620 N Harvey
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/journalrecordwiki1.jpg
Information & Latest News
$26 million renovation proposed plus a 409-space garage of which 300 would be for this building's tenants.

3/6/14: Incentives approved (http://newsok.com/40-million-journal-record-redevelopment-garage-deal-approved-in-oklahoma-city/article/3940312)
12/17/13: City has approved $4.75 million in TIF funding. (http://newsok.com/tif-money-approved-for-three-downtown-oklahoma-city-construction-projects/article/3915574)
12/4/13: http://m.newsok.com/article/3911265
12/6/13: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-panel-approves-public-funding-for-downtown-development-projects/article/3911683
1/18/13: http://newsok.com/redevelopment-is-proposed-for-journal-record-building-is-oklahoma-city/article/3744038

Links
County Assessor Record (http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/AN-R.asp?ACCOUNTNO=R202631000)

Gallery

This project looks like a home run.

They've thought it all through, got great people involved, figured out the best use for the building, and still showed tremendous sensitivity of development to the surrounding area -- the memorial, most obviously.

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r620-aadf92858db586cf12802cc421d3f857.jpg

Wow!

Also proposing a parking garage with ground floor retail on the northeast corner (current parking lot) of 5th and Robinson.

This project looks like a home run.

They've thought it all through, got great people involved, figured out the best use for the building, and still showed tremendous sensitivity of development to the surrounding area -- the memorial, most obviously.

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r620-aadf92858db586cf12802cc421d3f857.jpg

Wow!OMG!!!! This is awesome. Any links?

OMG!!!! This is awesome. Any links?

Article section of this thread.

Article section of this thread.Oh, I see. Sorry. I seems to overlook those sometimes. :)

That is going to be a pretty serious makeover. It looks like they are planning to put columns where none currently exist. Was this building cover in another facade at some point in the past? If they still want to do housing I suggest they buy the Department of Enivronmental Quality next door and gut it.

Wow, that rendering looks amazing.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/4077880557_0aa9887772_b_zpsddbda38d.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/MasonicTempleNorthwest6thandRobinsonOklahomaCityOK AmericanFirstTrustCoApr1941_zps115bbedc.jpg
April 1941

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/2269721GeorgeForsythCollection-Photographs-Box1TOWNS-OKLAHOMACITY-BUILDINGS-MASONICTEMPLE-MASONICTEMPLEOKLAHOMACITY-THEJOURN_zpsa3abf46c.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/HomeStateLifeBuilding_zpsc6e9e2f2.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/21412M33346_zps612ed9e3.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/HomeStateAuditorium210NW6thOklahomaCitySomethingin theWindplayingHomeTheatreAcct-Sept1947_zps0bee8dc4.jpg
September 1947

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/21412M13822BarneyHillermanCollection-Photographs-Box3HOMESTATEAUDITORIUM210NW6THOKLAHOMACITYGUNFIGH TERSPLAYINGHOMETHEATREACC_zps8e9b318f.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/21412M13821BarneyHillermanCollection-Photographs-Box3HOMESTATEAUDITORIUM210NW6THOKLAHOMACITYTHEVIGI LANTESRETURNPLAYINGHOMETH_zpsc07f9602.jpg

So is it just me or does the rendering look like they are going to add the same type of columns that are along Robinson to the facade that faces 6th?

Yeah I see that as well. I guess they're trying to continue the engaged columns all the way around.

The article has a video now.

You can see the Memorial side of the building in this photo of "church row". I always wondered if one of the trees in the bottom left corner is the Survivor Tree.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/N%20Robinson/ChurchRowNRobinson_zpsa7793bb5.jpg

Holy crap - that is some awesome density.

Was this building cover[ed] in another facade at some point in the past?

I recall hearing that as well - that it is basically "a building inside a building." It certainly feels odd as one transitions between the east and west sides of the building, and navigates the strange stairwells. If done correctly, this will help by more decisively partitioning the building and increasing efficiencies.

This looks excellent! So glad to see projects like this coming up pretty regularly now.

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r620-e24d04b4c93d0492ad7f86c73a11a990.jpg

Nice space.


http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r620-bb791f81edad94c0bd5d6b246535028f.jpg

It's a little hard to make out details for the parking garage from this sketch. That's office space on the first floor, I guess.

It may not be in their budget (or their concern, for that matter), but a larger, taller parking garage might well be needed for this area.

I'm confused about this proposed garage.

If you look at the rendering, it appears there are people and desks in the upper levels. Perhaps the garage will actually be to the east of this but the rendering only shows one or two levels.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/journalrecord1.jpg

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/journalrecord2.jpg

Ok, I didn't even see people and furniture on the upper floors in the smaller pic. But you can definitely see them in the larger image. So it can't actually be a garage.

I'm totally confused.

