Hold onto your hats because I have some new and very solid information...

I don't wear a hat, so I held onto something else.

Hold onto your hats because I have some new and very solid information...

Like is not a strong enough term for my reaction to that post. We need a PASSIONATELY LOVE button!

Also asked about Devon, Steve said "I'm not worried". A phrase he has used continuously throughout the questions regarding the "mystery tower". I may be reading too much in to that, but with the email Devon sent out and Steve's comments I believe a new Devon tower announcement is coming.

I'm as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning! Thanks, Pete!

When will that easement be released? Any insight?

Ok, I take away two major things from Pete's post:

1) the phrase "very solid information"
2) two towers mentioned

http://www.legaljuice.com/passed%20out.jpg

The bus station is getting very close to closing down and that will leave almost the entire Preftakes block not only dark, but in very sad shape.

We know Devon is behind all those purchases (well, 99% sure) and there is no way they are going to let that block continue to rot with all this big new construction happening on all sides.

Very exciting to think how that area of downtown is going to look in about 5 years.

If it could somehow turn out that OG&E or MidFirst built something downtown, then that means in 10 years we could potentially have new digs for Devon's new project, Continental, MidFirst, OG&E, and an out of state firm. We'd start to have a damn fine looking skyline with those additions.

I thought it was almost a given that the next tower announcement would be for the new Centerpoint/Enogex company at the Stage Center site. Have things changed?

I don't wear a hat, so I held onto something else.

TMI!! :wink:

I thought it was almost a given that the next tower announcement would be for the new Centerpoint/Enogex company at the Stage Center site. Have things changed?

Back in March, Steve said he was having a hard time with knowing who was going to end up at the SC site, but that it was a huge project involving hundreds of millions.

I think we'll all find out soon.

Hold onto your hats because I have some new and very solid information...


I'm told that the Stage Center deal is done but pending the release of the easement of what was California street.

This probably means what we suspected all along: That entire block will be redeveloped all the way to Reno (see graphic below).

I'm also told that as soon as this issue is resolved, there will be an almost immediate announcement of a new tower, and that it will be for a local company which will be consolidating it's operations to that site, ala Devon. Don't know the company but there are only a few that fit the profile: MidFirst and OG&E being my best guesses.


There is also a second tower very much in progress and that will involve bringing in jobs from out of state. I suspect this is the new Enogex entity, but can't be sure. Also not sure if this would go on this same block or elsewhere.


However, it seems one tower announcement for the Stage Center site is imminent and another tower could be revealed before the end of the year.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/mystery1.jpg

Pete and OKCTalk does it again. Great job and great information.

I remember when this discussion first started, a source who was then at the OKC Chamber and involved in incentive negotiations told me the tower (at this point it was thought only one tower was a possibility in the near term) would be a financial company and so we thought it was Midfirst or American Fidelity. We know it's not AF and I can't recall, but I thought we were able to rule out Midfirst after a while--is that right?

So based on the information Pete and others have been able to get, it sounds like the most likely candidate is OGE for one of them.

Hold onto your hats because I have some new and very solid information...

"I can feel it coming in the air tonight. Hold on.
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life. Hold on."

With all these jobs downtown, hopefully a new residential tower will happen. Austin didn't have near as many jobs downtown.... besides that little college.... and they had res towers emerge.

I feel that if our state gov can get us better incentives then OKC could be the next Austin, but of course better!

I am so excited! We need some good news after all the tornados! This will show how strong we are!

I really hope it is Midfirst building downtown! I would love people to see that we are more than just natural gas and oil companies.

I have reason to believe after making a phone call regarding Pete's post, that it is "probably" not MidFirst. my source said that they are not aware, and is in the position that they would be aware before something was announced. They couldn't rule out the possibility of something eventually getting announced, and said that they wouldn't confirm, but couldn't deny that there are many rumors about MidFirst still looking after losing out on the OPUBCO land. So if an announcement is coming that is imminent, then my guess would be not them.

Cool, will keep an eye out for info.

The reason we all cooled off on MidFirst is because of the big changes at Chesapeake.

