Speaking of the Ritz theater, I am wondering if there is any chance we could come full circle back to movie theaters providing weekly entertainment via serials. With so many people today ditching cable tv and looking for more social interaction, I wonder if there is a market for bringing TV to the movies. For instance, what about showing Survivor, Amazing Race, or American Idol on the big screen in one of these old theaters. $1 to get in, a copule of bucks for popcorn and soda. Reality TV is a social event for a lot of people.

Speaking of the Ritz theater, I am wondering if there is any chance we could come full circle back to movie theaters providing weekly entertainment via serials. With so many people today ditching cable tv and looking for more social interaction, I wonder if there is a market for bringing TV to the movies. For instance, what about showing Survivor, Amazing Race, or American Idol on the big screen in one of these old theaters. $1 to get in, a copule of bucks for popcorn and soda. Reality TV is a social event for a lot of people.

I doubt it will take off. Time shifting is getting even bigger.

I doubt it will take off. Time shifting is getting even bigger.

It might not work with most TV shows but I can tell you first hand - reality TV doesn't work well with time shifting. As soon as Survivor, Idol, Bachelorette, and The Voice are over my wife in on Facebook with all her friend talking about it.

Speaking of the Ritz theater, I am wondering if there is any chance we could come full circle back to movie theaters providing weekly entertainment via serials. With so many people today ditching cable tv and looking for more social interaction, I wonder if there is a market for bringing TV to the movies. For instance, what about showing Survivor, Amazing Race, or American Idol on the big screen in one of these old theaters. $1 to get in, a copule of bucks for popcorn and soda. Reality TV is a social event for a lot of people.

Kerry, I wouldn't watch any of those shows for free so I certainly wouldn't pay to see them.

Kerry, I wouldn't watch any of those shows for free so I certainly wouldn't pay to see them.

It isn't for everyone - I don't watch them either. But I do see a bunch of women getting together after they are over and talking about them for hours, even days. Reality TV is for women what sports are for men, and you can't tell me you don't drop some coin at sports bars. Plus, Fathom Events seems to be making a living off a similar market strategy. I just think there is an emerging market out there for some of these old neighborhood theaters with only one screen.

http://www.fathomevents.com/

There was an article in today's Journal Record saying that OPUBCO may leave their current building sooner rather than later.

Maybe they'll take a big chunk of that Dowell Center space.

OPUBCO completes production assets and real estate sale to American Fidelity Assurance Co. (http://www.capitolbeatok.com/reports/opubco-completes-production-assets-and-real-estate-sale-to-american-fidelity-assurance-co)
Stacy Martin
Published: 08-Aug-2012


The Oklahoma Publishing Co. has closed the sale of its production assets and all of its related buildings to American Fidelity Corp. for $74 million, show Oklahoma County property records. The purchase is a bargain by any measure.

The deal included the lavish, Class A, 227-square-foot, office tower; 129 acres of prime, undeveloped real estate fronting heavily-traveled Broadway Extension and the 315,000-square-foot production property, including the state of the art press.

Last year, OPUBCO and its assets were acquired for an undisclosed sum from the Gaylord family heirs by billionaire Philip Anshutz.

Anshutz -- a conservative and evangelical Christian -- owns multiple newspapers across the country. Observers have speculated his conservative policy and cultural views have informed his interest in newspapers as much as profitability.

In the mid-1980s and into the 1990s, the late Edward L. Gaylord, then-publisher of the newspaper, directed his tour guides to tell curious public tour attendees to reveal he’d bought what he believed was the nation’s state-of-the-art printing press, which would have placed an enormous price tag on it. It wasn’t unusual for major newspaper presses to cost $100 million – or more.

One announcement in the recent OPUBCO article about the sale seemed telling: as part of the agreement it signed just a two-year lease to remain in five floors of the office tower and lease the printing and production facilities.

The office tower was without peer in the newspaper business, E.L. Gaylord claimed at the time. It then was certainly among the finest Class A buildings in the metro.

Its two-story atrium entry was filled with granite, brass and marble finishes. The entry level featured an employee credit union.

The layout of the facility may make it a perfect fit for American Fidelity, because the firm owns American Fidelity Bank and has had a branch in its current headquarters too.

The tower is connected by a pedestrian walkway to a company cafeteria, also a feature American Fidelity headquarters employees have enjoyed.

The OPUBCO lower level is equipped with an employee gym, an auditorium and a spacious employee lounge. Behind the building is a jogging track. The building also has conference facilities.

State-of-the-art (in 1991) electronics were built into raised floors to support advanced communications infrastructure.