The garage structure looks very nice and simple. Better then the one thats going on mainstreet. And will there be work done on the south face of the record building? I have always thought it was an eye-sore when I'm at the memorial

I think there's enough room. Street View (https://maps.google.com/maps?q=923+N.+ROBINSON+AVE&hl=en&ll=35.472838,-97.516287&spn=0.001881,0.002961&sll=35.47412,-97.515995&sspn=0.000941,0.001481&t=h&hnear=923+N+Robinson+Ave,+Oklahoma+City,+Oklahoma, +73102&z=19&layer=c&cbll=35.472968,-97.516282&panoid=UTLRMk1GGNGlKUyADasGmA&cbp=12,33.9,,0,-2.2)

If a parking garage is going to be built on that lot, I'd really rather see a bigger structure.

We all know parking is limited so why go with such a relatively small structure?

Seems like a partnership between the developers and COPTA might be in order.

If a parking garage is going to be built on that lot, I'd really rather see a bigger structure.

We all know parking is limited so why go with such a relatively small structure?

Seems like a partnership between the developers and COPTA might be in order.

Wasn't COPTA already looking at a garage in this vicinity, or am I making that up?

So is it just me or does the rendering look like they are going to add the same type of columns that are along Robinson to the facade that faces 6th?

This building is a Historical Landmark; afforded the highest level of preservation. The redevelopment should not be allowed without having to follow historical preservation standards.

Wasn't COPTA already looking at a garage in this vicinity, or am I making that up?

Here is a map showing some of the sites the City is considering for garages (in yellow).

The proposed garage for this project is in green:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/journalrecord3.jpg

This building is a Historical Landmark; afforded the highest level of preservation. The redevelopment should not be allowed without having to follow historical preservation standards.

Historic Landmark only applies if they are going to use historic tax credits as part of the funding. Besides, they are putting a modern glass enclosure on the top floor anyhow. Personally, I would like it if they continued the columns all the way around.

I disagree, I think they should be required to submit a plan of historical landmark preservation consideration, or not be awarded the project for redevelopment.

If a parking garage is going to be built on that lot, I'd really rather see a bigger structure.

We all know parking is limited so why go with such a relatively small structure?

Seems like a partnership between the developers and COPTA might be in order.

Based on the story it seems that they might be trying get a consortium of area businesses and attractions to go in with them on the garage, so depending on how many go along would dictate the size of the building. Adding in rentable space would then defer some of the costs, or even subsidize future parking rates.

From the article:


“Parking is critical,” Bond said, adding he is seeking to create a new financing model that can be adopted by other future downtown developers.

i think this is a great project... and all of it looks even remotely close to the renderings, i will think that this is going to be a wonderful beautification of this area

Do these interiors still exist?

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/21412M215BarneyHillermanCollection-Photographs-Box2AUDITORIUMINDIANSHRINEMASONICTEMPLE621NROBINSO NOKLAHOMACITYBYMEYERSPHOTOS_zps56452ace.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/21412M214BarneyHillermanCollection-Photographs-Box2AUDITORIUMINDIANSHRINEMASONICTEMPLE621NROBINSO NOKLAHOMACITYBYMEYERSPHOTOS_zpsb5943350.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/21412M212BarneyHillermanCollection-Photographs-Box2MASONICTEMPLE621NROBINSONOKLAHOMACITYTOSTAGEVI EWHARDINGHALLBYMEYERSPHOTOS_zps9542c9f9.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Old%20Oklahoma%20City/Journal%20Record%20Building/21412M211BarneyHillermanCollection-Photographs-Box2MASONICTEMPLE621NROBINSONOKLAHOMACITYALTARCOMM ANDRYROOMORCOUNCILROOMBYMEY_zpscf90f159.jpg
April 1941

No, I don't think so. Pretty spiffy theater, it was.

Very spiffy theater indeed. The interior does not exist. After the bombing, the interior was essentially completely gutted out and cleaned up. The only work that was done was minimal work on the core, elevator and toilets as I recall, and I think some fire protection to meet minimal standards while it sat empty. The rest of the floors are bare concrete with open studs with insulation on the exterior walls. The inside of the building is very challenging from a planning and code stand point becasue there are odd multi-levels due to previous designs such as this theater, thus making it hard for leaseable area and exit egress. Having one tennant was the ideal situation becasue the floor plates and odd levels made it hard to break up for a multi-tenants use.

Too bad the theater portion no longer exists. The thing that I regret the most from the urban renewal, IM Pei plan was that all the old majestic theaters were razed. Most major cities that I have visited have at least one, if not more of their old theaters/opera houses still standing and in use. What a great venue one would be for movies, music shows, etc if we had one. Just very sad.

Too bad the theater portion no longer exists. The thing that I regret the most from the urban renewal, IM Pei plan was that all the old majestic theaters were razed. Most major cities that I have visited have at least one, if not more of their old theaters/opera houses still standing and in use. What a great venue one would be for movies, music shows, etc if we had one. Just very sad.

It's best if you don't think about it.

Here is the Florida Theater here in Jacksonville. It has a steady business.

http://www.visitflorida.com/images/photos/expert_photos/1335614302_florida-theatre.jpg

Anyhow back to the Journal Record.

