I'd say it's an uneducated rumor because it doesn't make much sense.

I'd say it's an uneducated rumor because it doesn't make much sense.

There's no way they're building a new HQ. They'll wait for the inevitable SD merger, bankruptcy, etc. And move into that building. Good chance SD merges with CHAP or sells to, and its a big LOL, BCE-Mach 1.

OKC can definitely make use of the current convention center for time to come.

What the city really needs to do is wait out until the RTA is in good shape. Then, they need to use the Cox Site, with front door access to the intermodal hub with access to Edmond and Norman, to lure one or two significant corporate relocations by agreeing to RFP the site for a developer capable of building a HQ tower (or 2) along with several major amenities (see the Cox thread for the Berlin SONY center concept I've long advocated we need to borrow from on this site).

What they need to focus on now is targeting 10 companies they think they could recruit to relocate in the next 15 years, and get them to open up a smaller office in OKC over the next 2-4 years and then in 6-12 years see who we have developed a great relationship with and get the negotiations started.

Hopefully this has actually been going on in the background for the last 5 years, but if not, now is as good a time as any.

OKC can definitely make use of the current convention center for time to come.

What the city really needs to do is wait out until the RTA is in good shape. Then, they need to use the Cox Site, with front door access to the intermodal hub with access to Edmond and Norman, to lure one or two significant corporate relocations by agreeing to RFP the site for a developer capable of building a HQ tower (or 2) along with several major amenities (see the Cox thread for the Berlin SONY center concept I've long advocated we need to borrow from on this site).

What they need to focus on now is targeting 10 companies they think they could recruit to relocate in the next 15 years, and get them to open up a smaller office in OKC over the next 2-4 years and then in 6-12 years see who we have developed a great relationship with and get the negotiations started.

Hopefully this has actually been going on in the background for the last 5 years, but if not, now is as good a time as any.

The city also needs to coordinate with the state government. At some point, the state office buildings next to the capitol are going to need to be replaced. If the redevelopment of the Cox Center site happens to coincide with a time in which the state is flush with cash (maybe, maybe not), they might be talked into moving some of those agencies downtown into a shiny new office tower.

The city also needs to coordinate with the state government. At some point, the state office buildings next to the capitol are going to need to be replaced. If the redevelopment of the Cox Center site happens to coincide with a time in which the state is flush with cash (maybe, maybe not), they might be talked into moving some of those agencies downtown into a shiny new office tower.

I usually don't do definitives, but there's no way this would ever happen, the many government offices located right next to the Capitol are there for a reason, and they're not going to move folks miles away to downtown, especially into a shiny new office tower with most likely shiny new high lease costs.

We just need to convince Cox Cable to relocate HQs from Atlanta to the Cox Convention site and give them incentives. No name change required.

I usually don't do definitives, but there's no way this would ever happen, the many government offices located right next to the Capitol are there for a reason, and they're not going to move folks miles away to downtown, especially into a shiny new office tower with most likely shiny new high lease costs.

I know it's very unlikely, but they're gonna have to replace those buildings at some point. As I understand it, those things were having huge maintenance issues even 20 years ago.

The Cox Center redevelopment would take a massive coordinated effort between lots of different parties. We don't know what the political climate is going to be 10-15 years from now, but I don't think it's unreasonable to think that the city might be able to make the numbers work, particularly if the city owns the parking garage and cuts the state a good deal.

We need to convince TFCU to move to any unoccupied 14 story building in CBD.

There are over 3,500 credit unions. Vystar based in Jax has assets of $8b and recently took over a 28 story building in downtown Jax as HQ. They rank 17th of all CU’s.

TFCU ranks 51st with over $4b. At some point maybe they take a decent sized building.

NFCU is #1 with over $100b. I am a member of all 3.

A TFCU HQ downtown would be awesome. Of course, I thought the same about MidFirst and we see how that turned out, lol.

I love hoya's idea of moving the state agencies into a new building. I know, it's government and all, but those agencies desperately need new spaces. Austin is looking at doing just this and there was an article about it in the Statesman awhile back.

OKC building the capitol in a pasture out in the middle of nowhere instead of downtown is probably the single biggest blunder in the history of the city. Such a great asset absolutely wasted (along with all of the auxiliary state agency buildings and employees that go with it)

Also love hoya's idea.