The penthouse was the most lavish of all, but few saw it beyond the Gaylord family, top executives and trusted advisers. It had an adjoining outdoor terrace. The décor was dominated by millions of dollars worth of western art, E.L. Gaylord’s favorite genre.

As for Anschutz, he reportedly began building his fortune in railroads but his investment portfolio is now vast and diverse.

American Fidelity is a billion dollar, family owned insurance company based at 2000 Classen Blvd. in Oklahoma City. In 1997, American Fidelity sold its headquarters, where it had resided since about 1960 -- for $5.7 million to some Dallas investors.

The Gaylord family arguably invested several hundred million in the 9000 N Broadway property and all its improvements when built in two phases – 1985 for the production facilities and 1991 for the Class A office tower.

A change in the communications business to multiple platforms has eaten away at many what is known as “legacy media.” Community newspapers in smaller markets and some cities have fared better due to heavy coverage of more specialized and/or local news.

Many major dailies continue struggling to find ways to retain their one-time profitability margins.

Before Anshutz’ acquisition, OPUBCO went through multiple layoff rounds of hundreds of employees, and lost key leaders such as Editor Ed Kelley and President/Publisher David Thompson. Audit Bureau of Circulation data shows the newspaper’s circulation has plunged to 143,000 in a metro area with over one million prospective readers.

Not disclosed in OPUBCO’s recent story was that it also sold a 75 percent ownership position in a jet hanger worth almost $1 million. OPUBCO owned company jets used in earlier days to service national advertising accounts.

The move is beginning immediately, according to The Oklahoman's recent article.

Oklahoma County property records show American Fidelity also owns the 5100 Circle Building, valued by the County Assessor at about a half million dollars. Other property includes the Classen Circle building headquarters of American Fidelity Bank.

In conclusion of its announcement last week, The Oklahoman article reported these comments from Dave Carpenter, president and chief operating officer of American Fidelity:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to grow, with 150 acres included in the purchase. We will be able to expand as our business grows.”

He continued, “The purchase benefits both parties as OPUBCO will stay at the location for several years, allowing them time to plan for their next move and the press facility can continue their operation without interruption. American Fidelity will have ample time to plan our relocation to ensure a smooth transition.”

BTW, our sources on this entire story were really solid.

Not only were we the first ones to break the news about this sale, we also had the purchase price pretty well pegged a full month before it was reported anywhere else.


This is all credit to our incredible network of posters on this site. More and more, we are getting key information before anywhere else.

BTW, our sources on this entire story were really solid.

Not only were we the first ones to break the news about this sale, we also had the purchase price pretty well pegged a full month before it was reported anywhere else.


This is all credit to our incredible network of posters on this site. More and more, we are getting key information before anywhere else.

I didn't even read the news stories or pay much attention to them. Not on purpose but I thought it was already in the news and the recent article was an update. You are right we have a vast web of sources representing many industries and power players. Kudos to keeping the site going and expanding, Pete! OKC is much better off because of your efforts and vision.

Thanks for the kind words about the site.


I wonder what the heck all this means for OPUBCO and the Oklahoman? We know they will have to move out in two years but the lease for the printing facility expires then, too.

I suppose it could be extended but if they wanted more time why not negotiate a longer term deal as part of the sale?


Sounds like big changes are brewing at OPUBCO; why would they completely give up their printing facility if they still planned to put out a hard copy paper??

It also looks like they sold all these properties for a fraction of what they had invested. All very strange.

Another question: what's going to happen to American Fidelity's buildings off of Classen and 23rd?

I'm now hearing the information about the printing facility in that article is wrong, and that OPUBCO will continue to lease it indefinitely.

Certainly makes more sense as there is no way they are going to stop printing any time soon.


As for the existing AF buildings, they will have plenty of employees there for a while because OPUBCO is keeping at least five floors for the next few years and that entire building is less then all the space they have on Classen.

I suspect they will split their employees until they can build more space and/or OPUBCO relocates. But either way, they should have a good presence on Classen for at least a few more years, which will give the landlord plenty of time to find new tenants.

OPUBCO completes production assets and real estate sale to American Fidelity Assurance Co. (http://www.capitolbeatok.com/reports/opubco-completes-production-assets-and-real-estate-sale-to-american-fidelity-assurance-co)

The deal included the lavish, Class A, 227-square-foot, office tower; 129 acres of prime, undeveloped real estate fronting heavily-traveled Broadway Extension and the 315,000-square-foot production property, including the state of the art press.

That's a very small office tower. LOL

BTW, our sources on this entire story were really solid.

