Civic Buildings
Historical
Entertainment


no



Address: 201 N. Walker (http://goo.gl/maps/qQrnB)
Built: 1930
Floors:
Sq. Feet:
Acreage: 12.09
Architect:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civiccenter.jpg


Information & Latest News
Link to Civic Center Improvement Study (http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civiccenter.PDF)
Links
County Assessor Record (http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/AN-R.asp?ACCOUNTNO=R013680040)
Doug Loudenback Article (http://www.dougloudenback.com/downtown/vintage/1.musichall.htm)
Gallery

The city is going to send out an RFP for a consultant to do the following work:




The awarded consultant will be required to evaluate the physical condition of the Facility and
equipment; recommend renovations and identify associated costs necessary to make the Facility a
premier venue from a production perspective as well as an audience perspective; perform a market
demand study; and analyze the financial feasibility of upgrading the Facility. The following tasks are
provided for illustrative purposes, and not meant to be all-inclusive.

1. Conduct a comprehensive technical/physical assessment of the Facility’s existing conditions,
including but not limited to the following areas.

a. Exterior and interior aesthetics
b. Entrance, lobby, restrooms and related amenities.
c. Shelled in spaces
d. Defined suite spaces on all levels
e. Freede Little Theatre
f. City Space
g. Joel Levine Rehearsal Hall
h. Box Office locations
i. Coffee shop
It is expected that the process for performing this analysis consists of direct observation, review
and interpretation of documents, interviews with personnel and input from management, and
evaluation of the actual condition of the major physical elements, systems and operations.
During agreed upon site visits, building staff will be available through a coordinated effort to
discuss maintenance issues, past repair/replacement projects, and in general provide
information (including drawings and plans) and access to assist in the creation of the Facility
Condition Analysis.

2. Identify current level of amenities, then recommend necessary and/or desirable modifications,
enhancements, equipment acquisition and refurbishment, and associated costs.

3. Identify the current and projected market demand for any proposed upgraded space, including
current and probable users and level of usage. Primary and secondary markets should be
identified, with consideration for the types of events relative to each market area. Report on
subsidy levels of other comparable facilities, including a review of the source of support.

4. Identify the potential highest and best use of each space within the Facility, and how that
relates to its current level and type of usage and current revenues and expenses. In developing
the recommended modifications, enhancements and equipment acquisitions as specified in
paragraph 3 above, consideration should be given to creatively maximizing the potential use of
each upgraded area. This should allow for the greatest access to the Facility by a wide variety of
users and audience members, while taking into consideration the needs and requirements of
the Facility’s current users.

5. Identify direct and indirect benefits of each upgraded space to the Oklahoma City Public
Property Authority and the Civic Center Foundation. Include potential benefits that are not
readily quantifiable, such as impact on surrounding restaurants and other retail businesses.

6. Analyze the financial feasibility of each upgraded space, considering cost estimate of
recommended improvements, the condition of the current market, and other direct and indirect
benefits.

7. Provide renderings that illustrate recommended renovations and upgrades.

8. Prepare and present to the Oklahoma City Public Property Authority and the Civic Center
Foundation Board of Directors, a report containing summary findings and recommendations as
specified in this Scope of Work.

the "Demolished: no" on the article tab seems a bit depressing, like it was being considered

2863

Taxpayers spent how many millions on the new landscaping and hardscaping in front of the Civic Center, and THIS is what greets patrons when they approach the main entrance. A battery of planters full of dead mums.

With so much going on down there, you'd think that someone would notice - someone would care enough - to either stick a hose in these planters, or delegate the job to the right person.

Maybe they're trying to manufacture potpourri...

Oklahoma City is expected to pick Seattle-based firm for Civic Center Music Hall project (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-is-expected-to-pick-seattle-based-firm-for-civic-center-music-hall-project/article/3732271)
BY MICHAEL KIMBALL | Published: November 27, 2012

A Seattle-based architectural firm will soon begin a study on how to get the most out of the Civic Center Music Hall, if the Oklahoma City Council approves the start of contract negotiations Tuesday as expected.

