also saw that tweet and wished so badly any of our regs had those kind of teeth

LOL, I also saw that tweet and had the same general thoughts.

The ultimate rehab is demolition, which isnÂ’t a great cost. So land minus rehab is where the incentive is. Rehabbing the building much more costly than demo. ThatÂ’s why the investors let these rot.

Demolition isn't rehab. Those are just two different things.

I understand that it could be a way for an investor to create value in the land, either through new construction (not free) or baiting a speculator. It just isn't rehab.

But the thing that's interesting about this property and a bit ironic in context of your defense of demolition, is that much of its appreciation in recent history is due directly to the rehab and repurposing of many structures around it that were rotting at the time of purchase, as well. There are examples all over the area now, from the Plaza District to parts of uptown, the Paseo, etc.

It was built as a landmark by a developer that wanted something unique for its market, something that stood out, even in its time of construction. As it it is now, it is still a landmark, even though it is not a functioning property. It was not originally left to rot in the context of a "land play". It was left to rot because of various market reasons, one of which is that developers began building homogeneous structures along city edges, where land was cheap. They created inexpensive locations and a synergistic retail environment with more parking at the same time.

This trend did not just affect the gold dome. It affected the whole corridor, as well as other former retail centers in the city like Capitol Hill, Uptown, Plaza District, and the Paseo.

Fast forward a few decades, and you have a structure that somehow withstood its eventual irrelevance as a banking location in a town where presumed irrelevance has destroyed many structures. Much of that is because of it's uniqueness in design for the area. A uniqueness that continued to grow nationally over time as other geodesic dome structures from that time were razed around the country.

Then the 90s came and city after city around the country experienced renewed value in its core areas, not by destroying their historic and unique structures in favor of inexpensive and easily expedited building techniques, but by rehabbing them, often in a coordinated way through district efforts compiled of multiple property owners. Eventually a couple of developers did this in Oklahoma City in Bricktown on a small scale.

Suddenly, (or really, not so suddenly) it was realized here what had been realized in many major cities across the country: rehabbing unique and characteristic "rotting" structures in older parts of the city not only reverses decades of depreciation, but leads to significant appreciation of those structures, the land, AND, most importantly, all the structures and land around it. Not only does that property owner benefit from the rehab, but so do those around it, and, in turn, the city itself benefits both financially and in quality of life measures.


And yes, we are a society and economy that fights for profit first. Though you donÂ’t think profit should be guaranteed, it is almost always expected and fought for in any business transaction. What you think is a good or bad decision may or may not be the same for the investor. Your idea of a bad decision can still be profitable.

I think anyone with a simple understanding of transactional profit and loss accounting can get what you're saying. But this is not an example of fighting for profit. It's an example of sitting around while everyone else fights and invests in their properties, while hoping to passively profit off their work.

That is to say, I do understand the defense of your assumption of what the owner's strategy is here, but, in this specific case, any profit from that strategy realized through appreciation will in fact be in large part as the result of significant private and public investment in preservation and rehabilitation efforts in the surrounding area.

Not by an investment beyond purchase by this owner in this property.

If you are looking at the building itself as a rehab, then no, demo is not a rehab. But if the investor is looking at the land, then clearing it and building a more profitable facility is the ultimate rehab. Land vs building... it is perspective.

I certainly am not arguing for demo as it was a wonderful legacy building. But in addressing this issue, preservationists tend to ignore the actual investor and their motives and incentives way too often. Since they actually have invested in and own the property then their perspectives must be fully acknowledged and addressed.

folks, I have a one word recommendation for the Gold Dome that afaik nobody has mentioned and that this city somewhat lacks for it's size = MUSEUM.

Why not the city and/or foundation take over the building and turn it into a world class museum? It could be OKC's Museum of History of Popular Culture - in which the building itself is one of the many masterpieces the museum would showcase.

Imagine a world class museum from decades original technology right in the heart of the intersection of the Asian District, Uptown 23rd, Paseo Arts, University, and Plaza Districts.

In my opinion, the Gold Dome is the glue that holds OKC's central attractions (districts) together and converting it to a museum (which would also solve/justify the parking btw) is a no-brainer solution that would really turn central OKC into the destination we've all been looking for.

folks, I have a one word recommendation for the Gold Dome that afaik nobody has mentioned and that this city somewhat lacks for it's size = MUSEUM.