Not only were we the first ones to break the news about this sale, we also had the purchase price pretty well pegged a full month before it was reported anywhere else.


This is all credit to our incredible network of posters on this site. More and more, we are getting key information before anywhere else.

Goes to show why their subscriber base keeps shrinking. Can't hold on to news stories for so long before releasing them to public. People want real news, in depth coverage and fast.

I'm now hearing the information about the printing facility in that article is wrong, and that OPUBCO will continue to lease it indefinitely.

Certainly makes more sense as there is no way they are going to stop printing any time soon.


As for the existing AF buildings, they will have plenty of employees there for a while because OPUBCO is keeping at least five floors for the next few years and that entire building is less then all the space they have on Classen.

I suspect they will split their employees until they can build more space and/or OPUBCO relocates. But either way, they should have a good presence on Classen for at least a few more years, which will give the landlord plenty of time to find new tenants.
I can't imagine they have many more years of printing left. I bet in 5 years they're all digital.

Maybe this is the Lego version?

I can't imagine they have many more years of printing left. I bet in 5 years they're all digital.

I'll take that bet.

Although the print market is shrinking, it's still sizable.

There are lots of people over 40 that only see the paper version -- I know tons of them.

I can't imagine they have many more years of printing left. I bet in 5 years they're all digital.How, then, are you going to line your bird cage or wrap the garbage?

How, then, are you going to line your bird cage or wrap the garbage?

print out the okctalk politics forum?

print out the okctalk politics forum?

...[/thread]

American Fidelity just bought 6 more acres (in pink below) adjacent to the old OPUBCO properties.

http://newsok.com/article/3746812?slideout=1

Will be very interesting to see what they do with all this:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/opubco2.jpg

I have a good friend whose wife works for OPUBCO up on the 12th floor. I inquired if she is looking forward to the move downtown and he said 'she can't wait, the AF people keep encroaching on her space' ....

Guess this means some of the AF folks must have already moved in ???

Has anyone heard that AF is building 15+ story tower as part on their new campus expansion?

Wouldn't surprise me...for some reason I felt like that building wouldn't be big enough for them

Has anyone heard that AF is building 15+ story tower as part on their new campus expansion?

A new tower is not in the works, although, it might be something needed in the future. I think it is a fact that the square footage in the tower is less than all they have now, so they are likely looking at improving floor plan effeciency as best they can. There is an AE on board helping them with the planning. Also, there are internal discussions/battles going on now about whether or not to build a structured parking garage or surface parking, hence possibly wanting more land. I believe the battle is whether or not they want a parking lot that looks like Penn Square Mall, or spend more money for structured parking. They actually solicited AE firms on the parking structure, but have not committed yet to moving forward with the project. From what I hear, it sounds to me like AF is more concerned about doing something for less money over doing something high quality that might cost more up front, so it might be a good thing they did not end up downtown in some capacity. I know for a fact that several years ago they were kicking around the idea of a campus concept in the Core-to-Shore area as an anchor to the new boulevard, but that quickly vanashed and never gained much ground.

There are going to be additional buildings built by AF on the old OPUBCO campus - this has already been talked about...

Do we have some insight on the scale of these buildings? Mid rises, high rises, Chesapeake campus style?

Don't know.

Do we have some insight on the scale of these buildings? Mid rises, high rises, Chesapeake campus style?

Broadway Extension needs some more mid rise office parks, kinda like on the Kilpatrick Turnpike/Memorial Road. I think some 7-10 story buildings would be awesome along that stretch. I always feel like I'm driving through a prairie on that drive.

We need more significant insignificant dreck? Blah

One unfortunate aspect of having Dallas as the closest major city to OKC is that it often makes folks here want their own city to be more like Dallas.

One unfortunate aspect of having Dallas as the closest major city to OKC is that it often makes folks here want their own city to be more like Dallas.

They're already out there, and they're clearly not moving downtown...may as well see them build up. I don't know about an "office park" with a bunch of other businesses flocking out there, but I'd like to see AF build out that area some if they're going to be out there. I think a couple 8 story buildings would be better than seeing one 15 story building go up out there.

Some people don't want prosperity and growth in OKC unless it is downtown, I guess.

Some people don't want prosperity and growth in OKC unless it is downtown, I guess.This

Alot of their subsids are located at Classen and NW Expy. (First Fidelity, InsurAmerica, etc.) Not sure how many employees are there but if they're planning on building on their land it would make sense to consolidate.

Some people don't want prosperity and growth in OKC unless it is downtown, I guess.