LMN Architects will need about three months to complete the study, barring any hiccups in the contract negotiation process, said Jim Brown, civic center manager. City officials chose LMN’s bid from among 10 others after issuing a request for proposals for the study, intended to find the best ways to renovate the parts of the building that weren’t redone as part of the original Metropolitan Area Projects program.

Maybe they can go to some Thunder games while they're in town...lol

the "Demolished: no" on the article tab seems a bit depressing, like it was being considered

If an energy corporation wanted to build here...

I haven't attempted to dig on this, but in the areas that are being considered for renovation, were we told during the original MAPS that these areas were being left untouched? Or like the Cox, the public was lead to believe that every part of it (excluding the arena) was being renovated. Then years later we find out the Cox is like going thru a time tunnel? Or more recently the Convention Center where the Phase 1/Phase 2 and C.C. hotel were glossed over???

I always assumed that the whole thing was being renovated....and never understood why they didnt do the reamaining areas like Freede Little Theater. I was Romeo and Juliet in that about 8 years ago by the OKC Theater Company. I remember sitting there thinking, man this room is a dump. I actually didn't even know it existed until I went to that play though either. It's not ever advertised as a venue and the events in it aren't either. If they had someone to promote the thing, maybe we could attract some dollars to its use and renovation. It has pretty good acoustics and could be a very good drama theater. It's not as though there are many options in town for those....especially now that Stage Center is dead as well.

The ceiling was my number 1 DEtraction. The stuff looks like it's about to fall off, and talk about dirty. It's just gross.

I found this Flikr stream that has some good shots of how bad of shape it's in.
freede little theatre house | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nashcreative/5080923333/in/photostream/)

I really want to keep the seating, but update the padding/upholstry. They're classic, they just need to be restored....or at least the end-cap seats. You can really see how bad of shape the ceiling is in this stream....it's worse than it was the last time I saw it. And the sound system....come on. My high school marching band had better a better system, and it was mobile.

Wow, the ceiling in the Freede is horrific:

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

That would be the perfect setting for some improv, monologues, or acoustic music acts. It would be a step up from the coffee house scene for a lot of artists.

I had a guy come into my work and buy a tuxedo so he could wear it while playing for the philharmonic. He said in the underbelly of the Civic Center there's a one crapper for the men and one for the women. He was hoping this would be something in the basement rhelm that they would change.

Wow, the ceiling in the Freede is horrific:

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

Oh my god...been to many performances there, never noticed it..

Renovations Planned For OKC Civic Center - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/22970961/okc-civic-center-to-undergo-renovations)

Here are some renderings.

Read the full report HERE (http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civiccenter.PDF).


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civic1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civic2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civic3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicupper1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicupper2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicupper3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicupper4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicfreede1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicfreede2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicfreede3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicfreede4.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicfreede5.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civicfreede6.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civiclevine1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civiclevine2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civiclevine3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civiclevine4.jpg

Very happy to see this. I love our Civic Center and enjoy going to events there. With a renovated Freede Little Theater and the other spaces, it could host an event nearly every night. This is a very welcome project.

That rooftop event space would be amazing... Stunning views of Bicentennial Park and the skyline beyond.

Sweet!

That external signage and lighting should really make this building pop at night.

By all means, download the pdf. It's crammed full of info and photos. I haven't gotten through it all yet -- it's 203 pages!

I love the Civic Center but have always thought it was a bit plain from the outside.

These proposed improvements would change that immensely without detracting from the historical nature of the structure.

The renovation to Freede is very exciting. The new front entrance will really raise its profile too. I only wish they were doing it first. With the demise of Stage Center and its more familiar set up and design, it should get a lot of use.

Awesome!

Just hope it.gets.busier!

Awesome!

Just hope it.gets.busier!

This is so great to see. Count me as one of the lovers of the Civic Center. That roofline access and events space reminds me of DC's Kennedy Center, although instead of the Washington Monument to admire, we'll have Devon Tower.

