Beautiful patio. And if they make sure there is sufficient shade in the afternoon and evening then it will be one of the nicest in OKC.

there is a good amount of shade from the devon tower

I believe the patio floor is heated as well. We were over there one day and looked out at the patio. It looked like they were putting radiant heat down until the floor tiles.

I believe the patio floor is heated as well. We were over there one day and looked out at the patio. It looked like they were putting radiant heat down until the floor tiles.

THIS is very cool - warm actually. This is following everything else Devon has done with their development - strive for excellence and not settling for adequate.

I believe the patio floor is heated as well. We were over there one day and looked out at the patio. It looked like they were putting radiant heat down until the floor tiles.

Yes, you could see this going down in some of the construction photos.

Really a nice touch that should make the patio comfortable in the cooler months.

Short but positive review of the Colcord (and Tulsa's Mayo Hotel) here:

http://perceptivetravel.com/blog/2012/08/30/two-luxury-hotels-you-shouldnt-miss-oklahomas-colcord-and-mayo

some nice pics too

also, as a bonus, if you click on the Megabus link inside that article, you get a neat little megabus review...

I cropped one of William's photos to get a good view of the Flint patio, which looks like it's very close to finished:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/flint92612.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/flint92612a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/flint92612b.jpg

Looking good. Just need some people out there maxin' and relaxin'!

I talked with the bartender on Friday and he said he wasn't sure why it wasn't open. They had been waiting on some glass but it arrived last week...he thought maybe it had to do with the opening of VAST and that FLINT didn't want to steal any thunder since they were owned by the same person. Since it appears they have heating covered on the patio then maybe they aren't is such a rush to open it and are okay waiting until Nov/Dec.

Thanks for the info. Lindsey.

The Flint people told me there was some issue with the large awning that wraps around the building, which is why the outdoor dining area facing Sheridan was closed down as well. This had been open for short while.

Also, it was a big mess there due to all the final construction and planting. You can see in those photos it's still not quite done.


I bet they are very close now.

They had to retrofit glass windows on the outside bar itself to pass code. Basically, ordinance in OKC does not allow open air bars that cannot be completely shuttered at night. They also must have air curtains if open at any time during the day. What they really want you to do is completely enclose them, with perhaps some sort of pass-through, like a ticket window. The fruit used for garnish in bars, among other things, is considered food and the screening is to eliminate access for insects. For the life of me, I don't know why, as I have seen open-air bars in major, civilized cities all over the U.S. and elsewhere. I can think of at least a couple each in NYC's Central & Bryant Parks, and another in Battery Park. It is a very stifling rule for establishments who want to have an outdoor presence beyond simply tables, chairs and wait staff running food and drinks through doors to the patio.

Quickly driving by the Flint bar a couple of nights ago I saw where the window enclosure has now been installed. It looks tragic at first glance - sort of like the cashier enclosure in a gas station in a bad part of town - but hopefully it is operational in some way and can be pushed aside during business hours.

The second issue did involve the historic canopy, which required some additional work. I think they tried to use it in a mostly original state, but figured out after opening that it was leakier than anticipated. The late realization was probably a consequence of not having many rainy days during planning and construction.

Great info.!

Thanks so much.



Can't wait until this opens, as it will be a really special and unique spot.

The fruit used for garnish in bars, among other things, is considered food and the screening is to eliminate access for insects.

That's crazy, considering the amount of flies that are able to buzz around inside restaurants and grocery store delis around here that are apparently no problem.

ordinance in OKC does not allow open air bars that cannot be completely shuttered at night

What about Captain Norm's in Bricktown? Isn't that open air/non-shutterable? Didn't pay close enough attention last time I was there...

It is shuttered at night. I had a front-row seat for the development of that one, so I'm acutely aware of this issue.

Also, it has air curtains.

Found this photo on the Colcord FB page...

It's the new Terrace meeting / events room on the 2nd floor in the new addition to the hotel.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/579671_412523802130578_450963554_n.jpg

Basically, ordinance in OKC does not allow open air bars that cannot be completely shuttered at night.

Isn't that a Health Dept., thing, not an OKC code thing?

Found this photo on the Colcord FB page...

It's the new Terrace meeting / events room on the 2nd floor in the new addition to the hotel.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/579671_412523802130578_450963554_n.jpg

This is as cool as the geodes in the lobby bathrooms of the Colcord. My sister can not get over how they cut, covered with some kind of accrylic and made the surface for the lavoratory sinks with them.

Claims they are downright stunning.

Claims they are downright stunnig.