State Capitol restorations are going on; Oklahoma has a number of buildings on capital grounds that will need to be renovated or replaced.


https://www.cardcow.com/images/set315/card00580_fr.jpg

http://www.roadarch.com/11/4/wcapitol4a.jpg

The Will Rogers & Sequoyah; then the Hodge & Connors are building built as early as the 60s with the latter two added. Not sure if any major renovations have been done on any of these structures--four with 6-7 levels each, approaching 55+ years.

You could replace those building with one 30 story tower or two 15 story towers. Whether you build them on current capital ground or downtown would need to be determined.

Forgive us for drifting off target.

Funding: Bonds or could any of the $600 million in the state's rainy day fund be used to fund any state capital building new construction or renovations...

I likewise don't think the moving of government buildings to the Cox site would ever happen. But if it were to happen, it would just be trading one problem for another, as you would then have empty vacant land all around the capital, which also isn't a good look and would not help that part of town at all.

^ Agree 100%. The state could not even properly maintain the Capital building or Governors mansion. To think you would get approval for this kind of expenditure is folly.

I likewise don't think the moving of government buildings to the Cox site would ever happen. But if it were to happen, it would just be trading one problem for another, as you would then have empty vacant land all around the capital, which also isn't a good look and would not help that part of town at all.

You make a very great point. Plus the city would never maintain the building with same standards as rest of core. Heck, just to decide what color lights to use on outside would take years.

But I gotta admit, the current capitol building would make for one hella brewery! And ample parking too lol.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention013020a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention013020b.jpg

I usually don't do definitives, but there's no way this would ever happen, the many government offices located right next to the Capitol are there for a reason, and they're not going to move folks miles away to downtown, especially into a shiny new office tower with most likely shiny new high lease costs.

Except for a few in Tulsa, a lot of legal for the state is already downtown. Close to the court system.

Except for a few in Tulsa, a lot of legal for the state is already downtown. Close to the court system.

Legal folks, maybe, but there are tons of other government offices besides the legal eagles close to the Capitol, and I'd literally bet a paycheck of mine that they will never move downtown en masse, much less into a brand new tower.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention013020a.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention013020b.jpg

Nice pics of the convention center complex, Thanks Pete.

Oklahoma City Convention Center & Omni Oklahoma City construction are slated to open in late 2020 with the Omni opening in early 2021--It will be north of the new convention center and will offer 605 rooms with about 50,000-square-feet of meeting space.

https://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention013020b.jpg
Nearing completion is the Oklahoma City Convention Center.

https://i.imgur.com/g5mMUFS.jpg
Convention center garage under construction.

https://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/omni013020c.jpg
Omni has topped out at 17 stories with exterior finishing touches being applied.

https://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fairfield121419a.jpg
The new Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott is now open.

Oklahoma City's $635 million convention center complex:


$288 million Oklahoma City Convention Center
$ 25 million 1,100 space Convention Center Garage
$241 million 605 room, Omni Oklahoma City
$ 81 million 133 room, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott

The Fairfield Inn & Suites will be 1 of 2 hotels on the OKC convention center complex that will make 738 rooms available (Omni 605) for convention attendees in walking distance of the new convention center south of The Peake across Oklahoma City Boulevard.

Predict these MAPS 3 projects will be a game-changer for OKC.

I usually don't do definitives, but there's no way this would ever happen, the many government offices located right next to the Capitol are there for a reason, and they're not going to move folks miles away to downtown, especially into a shiny new office tower with most likely shiny new high lease costs.

Unless it has changed recently, agencies are capped out at $9/sq ft in what they are allowed to pay for office space. I believe this only applies to appropriated agencies.

Today, the Convention and Visitor's Bureau unveiled new branding:

https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/economy/oklahoma-city-convention-visitors-bureau-unveils-new-branding-identity-for-oklahoma-city

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cvb1.jpg

LOVE IT!!!!! The Modern Frontier (great moniker) fits OKC perfectly IMO

LOVE IT!!!!! The Modern Frontier (great moniker) fits OKC perfectly IMO

Agree. The press release explains it this way:


The Modern Frontier phrasing was developed from the key values that were identified during the interview process: collaborative, diverse, honest, resilient, authentic, kind and daring. The Modern Frontier campaign is a nod to Oklahoma CityÂ’s Western heritage while recognizing of the cityÂ’s enterprising nature and ability to determine its own future.

I often get the sense, from the commentary here, that these things are perceived as pitted against each other. That is, our western heritage is seen by some as at odds with the work done over the last couple of decades to "modernize" the city. To see a campaign embrace both as strengths and marketable aspects of the community is really refreshing to me.