When OKC hosted that fabulous string of performers to re-open the Center (Wynton Marsalis, Jane Monheit, Jimmy Webb, Kristin Chenoweth, etc) it was a banner moment for the city. It'd be nice to see the Levine and Freede spaces opened to regular venue-specific concerts and plays. They don't have to be headliners, but local performers and groups like the Brightmusic ensemble, OKC Improv, or Ghostlight Theatre Club.

From today... Imagine the views from the top:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/civic4.jpg

Someone's quick on the photo trigger there, Pete! ;-)

Wait, what "extra MAPS 3 funds?"

Am I missing something?

Wait, what "extra MAPS 3 funds?"

Am I missing something?

Incorrect information on News9's part. Funding sources need to be investigated, with possibilities including private funding mechanisms via the Civic Center Foundation, as well as potential public funds from future Bond and/or other prospective MAPS initiatives, if there are any. Funding has not at all been identified.

Someone's quick on the photo trigger there, Pete! ;-)

So sorry for not giving you proper photo cred!! ;)

Wait, what "extra MAPS 3 funds?"

Am I missing something?

Yeah, there's a .001 chance Maps 3 comes under budget. lol

The only way there will be "excess MAPS 3 funds" is if they divert the money away from some of the other projects.

The only way there will be "excess MAPS 3 funds" is if they divert the money away from some of the other projects.

or collections outpace expectations and existing budgets

from which they should build all projects to their original budgets and renderings FIRST, then maybe expand/enhance a project or two. Then and only then could they discuss external projects.

Im all for civic center improvement and I love what they are proposing, but I want maps3 done right first, with no cutbacks!

kevinpate: you do have a valid point. As far as I know revenues have far exceeded projections (until just recently). however, costs and "mistakes" ($40 million plus just on the Trails) have more than eliminated any revenue increases.

Hot Rod: agree completely!

kevinpate: you do have a valid point. As far as I know revenues have far exceeded projections (until just recently). however, costs and "mistakes" ($40 million plus just on the Trails) have more than eliminated any revenue increases.


Hopefully I'm reading your post right, but when did we lose $40 million on the trails due to a mistake? How?

On edit: Sorry, not attempting to derail the thread at all.

This will be exceptional for the Civic Center. I know a lot of people that will be ecstatic about these renovations and add ons. I, for one, hope the Hall of Mirrors will eventually receive an update. We do bridal shows in there all the time and it is stuck in the 1970s while the rest of the venue is rather new.

This will be exceptional for the Civic Center. I know a lot of people that will be ecstatic about these renovations and add ons. I, for one, hope the Hall of Mirrors will eventually receive an update. We do bridal shows in there all the time and it is stuck in the 1970s while the rest of the venue is rather new.

With the exception of the gray curtains on the north wall (yes, those were part of a botched reno job in the early eighties), the entire Hall of Mirrors is more or less original to the 1937 Art Deco design from when the building itself was constructed. The parquet wood floors are newer, but the stage, all of the chandeliers, wall sconces, wooden doors, window frames and mirrors are from the 1930s. Even the (newer) paint colors are original to the era. The hall is historic and its charm lies in its original Art Deco touches. There's even a mirror in the far southwest corner (again, original to the building) that was cracked from the force of the Murrah Building blast that will likely not be replaced because of its significance. There is a place and time to renovate good things, and then there are things that should remain as they are. The Hall of Mirrors falls into the latter category.

Architect2010: so as not to ruffle someone's feathers, I will respond in a PM

Skyline panoramic (view from Civic Center) by Josh DeLozier

http://static.wixstatic.com/media/da441b_8526a4abba91d0c8da789aeca7e0dd39.jpg

Source: Oklahoma City Panoramics by Josh DeLozier | PANORAMICS (http://www.joshdelozier.com/?_escaped_fragment_=panoramics/c21rz)

First rate photo art, DeLozier.

I wish they'd do something to the seating in the main theater. I know that when they re-did it as a part of MAPS it was supposed to be an improvement but the upper balcony part is worse.

