You can see that Robinson is now completely ripped up.

The stretch between the boulevard and I-40 won't reopen until December.

https://www.okctalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=16305&d=1596051284

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You can see the color changing interior lights are now on.

I'm not a builder, but I think we got our money's worth with this beautiful new facility...

Only God knows when the facility will get used. But it looks awesome, and OKC did well with this and Scissortail Park!

Only God knows when the facility will get used. But it looks awesome, and OKC did well with this and Scissortail Park!

Why does it feel like a lot of the big projects in MAPS3 got really screwed with timing? We get a shiny new toy and as soon as it is finished, some outside force makes it less shiny?

Riversports/Boathouse gets footing -> District philanthropist McClendon dies
The Streetcar finishes -> Scooters and rideshare become extremely popular
The Convention Center finishes -> Pandemic preventing gatherings of groups

Why does it feel like a lot of the big projects in MAPS3 got really screwed with timing? We get a shiny new toy and as soon as it is finished, some outside force makes it less shiny?

Riversports/Boathouse gets footing -> District philanthropist McClendon dies

It was Chesapeake's money, not Aubreys and that well ran dry when they showed him the door, several years before he died.

When a project only works when someone is siphoning millions from a public company, it was doomed from the outset, not unlucky.

Why does it feel like a lot of the big projects in MAPS3 got really screwed with timing? We get a shiny new toy and as soon as it is finished, some outside force makes it less shiny?

Riversports/Boathouse gets footing -> District philanthropist McClendon dies

It was Chesapeake's money, not Aubrey's and that well ran dry when they showed him the door, several years before he died.

When a project only works when someone is siphoning millions from a public company, it was doomed from the outset, not unlucky.

And it has to be said that there were a lot of people who pointed out what could be a greatly diminished future for both the streetcar and convention center.

RiverSports now just needs a(some) hotel(s) and perhaps an urban residential enclave or two (like L3V3L or EDGE) to liven up the area with folks who will consistently patronize the venues. Then there wouldn't need to be much/as much public funding.

In all honesty, I'd rather chose for the city to boost Riversports since it still is a startup than for the city to constantly be pouring money into the failure that is the State Fairgrounds (which is NOT a startup, was stripped of its revenue attractions on purpose, is therefore no longer viable for anything other than horse/farm shows; that supposedly have a huge revenue stream - so why is the State Fairgrounds always asking the city/MAPS for $$?????). But I digress. ...

I'd expect a huge boost to Riversports if/when they finish the First American's Museum and tie it to the district (but even again, the FAM grounds also will need hotel/residential infill to make it truly lively). Once everything is finished and some hotel(s) come online (and residential is at least u/c) then the city can really start advertising the area as yet another tourist hot spot. I hope that will also eventually include the OKC Zoo Aquarium, with all 3 venues making Riversports District world class esp if the hospitality is also done right.

The key here is, with Riversports Yes Aubrey had a vision and enacted on it but now it is the city's responsibility to realize it and carry the torch. In finance we call this sunk costs, so the city will continue to have more (and as I said before, I'm largely OK with that). At least it has an upside if the master planning + implementation (+ Aquarium) is done right that could make Riversports/FAM the city's premier tourist/recreation area.

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You can see the color changing interior lights are now on.

These lights are pretty neat. Saw them for myself this morning for the first time. They pop out really well in the dark

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Good pic^. I agree I think it looks great and it just gives a cool vibe when you're in the park at night. Will look even better once the remainder of the interior installation is up as well as the exterior lighting.

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In the third photo center right, you can see a massive pit for utility construction.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention081620c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention081620a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention081620b.jpg

speaking of utilities, wouldn't it be great if the current location could be relocated to near I-40 (or somewhere else at the edge of downtown) and the existing location at Grand Ave and EK Gaylord be repurposed for a highrise hotel? I'd love a 30 floor Hyatt or W hotel to go in there.

]I have always said Oklahoma City had the potential to be like Dallas as far as entertainment. Now the City needs to go after big companies that are paying good salaries.

