thread and it was from 2011!! Amazing to me that it will take about 17% of my lifetime to do everything it takes to open a new convention center.

While that article appears to be over 2 years old the information is still appropriate. I just looked back at the first page of this thread and it was from 2011!! Amazing to me that it will take about 17% of my lifetime to do everything it takes to open a new convention center.

The plan for a convention center goes back even further than that. When Core to Shore was first envisioned in 2007 it called for a convention center on the east side of the park. OU Architecture students did the initial conceptual renderings for a convention center and hotel on this exact site in 2007-08.

Isn't that something. I suspected that was the case but could not confirm it. We literally figured out how to send a man to the moon in less time.:rolleyes:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071219b.jpg
This pic on the previous page shows how massive this structure truly will be upon completion; simply awesome.

The convention center wouldn't have passed on its own merits; once it's in operation, the value of this venue to the city and state will be magnified.

OKC's will have game, and some chips to put down on 9.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071819d.jpg

Great cc exterior design in the various sections appear to form its own character; instead of the typical square building format. Should make a lasting impression on guests.

but isn't myriad still bigger? Amazing since it takes 4 square blocks (vs this with just 2).

Nonetheless, it is a big facility that will only have 600 rooms to work with. Were they thinking people would double occupancy?? lol.

I hope they fast track to build the add'l 100K sq ft and more full-service highrise hotels step up once they see the success of this and potential of OKC if said rooms existed.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention071219b.jpg
This pic on the previous page shows how massive this structure truly will be upon completion; simply awesome.

The convention center wouldn't have passed on its own merits; once it's in operation, the value of this venue to the city and state will be magnified.

OKC's will have game, and some chips to put down on 9.

I got a glimpse of the scale of the convention center after getting to OKC this evening. Totally agree with this sentiment. The Omni on the other hand seems small to me at this point.

The hotel will actually be bigger. Omni = 570,562 sf. OKCCC = 503,453 sf.

I got a glimpse of the scale of the convention center after getting to OKC this evening. Totally agree with this sentiment. The Omni on the other hand seems small to me at this point.

Glad you're here. Hope you are enjoying your stay. I don't know how long it has been since your return.

Please give us your candid take on OKC, please feel free to not hold back or mince words.

Glad you're here. Hope you are enjoying your stay. I don't know how long it has been since your return.

Please give us your candid take on OKC, please feel free to not hold back or mince words.

Will do. Taking a break at the hotel after tooling around all morning. will spend the rest of the afternoon/evening looking around, before heading th Lawton tonight or tomorrow morning. Will submit my observations probably tomorrow.

OKC observations

0. Positive changes are evident throughout the city. Highway construction lane widening has improved travel (HWY 74, I 235, Kilpatrick, Dallas junction)
0. Entire Convention Center block will be a game changer in terms of perception and business development.
0. Observed streetcar movement, new system appears to have helped times. Ridership appears to be sparse (maybe on weekdays)
0. Scissor tail park another game changer.
0. Big improvement in dining options city wide.
0. New restaurant/bar space across from Scissor tail will also be a great for that area
0. Street/Hwy lighting outages is unacceptable for a major City.
0. Why are kids allowed to ride those scooters throughout DT impeding traffic.
0. DT is improving by leaps and bounds however IMO the new dining options along with brick town might be unsustainable without more rooftops and workers. Still way to many buildings with low occupancy

This is going to be great for OKC. I have no data but it seems very few cities built convention centers the past 10-15 years. If true we will have one of the most modern conventions for some time. Not saying the best but modern. I expect this to resonate in the industry and with park next door plus SC as well, combined with new OMNI - we should get rave reviews is my guess. Also don’t discount all the NBA teams and entourages traveling here for games. This one square block will be one of the great investment from MAPS 3.

And don’t forget: the streetcar, which you completely despise, will be a major selling point for conventions and will distribute visitors to all of our downtown districts, helping local businesses and adding convenient local transportation for convention goers.

And don’t forget: the streetcar, which you completely despise, will be a major selling point for conventions and will distribute visitors to all of our downtown districts, helping local businesses and adding convenient local transportation for convention goers.

This is why the streetcar needs to be expanded and at least 200 mil put forth in next Maps. It would be for the greater good.

And don’t forget: the streetcar, which you completely despise, will be a major selling point for conventions and will distribute visitors to all of our downtown districts, helping local businesses and adding convenient local transportation for convention goers.

About the SC. I have always contended it was a tourist item not a “last mile” solution. I was slammed here for suggesting it was not a great last mile solution but rather a great tourist attraction. I stand by that, it will resonate with tourists but should not be expanded due to costs.

I have also always contended had we put that same money into citywide bus system we’d have a model bus system which would get folks to downtown. The SC helps no one outside of downtown other than occasional bar hopping or some big events. Its not an efficient people mover though, and it takes 40-45 minutes per cycle. Any disruption stops the whole system (see Devon windows or bad parkers). No one outside of downtown uses it as part of daily work car relief. Cars still have to drive to downtown and 99.9% park close to their work. Buses would have helped reduce traffic getting to downtown had we put same money into them. Then some luxury mini buses running many routes within downtown would have been a better last mile plus can change routes immediately as needs change. Can’t move those rails as downtown expands different directions.

But for tourists (I count convention attendees as tourists too) its awesome. But does not need expanded due to costs. Many other needs for $200 more million.

Hope that makes sense. Tourists will rave about it but it is costly, and will have high upkeep costs too.

OKC observations

0. Street/Hwy lighting outages is unacceptable for a major City.
0. Why are kids allowed to ride those scooters throughout DT impeding traffic.
0. DT is improving by leaps and bounds however IMO the new dining options along with brick town might be unsustainable without more rooftops and workers. Still way to many buildings with low occupancy

Appreciate your observation, feedback & the time you invested. You described the street improvements which the 10-year, $967 million bond package invests in streets, police and fire facilities, parks and other basic needs was approved by voters September 2017 will address:


Streets and sidewalks ($491 million)
Traffic control ($28 million)
Bridges ($27 million)
Parks and recreation ($138 million)
Drainage control ($62 million)
Economic and community development ($60 million)
Fire ($45 million)
Police ($31 million)
Libraries ($24 million)
Transit ($20 million)
Civic Center complex ($20 million)
City maintenance facilities ($13 million)
Downtown arena ($9 million)

Also: OKC Over 27 months, the temporary sales tax will generate $240 million of revenue for better and safer streets, sidewalks and trails for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Source - Safer Streets, Better OKC projects update: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/inside-okc/safer-streets-better-okc-projects-update/ (Includes link to FULL PROJECT list.) Note: link is probably the city.gov currently under maintenance.)

OKC observations
0. Why are kids allowed to ride those scooters throughout DT impeding traffic.


This is pretty much the case in any city where they are allowed. The Colorado Rockies banned them within a couple of blocks of Coors field on game days. The city continues to study how to work with them because on summer evenings they are now a part of the transportation system they are so heavily used. Personally, l think it's pretty cool. Of course there are a few morons who are just out of control.

We should have dedicated bike lanes that benefit both bike/scooter and driver. But until then, we have to all share the same lane on the majority of streets. I’ve seen a lot of scooters around but have never witnessed a single one causing traffic congestion. However, I have seen a lot of cars causing traffic congestion :P