That is one way to look at it I guess. Another way might be that certain development styles might be impossible to maintain in the future and keeping the wheels of commerce turning is pretty darn important. I for one would like to stop fighting wars for cheap oil, but that is just me. If that means focusing development in walkable clusters then I think that is what we should be doing.

Gas is $3.50 per gallon at the pump, but how much is it costing us to keep it at that price?

I don't understand the reasoning/logistics behind the move to OPUBCO, other than to help out a struggling OKC business. Location is odd, it's going to be expensive to build another tower and structured parking out there, not to mention, what do they need with a printing plant? They already have a nice urban campus, with plenty of room to go vertical and horizontal in a much more centrally located, hip amenity laden area. I just don't get this move at all.

On this move, I agree with JTF and Metro. It just doesn't make sense that they'd move all the way out there, away from what is arguably one of the hipper areas of OKC, into a field with a McDonalds across the highway. But, it's not my company or my money, but if I worked for them, I sure as hell wouldn't be happy about the change.

But it is your money Onlyone. You pay for all the infrastructure out there and you pay again to keep it affordable for their employees to get to work.

That is one way to look at it I guess. Another way might be that certain development styles might be impossible to maintain in the future and keeping the wheels of commerce turning is pretty darn important. I for one would like to stop fighting wars for cheap oil, but that is just me. If that means focusing development in walkable clusters then I think that is what we should be doing.

Gas is $3.50 per gallon at the pump, but how much is it costing us to keep it at that price?

I don't want to be able to walk everywhere... I love having a car and burning dinosaurs and no amount of "urban design" will ever change that.


On this move, I agree with JTF and Metro. It just doesn't make sense that they'd move all the way out there, away from what is arguably one of the hipper areas of OKC, into a field with a McDonalds across the highway. But, it's not my company or my money, but if I worked for them, I sure as hell wouldn't be happy about the change.

Like it says in the article above, AF has it's own cafeteria so I doubt they are super concerned about what restaurants are nearby.

the idea that they are now "out there" is a little crazy .. i would bet that most of their employees just got closer to work .. not further away

the idea that they are now "out there" is a little crazy .. i would bet that most of their employees just got closer to work .. not further away

Maybe. Of course, that same mentality is what destroyed downtown OKC the first time around (employers chasing their employees out into the hinterland). You think we would learn by now.

Anyhow, we are starting to stray off topic.

Maybe. Of course, that same mentality is what destroyed downtown OKC the first time around (employers chasing their employees out into the hinterland). You think we would learn by now.

i don't think that is the case here .. they got a great building and property for expansion at a good price for a fraction of what building new would have cost ..

either way, it's still a bizarre move when it comes to motive

the idea that they are now "out there" is a little crazy .. i would bet that most of their employees just got closer to work .. not further away

The husband of a friend of mine works for AF, and they live in Moore, so obviously his commute just got much longer. I remember quite a few people in Norman who work for them when I was living there. Their location at 23rd and Classen was literally at the center point of the metro.

At then end of the day, its their money and they can do what they want (and I don't doubt they got a great price for the building) but I agree I find the whole move bizarre, especially for a company that puts employee satisfaction over anything else. Cheaper digs for a smaller building in a less desirable, centralized location? Just strange. Plus, there's a reason that the Broadway Extension Corridor is so sparsely developed between 63rd and the Turnpike. Even suburban office areas like NW Expressway or Quail Springs are far superior.

It was rumored that AF had its heart set on moving deeper in the city. What happened between then and now?

The husband of a friend of mine works for AF, and they live in Moore, so obviously his commute just got much longer. I remember quite a few people in Norman who work for them when I was living there. Their location at 23rd and Classen was literally at the center point of the metro.

At then end of the day, its their money and they can do what they want (and I don't doubt they got a great price for the building) but I agree I find the whole move bizarre, especially for a company that puts employee satisfaction over anything else. Cheaper digs for a smaller building in a less desirable, centralized location? Just strange. There's a reason that the Broadway Extension Corridor is so sparsely developed between 63rd and the Turnpike.

It was rumored that AF had its heart set on moving deeper in the city. What happened between then and now?

currently google maps says the commute from Moore is 1 min difference to the 2 locations .. less than 4 extra miles .. but all interstate

and what happened is that a quality property came up for sale at a good price and caused AF and midfirst to take notice

Not to mention, they're buildings on Classen probably had more sq. footage, had a nice on site daycare, and were probably paid for in cash multiple times over, they uproot and had to pay more out of pocket to own a printing press and smaller building, and will likely have to build another building and a parking structure.

the idea that they are now "out there" is a little crazy .. i would bet that most of their employees just got closer to work .. not further away

Could be. Over in Steve's blog he was mentioning to OPUBCO co-workers that the traffic in Edmond is far worse than the traffic downtown. But for some, they will now have to deal with Edmond traffic AND downtown traffic (unless they move of course).

