Maybe someone should stand out there with a sign that says "Hold developers to a higher standard - don't park here".

Maybe someone should stand out there with a sign that says "Hold developers to a higher standard - don't park here".

or we could "Occupy Rick Dowell's parking structure!"

Who wants to organize it?

..cricket...cricket..

Has anyone thought about politely approaching Rick and suggesting there may be a cost-effective way of doing this addition and making the whole garage look better? Or is it just easier to throw rocks?

Has anyone thought about politely approaching Rick and suggesting there may be a cost-effective way of doing this addition and making the whole garage look better? Or is it just easier to throw rocks?

Steve, if he got his approval through, than we both know that is extremely unlikely to have any effect. Not to deflate anyone's enthusiasm at the proposal, but Rick is "most" malleable when he is either coming up with a plan, or hasn't quite gotten one approved.

Anyways, he probably thinks it looks good or else he wouldn't have proposed it. Rick doesn't propose things that he thinks are "sub-par." So at this point it would be as pointless as arguing with someone about their interpretation of abstract art. But if someone wants to try, go for it.

Has anyone thought about politely approaching Rick and suggesting there may be a cost-effective way of doing this addition and making the whole garage look better?

Isn't this the entire reason for the existence of the Downtown Design Review Committee? To look out and speak for concerned citizens and to propose and hold developers to reasonable standards?

Do you really think that if I or someone other random person wrote or called him and asked him to change something he obviously thinks is fine and has already paid to be half built and for architectural plans for the remainder... And to spend more money of his money in the process... You think he would even pretend to listen?

He's owned that structure for a decade and a half and seems to be fine with bent, cheap corrugated metal on a highly visible profile. I'm sure he sees this bare concrete block as a big step up otherwise he never would have done it in the first place.


And for the record, I frequently call and write people about issues such as this and the only time I've received any sort of response is when there is a legal obligation (such as open information laws) that mandates it. And even then I am met with the absolute minimum amount of cooperation.

Owners/developers/architects/engineers/realtors/receptionists/civil servants/PR people are incredibly suspicious and unhelpful unless you can demonstrate you actually have a right or the power to get any information, let alone willing to listen to your ideas on how things might be done.

Frankly, the only people that have been somewhat open to me is you Steve and a few other members of the press. That, and a few people that have approached me with unsolicited information while asking me to keep them anonymous. But absolutely no one has been even polite in responding to the forays I have initiated. 99.8% of the time my calls and emails go completely unanswered, even though I always approach people with great respect and humility.

Has anyone thought about politely approaching Rick and suggesting there may be a cost-effective way of doing this addition and making the whole garage look better? Or is it just easier to throw rocks?

Do you really think Rick Dowell cares what other people think of his development work? Or for that matter, do you really think Rick Dowell cares about other pieces of the picture than just his development? Come on. We're talking about Rick Dowell.

$1.3 million building permit to proceed with the garage expansion.



The Dowell garage is just an extension of what is already there (first pic):

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/dowellparking2.jpg

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

Whole slew of building permits by Dowell to finish out the 2nd floor of 400 N. Walker as offices:

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2730/R010018904001rA.jpg

You can say what you want about Dowell, but he provides minimal "white box" offices to tenants who desire free parking for $5/SF (or more) less than in the heart of downtown. If they want to decorate their space, it is on their dime. I believe he has over 500,000 SF of office space near NW 5th and Walker with almost 100% occupancy! Not a bad business model, if you ask me!

This picture shows paper models for Dowell's properties on Fifth and Walker. The interesting thing is the tallest building which does not currently stand on that grassy lot on the north side of 5th between Walker and Dewey. Any ideas on what this could be? It looks like a midrise without windows. I guessing 10 stories.

http://i1196.photobucket.com/albums/aa408/wschnitt/IMG_0113-2.jpg

I'm sure that's just a quick mock-up and that anything actually built would have windows.

Dowell does own that property as well as the entire block directly south, which is mostly surface parking.

Hopefully he's working on developing that area, because there are still too many vacant lots there.

