Everyone should watch the video just to see the models. This looks very good and very urban. It has a whole different feel than the other megaplexes being built. This is just a super development that will markedly improve Bricktown.

Gary Brooks is a gift from heaven. I really hate to hear that their site was so much worse than they expected. I wish nothing but millions of dollars to Gary Brooks for what he's bringing to downtown, and I hope that he comes out of this and still makes some nice profit.

...BTW, Gary Brooks impresses the hell out of me. After that bad start with the Legacy / Avana (which was probably more his partner's doing than anything) The Edge is turning out to be fantastic and this project looks better yet...
More than probably. The more I know about this build the more I understand that from a decision-making standpoint the two projects might as well have been built by completely separate developers. Without question Brooks is one of the best things to happen to downtown in years.

He's an OKC guy who recognizes that - despite the fact that he is incredibly seasoned - he doesn't yet know everything there is to know about DOWNTOWN development, which means he is always looking to learn new things and add to the quality of his next (or even current) projects. He has done this on several occasions; incorporating good ideas as they emerged, and always trying to step up his game. He recognizes the differences big and small between successful urban and suburban development, and wants his product to succeed not only on a dollars and cents level but also within the larger context of the surrounding neighborhood. He's very impressive.

That said, I still maintain that most of the problems with Legacy were of the aesthetic/finish variety (many of which are now being addressed), and that strictly from a land use standpoint it was for some time the best development downtown.

More than probably. The more I know about this build the more I understand that from a decision-making standpoint the two projects might as well have been built by completely separate developers. Without question Brooks is one of the best things to happen to downtown in years.

He's an OKC guy who recognizes that - despite the fact that he is incredibly seasoned - he doesn't yet know everything there is to know about DOWNTOWN development, which means he is always looking to learn new things and add to the quality of his next (or even current) projects. He has done this on several occasions; incorporating good ideas as they emerged, and always trying to step up his game. He's very impressive.

That said, I still maintain that most of the problems with Legacy were of the aesthetic/finish variety (many of which are now being addressed), and that strictly from a land use standpoint it was for some time the best development downtown.

Correct me if I am wrong, but during the RFP process for what is now The Edge -- I recall Brooks stating that he was embarassed for how Legacy (now Avana) has turned out. And it's clear he learned from that, because The Edge is a complete home run.

I think that is basically correct, as he knows that it wasn't universally adored and gave off a cheap, bland impression mostly owing to the overwhelming beige EFIS, cheap green awnings, etc.

But what he probably didn't make a big deal about was the extent to which Henderson drove the other project and Brooks is firmly in the driver's seat on this one. The two really aren't as closely connected as they seem on first glance.

Yes, I should clarify something about the Legacy Arts / Avana project.

Gary Brooks became linked to it because he helped serve as a spokesperson for Mike Henderson, who is not comfortable with that sort of thing. Brooks was in no way involved in the development other than receiving a small fee for bringing in some equity. He never had an ownership interest at all.

He then brought in Mike Henderson to help him pitch the deal that would ultimately end up becoming the Edge. But even then Henderson was not really part of that development group; more of a consultant to help Brooks navigate the downtown waters with OCURA and the other agencies. Remember, he was going up against Chuck Wiggin and Dick Tanenbaum for the old Mercy site, both of whom had much more experience, especially downtown. Before this, Brooks had virtually no background in downtown development.

But Henderson's slight involvement with The Edge faded away early on and what you see at that development is all Brooks.

So, as Urbanized said, Avana and The Edge really don't have anything in common, although they seemed to be linked in everyone's mind. Part of that is my fault for not better understanding the relationships, so hopefully this post will help to clear up some misconceptions.

It also completely explains why The Edge is amazing and just a few years after it was constructed, Avana is in the midst of a major renovation by the group that bought it from Henderson.


I also know Brooks learned a lot through The Edge that will make the Steelyard better. There will be more retail and the configuration of that space will be more conducive to both retailers and customers.


I get the impression that Gary Brooks is one of those guys who listens and learns and it shows in his developments.

And I hope we don't forget that Brooks was also part of Milhaus coming to town to do LIFT, though he is no longer a part of that development.

And I hope we don't forget that Brooks was also part of Milhaus coming to town to do LIFT, though he is no longer a part of that development.

Excellent point.

Wow, those models were awesome. I am unclear who he is talking about when he mentioned the developers to the south of Sheridan who he referenced in the video. Is he talking about the Sprinhill Suites?

Wow, those models were awesome. I am unclear who he is talking about when he mentioned the developers to the south of Sheridan who he referenced in the video. Is he talking about the Sprinhill Suites?