And the wink synced to the soundtrack in the promo video is hilarious. Kudos to whoever had fun with that and to the campaign for using it.

It should be noted that after decades, the CVB moved away from Ackerman McQueen and used two other local agencies.

I wonder if the Chamber and Fairgrounds with stick with AMc.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/conventioncenter021920a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/conventioncenter021920b.jpg

Perfect branding

A quick tidbit on companies to grow their footprint, I have a buddy who works for Enel Green Power of North America, they have a regional office here in OKC and are growing fast. Their North American HQ is in Boston, but I hear they are looking to get a new space soon and want more space. I think OKC should go after the world's largest green energy producer and position itself as the wind energy capitol of North America. We would need to go after a few flights between Mexico and Canada and maybe push for a route to Rome where the parent company of Enel is based. I know it is pie in the sky for all of that, but it might be easier than Amazon!

A quick tidbit on companies to grow their footprint, I have a buddy who works for Enel Green Power of North America, they have a regional office here in OKC and are growing fast. Their North American HQ is in Boston, but I hear they are looking to get a new space soon and want more space. I think OKC should go after the world's largest green energy producer and position itself as the wind energy capitol of North America. We would need to go after a few flights between Mexico and Canada and maybe push for a route to Rome where the parent company of Enel is based. I know it is pie in the sky for all of that, but it might be easier than Amazon!

Well, most places won't relocate if there are flights they would need missing from that city's airport portfolio. OKC can't just get those kind of flights, even if they threw all the money in the world at airlines.

Well, most places won't relocate if there are flights they would need missing from that city's airport portfolio. OKC can't just get those kind of flights, even if they threw all the money in the world at airlines.

What we do have is 9 daily's to DFW on American, and there's a Rome daily there. Sometimes that's good enough, sometimes it's not. The C-suite makes those decisions and they fly private anyway.

What we do have is 9 daily's to DFW on American, and there's a Rome daily there. Sometimes that's good enough, sometimes it's not. The C-suite makes those decisions and they fly private anyway.

Sounds like a perfect landing spot for that place about 250 miles to the south. They try to gobble up anything in sight. They are a hog

A quick tidbit on companies to grow their footprint, I have a buddy who works for Enel Green Power of North America, they have a regional office here in OKC and are growing fast. Their North American HQ is in Boston, but I hear they are looking to get a new space soon and want more space. I think OKC should go after the world's largest green energy producer and position itself as the wind energy capitol of North America. We would need to go after a few flights between Mexico and Canada and maybe push for a route to Rome where the parent company of Enel is based. I know it is pie in the sky for all of that, but it might be easier than Amazon!

The State of Oklahoma government is not pro green energy. Why would they come to a state that has put up barriers to home solar and taken back credits to the wind industry?

A quick tidbit on companies to grow their footprint, I have a buddy who works for Enel Green Power of North America, they have a regional office here in OKC and are growing fast. Their North American HQ is in Boston, but I hear they are looking to get a new space soon and want more space. I think OKC should go after the world's largest green energy producer and position itself as the wind energy capitol of North America. We would need to go after a few flights between Mexico and Canada and maybe push for a route to Rome where the parent company of Enel is based. I know it is pie in the sky for all of that, but it might be easier than Amazon!
Pie in the sky, but I like it. This is forward-thinking and a great idea.

The State of Oklahoma government is not pro green energy. Why would they come to a state that has put up barriers to home solar and taken back credits to the wind industry?

Not just the government is hostile, but OG&E is too, so yeah, deck's stacked against us for that kind of industry.

The State of Oklahoma government is not pro green energy. Why would they come to a state that has put up barriers to home solar and taken back credits to the wind industry?

The State government might be against green energy, but OKC isn't. Wind power is explosive not only in OK but the region. Many companies are looking at switching to green power sources.

Not just the government is hostile, but OG&E is too, so yeah, deck's stacked against us for that kind of industry.

I would love to see OG+E brought down a peg or two.

The "frontier (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_frontier)" is a colonial concept for dispossessing Indigenous lands. I know most people don't make that historical connection. I also understand from past experiences on this board there will be much anger at me for pointing out the frontier narrative ("you're so PC"... yawn), but I'd just ask you to learn more about why some people are not fond of the term/concept. Considering Oklahoma's fraught history with Indigenous peoples it is not the brand I would have picked.

I would love to see OG+E brought down a peg or two.