When I worked in this building (my first job out of college was an advertising account executive position with The Journal Record) some parts of the theater actually still existed, but sort of chopped up and behind walls, partitions, between floors. It was very strange, having been retrofitted with different levels, etc. I saw part of the theater when going into storage areas to fetch one thing or another. Building was weird, yet still very cool.

At the time - in the early nineties - (Senator) David Boren's and Don Nickles' offices were both in there, IIRC, and there was a La Baguette in the basement. Across the street was the (then friendly and tasty) Pizza Town and the Athenian Greek restaurant was there, a good place for a beer after work. The Y was also just across the street, and on street level in the Y was Blanche's Deli, a nice little greasy spoon diner type place with a great breakfast. Good times...had a lot to do with making me love downtown OKC, and all of it now gone.

The garage structure looks very nice and simple. Better then the one thats going on mainstreet. And will there be work done on the south face of the record building? I have always thought it was an eye-sore when I'm at the memorial

You might make it a point to visit the museum and do a bit of reading.

The garage structure looks very nice and simple. Better then the one thats going on mainstreet. And will there be work done on the south face of the record building? I have always thought it was an eye-sore when I'm at the memorial

That side was facing the Murrah building and there are some writings on it from rescuers. Its historically significant now.

That side was facing the Murrah building and there are some writings on it from rescuers. Its historically significant now.

I think the stark appearance of the south side is very appropriate and wouldn't want any significant changes.

This may not be the best place for this, but I couldn't find a thread for the National Memorial on this site, so I'm dropping it here...

The 6th annual Memorial Motorcycle Run was yesterday and the Memorial facebook page had some nice photos of it:

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/903511_10151347279657187_1659185394_o.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/476900_10151347279997187_939307096_o.jpg

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/902877_10151347279887187_833620024_o.jpg

Source: 6th Annual Memorial Motorcycle Run | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151347279702187&set=a.10151347279602187.1073741827.17401687186)


Lovely weather we're having lately. The redbuds are in wondrous bloom.

So I haven't really kept up with this project as much as I'd like. Does anyone know the latest on it?

Journal Record Building (July 8 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634599392708/)

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/9264556406_9aba0f120d_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3669/9264555724_0d2d198901_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/9261779203_9fe0ee6b94_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5472/9261777385_51c8b5faed_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3735/9264552546_22117e1f8b_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/9261773987_30321bcf4c_b.jpg

Anything happening with this project and the associated garage across the street?

Anything happening with this project and the associated garage across the street?

In his recent chats, Steve has been very suspicious of that deal coming together.

Not sure why, but he's said it a couple of times. And certainly, nothing seems to be happening on this.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/9265230967_6d97473ffe_h.jpg

Journal Record Building project seeks public funding | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/article/3911265)

Awesome! Hope all of this gets back on track.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/9265230967_6d97473ffe_h.jpg

Browsing through this thread, I suddenly realize just how much I like this pic.

To begin with, it's a nice photo of a cool building. But additionally, it's overflowing with blue skies, sunshine, and green trees. I can practically feel the warmth exuding outward from the pixels. With this winter chill in the air, I need that!

My first job out of college was in that building (pre-bombing). I have fond memories of it. Glad to see this.

Did the vote on this pass today?

Yes it did.

Oklahoma City panel approves public funding for downtown development projects | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-city-panel-approves-public-funding-for-downtown-development-projects/article/3911683)

From Steve's article:


A committee tasked with review of tax increment financing applications unanimously approved on Thursday a $4.75 million allocation toward a $26 million renovation of the building and the $7.2 million construction of a 409-space parking garage.

Great news.

A conversion of the Fred Jones assembly plant into a 21C Museum Hotel and redevelopment of the former Journal Record building both received unanimous final approval for tax increment financing Tuesday from the Oklahoma City Council.

TIF money approved for three downtown Oklahoma City construction projects | News OK (http://newsok.com/tif-money-approved-for-three-downtown-oklahoma-city-construction-projects/article/3915574)

TIF money approved for three downtown Oklahoma City construction projects | News OK (http://newsok.com/tif-money-approved-for-three-downtown-oklahoma-city-construction-projects/article/3915574)Is this from the retiny?

Yeah the project had seemed to slow down, but this is a good one to see moving forward.

Is this from the retiny?

Huh?

Huh?You know, I actually have no clue why I posted that or what that means. I forgot. :/

From Steve.

$40 million Journal Record redevelopment, garage deal approved in Oklahoma City | News OK (http://newsok.com/40-million-journal-record-redevelopment-garage-deal-approved-in-oklahoma-city/article/3940312)


The Journal Record Building, largely empty since it was damaged by the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, is set to be redeveloped later this year with completion possible by summer of 2015.

The Oklahoma City Industrial and Cultural Facilities Trust, which owns the eastern two-thirds of the building at 621 N Robinson Ave., approved a deal Wednesday to sell the property to Bond Payne, co-chairman of Heritage Trust Co., for $7.25 million.