For a while, Aubrey & Co. really wanted to acquire all the MidFirst/Midland property along I-44 so CHK could have that entire contiguous area. But with Chesapeake now in selling mode, we started to hear that Mid* might be buying the former Grand Park buildings *from* CHK to provide for their own expansion. They are bursting at the seams in their two I-44 buildings, have people at Shepherd Mall, etc.

So, maybe this is back on. I know they took a hard run at the OPUBCO properties but that was also before things changed drastically at Chesapeake.


OG&E had hired a national real estate consultancy to help them find a new location downtown, and that search has been going on for a while. However, it was my understanding they didn't want to get involved at Stage Center because it was too high profile and controversial. I have a hard time believing that anything has changed, other than maybe wanting to combine forces with the new, yet separate, mid-stream company.

Also, I just got some more information on the Devon situation...

I'm told that all the Houston employees have already made the move to OKC and that any open positions created in this transition have been filled. So, even with this consolidation there is still a decent amount of space in Devon Tower.

BUT...

The formation of the new independent mid-stream entity will almost require them to separate that group from the rest of their employees, which almost certainly means moving them out of Devon Tower. They may do this sooner rather than later, once that company gets rolling.

There are about 3 floors of employees devoted to these operations now, but it's expected to grow rapidly. So, don't be surprised if you see construction on the Preftakes block just for them in the next few years, and at the same time making more room in Devon Tower for the main company's growth.


Having said all that, Devon is a very conservative company so don't expect any big movements soon.

The real question in all of this is... what is going to happen to La Luna?

I'm not sure I can do without so-so Mexican food.

The real question in all of this is... what is going to happen to La Luna?

I'm not sure I can do without so-so Mexican food.

HAHA, post of the day.

I have reason to believe after making a phone call regarding Pete's post, that it is "probably" not MidFirst. my source said that they are not aware, and is in the position that they would be aware before something was announced. They couldn't rule out the possibility of something eventually getting announced, and said that they wouldn't confirm, but couldn't deny that there are many rumors about MidFirst still looking after losing out on the OPUBCO land. So if an announcement is coming that is imminent, then my guess would be not them.

Hmm... Pete said that OG&E wouldn't want to get involved with this site because of the negative press it's probably going to generate and your source is indicating it's most likely not MidFirst. Who else is big enough around town that they'd need to consolidate their employees here and has the money to do it?

Hmm... Pete said that OG&E wouldn't want to get involved with this site because of the negative press it's probably going to generate and your source is indicating it's most likely not MidFirst. Who else is big enough around town that they'd need to consolidate their employees here and has the money to do it?

I don't know. that is what i'm trying to figure out as well.

And i can't say 100% that it isn't MidFirst. I just know that my source would be "in the know" before an announcement, and was very much involved in the dealing to try and get the OPUBCO land. So i have no reason to question them now. Just from my phone call a bit ago, i have to conclude that they are not the ones building here, but they are still looking to build somewhere downtown.

Is this Continental?

I don't know. that is what i'm trying to figure out as well.

And i can't say 100% that it isn't MidFirst. I just know that my source would be "in the know" before an announcement, and was very much involved in the dealing to try and get the OPUBCO land. So i have no reason to question them now. Just from my phone call a bit ago, i have to conclude that they are not the ones building here, but they are still looking to build somewhere downtown.

Is this Continental?

It surely could be. It seemed the timing was off given Hamm's divorce deal and a couple other things, but maybe it wasn't that off... I was really hoping for something other than an oil/gas company just to throw something else into the mix, but I'll take whoever is dealing!

I don't know. that is what i'm trying to figure out as well.

And i can't say 100% that it isn't MidFirst. I just know that my source would be "in the know" before an announcement, and was very much involved in the dealing to try and get the OPUBCO land. So i have no reason to question them now. Just from my phone call a bit ago, i have to conclude that they are not the ones building here, but they are still looking to build somewhere downtown.

Is this Continental?

Its not Continental.... My inside source I talked to said NO!

I will go out on a limb and say both towers will be on the Stage Center site all the way to Reno Ave. I would say that those towers would be from OG&E and their new MLP, just makes logical sense for them to be next to each other, hence why they need the extra land to accomodate two towers and parking garages.

What is required for an easement to be released? Is it a long or complicated process?