Not to mention, they're buildings on Classen probably had more sq. footage, had a nice on site daycare, and were probably paid for in cash multiple times over, they uproot and had to pay more out of pocket to own a printing press and smaller building, and will likely have to build another building and a parking structure.

You say not to mention and I think you would have been better served not to mention, as AF sold those buildings several years ago. Also, their old building might have had a daycare site, but so does the new building, plus an employee workout center and an outdoor running track and multiple water features in a much nicer setting. Additionally, they did not buy a printing press and they will be able to lease that facility back to The Oklahoman for as long as the Oklahoman remains in the print newspaper business. I would also like to state that you would be better served by learning the difference between their, there and they're as there is a huge difference. It seems like the generation under 30 totally missed out on being taught the difference.

At their old location is was up to the employee if they wanted to drive or not as there were thousands of near-by housing units. At the new location everyone will have to drive. No one will be able to walk to work and biking will be a life risking endeavor. It is little wonder the parking lot seems to be their biggest design issue right now.

You say not to mention and I think you would have been better served not to mention, as AF sold those buildings several years ago. Also, their old building might have had a daycare site, but so does the new building, plus an employee workout center and an outdoor running track and multiple water features in a much nicer setting. Additionally, they did not buy a printing press and they will be able to lease that facility back to The Oklahoman for as long as the Oklahoman remains in the print newspaper business. I would also like to state that you would be better served by learning the difference between their, there and they're as there is a huge difference. It seems like the generation under 30 totally missed out on being taught the difference.
Thanks for correcting me on their ownership status. I know the difference between their, there and they're, probably just typing too fast to pay attention. I'm not under 30 FYI.

In regards to the printing press, yeah how long will that be 5 years at most? Then what does AF do with it?

Thanks for correcting me on their ownership status. I know the difference between their, there and they're, probably just typing too fast to pay attention. I'm not under 30 FYI.

In regards to the printing press, yeah how long will that be 5 years at most? Then what does AF do with it?

It is my understanding that the Oklahoman did not sell the press, so the correct question would be what would the Oklahoman do with the press or if the Oklahoman fails to do anything, then what would AF do with the press. However, as long as the Oklahoman is still paying it's lease it could just sit there.

At their old location is was up to the employee if they wanted to drive or not as there were thousands of near-by housing units. At the new location everyone will have to drive. No one will be able to walk to work and biking will be a life risking endeavor. It is little wonder the parking lot seems to be their biggest design issue right now.

There really isn't much housing, especially mid-upscale, that is within a walking distance to their current HQ. Maybe I'm missing something but I drive through that area everyday and I don't see much. For whatever is within walking distance, you have to walk along basically a highway from one direction and cross an on/off ramp for 44 from the other.

I believe OPUBCO has up to a 15 year lease on the printing press building. AF would like to have it sooner than later to convert into auditorium and conference type space, and possibly other use like fitness, daycare, etc.

Phi Alpha ever heard of Mesta Park or Heritage Hills? Jefferson Park, Edgemere, Midtown and DT are nearby too all with middle upscale to upscale housing

For whatever is within walking distance, you have to walk along basically a highway from one direction and cross an on/off ramp for 44 from the other.Are you referring to the present AF headquarters? It's several miles from the closest portion of I44, and is surrounded by mid-upscale housing, including a brand-new apartment development just three blocks away and The Classen residential tower two blocks away in the other direction...

I think he's thinking of the First Fidelity Bank building, which is on the south side of I-44, just across from the Belle Isle Shopping Center. It's near 50th and Classen.

I think he's thinking of the First Fidelity Bank building, which is on the south side of I-44, just across from the Belle Isle Shopping Center. It's near 50th and Classen.

^ Correct. I didn't know the classen properties were AFs. The building on NW Expressway is the only one with obvious signage. Knowing that, the walkability argument makes more sense for at least part of the company.

"Phi Alpha ever heard of Mesta Park or Heritage Hills? Jefferson Park, Edgemere, Midtown and DT are nearby too all with middle upscale to upscale housing"


No, I only live in mesta park but ive never heard of it. Thanks for the jackass response though...

My guess is that OPUBCO employees as a whole are much happier moving downtown than AF employees are at moving to the 'sticks' but that is totally unsubstantiated and 100% conjucture on my part. Sure some AF employees will now have a view, but a view of what?