You would put a 10-story bizarro mid-rise past Dowell?? :mr_hat:

Maybe it's a 10 story version of his parking garage. :sofa:

He is undecided as to whether he will do apartments or more office space. Rest assured, if he is alive, something will happen there. It's just going to be a ways out.

Rick pointed out in a private conversation years ago that particular area is the highest elevation in downtown, with a considerable grade change from the surrounding properties and a great skyline view. At the time he said it is one of the best locations in downtown for multi-story development due to this topographical feature. I suspect that he has been holding onto it for years until the time becomes right to do something along those lines. As far as I can tell he is a very deliberate person.

And he leverages debt free completed projects to finance renovations and construction. IE... wait for the tower next to Sandridge to be completed before anything starts here quite yet.

He is also a very misunderstood person.

I'll say his building projects are very misunderstood, but he's one of the few who always does top-notch development his way. Some of his projects, like his obsession with white-washed stone and brick a la Aspen, are strange - but even if they're not how I or most others would have approached each project, I'm obviously not complaining.

This area and buildings were nicer than I had expected.

Props to Rick Dowell for doing things right (apart from that atrocious parking garage); all these are at 5th & Walker:



Looking southwest:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/midtownplaza1.jpg

Looking northeast:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/midtownplaza2.jpg

Looking northwest:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/midtownplaza3.jpg

I'm good with it (especially NE corner), other than obliteration of the great mid-century facade that was on the old Fred Jones Lincoln Mercury building and the replacement with the weird facade and parapet cobbled together from the pieces of the old building front. That was a classic case of "if it ain't broke don't fix it."

Why does everybody give Rick Dowell such a hard time? As I see it, he provides office space several dollars per square foot less than the downtown core, AND provides free parking. If the tenant wants interior decoration, it is on their dime.

While it's true Dowell is no Rand Elliott, last time I checked - Classen Curve was less than 50% occupied and I think Dowell is over 90% occupied!

Third Degree Advertising just relocated to one of his buildings - he must be doing something right!

Well, I really think everyone just hates his garage. I've never disliked his office properties... well other than the Dowell Center, but I don't like that particular architecture, especially having known what it was originally. But that's a whole other story.

Why does everybody give Rick Dowell such a hard time? As I see it, he provides office space several dollars per square foot less than the downtown core, AND provides free parking. If the tenant wants interior decoration, it is on their dime.

While it's true Dowell is no Rand Elliott, last time I checked - Classen Curve was less than 50% occupied and I think Dowell is over 90% occupied!

Third Degree Advertising just relocated to one of his buildings - he must be doing something right!

Ha! Awesome dichotomy

Recent photo of the Dowell parking expansion:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/9393415572_122ef364e6_b.jpg

Incredible work!

What. is. that.

That is this masterpiece of a garage we are about to have two of.

I love the metal work on that aluminum siding.

What an abortion. Which is worse, this garage or the formerly proposed SpringHill Suites?

What. is. that.

An example of the old standard for OKC construction. It is from the good enough or half a** school of design. I understand and appreciate function over form being appropriate sometimes especially when a property owner is putting their $$ up, but were I in their position I think I would want to be known for building quality structures regardless of the purpose. Of course it is easy to be a critic when I don't have anything on the line.

But to be fair, the original parking structure was built quite a while ago by a previous owner and the current owner made an attempt at improving the exterior. The result of that attempt is clearly open to debate and the sheet metal was on the rear of the structure; but the man at least made an effort. I hope this addition is of a higher build quality than a sheet metal facade though.

That is this masterpiece of a garage we are about to have two of.

I love the metal work on that aluminum siding.

It's so amazing looking that I found myself staring intently at my monitor to soak in the beauty of it...

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/422795.jpg

Just to be clear, that sheet metal is also on the completely exposed west side (as shown in the photo) as well as the somewhat obscured south elevation.

The west elevation will soon be covered by the garage addition, but it's been exposed like that for many years. Dowell has owned it for 15 years.

The rest of the garage is also pretty ugly, but not as bad.

The expansion to the Dowell Garage continues.

Like everything Rick does, this is moving very sloooooow....