"Stunnig"? Ja, das ist ein gutes word. Ich agree.
:wink:

I would describe that decor (in somewhat California-esque speak) as "totally globular".

Just hope those wires are strong.

This is as cool as the geodes in the lobby bathrooms of the Colcord. My sister can not get over how they cut, covered with some kind of accrylic and made the surface for the lavoratory sinks with them.

Claims they are downright stunnig.

They are amazing. It's worth a trip to the Colcord to take a look at them.

It's worth a trip to the Colcord to take a look at them.

That would be an interesting trip. Here's the scenario:

Clerk: Hello, welcome to the Colcord. Would you like a room?
Me: No, uh... actually I just came here to... um, see something?
Clerk: Oh yes, what?
Me: Well, I just wanted to have a look at.... uh, the um... the geodes in the bathroom.
Clerk: The what???
Me: The uh... the geodes in the bathroom.
Clerk (turns to co-worker): Another one want to see the geodes! (co-worker shakes his head)
Clerk: Yeah, sure, go right ahead.
Me (sheepishly): Oh, ok, thanks.
:wink:

That would be an interesting trip. Here's the scenario:

Clerk: Hello, welcome to the Colcord. Would you like a room?
Me: No, uh... actually I just came here to... um, see something?
Clerk: Oh yes, what?
Me: Well, I just wanted to have a look at.... uh, the um... the geodes in the bathroom.
Clerk: The what???
Me: The uh... the geodes in the bathroom.
Clerk (turns to co-worker): Another one want to see the geodes! (co-worker shakes his head)
Clerk: Yeah, sure, go right ahead.
Me (sheepishly): Oh, ok, thanks.
:wink:

haha. that would be awesome to witness first hand

Glad to find out I'm not alone on this one! Back in August I was in the Colcord and used the lobby bathroom.......WOW, i couldn't believe how unique and beautiful the sink counter area was. Had to pull out my cell phone and take a FEW PICS. I was just glad no one saw me! I occassionally use these pics for my cell phone WALLPAPER!!! At least now.......I feel much better

Imagine how many more unique buildings we had other than the Colcord that were just as beautiful or even more. We need to take care of what's left and always keep an eye out for other structures that are neglected. There are many, many structures that have had decades of neglect. See the Rock Island Plow Building thread. The old First Christian Church where Frontline is now is a better example of architecture that's long gone. There was a "sister" church comparable to it across from where the Pioneer Building is, but it was torn down in the 20s. Speaking of the Pioneer Building, I'm glad they are cleaning the exterior and taking care of it. It's the oldest, most ornate building downtown. It was built in 1907. That's as old as it gets downtown.

This is the oldest aerial photo I have and have seen. Only the Colcord, Pioneer Building, and the old Oklahoman Building are left standing today. This is before the Skirvin was built. There are still dirt streets. Imagine the history these buildings have seen. They out date everything in the city now and most people alive, and hopefully will outlast us too.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Aerial/AerialViewofDowntwonfromLittleFranksBalloon1910.jp g

In the upper left side of that aerial, you can see the Baptist White Temple I mentioned. It was one of the only other churches downtown with columns and a dome that was ever built.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Baptist%20White%20Temple/PioneerTelephoneBuildingleftunderconstructionandBa ptistWhiteTempleright401and400NBroadwaycOct1906.jp g
Pioneer Building is being built so this must be 1906-1907. The photo is taken from the roof of the India Temple Building where SandRidge HQ is now.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Baptist%20White%20Temple/MASONICTEMPLENORTHWESTCORNEROFWEST3RDSTREETNORTHBR OADWAYPHOTOBYLARRICK.jpg
Baptist White Temple

Sorry if this got off track. I think there's a natural appreciation for craftsmanship that is no longer used in buildings. Even something as simple as a bathroom.

Another example would be the lobby of First National. I'll be so glad when that building gets the attention it deserves and a good owner for it.

Just for fun, here's a modern view of the 1910 aerial. What a difference 102 years makes. (without Devon Tower)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Aerial/AerialViewofDowntwonfromLittleFranksBalloon1910.jp g

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/downtownaerialgoogleearth.jpg

What's really amazing about that 1910 photo is that all of those buildings in that photo were built in the preceding 21 years, that is, the time between the Land Run and when the photo was taken. That's nearly the same amount of time that has elapsed since the first MAPS was passed. And we think we have a building boom in downtown OKC today...puts it all into perspective.