I decided to do something different and a little more grown up for my oldest son's birthday last year and took him to see Les Miserbles. For reasons I won't go into here, we ended up with seats in the upper balcony. I felt like I was sitting on top of the Devon tower watching ants run around on stage. Maybe my memory is fuzzy, but i thought the view from the balcony was better before the renovation. Couple that with the fact that the production doesn't use the revolving stage anymore and it made for a crappy first time theater experience for my son.

I believe the balcony seats are now closer and the sound is definitely better than it was. The acoustics throughout are much better.

Not sure about a revolving stage as a permanent fixture, but I am not sure it limits any shows that want to come there. Can't think of a single Broadway theater with a permanent revolving stage. It isn't necessary for the Philharmonic, and I doubt the ballet. If the remodel cost us a revolving stage it sure hasn't cost us any shows.

The renewal for Broadway Series and Lyric are great compared to almost any city, so I guess most people don't think of the theater as "crappy". And, as in most every theater, the cheaper seats aren't the best anyway.

I wish they'd do something to the seating in the main theater. I know that when they re-did it as a part of MAPS it was supposed to be an improvement but the upper balcony part is worse.

I decided to do something different and a little more grown up for my oldest son's birthday last year and took him to see Les Miserbles. For reasons I won't go into here, we ended up with seats in the upper balcony. I felt like I was sitting on top of the Devon tower watching ants run around on stage. Maybe my memory is fuzzy, but i thought the view from the balcony was better before the renovation. Couple that with the fact that the production doesn't use the revolving stage anymore and it made for a crappy first time theater experience for my son.

1. It's primarily an orchestra hall…definitely not a theater/opera hall

2. You can't blame a poor experience on a venue. Furthermore it was the productions choice not to use a revolving stage, not the venue's.

3. Sorry you got bad seats…regardless of your reasons, you had the worst seats in the house…and should have adjusted expectations going in. I'm wary of your "reasons I won't go into here"…If you chose the seats, you chose the seats.

4. There were no improvements to the Upper Balcony, because the Balcony didn't exist, as seen in the below picture.

4992

1. It's primarily an orchestra hall…definitely not a theater/opera hall. But it is a catch all for most large touring shows that come through.

2. You can't blame a poor experience on a venue. Furthermore it was the productions choice not to use a revolving stage, not the venue's. Understood, as I said in my post that the production didn't use the revolving stage. I thought it was a poor choice by the production company.

3. Sorry you got bad seats…regardless of your reasons, you had the worst seats in the house…and should have adjusted expectations going in. I'm wary of your "reasons I won't go into here"…If you chose the seats, you chose the seats. I knew that they had presales for preferred Civic Center customers but I was on the website to get the best seats I could when they were available. I waited and kept refreshing and nothing happened. I called the box office and it was finally explained to me that you had to click a link which took you to another site and then you had to click another link that opened a new window etc. etc. All that to say, it was a convoluted way to run a ticket buying website and by the time I got to where I needed to be, the upper balcony was all that was left.

4. There were no improvements to the Upper Balcony, because the Balcony didn't exist, as seen in the below picture.There was a balcony in the old Civic center but there wasn't an upper balcony.I just figured if the city was going to spend that MAPS money improving the Civic Center, then they would want there to be nary a bad seat in the house. The upper balcony was built with out any regard to what one could see on the stage.

4992
See responses above.

When can we expect something on this to happen? Is there a timeline for which projects come in what order? I am curious as to how this will affect Lyric's summer season in the future years.

Remember that last year there was a $200K study done to identify improvements and enhancements?

Reviewing the 2015-2019 capital plan for OKC Parks & Rec there is a $43 million line item for this project.

Would done jointly with the CCHM Foundation and funding has yet to be identified, but it looks like the plan is to get this done in the next few years (more plans and renderings in the article at the top of the page):

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/4232d1375308593-civic-center-civic-auditorium-civicupper4.jpg

I hope they get to the phase involving the Freede Little theater. We need a smaller traditional proscenium stage space in downtown OKC.