Why not the city and/or foundation take over the building and turn it into a world class museum? It could be OKC's Museum of History of Popular Culture - in which the building itself is one of the many masterpieces the museum would showcase.

Imagine a world class museum from decades original technology right in the heart of the intersection of the Asian District, Uptown 23rd, Paseo Arts, University, and Plaza Districts.

In my opinion, the Gold Dome is the glue that holds OKC's central attractions (districts) together and converting it to a museum (which would also solve/justify the parking btw) is a no-brainer solution that would really turn central OKC into the destination we've all been looking for.

Yeah, that would be great. I like this idea the best from any I've heard. Just need somebody to pay for it.

folks, I have a one word recommendation for the Gold Dome that afaik nobody has mentioned and that this city somewhat lacks for it's size = MUSEUM.

Why not the city and/or foundation take over the building and turn it into a world class museum? It could be OKC's Museum of History of Popular Culture - in which the building itself is one of the many masterpieces the museum would showcase.

Imagine a world class museum from decades original technology right in the heart of the intersection of the Asian District, Uptown 23rd, Paseo Arts, University, and Plaza Districts.

In my opinion, the Gold Dome is the glue that holds OKC's central attractions (districts) together and converting it to a museum (which would also solve/justify the parking btw) is a no-brainer solution that would really turn central OKC into the destination we've all been looking for.

Not sure if a popular culture museum would be feasible due to Tulsa's OKPOP, but yes, a museum of some sort could work.

Agreed on museum. Have thought it but not said it. Especially since on Rt 66.

Agreed on museum. Have thought it but not said it. Especially since on Rt 66.

Museum and welcome center and restaurant

If you are looking at the building itself as a rehab, then no, demo is not a rehab. But if the investor is looking at the land, then clearing it and building a more profitable facility is the ultimate rehab. Land vs building... it is perspective.

I certainly am not arguing for demo as it was a wonderful legacy building. But in addressing this issue, preservationists tend to ignore the actual investor and their motives and incentives way too often. Since they actually have invested in and own the property then their perspectives must be fully acknowledged and addressed.Which happened first, building being protected or the current owner purchasing it. If the investor knew it couldn't be easily demolished and bought it with the intent to demo then no, I don't care at all about the investor. Should have kept his money.

If you are looking at the building itself as a rehab, then no, demo is not a rehab. But if the investor is looking at the land, then clearing it and building a more profitable facility is the ultimate rehab. Land vs building... it is perspective.

I certainly am not arguing for demo as it was a wonderful legacy building. But in addressing this issue, preservationists tend to ignore the actual investor and their motives and incentives way too often. Since they actually have invested in and own the property then their perspectives must be fully acknowledged and addressed.

It's been protected in a design district for over a decade now (maybe 15 or more years since the Urban Design District overlay has been in place) and the current owner is at least the 3rd owner in that time (IIRC), so it's not like he, or any future owner, can claim they didn't know it would be protected against demolition...

Museum and welcome center and restaurant

I miss prohibition room

Which happened first, building being protected or the current owner purchasing it. If the investor knew it couldn't be easily demolished and bought it with the intent to demo then no, I don't care at all about the investor. Should have kept his money.

It was put on the Nat'l Register in 2003, it appears, and here's more info on the timeline:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Dome

It was put on the Nat'l Register in 2003, it appears, and here's more info on the timeline:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_DomeThen the investor knew what he was getting into.

I think it would be cool to see the Gold Dome house an architecture museum for OKC, and maybe Oklahoma as a whole. It could showcase structures that were first built by tribes indigenous to the area, Route 66 architecture, downtown OKC before and after urban renewal, prominent houses and buildings built before and just after statehood, buildings that were designed but never built, modern houses and buildings, etc.

It's been protected in a design district for over a decade now (maybe 15 or more years since the Urban Design District overlay has been in place) and the current owner is at least the 3rd owner in that time (IIRC), so it's not like he, or any future owner, can claim they didn't know it would be protected against demolition...

So, you are stating that there is no legal way a demo permit can be issued under any circumstance? If that's the case, then the only worry is if it is protected from rot. Is there any teeth to anything making them keep the building in good repair? Or how they do it?