BTW, I collect historic post cards of downtown OKC (and of some of the cities I have visited), and I have two that are pertinent to where this conversation has gone in the past few posts. One is a rare (in my experience) card that shows the Colcord, but it includes the twin west wing that was never built. Another card is of the Pioneer Telephone building. The card itself is not rare, but on the reverse side, postmarked OKC in 1910 and addressed to someone in another town, the writer has drawn an arrow to a ground floor window fronting 3rd (Dean A. McGee), and written something along the lines of "this is where my office is." So, a postcard FROM a person working on the ground floor of that building in 1910. Well, it's interesting to me, anyway...

Sounds cool! I posted the old photos I have of the Pioneer Building just now on that thread.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a49/DougLoudenback/colcord/colcord_1909.jpg

That's the one! Now, if you post MY Pioneer Telephone card with the inscription pointing to where the author worked, I'll really be creeped out...

Just for fun, here's a modern view of the 1910 aerial. What a difference 102 years makes. (without Devon Tower)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Aerial/AerialViewofDowntwonfromLittleFranksBalloon1910.jp g

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/downtownaerialgoogleearth.jpg

Wow! That is an amazing before-and-after comparison.

Man, we really lost a lot of historic gems.

Man, we really lost a lot of historic gems.

The biggest regret to me is the Baum Building and the Biltmore Hotel, but they also tore down a bunch of crap too.

Man, we really lost a lot of historic gems.

Personally, I would prefer the 'before' picture.

Personally, I would prefer the 'before' picture.

Honestly, I think I kind of would too.

Honestly, I think I kind of would too.

+1

Honestly, I think I kind of would too.

It looks like Cincinatti 20 years ago to me........can't see why anyone would prefer that over modern and sleek. Don't get me wrong, I like the larger older buildings with character, but just not all of the one and two story flop houses in mass.

It looks like Cincinatti 20 years ago to me........can't see why anyone would prefer that over modern and sleek. Don't get me wrong, I like the larger older buildings with character, but just not all of the one and two story flop houses in mass.

I disagree. I'd say the vast majority of those buildings had far more character and thoughtful design put into them than most of what we see today. While Devon's new headquarters is truly wonderful, I feel like our city has lost far more than what could ever be replaced by a few new buildings that are modern and sleek. Does that make sense?

Honestly, I think I kind of would too.

Not me. I like and use the Norick library, the MBG, and I think Devon and other developments, in place and planned, are a far superior use of those spaces.

I just like my buildings constructed on the human scale with the beauty in the details.

Not me. I like and use the Norick library, the MBG, and I think Devon and other developments, in place and planned, are a far superior use of those spaces.

You prefer Norick Library to the orginal Carnegie Library in OKC? Don't take this the wrong way - but you're crazy :) Just kidding, you're not crazy.

Carnegie Library in Oklahoma City | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/paukrus/7069067783/)

Although, the Carnegie library was set back too far from the street for my taste even if I do like the architecture

I disagree. I'd say the vast majority of those buildings had far more character and thoughtful design put into them than most of what we see today. While Devon's new headquarters is truly wonderful, I feel like our city has lost far more than what could ever be replaced by a few new buildings that are modern and sleek. Does that make sense?

It would make sense if 90% had been wiped out, but that's not the case. We still have Film Row, Bricktown, Auto Alley and Midtown plus a few good ones left standing in the CBD. A lot of the buildings like the Skirvin replaced a lot of nothing type structures. From that 1910 photo, imagine how many were cleared for FNC and City Place. I love the Colcord, but when driving in from 15 miles out, what's the first thing you see ? It's no the Colcord. I have a Dallasite friend of mine who lived here about 4 years in the late nineties. He hated this place and it has been years since he's been back up here. He was here a couple of weeks ago and said he was very impressed with what has happend to the CBD, siad it has been done up very nice and impressive.....This was from a man that's been dogging us for years. If it looked like that post card from 1910, I'd never hear the end of it.

It would make sense if 90% had been wiped out, but that's not the case. We still have Film Row, Bricktown, Auto Alley and Midtown plus a few good ones left standing in the CBD. A lot of the buildings like the Skirvin replaced a lot of nothing type structures. From that 1910 photo, imagine how many were cleared for FNC and City Place. I love the Colcord, but when driving in from 15 miles out, what's the first thing you see ? It's no the Colcord. I have a Dallasite friend of mine who lived here about 4 years in the late nineties. He hated this place and it has been years since he's been back up here. He was here a couple of weeks ago and said he was very impressed with what has happend to the CBD, siad it has been done up very nice and impressive.....This was from a man that's been dogging us for years. If it looked like that post card from 1910, I'd never hear the end of it.