Or a thousand.

dankruta----MASSIVE reach there, in my opinion. Frontier means none of what you just described, at least to ANY person I've EVER talked to. Frontier City and Frontier Airlines would respectfully disagree with your "position" on how people react to the word frontier. Interesting that your brain would connect those dots.

dankruta----MASSIVE reach there, in my opinion. Frontier means none of what you just described, at least to ANY person I've EVER talked to. Frontier City and Frontier Airlines would respectfully disagree with your "position" on how people react to the word frontier. Interesting that your brain would connect those dots.

Dan's a history teacher (professor maybe?), so it's completely understandable to me, and while his interpretation wouldn't be the first thing I'd think of when "frontier" is mentioned, it's a completely valid point and interpretation. There are plenty of frontiers that have been pushed through/settled/etc. that have been done by dispossessing indigenous people (of whatever country, not just the USA).

Words are 'connotative' well as 'denotative' in meaning; we get that point. True Oklahoma has a fraught history with indigenous peoples--hopefully we've moved past Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath."

Doesn't necessarily mean that the word frontier can't be used in a descriptive form with the word modern to describe (precede) it.

Modern Frontier is a good description; it's not like the use of another encryption of a word that will take centuries to play down, 'Plantation.'

The State government might be against green energy, but OKC isn't. Wind power is explosive not only in OK but the region. Many companies are looking at switching to green power sources.
Oklahoma is not a home rule state. Oklahoma is putting up barriers to green energy that no municipality can overcome legally.
Why go where you are not wanted when there are other areas more in step with your raison d'être.

My apologies for getting 'cookie-cuttered' into the off topic of the convention center. Dan is a great addition to this forum; he manages to keep everyone on their heels and thinking at the top of their game--he deserves everyone's respect.

Let's get BACK ON TOPIC...

Why go where you are not wanted when there are other areas more in step with your raison d'être.

Because we have the wind.

From Lackmeyer's chat w/Mike Carrier from the CVB today:

MIKE: Conventions that have contracted for future years and have given us permission to announce Oklahoma City as a site include the American Association of Meat Processors, The International Economic Development Council, The International Conference on Missions, The National Sheriffs Association, The Athletic Equipment Manufacturers Association, and TEAMS, the largest sports conference in the country.

The only one of those that potentially could have fit in the Cox Center was the IEDC and they required more hotel space than we currently have available. But the package of having the space and the Omni have them coming. We have several other conventions that have contracts in hand and we will be announcing those as contracts signed and they allow us to release the information. In our industry, it's bad form to announce a convention before the association gets to tell their members.

I am glad they chose this branding over "the big friendly."

The "frontier (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_frontier)" is a colonial concept for dispossessing Indigenous lands. I know most people don't make that historical connection. I also understand from past experiences on this board there will be much anger at me for pointing out the frontier narrative ("you're so PC"... yawn), but I'd just ask you to learn more about why some people are not fond of the term/concept. Considering Oklahoma's fraught history with Indigenous peoples it is not the brand I would have picked.

The American west doesn’t define the term Frontier. It has several meanings, many dealing with ideas and areas of exploration of new thought, sciences, strategies, etc. We can make make terms to be included in all sorts of horrific events, but meaning many time is reflective of the user, not of the word. Your mind went to this injustice while most went to the excitement of new possibilities implied by the word. Communication is both encoding and decoding.

I am glad they chose this branding over "the big friendly."

Really Glad!!!! That was hokey to be kind.

To the couple posts that pointed out that "frontier" has several meanings. Yes, it does. But, it seems pretty clear that by promoting OKC as a "modern frontier" it's meant to connect to OKCs historical role in the "Western frontier." Will most people realize that? Maybe not. Does a social studies educator? Yes. I literally teach about historical narratives and how they're intertwined with identities today. So, I get that everyone doesn't see the branding like I do, but it's not a "massive reach." I can't imagine that the branding group randomly came up with "frontier." It's obviously a historical connection. It's just not the branding I'd have gone with.

The "frontier (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_frontier)" is a colonial concept for dispossessing Indigenous lands. I know most people don't make that historical connection. I also understand from past experiences on this board there will be much anger at me for pointing out the frontier narrative ("you're so PC"... yawn), but I'd just ask you to learn more about why some people are not fond of the term/concept. Considering Oklahoma's fraught history with Indigenous peoples it is not the brand I would have picked.