I hope they get to the phase involving the Freede Little theater. We need a smaller traditional proscenium stage space in downtown OKC.

Didn't they announce a year or two ago they were going to be renovating that?

edit: http://kfor.com/2013/07/31/renovations-headed-to-civic-center-comes-with-38-million-pricetag/

I went to a performance tonight at the Freede Little Theater. It was the first time I've been in there and they can't get it renovated quickly enough. The play was great but that theater is an embarrassment. One thing that will have to be addressed in a renovation is handicap access. Unless there is something I missed. there is no way to enter the theater without going up stairs.

Doing a lunch time jazz thing today in the park.

I mentioned this in another thread but spending some time at that park yesterday made me really appreciate it. The trees are already maturing nicely and in a few years will make most forget about the ones that were cut down.

Plus, the park itself is just so much nicer and lends itself to many more activities.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CPwus7mVEAAvsku.jpg

The Celebrity Attractions Broadway season starts tomorrow night with A Christmas Story. I guess the big news though is that CA was not renewed at the CC after almost 25 years. We are season subscribers and just get the mailing info but have no knowlege of the issues or decisions that led to this. This season includes Jersey Boys, Kinky Boots, Cinderella and Bullets over Broadway with some added/special shows - Beauty and the Beast and Mamma Mia. Also a Blue Man shows in April.

One thing I never noticed about Bicentennial Park in front of the Civic Center...

The sweeping curves are illuminated at night, and on both sides.

Really brings a lot of light to the park which would otherwise be a pretty big black hole. Looks impressive in person.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/civiccenter011016.jpg

I really like that park. It's beautiful, highly under utilized, and gets a bad rap (granted for some good reasons). Hopefully that'll change over time, especially with residential going in across the street.

I have one MAJOR complaint about it though.... no bike racks. With all that streetscaping we did, the closest P180 bike racks are at the museum I believe (on 2-3 I think though). It's a friggin park, there should have been P180 bike racks on all four sides.

Wow, no bike racks? Can't believe there would be such an oversight.

The park along with the approvements around City Hall are very nice and once the trees mature a bit it will be a really nice spot.

Wow, no bike racks? Can't believe there would be such an oversight.

I'll double check when it's warm again, but the last time there was a festival or something there I rode my bike and remember walking around the entire perimeter looking for a rack and then being disgusted that I had to walk farther to find one. Since I only live 3 blocks away I probably walked more looking for a rack than I would have done just to walk there, but I was planning to ride somewhere else after, so...

Oklahoma City will not be a future venue for a Tulsa-based producer of Broadway-style shows | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-will-not-be-a-future-venue-for-a-tulsa-based-producer-of-broadway-style-shows/article/5471982)

These are the cities that Nederlander has productions in:
New York
Los Angeles
Chicago
Detroit
Durham
North Charleston
San Diego
San Jose
Tucson
London

Seems like a win for OKC to get a high quality group.

Friends of mine involved in local theater see Nederlander as a big upgrade.

This just popped up on the Civic Center calendar:

August 15
The Consumption of Mary by Jai Kali Maa (get tickets)

OKC Civic Center Music Hall
Cityspace Theatre
Presented by Dakhma of Angra Mainyu
Monday, August 15, 2016 - 7pm

16 years of age and above, do to adult content.

The Consumption of the Mary by Jai Kali Maa, is an event that will have 2 seperate rituals that will show the evolution from Satanism to Ahrimanism. The first ritual will the Black Mass as done in 2014, and the second ritual will be the Consumption of Mary by Jai Kali Maa. The second ritual will educate the public on the practice of Ahrimanism.

I go to a lot of shows in that small theater but would have absolutely no interest in this. I'm sure it will draw a lot of protests just like the last similar presentation there but the city can't place judgements on the content of events they lease the space for as long as it's legal.

16 years of age and above, do to adult content.

in other news, somebody affiliated with the civic center was paid to write and proofread this sentence. -M