Yes, Springhill Suites and the same developer owns the parcel right next to it which will be another hotel.

The model really illustrates how great it is that he broke those buildings up into separate blocks with that drive. Don't kid yourself; that comes at major expense. He could have held onto all of that as leaseable square footage with a two block continuous wall of building. But instead he brought it down to pedestrian scale and added retail frontage, creating a much better sense of place in the bargain. Gary really "gets it."

hats off to Brooks and definitely looking forward to this and a GREAT future from this developer!!! OKC definitely needs more from Brooks!

I created a new thread for the hotel:

http://www.okctalk.com/showwiki.php?title=Hyatt%20Place

Photo of the Steelyard model on display at the Edge:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B1nFcnICUAAkBTn.jpg:large

Incredible.

Going to be awesome!

On of the things they are doing with this development vs. the Edge that I really like is how the retail spaces are handled. At the Edge, the retail areas are fairly low and not very prominent from the street. At the Steelyard, the retail spaces appear to be double-height spaces. This changes the hierarchy of the facade significantly. Even though both developments contain the same elements, the Edge appears to be an apartment complex with retail added in below while the Steelyard appears to be retail development with housing above. This is a better urban-oriented form language.

I could live without the cheesy gateway though.

I could live without the cheesy gateway though.

+1

+1

Yah I agree completely there.. maybe even some sort of ornamental column on either side would be better than the archway

On of the things they are doing with this development vs. the Edge that I really like is how the retail spaces are handled. At the Edge, the retail areas are fairly low and not very prominent from the street. At the Steelyard, the retail spaces appear to be double-height spaces. This changes the hierarchy of the facade significantly. Even though both developments contain the same elements, the Edge appears to be an apartment complex with retail added in below while the Steelyard appears to be retail development with housing above. This is a better urban-oriented form language.

Gary Brooks told me that the retail at The Edge was a complete afterthought; that they decided to add a small amount after their design was pretty much done. In the end, they'll probably only have 2 tenants.

But he learned from the Edge and applied that to the Steelyard, even changing the approved design to add more retail and reconfigure the entire property.


Keep in mind that Brooks is an apartment guy had never even done an urban project before The Edge.

But I have great respect for his humility and anxiousness to learn and improve his developments, and I suspect that's true for most our local developers.


Let's face it, almost all our urban development to date has come from locals and since none of them had much experience with these types of properties, most are learning a lot as they go. At the same time, if it wasn't for their passion and commitment, almost nothing would have happened in the urban core for the last 10 years.

I have been really impressed with Gary as far as how he has learned from past projects. What other land does he own and is he going to continue developing in the core?

P.S. Finally made it to post 1,000 :)

I agree about the archway thing. Also I wish this build utilized rooftop space for something - especially since it appears units only have juliet balconies at best.

Was this the project where the developer had talked of having a pedestrian only "thoroughfare" of some sort that had little cafes and dining areas out in front of the store windows? It was supposed to be like a development he had seen elsewhere, I think somewhere in Europe.

Gary Brooks told me that the retail at The Edge was a complete afterthought; that they decided to add a small amount after their design was pretty much done. In the end, they'll probably only have 2 tenants.

But he learned from the Edge and applied that to the Steelyard, even changing the approved design to add more retail and reconfigure the entire property.


Keep in mind that Brooks is an apartment guy had never even done an urban project before The Edge.

But I have great respect for his humility and anxiousness to learn and improve his developments, and I suspect that's true for most our local developers.


Let's face it, almost all our urban development to date has come from locals and since none of them had much experience with these types of properties, most are learning a lot as they go. At the same time, if it wasn't for their passion and commitment, almost nothing would have happened in the urban core for the last 10 years.

That's great to hear, and I hope you're right that others are following suit in learning.

And I second that I wish more of these had some rooftop features.

wow guys, awesome renderings so lets discuss the arched signage :rolleyes:

EVERYTHING about this looks amazing. Disappointment that they didn't include the future hotel though. Would've liked to see what we could expect.

If that's the ONLY thing people are complaining about, be thankful :)

I like the archway.

You've never met a building you didn't like :D

You've never met a building you didn't like :D

blind boosterism of buildings (sorry Pete, had to man :) )

I like the archway.

+1

Remind me of Stockyards City.

I like the archway.

I agree. I think it helps to define the space and doesn't look cheesy in the least.

My visceral reaction was to question the archway. But details, details...

This would be cool to see here :p

http://bayerproperties.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/metro-trader-joes-482x305.jpg

I'm surprised nobody has posted pictures but as of Monday Sheridan is closed and they are full-on into utility work in the street and on the Steelyard site.