This is the type of news that could lead to a major erection…of a new tower!
Come on! The definition of an erection is “The act of erecting.” Or “something erected, as in a building.” Geeze, you perves.
:tongue:

It surely could be. It seemed the timing was off given Hamm's divorce deal and a couple other things, but maybe it wasn't that off... I was really hoping for something other than an oil/gas company just to throw something else into the mix, but I'll take whoever is dealing!

I'm really hoping for something else as well. But on the bright side. I hadn't talked to my source for a few months and last time i had talked with them, they said that consolidation of offices had kinda died down with Chesapeake not actively pursuing their buildings, but this time they made it pretty clear that while they "wouldn't" confirm that MidFirst was looking, they also "Couldn't" Deny the rumors that they are looking. So this gives me hope that MidFirst is up to something, and hopefully it will happen soon! I'd still really love to see them at 4th and EKG

This is the type of news that could lead to a major erection…of a new tower!
Come on! The definition of an erection is “The act of erecting.” Or “something erected, as in a building.” Geeze, you perves.
:tongue:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ytCEuuW2_A

I'm really hoping for something else as well. But on the bright side. I hadn't talked to my source for a few months and last time i had talked with them, they said that consolidation of offices had kinda died down with Chesapeake not actively pursuing their buildings, but this time they made it pretty clear that while they "wouldn't" confirm that MidFirst was looking, they also "Couldn't" Deny the rumors that they are looking. So this gives me hope that MidFirst is up to something, and hopefully it will happen soon! I'd still really love to see them at 4th and EKG

That would be an awesome site for them!

So, it looks like they're reconnecting California to the grid, is that right?

When speculation started almost two years ago, I think that OG&E was the company wanting to build on the Stage Center all along, then I think during that time frame Centerpointe Energy approached them with the proposal of forming an MLP. OG&E jumped on that deal, which required them to buy more land beside Stage Center, which slowed the process, which delayed announcements. I wouldn't be surprised if both towers were announced at the same time, that would be great, and makes sense, because you have both the rumors of local company and new out of state company satisfied.

So, it looks like they're reconnecting California to the grid, is that right?

Usually when you are seeking to have an easement vacated it means you want to own it / build on it.

I suspect the buyer is trying to assemble all the parcels south to Reno.

So, it looks like they're reconnecting California to the grid, is that right?

I think they're wanting to close it off so whatever company can have the whole block down to Reno...

What is required for an easement to be released? Is it a long or complicated process?

You sure wouldn't think so.

I suspect this is just the last step in a series of complex issues around that site: Different owners, fair valuation of publicly-owned land, relocation of existing tenants, etc.

Oh, I wonder if there's any chance they would reconnect it anyways and build something like a tunnel going through their new tower? That would pretty cool, imo. I'll find a pic in a bit to try describe more what I'm talking about.

Oh, I wonder if there's any chance they would reconnect it anyways and build something like a tunnel going through their new tower? That would pretty cool, imo. I'll find a pic in a bit to try describe more what I'm talking about.

A tunnel? That's the last thing we need is two major buildings connected by a tunnel. Greenbelt walkway would be my personal choice. A skywalk would be better than a tunnel.

Pete, did the "new and solid information" come from one source, and if so, would the source it came from sort of give away who is at play here? By that I mean, if it's the right source, then for them to be confident that a second tower for a company bringing jobs in from out of state is definitely in the works, doesn't it seem kind of obvious that the entities involved in this are OGE and Centerpoint/Enogex MLP?

Obviously if this is a conglomerate of sources, that line of reason would not work. Just curious.

Really, if it's not OGE/Centerpoint, then OKC has a lot more going on than I think any of us realize.

A tunnel? That's the last thing we need is two major buildings connected by a tunnel. Greenbelt walkway would be my personal choice. A skywalk would be better than a tunnel.No, not really an underground tunnel, but more like a long arch over the road, does that make sense?

Don't want to say anything more about my source for fear of being cut off from further info! ;)

But this person knows what they are talking about, I am very, very sure.

Yes! I love this website!

I just think it is awesome that even though it seems that an announcement could be made any day now, this "mystery tower" is still mysterious! While there are obviously a few people on here who know which companies are doing what, there are still legitimate arguments that could be made for several different companies to build a new tower!