Oklahoma City needs to change the building codes for businesses and developments. When you go to the Dallas area you see shopping centers that look upscale even though they have a Ross or Old Navy there. There was one area I was driving through that had nice center medians, no powerlines, and upscale facades on buildings. In OKC the throw up these shops that have no character and after a few years just make the city look bad. I've traveled all over the world and I've seen more character in former Soviet Eastern Europe than in OKC.

I second this opinion. Our stores look like N. Texas warehouses.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention082920a.jpg

I want nothing but good to come from this new development. I want to see guests from all over coming to OKC to enjoy our city. But I sure worry that convention events, due to COVID, will be almost existent for a couple of years or more. Yikes :-(

Oklahoma City needs to change the building codes for businesses and developments. When you go to the Dallas area you see shopping centers that look upscale even though they have a Ross or Old Navy there. There was one area I was driving through that had nice center medians, no powerlines, and upscale facades on buildings. In OKC the throw up these shops that have no character and after a few years just make the city look bad. I've traveled all over the world and I've seen more character in former Soviet Eastern Europe than in OKC.

Totally agree. I groan each time I see another strip mall type development being built. Absolutely hate how city planning committees and developers seem to be okay with such minimal architectural features. Yawn!!!!

It's not a matter of building codes, as Dallas has plenty of cheapo strip centers.

It's the investment willing to be made by the developers.

OKC recently raised the bar for landscaping and a few other things. But 95% of this is up to the individual developers.

I second this opinion. Our stores look like N. Texas warehouses.

I can show you huge portions of Dallas that look just like OKC development. The metroplex has almost twice as many people in it as the ENTIRE STATE of Oklahoma. So, if you want to pick out the nicest portions of Dallas metro and compare to the average places in OKC, it is not a fair comparison. Its like expecting someone who can only afford an off the rack Macy's suit to look as good as someone wearing a Brioni.

OKC residents love to defend the suburbs and promote the sprawl that surrounds OKC, and then turn around and complain that the sprawl they wanted actually looks like garbage and has no character. It's sprawl, it's not supposed to have character.

Comparing DFW to OKC as a whole is impossible. DFW has so much more population & tax revenue than OKC its not close. Frisco, Plano, Allen, Southlake, Aledo, Keller, Flower Mound, The Colony, Colleyville, Alliance, the list goes on of really nice suburbs. However, if you go south of I-30 in DFW it's mostly rough.

From an entertainment perspective, OKC is not that far off from DFW when it comes from things to do (minus pro sports). OKC has far more options than Fort Worth, but behind Dallas obviously. However, currently downtown Dallas is not safe. Homeless everywhere, and gangs. It's been a rough past 3 months and hasn't gotten any better. Most outdoor seating for restaurants are gone. Even the famous Katy Trail through uptown is a risky proposition this year. If you value safety then Uptown, University Park, or Collin County obviously nice areas for a night out. Dallas has had a steady increase of crime the last 5 years. The biggest issue being that crime is spilling over into historical safe areas and downtown. Assaults and violent crime increased every year in Dallas under the previous Dallas mayor's tenure. In 2020, Dallas is on its way to the most murders in one year since the 1990s.

I was surprised by how sh*tty downtown Dallas was during my last trip. I took DART in from DFW and that was taking my life into my own hands and it didn't get much better once I got off the train.

I was surprised by how sh*tty downtown Dallas was during my last trip. I took DART in from DFW and that was taking my life into my own hands and it didn't get much better once I got off the train.

Where? I take DART all the time into downtown and have never had an incident. Ever. So, what happened? I hear this from a lot of people who literally fear being around Black and Brown people.

Where? I take DART all the time into downtown and have never had an incident. Ever. So, what happened? I hear this from a lot of people who literally fear being around Black and Brown people.

you ask a fair question and then spoil any further dialogue with what appears to be a backhanded accusation of racism. this isn't how you have productive discussions and, honestly, you should know better.

you ask a fair question and then spoil any further dialogue with what appears to be a backhanded accusation of racism. this isn't how you have productive discussions and, honestly, you should know better.

Ignore the ignorance. DFW is a massive melting pot and became a minority-majority Metroplex in 2010. There are very few places in DFW where there is only one race. However, I would never allow my wife or children on DART alone. Violence is violence and people talking about it / reporting it is not racist. It is what it is.