If anyone is out that way, a few photos would be appreciated.

These little archways are all over Paris. I really like them I wouldn't mind them on a lot of streets. Using Google Earth you can see one by putting this in the search box: 89 Rue Réaumur, 75002 Paris, France

11/24/2014

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8582/15249613753_2fb9e18379_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7559/15868625542_7d1179f017_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7515/15867267961_59b68a9242_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7510/15869258865_d6be5a10fd_b.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8653/15683483747_a912d6660a_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7485/15246989624_206f12bca8_b.jpg

Thanks PluPan!

Holy heck, that's a mess. But what a difference it will be when all of this is built out, which should start to happen pretty quickly.

Come 2020 OKC is gonna be pretty darn sweet (my word today)!

This area should be completely transformed in just two more years:

Steelyard
Hotel
Criterion Concert Hall
Staybridge Suites
Springhill Suites


All this is under construction or will be very soon.

Based on the design of those projects (except the Steelyard), I wonder what exactly it will be transformed into...

Based on the BUDC meeting I attended a couple of weeks ago, I doubt we have seen the final design of the Criterion Concert Hall.

Anyone know how long Sheridan will be closed here?
They have closed off too many access points to get to Thunder games!

That Sheridan closure is going to be a while.

The are relocating a huge sewer line (below) then have to rebuild the street, sidewalks and streetscape.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5Ak0tgIYAABFIi.jpg

Wow, that's a helluva sewer line.

Wow, that's a helluva sewer line.

That thing could have doubled as a bomb shelter.

December 16 2014

https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157649387367490/

The big hole in Bricktown

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8673/16039194002_8c87f8eb08_b.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8660/15417618624_be35e37605_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/15417618964_a86088aeed_b.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/15853846009_75e19e7eb0_b.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8625/16039893385_ee27ee8d1b_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7536/15854136157_0b84370a11_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7517/15851849838_6cd8bdb2b1_b.jpg

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8641/15417023424_5567fdd037_h.jpg

They are dumping a lot of money in to this project. I wish there wasn't so much prep work so we could actually start to see this take shape. Is it weird that I'm more excited for this than any of the towers that have just been announced?

Credit to Gary Brooks for taking this on -- what a monster of a project with tons of complexities.

I'm very excited about it too, especially after seeing the final product at The Edge, and I think this will be even better.

When you add the directly adjacent hotel and Criterion Music Hall plus the completely rebuilt street and streetscape, the whole area will be transformed.

Let me tell you, there is no way that you wish there were less prep work more than the developer does. We give credit to some and criticize many on here, but honestly these guys deserve some sort of medal for sticking with this as new surprises cropped up along the way. Would have been super-easy to throw in the towel and walk away. Instead we're going to have a game changing development, sorely needed in Bricktown. I'm as excited as you are.

One question, is that really a sewer line or is it a creek that was boxed and covered?

One question, is that really a sewer line or is it a creek that was boxed and covered?

I would guess it's storm sewer drainage, not the dirty sewer.

Is Gary going to (or force OGE to) bury the power lines? Street is dug up, why not place conduit to bury those utilities, ,,,

Is Gary going to (or force OGE to) bury the power lines? Street is dug up, why not place conduit to bury those utilities, ,,,

They will bury the lines. In the renders it looks like there is really no place for utility lines to go except under the street.

One question, is that really a sewer line or is it a creek that was boxed and covered?

Storm sewer box culvert

cool, thanks JN.

Sorry everyone but I do think we should remind/demand that new projects in the downtown OKC core area do what it takes to remove power lines if possible. I can understand them in the single family residential areas surrounding downtown, but within the built-up multi-floor areas that make up the downtown core I think they should be buried. I'd imagine there should be some fire/safety code as wouldn't ladder trucks need to have accessibility?

Anyway, thanks for the good news about E Sheridan/Steelyard section being Utility wire free. :)

cool, thanks JN.

Sorry everyone but I do think we should remind/demand that new projects in the downtown OKC core area do what it takes to remove power lines if possible. I can understand them in the single family residential areas surrounding downtown, but within the built-up multi-floor areas that make up the downtown core I think they should be buried. I'd imagine there should be some fire/safety code as wouldn't ladder trucks need to have accessibility?

Anyway, thanks for the good news about E Sheridan/Steelyard section being Utility wire free. :)I agree with that! I think the whole city should bury the utility lines with each road widening or reconstruction.

Posted in the wrong thread, sorry.

Maybe I missed it; but what are they doing on the south side of the street?

Criterion Concert Hall.