I think it would be cool to see the Gold Dome house an architecture museum for OKC, and maybe Oklahoma as a whole. It could showcase structures that were first built by tribes indigenous to the area, Route 66 architecture, downtown OKC before and after urban renewal, prominent houses and buildings built before and just after statehood, buildings that were designed but never built, modern houses and buildings, etc.

YES!!!

Except more like a memorial museum to lost structures.

So, you are stating that there is no legal way a demo permit can be issued under any circumstance? If that's the case, then the only worry is if it is protected from rot. Is there any teeth to anything making them keep the building in good repair? Or how they do it?

The value goes down as the building goes deeper into disrepair. That is incentive to keep the building maintained. If the owner knows a demo permit will never be issued, it doesn’t make financial sense to let it become dilapidated. What is an investor going to do with a uninhabitable structure that can’t be torn down?

The lack of a demo permit forces a developer to maintain the building to preserve the investment or sell as soon as possible to avoid losing money on a depreciating structure that can’t be removed. Win/win for everyone.

The value goes down as the building goes deeper into disrepair. That is incentive to keep the building maintained. If the owner knows a demo permit will never be issued, it doesn’t make financial sense to let it become dilapidated. What is an investor going to do with a uninhabitable structure that can’t be torn down?

At some point of udder disrepair, it will be allowed to be torn down. If the investor has deep pockets, they just wait it out.

A reasonable solution that benefits the owner, the neighborhood, and the city needs to be arrived at sooner than later. Russian roullette is a dangerous game. If people are motivated, they should help plan and execute because imagining what someone else can be forced to do and chatter board commenting isn't enough.

At some point of udder disrepair, it will be allowed to be torn down. If the investor has deep pockets, they just wait it out. .
I think everyone here is aware that douchebags exist in this world.

At some point of udder disrepair, it will be allowed to be torn down. If the investor has deep pockets, they just wait it out.

A reasonable solution that benefits the owner, the neighborhood, and the city needs to be arrived at sooner than later. Russian roullette is a dangerous game. If people are motivated, they should help plan and execute because imagining what someone else can be forced to do and chatter board commenting isn't enough.

That has happened with the Dome in the past, it's just not happening right now because there's probably not a sense of urgency as there was in the past situation(s).

At some point of udder disrepair, it will be allowed to be torn down. If the investor has deep pockets, they just wait it out.

Sure, but that doesn’t do any good if the only building permit that would ever be granted is to rebuild the gold dome exactly as is. That’s the route I would take to mitigate developers who implement this strategy.

Sure, but that doesn’t do any good if the only building permit that would ever be granted is to rebuild the gold dome exactly as is. That’s the route I would take to mitigate developers who implement this strategy.

Is there any precedent for such a limited use of building permit in OKC or in Oklahoma ? Is it a legal option?

Is there any precedent for such a limited use of building permit in OKC or in Oklahoma ? Is it a legal option?

I highly doubt it but I'm not 100 percent sure.

I think everyone here is aware that douchebags exist in this world.
Possibly your most apt and best comment ever!

I think it would be cool to see the Gold Dome house an architecture museum for OKC, and maybe Oklahoma as a whole. It could showcase structures that were first built by tribes indigenous to the area, Route 66 architecture, downtown OKC before and after urban renewal, prominent houses and buildings built before and just after statehood, buildings that were designed but never built, modern houses and buildings, etc.
If a museum couldn't stand on it's own something like St Louis did with Union Station. A few restaurants and shops with displays about St Louis spread throughout the place. I even learned from one display that St Louis proper is actually pretty small and bound by charter to never add on. All of the connected townships make St Louis a major city.

If you are looking at the building itself as a rehab, then no, demo is not a rehab. But if the investor is looking at the land, then clearing it and building a more profitable facility is the ultimate rehab. Land vs building... it is perspective.

I certainly am not arguing for demo as it was a wonderful legacy building. But in addressing this issue, preservationists tend to ignore the actual investor and their motives and incentives way too often. Since they actually have invested in and own the property then their perspectives must be fully acknowledged and addressed.

I'm just pointing how short sighted and limited that perspective can be. No one owns property in a vacuum. What near by investors due ALWAYS impacts all of the investors in the area. If the owners of the Gold Dome bought it as a land play, the only reason it was worth doing that was because of the investment in rehab made all around it.