I've now been educated that someone feels they don't like the word "frontier." I've also been educated some don't like Halloween because of the origins of the day. I've also heard a group of, what appear to be non-native American students at OU, want the term Boomer Sooner eliminated because they assume it is inherently offensive to Native Americans.

While l see the theoretical link Dan makes from the eyes of a Native American, I don't believe that anyone using the word "frontier" is using it in any way with any thought of the injustices done to Native Americans nor would, IMO, would 99.999% of Americans even give it a second thought.

I grew up in Oklahoma and live in the hometown of Frontier Airlines. Colorado is also home to many Native Americans and many more Progressive-types than OK who will protest at the drop of a hat if someone does or says something "offensive." (Not insinuating Native Americans protest at the drop of a hat) ln all my life I have never heard what Dan has educated us on.

I did a little research online and see no links or examples pertaining to anyone linking the word to something "offensive." I have found no evidence of complaints about the airlines' name nor do any online definitions of the word l can find reference any "offense." I also could find no reference to any other business (of which there are many) indicating any offense to the use of the word "frontier" in it's name.

Frederick Turner's Frontier Thesis contains at least a dozen different definitions of the American frontier. Most are simply variations on the limits of population and European settlements. One of these, however, defines it as the "meeting point between savagery and civilization" which appears to be the one Dan has siezed upon. Though this thesis is widely renowned, it is one man's opinion that came from an historical time this thought was the generally accepted thought.

While l can comprehend his reaction to the word, l contend this reaction of sensitivity or offense is more his own versus the reaction of any large group of people. One could make the same link to the words "trail" or "reservation" or even "Oklahoma."

I take his comment as nothing more than that - a comment. No one uses the term in any sort of derogotory way, today, and beyond it being an educational comment, move on. There are way more important things to take offense to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dN6pWk6tkM

To the couple posts that pointed out that "frontier" has several meanings. Yes, it does. But, it seems pretty clear that by promoting OKC as a "modern frontier" it's meant to connect to OKCs historical role in the "Western frontier." Will most people realize that? Maybe not. Does a social studies educator? Yes. I literally teach about historical narratives and how they're intertwined with identities today. So, I get that everyone doesn't see the branding like I do, but it's not a "massive reach." I can't imagine that the branding group randomly came up with "frontier." It's obviously a historical connection. It's just not the branding I'd have gone with.

Are you seriously triggered by the use of Frontier? I thought I had seen it all but this tops even my wildest dreams.

I think some people have too much time on their hands and spend all days looking for ways to be offended.

Wow

Oklahoma has always been tied to dust bowl days and thats what a lot of outsiders think of. Modern Frontier moves the needle in how far OKC has changed and grown. It is such a reach to be offended or triggered by this. I think its great branding!

My main concern with the new branding is that throughout the entire video there is not even one cut scene of any parking lots. Why would visitors come to OKC without knowing how easy it is to park? Seems like this is something that should have been highlighted.

My main concern with the new branding is that throughout the entire video there is not even one cut scene of any parking lots. Why would visitors come to OKC without knowing how easy it is to park? Seems like this is something that should have been highlighted.

I haven't watched it yet, were there any shots of a Great Clips?

I haven't watched it yet, were there any shots of a Great Clips?

Ding Ding — Post of The Month!

https://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cvb1.jpg



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t70MkuOLya4
The brand is a good fit for Oklahoma City.

Are you seriously triggered by the use of Frontier? I thought I had seen it all but this tops even my wildest dreams.

I think some people have too much time on their hands and spend all days looking for ways to be offended.

Wow

Oklahoma has always been tied to dust bowl days and thats what a lot of outsiders think of. Modern Frontier moves the needle in how far OKC has changed and grown. It is such a reach to be offended or triggered by this. I think its great branding!

lol. Just make your case, express your opinion, and drop the hyperbole.
We don’t have to agree, but don’t put words in my mouth or try to assign me your Internet emotions.

I was unable to read the article but it appears The RNC wants OKC to bid for the The Republican National Convention?

I was unable to read the article but it appears The RNC wants OKC to bid for the The Republican National Convention?

RNC wants OKC to bid, OKC is kinda like ehhhhhhh meh

... we have the wind.

Only way to read this post is in Ving Rhames voice.

RNC wants OKC to bid, OKC is kinda like ehhhhhhh meh

It would be for a future convention but it goes to show the facilities are drawing national attention. The convention center coupled with the arena (which mayor may not take the COX Center into account) is getting serious attention.