No matter how you look at it, we've lost a lot of the rich fabric of the city's history. I don't think anyone is saying the inconsequential buildings that used to occupy Devon's footprint would be better than having the Energy Center, but my heart aches seeing photos of seemingly endless unbroken blocks of ordinary buildings built in a beautifully urban way. Is the CBD better than what's in the photo from 1910? Yes. But it's surrounded by sparse development that, had the buildings not been razed needlessly, could have been a framework for the dense urban downtown that we want today. We should never have worked our way down, replacing buildings with grass and parking lots.

This was from a man that's been dogging us for years. If it looked like that post card from 1910, I'd never hear the end of it.

If OKC had continued the urban density we had in 1910 you wouldn't care what a person from Dallas thought.

If you guys want that first picture postcard, go north to Wichita, get rid of their tallest building and make yourself at home. Keep in mind, that 1910 were still mostly horse and buggy days, not much use for parking lots at the time, but probably not more than 40,000 or so population either. Compare that with today, times have changed. But I do understand and enjoy the character of the larger old buildings.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Carnegie%20Library/carnegielibrary1.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Carnegie%20Library/First-Carnegie-Library.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Carnegie%20Library/2342626RowlandandMaryTDenmanCollection-Photographs-Box1TRANSPORTATION-MOTOR-AUTOMOBILESLTOR1FRANCES2MYRTIEMRSGEORGESALCORN3MRS JSALCORNINFRON.jpg

If you guys want that first picture postcard, go north to Wichita, get rid of their tallest building and make yourself at home. Keep in mind, that 1910 were still mostly horse and buggy days, not much use for parking lots at the time, but probably not more than 40,000 or so population either. Compare that with today.

True, but I think the point is we went too far with basing nearly all urban development on accommodating the automobile at the expense of good design and pedestrian friendliness.

If only London didn't exist to remind us that old 4 and 5 story buildings can make a modern city.

Just found these. Pete should probably create a Carnegie Library thread.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Carnegie%20Library/19687TO0030559171ChesterRCowenCollection-Photographs-Box3CHESTERCOWENCOLLECTION-TOWNS-OKLAHOMACITY-BUILDINGS-CARNEGIELIBRARY.jpg

Awesome shot of the original part of the Post Office to the left. By the way, I don't think the Braniff Building was built yet, but it would be directly behind the photographer.

Street View (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=35.470861,-97.516046&spn=0.000955,0.001442&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=35.470886,-97.516152&panoid=EuMH2zn1gKyhPprwlZnNew&cbp=12,348.36,,0,1.59)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Carnegie%20Library/10109BNadinePendletonCollection-Photographs-Box1TOWNS-OKLAHOMACITY-BUILDIINGS-LIBRARIESCARNEGIELIBRARYPUBLISHEDBYJFRANKRICE.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Carnegie%20Library/LTOR1EDITHKNEANFILECLERK2LONWHARTONSECRETARYEJASPE RSIPESPRESIDENT4WPCAMPBELLCUSTODIANATTHECARNEGIELI BRARYNW3RDANDROBINSONAVEOKLAHOMACITYOKPr.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Carnegie%20Library/LTOR1CAPTHBHICKS2WPCAMPBELLCUSTODIANATTHECARNEGIEL IBRARYNW3RDANDROBINSONAVEOKLAHOMACITYOKPHOTOBYTHAT MANSTONECORBUCHANANPROPRIETOROKLAHOMACIT.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Carnegie%20Library/HISTORICALSOCIETIES-OHS-OFFICERS-MUSEUMINTHECARNEGIELIBRARYOKLAHOMACITYLTOR1JASPERS IPES2MISSEDITHKNEAN3WPCAMPBELLc1910-1917.jpg

If OKC had continued the urban density we had in 1910 you wouldn't care what a person from Dallas thought.

Exactly what I was thinking but couldn't put into the right words.

Exactly what I was thinking but couldn't put into the right words.

This.

Did they demolish the old Carnegie Library ? And if they did, that is a shame, these are the types that have character, such as the Baum Building.

Yes, the Carnegie Library was demolished in 1951.

Yes, the Carnegie Library was demolished in 1951.

What were they thinking ? This is pre urban renewal. This must have been when they built a new library.

Did they demolish the old Carnegie Library ?

Yeah, click Street View on my last post.

a ha... that now explains why it is called Carnegie Center

happy to report that the flint Patio opens today for the first thunder preseason game