Hopefully on the day of the announcement, there will be a Rolls Royce parked out in front of the Stage Center...

I'm just wondering why they need all the land from Sheridan to Reno. That's a huge amount of space.

I'm just wondering why they need all the land from Sheridan to Reno. That's a huge amount of space.

Looking at the site picture back on the last page, I don't think it's as large a footprint that Devon has considering their parking garage... I imagine we'll see them build their own garage along with the tower.

I'm just wondering why they need all the land from Sheridan to Reno. That's a huge amount of space.

two office towers?

Oops, I think I've got the day after blues.

After the excitement of finding out that the Stage Center tower may be finallly coming to pass... I've got to deal with the fact that weeks may go by before we get any kind of announcement. Oh the agony of waiting...........

The City may also be looking to provide parking for this development, as they had identified the block immediately west as a possible location for a new garage (Downtown Site 2, 1054 spaces):

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


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/downtownparking2.jpg

Ok guys, if OKC can get a few more corporate towers, and some high rise residential towers, and some more mid-rise buildings...

before you know it, the city looks like this:

http://dl.dropbox.com/s/3lmra6zd9ear5j6/tokyo_aerial.jpg (http://www.freeimageslive.co.uk/files/images008/tokyo_from_above.jpg)

(click on the pic to see the full size image)

Well... maybe in a hundred years, anyway. :)

Weren't they doing improvements to that building on the site of the California Ave. garage?

Weren't they doing improvements to that building on the site of the California Ave. garage?

Yes, the one larger building on that block was recently purchased and renovated by Allen Contracting:

516 W. California - OKCTalk (http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=516+W+California&highlight=california)

Well soon we will have a Central Park surrounded by nothing but corporations and convention centers and a downtown elementary school surrounded by nothing but corporations and parking garages.

I wonder what's missing...

I'm just wondering why they need all the land from Sheridan to Reno. That's a huge amount of space.

Yeah that's an insane amount of space. I don't get it either.

Any chance part of that large amount of land is for GE Institute?

That block isn't that big if you also need to include parking for 2,000 employees or so.

Also, there could be more than one office tower for that site, or one tower and some mixed-use.

That block isn't that big if you also need to include parking for 2,000 employees or so.

Also, there could be more than one office tower for that site, or one tower and some mixed-use.

Either of those two possibilities is exhilarating.

So I don't recall Devon Towers timeline, but do you think by now they have been working on sight plans behind closed doors fo a while and already have renderings of whats going to be built and just haven't released them or has that process just begun?

So I don't recall Devon Towers timeline, but do you think by now they have been working on sight plans behind closed doors fo a while and already have renderings of whats going to be built and just haven't released them or has that process just begun?

Pretty sure they already have conceptual plans for the Stage Center tower.

I'm sure a big part of the negotiation with the foundation that owns Stage Center and the various government entities involved regarding approvals and incentives is presenting their plan.

So I don't recall Devon Towers timeline, but do you think by now they have been working on sight plans behind closed doors fo a while and already have renderings of whats going to be built and just haven't released them or has that process just begun?

I think Steve has seen the renderings or proposal. He's stated it'd be greater than 30 floors. Taller than Chase but not as tall as Devon.

That block isn't that big if you also need to include parking for 2,000 employees or so.

Also, there could be more than one office tower for that site, or one tower and some mixed-use.


Either of those two possibilities is exhilarating.

In a perfect world we would get the commercial tower on the SC site and a mixed use development on the south with a reopened California St running between them - in CaptDave's perfect world that is. Either way, it is nice to see some movement on the mystery tower.

More solid information this morning...

Yes, the tower will be the second tallest in OKC. "Not as tall as Devon, but close."

We've heard all along that 40 stories were likely and that seems to be the case. Preliminary plans call for retail on the first couple of levels.



Even though Chase is 36 stories, new buildings -- like Devon -- tend to feature significantly higher floors due to cabling and modern open office configurations.

So, if close to the 17 feet per floor average of Devon, that would place this building near 700 feet, significantly taller than Chase's 500' but not quite the 850' of Devon Tower.

Still, this would be a massive addition to the skyline both in height and expansion to the west.


Still trying to find out more about the second tower. I know it's not quite as far along but things do sound very promising.