100s of arrests this year alone: https://www.dart.org/about/dartpolice/stats/DARTPoliceNIBRSArrestsByFacility2020.pdf
https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/12/11/dart-aggravated-assaults/
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/crime/article242124086.html
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/police-dart-bus-hijacker-was-prepared-for-a-shootout/2354804/
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2016/02/18/rape-victim-at-dart-station-told-transit-police-they-were-too-late/
https://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2018/june/the-womans-guide-to-surviving-dart/
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dart-knife-fight-april-27-2020/287-2a66c12a-e51e-494f-9720-2a69ae78b969
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2020/07/07/man-faces-murder-charge-after-fatal-stabbing-at-downtown-dallas-dart-station/
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2019/07/27/man-accused-of-murder-at-dallas-dart-station-brandished-knife-on-bus-hours-before-stabbing-police-say/
https://www.fox4news.com/news/dart-driver-feared-for-his-safety-before-monday-bus-attack

you ask a fair question and then spoil any further dialogue with what appears to be a backhanded accusation of racism. this isn't how you have productive discussions and, honestly, you should know better.

I am sharing my experience with these claims. I hear them over and over. I have made a habit of asking people their basis. Not one person has ever had anything happen. It’s very clear they are uncomfortable around Black and Brown people. I was just sharing what I’ve observed. I didn’t accuse you of anything. I asked a question and shared my experience. But I apologize for not explaining why I asked with more detail and thus specifically implying your bias. My bad.

I’m not sure how to interpret those statistics and articles in the next post. The DART rail and bus system is massive and runs through a lot of DFW. There are a huge number of stops. Many of these articles are about fights that broke out near a station, typically by people who know each other. The media loves these stories and sensationalizes them. And I’m not saying there are no problems... but to say it’s unsafe does not match my experience.

Again, you can call me ignorant, but I ride the DART through downtown all the time. I have never seen a single incident. Ever. And people who’ve told me it’s dangerous haven’t seen one either when I ask them. I was just trying to ask why you think it’s dangerous... is it media reports? Did you witness something? I am honestly curious.

I have to ask, who are these people uncomfortable around brown and black people?. DFW is a minority-majority metro. Less than 45% is white. Dallas is 29% white. Do these people leave their house? It’s expected in DFW to be around every skin color. Unless you’re in Westlake you’ll be around brown and black people. Just wondering.

I have to ask, who are these people uncomfortable around brown and black people?. DFW is a minority-majority metro. Less than 45% is white. Dallas is 29% white. Do these people leave their house? It’s expected in DFW to be around every skin color. Unless you’re in Westlake you’ll be around brown and black people. Just wondering.

Do you not think there's segregation in DFW? lol. There's massive and widespread housing and school segregation across the metro. Most white people I know live in predominately White neighborhoods and have no close friends of color. And, yes, many of those people—often White—express fear from media reports of downtown or public transportation. My Black friends and colleagues share regular experiences with racism and profiling. So no, DFW is not the integrated, cosmopolitan utopia you've dreamed up.

I’ve lived all over DFW for 20 years. That’s just not my experience when it comes to friendships, integrated neighborhoods, multi racial families, multi racial churches, and exclusivity. Sorry it’s not yours.

https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/us/tx/dallas/crime-rate-statistics

"I'm afraid of big cities because of the violence" is a major white supremacist dog whistle, I read that comment the exact same way Dan did except probably with more eye-rolling.

I live in Dallas. During the last 5 years it's become overrun with crime. Especially in the heavily populated areas. Don't take it from me, take it from the African-American City Manager, African-American Mayor, and African-American citizens.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2019/12/03/dallas-mayor-eric-johnson-demands-plan-from-police-department-to-make-city-safer/
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/city-manager-responds-dallas-mayors-request-for-crime-plan/287-42dea287-63c9-45c3-b1f8-38786ea63fab
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2019/09/12/crime-invaded-our-home-for-families-of-homicide-victims-in-dallas-this-summer-more-action-needed/

We are way, way off subject here.

Back to discussing the Convention Center, please.

nm

Pavers and landscaping going in. Robinson is torn to hell and won't reopen until December.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention090720c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention090720b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention090720a.jpg

Beauty is pain. December is just around the corner though.