A lot of people like to espouse the position that "well, it's their property, they own it and can do whatever the want with it." But no one actually agrees with that. No one is going to defer to the perspective of an investor's profit potential if they want to tear down the house next to them to make way for a chicken shack because they think that will generate more money in land lease payments than what it takes to service the debt on the financing they got for that property.

I get that that play can make money and that that's why they'd being doing it. I get that you can make a lot of money gaining equity from the investment of those around the property. I just don't buy the idea that anyone really thinks that's how this should work.

An Asian American museum would be great here. The museum could include both Asian American history alongside more local history and then also serve as a tourist/event center for the neighborhood.

So we get to this point.... STUCK. The owner can’t do anything with it because of economics. And to sell it, there has to be a buyer. But no one steps up, and why would they knowing the cost, the mess, and the controversy they would be buying. And we don’t seem to be able to marshal support around any real viable ideas because we have a hard time getting people to agree as to what actually is a good idea and who is going to pay for it. Everyone wants the magic solution without the hard investment and work. How do we break the logjam?

So we get to this point.... STUCK. The owner can’t do anything with it because of economics. And to sell it, there has to be a buyer. But no one steps up, and why would they knowing the cost, the mess, and the controversy they would be buying. And we don’t seem to be able to marshal support around any real viable ideas because we have a hard time getting people to agree as to what actually is a good idea and who is going to pay for it. Everyone wants the magic solution without the hard investment and work. How do we break the logjam?
Don't know that we can anytime soon. Or easily ever. The investor might simply be between a huge rock and a huge hard spot.
I haven't used that saying in years!

So we get to this point.... STUCK. The owner can’t do anything with it because of economics. And to sell it, there has to be a buyer. But no one steps up, and why would they knowing the cost, the mess, and the controversy they would be buying. And we don’t seem to be able to marshal support around any real viable ideas because we have a hard time getting people to agree as to what actually is a good idea and who is going to pay for it. Everyone wants the magic solution without the hard investment and work. How do we break the logjam?

There’s a price point where the cost, mess, and controversy aren’t huge barriers to attract a buyer. It may not be a price that the developer wants but it is there somewhere. Just have to be willing to find it.

There’s a price point where the cost, mess, and controversy aren’t huge barriers to attract a buyer. It may not be a price that the developer wants but it is there somewhere. Just have to be willing to find it.
And so they wait.... Russian roulette.

Not sure if a popular culture museum would be feasible due to Tulsa's OKPOP, but yes, a museum of some sort could work.

folks we dont need to be concerned about what other cities are doing, otherwise we'd not have a zoo, art museum, skyscrapers downtown, an opera, a symphony, an airport, etc because Tulsa has those too.

Our museum could be OKC centered and/or route 66. Also, I love the idea of an Asian American museum (to go along with the national cowboy and FAM) as I've mentioned that LONG ago when an Asian lady owned it. Also, a children's museum would be way cool.

Perhaps we could incorporate all of the above ideas - a museum about OKC with those different subsections? Museum of the History of Oklahoma City. ...

does the city have the appetite for it?

folks we dont need to be concerned about what other cities are doing, otherwise we'd not have a zoo, art museum, skyscrapers downtown, an opera, a symphony, an airport, etc because Tulsa has those too.

Our museum could be OKC centered and/or route 66. Also, I love the idea of an Asian American museum (to go along with the national cowboy and FAM) as I've mentioned that LONG ago when an Asian lady owned it. Also, a children's museum would be way cool.

Perhaps we could incorporate all of the above ideas - a museum about OKC with those different subsections? Museum of the History of Oklahoma City. ...

does the city have the appetite for it?