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/dowellgarage101113.jpg

I never paid any attention to this project. Is the new add-on going to cover up the exposed sheet metal?

Will only cover the metal on the west side:

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

Only good thing about this project is more urban density. Rick and those damn evergreen trees. Notice near every building he has downtown has some form of evergreen trees.

From 1/13/14. That is Rick Dowell talking to the construction guy.

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6047d1389730844-dowell-garage-dg11314a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6048d1389730845-dowell-garage-dg11314b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6049d1389730846-dowell-garage-dg11314c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6050d1389730847-dowell-garage-dg11314d.jpg

Can you believe it's $95/mo to park in that thing?

Can you believe it's $95/mo to park in that thing?

It's less than 5 bucks a day if you're just there 5 days a week.

I know. But I live nearby and was looking at garage costs at a monthly rate. Couldn't believe this one was up there like that, for what it is, compared to others.

I know. But I live nearby and was looking at garage costs at a monthly rate. Couldn't believe this one was up there like that, for what it is, compared to others.

I notice the event parking rates, but do not know what a normal monthly CBD rate is ?

I notice the event parking rates, but do not know what a normal monthly CBD rate is ?

Downtown OKC has a neat parking tool on their site with prices. Wasn't sure how up to date it was so I called those nearest to me and was shocked that this one was comparable to others yet was of significantly lower quality (though not sure if it matters so long as there is reliable cover -- excluding external aesthetics of course). I also find it humorous that the new Main St garage is going up faster than the Dowell addition.

Construction started 8 months ago on this project.

Fast for Dowell

Just another example of OKC's high standards.

http://www.kerinusa.com/images/Stickers1401/1408.jpg

http://www.kerinusa.com/images/Stickers1401/1408.jpg

This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This. This.

I steal liberally from Devery Youngblood, an older, wiser former Main Street manager who also served as President of Downtown Oklahoma City Incorporated, among other things. Another one of his that I have used on here is "better than crappy makes us happy." Where he got them, I don't know. He was not as free with attribution and just let you think that he was brilliant. ;)

From 1/13/14. That is Rick Dowell talking to the construction guy.

"Now, what I want you to do (construction guy) is only pour one square foot of concrete every week, just in case I decide to turn this land into highrise residential. You're doing swell son..."

Finally, something slower than Aloft.

"Now, what I want you to do (construction guy) is only pour one square foot of concrete every week, just in case I decide to turn this land into highrise residential. You're doing swell son..."

Finally, something slower than Aloft.

Honestly I'm impressed that the single contractor Dowell is willing to pay has made this much progress. I mean, I couldn't build a parking garage all by myself, but this guy seems to be on it. 12 years from now when he finishes I bet that dude gets into the Guiness Book of World Records.

TibMRLqG8dU

Honestly I'm impressed that the single contractor Dowell is willing to pay has made this much progress. I mean, I couldn't build a parking garage all by myself, but this guy seems to be on it. 12 years from now when he finishes I bet that dude gets into the Guiness Book of World Records.

Hahaha

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6741d1392738283-dowell-garage-dowell021514.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/6742d1392738283-dowell-garage-dowell021514b.jpg

Yay, we finally have cinder block!

Oh, wait...

Shawn took this last night... Looks like they've closed off the street for construction on this project:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/dowellpark042714.jpg

I guess that street will be closed indefinitely :)

I imagine they will start craning in a bunch of prefab concrete panels which is why the street is closed.

I guess that street will be closed indefinitely :)

That's funny.

I guess that street will be closed indefinitely :)

Probably years..............lol

I haven't taken another picture yet, sorry, but there is in fact a crane on site and steel is rising. That said, I still don't understand why the street needs to be closed...

Will get a pic this weekend.

Yeah, the street closure is ridiculous. We complain about superblocks; how about the fact that currently there are ZERO continuous east-west streets crossing downtown between Sheridan and 6th street. That's more than half a mile. If you're trying to get from say, Bricktown or Deep Deuce to the Civic Center or 420 W. Main it's just this side of "you can't get there from here."