Planned conventions are already being pushed back. CNU 2021 was supposed to be in OKC in May, showing off the OKC new hotness, but it's been advised that 2021 will likely be virtual as 2020 was. Attempting 2022 for OKC if so.

Heard from an inside source that the building is supposed to be complete at the beginning of Oct. Any contractor not complete by then will be paying ***big time*** in liquidated damages, like 10's of thousands per day. It will be so cool to have this gem finally open to the public.

Heard from an inside source that the building is supposed to be complete at the beginning of Oct. Any contractor not complete by then will be paying ***big time*** in liquidated damages, like 10's of thousands per day. It will be so cool to have this gem finally open to the public.

Yes, 'substantial completion'.

They still will have a couple of months to fix the little things after the city does their walk-through.

Completion means completion. If I build a restaurant and the contractor tells me I will be open by Thanksgiving, they will be done by thanksgiving. I will not be walking around with them looking at "little things" on thanksgiving. I will be walking around looking at those "little things" at least two weeks before then. Once turnover date hits, I am assessing him/her for liquidated damages, based on a full restaurant during all open hours and all staff pay even during closed hours for all days after the agreed turnover date. Substantial is quite open to interpretation. Completion is not. just my 2 cents.

Plus, if it's not done by the agreed upon date, the city stands to make money, which can go into a surplus fund. That is a bonus for the city. Not so much for the contractors. Hope they are done by Oct! Don't want to be the one that isn't lol!

David Todd, MAPS Program Manager, said the project continues to go well and remains under budget. Contractors have to reach “substantial completion” by Oct. 7 before handing over keys to city officials.

“We will do our walkthrough after Oct. 7. We will look for things that need corrected, fixed, or changed. We will develop a punch list for the contractor to make the modifications. They have 60 days to fix things before we consider it final. Then it will be city-owned and operated.”

http://okcretail.com/news/2020/09/09/news/new-convention-center-on-schedule-under-budget/

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092020aa.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092020ba.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092020ca.jpg

"Virtual Sky" is set to start installation and should be in by the first week of November and then digital programming will follow.

Should look amazing from the park.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092120a.jpg

i saw the convention center for the first time at night last week while heading northbound on walker... it already looks great lit up at night even before that art installation.

That utility construction south of the convention surface lot and all along Robinson is something to behold.

It looks like a sewer line big enough to stand up in.


All this should come together in the next few months: Robison will be finished in December, complete with roundabout; convention center and light installation should be done about that same time; then right after the first of the year, the Omni should open along with its several restaurants (although not sure Bob's Steakhouse is still on schedule).

Years of work and planning will all wrap up and open in the very near future. Will be cool to see.

Robinson being redone at the same time the CC is still under construction is one of the better moves from the city that I can remember.

I wish the CC roof was covered in solar panels.

Construction update:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092021a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092120b.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092120c.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092120d.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092120e.jpg



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092120f.jpg

Robinson being redone at the same time the CC is still under construction is one of the better moves from the city that I can remember.

I wish the CC roof was covered in solar panels.
I was just thinking it seems like a no brainer to place solar panels on the empty flat rooftop.

I was just thinking it seems like a no brainer to place solar panels on the empty flat rooftop.

Not when most the powerful people in OKC are affiliated with oil and gas.

Video of construction progress:

https://www.facebook.com/MAPS3OKC/videos/1486145561774296

I was just thinking it seems like a no brainer to place solar panels on the empty flat rooftop.
It can be added at any time. Not that hard.

It can be added at any time. Not that hard.
True. There is extra expense. I bet they will eventually add it down the road.

True. There is extra expense. I bet they will eventually add it down the road.
If it is a net producer, the city might be able to get an esco (energy savings co.) to install equipment for a share of the savings.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092720a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092720b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention092720c.jpg

Hi Pete, the lot south of the surface parking lot, does it connect to the park? I remember seeing a tunnel going through the bridge.

Hi Pete, the lot south of the surface parking lot, does it connect to the park? I remember seeing a tunnel going through the bridge.

No, that tunnel was under the railroad tracks to east.

https://goo.gl/maps/SuThZeLHhwvX36kW7

There is a tunnel under Robinson as seen from Skydance Bridge.

^

Oh, right.

But that is well south of the surface lot being constructed.