Not sure what an Asian lady owning it has to do with anything, but she wasn't really a good caretaker, FWIW - from Wikipedia:

"As of April 2011, Gold Dome owner Irene Lam had not maintained payment on the loans secured by the Oklahoma City council through United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the building. On 12 April 2011 the Oklahoma City council voted to take over responsibility to pay back the loan to HUD.[10]

Irene Lam fell behind on her property tax obligations, failing to fulfill nearly fifty thousand dollars in property tax obligations to the City of Oklahoma City and only repaying interest upon the federal loan .[11] Bank 7 in Oklahoma City foreclosed on the property and The Gold Dome was put up for auction on 13 September 2012"

And I realize that cities duplicate attractions, but seems like OKPOP is going to be pretty big, square-footage-wise and exhibit-wise, so do we really want to compete with something like that, would we come out even or ahead or would people go to OKPOP instead?

if you read again, I said I mentioned the idea of an Asian Museum back when an Asian Lady owned the dome. Get it now? You know, the past owner and, when I mentioned an Asian museum because it's at the gateway to the Asian District (someone also mentioned a few posts ago)?. ....

Please stop looking for racism, politically correct police! BTW, I myself happen to be Asian. ..

if you read again, I said I mentioned the idea of an Asian Museum back when an Asian Lady owned the dome. Get it now? You know, the past owner and, when I mentioned an Asian museum because it's at the gateway to the Asian District (someone also mentioned a few posts ago)?. ....

Please stop looking for racism, politically correct police! BTW, I myself happen to be Asian. ..

No racism here, just that an Asian person owning the Gold Dome has really nothing to do with anything, especially since she didn't pay taxes on it. The location of the Gold Dome, however, does have to do with the suggestions about it being Asian-related in some way.

again, I only referred to her as a point in time of different ownership as I don't recall her name. Irene Lam? ??

But back then I did suggest an Asian American museum. We have one here in Seattle - it'd be great if OKC had as well to complement the other social museums that are there and it could served as a gateway/add to the Asian district. I had also suggested an Asian Themed mall.

Anywya - I think we're good! -handshake-

Just throwing this out, how about an Asian food court?

Just found some cool renderings online.
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff637da6edaa7173f16b3a8/1613352554175-60R8RHS7PKCYVAPOJ3AN/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPTrHXgsMrSIMwe6YW3w1AZ7gQa3H7 8H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLf rh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0k5fwC0WRNFJBIXiBeNI5fK TrY37saURwPBw8fO2esROAxn-RKSrlQamlL27g22X2A/TL.OKGD_-21.jpeg?format=1000w
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff637da6edaa7173f16b3a8/1613352707296-U8EPKD6YAH1N0K4QFVRU/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPTrHXgsMrSIMwe6YW3w1AZ7gQa3H7 8H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLf rh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0k5fwC0WRNFJBIXiBeNI5fK TrY37saURwPBw8fO2esROAxn-RKSrlQamlL27g22X2A/TL.OKGD_-31.jpg?format=1000w
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ff637da6edaa7173f16b3a8/1613352684774-N8IL9DLU87YYOGJDOV6Q/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kPTrHXgsMrSIMwe6YW3w1AZ7gQa3H7 8H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLf rh8O1z4YTzHvnKhyp6Da-NYroOW3ZGjoBKy3azqku80C789l0k5fwC0WRNFJBIXiBeNI5fK TrY37saURwPBw8fO2esROAxn-RKSrlQamlL27g22X2A/TL.OKGD_-30.jpg?format=1000w
Sources: https://www.vegaarchitecture.com/project/blog-post-title-one-cbkle-t758p-dcl86

I really like the idea of building some infrastructure so they can use outdoor space for whatever the building is used for. As of now, the entire building is just surrounded by pavement. This building has such great potential.

Removing the parking from the corner of 23rd and Classen is a no brainer. Very cool to see that concept visualized in a rendering.

Entertainment venue with a 360 degree viewed stage in the center.

you mean, "theater in the round"?

that went so well for Stage Center/Mummers

Gold Dome may become music venue (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=728-Gold-Dome-may-become-music-venue)

OKCTalk has learned that the Gold Dome at NW 23rd and Classen is under contract for sale with plans to convert the historic structure into a live music venue.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121b.jpg


Built in 1958 by Citizens State Bank, the building has changed hands times several times over the last two decades with one former owner attempting full demolition. A new use for the 27,000 square foot structure has been elusive and the condition of the building has continued to deteriorate while remaining shuttered for years.

With Oklahoma and the rest of the country poised for a return to relative normalcy after the recent pandemic, interest in buying and renovating the building has increased.

Plans by VEGA architecture of Denver reveal the intention to convert the dome into a live music venue, with the main stage in the center, floor viewing areas, and the second level shown as seated and standing viewing.

The renderings also show a new covered 2-level patio that would face NW 23rd.

The Temple Live logo is also featured. The company operates live music venues in Fort Smith, Wichita, and Cleveland.

Our sources tell us the sale and renovation are contingent on obtaining financing and possible government subsidies.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121d.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121f.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121g.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121h.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/golddome033121i.jpg

That would be phenomenal and bring such life to that intersection.

Easily the best idea so far.

First thoughts:
- I love this idea
- The architect seems to have done their homework. The patio looks a lot like the design of the old drive-thru that was on the other side of the building.
- It would be great if most of the parking for events utilized the two big surface lots between 19th and 21st to the south. Better use of space and better for traffic flow in the area.
- Hopefully this doesn't hurt Tower Theatre's business long-term.

Temple Live has undertaken big renovations of historic properties in Fort Smith, Wichita and Cleveland.

This would be incredible if it all works out.

I would expect the city to provide substantial assistance.

On the FB post of this news someone replied that this property is an "EPA nightmare". Anyone know of any EPA issues? It was a bank! Unless it was chemicals from money laundering. (I know, really bad humor. I'll go stand in the corner now.)

This is a great use of the space IMO, and it has the potential to be an iconic venue if they can make it work. I could see years from now people talking about seeing certain shows at "the dome".

I am not aware of any environmental issues.

I think the basement flooded at some point but as mentioned, this was a bank then the Prohibition Room. Can't imagine there would be residual issues.

First thoughts:
- I love this idea
- The architect seems to have done their homework. The patio looks a lot like the design of the old drive-thru that was on the other side of the building.
- It would be great if most of the parking for events utilized the two big surface lots between 19th and 21st to the south. Better use of space and better for traffic flow in the area.
- Hopefully this doesn't hurt Tower Theatre's business long-term.
We've been to a couple concerts at the Tower. It seems like the Dome would be quite a bit larger than the Tower so they should be able to coexist by hosting different levels or types of performers. Isn't there a smaller venue not too far from the Brady in Tulsa?

I am not aware of any environmental issues.

I think the basement flooded at some point but as mentioned, this was a bank then the Prohibition Room. Can't imagine there would be residual issues.
That's what I thought too.

Having played music inside domed structures in the past, getting the accoustics right is going to be a challenge.

OKLAHOMA CITY
Historic Gold Dome in Oklahoma City - Drone Footage:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swTbcNh5MH0


Gold Dome Bank - Oklahoma City, OK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlHrt-shaBI

.

Having played music inside domed structures in the past, getting the accoustics right is going to be a challenge.
Many of the last 20 or 30 concerts we've been to the sound guys have the bass and drums so hot that you can't hear the vocals, lead guitar or keyboards. So I'm not sure acoustics will be noticed by an average audience. And here I am bitching about too loud bass and I play bass!
Case in point: We saw Wilson-Phillips a couple years ago and Chynna Phillips stopped in the middle of three songs and told the sound guy that they are a vocal group, not a rock band.

As for the "environmental issues," I recall a vague septic smell on a few occasions while dining at Prohibition Room. LIke several older buildings, it probably needs a total plumbing overhaul. Obviously I would support public subsidy for this project, but on the condition that all structural issues get addressed, such as plumbing and heat and air, to increase the lifespan of the building.

This is a weird combination of two shaky concepts, the Gold Dome and the OKC music scene. Both have incredible potential, but have really had a hard time making numbers work. Off the top of my head, Saints, Tower Theater, La Brasa, and Hubbly Bubbly host local concerts on a weekly basis, and each of those are just a few blocks from the Dome. National promoters couldn't make the Criterion happen or Bricktown Events Center happen, and our best local promoters run the Tower.

I get that people want to save the dome, but considering the fact that the biggest issue is cost, you'd think that they'd try to fit it for something that generates consistent revenue.

Temple Live has had great success renovating historic structures in 3 different cities, and keeping them well-booked.

Booking is 99% of any live music venue.

And Tower was kicking ass before the pandemic.


There is plenty of room in the live music scene in OKC. We're just getting started.

I agree, this is an incredible announcement moving my museum suggestion to 2nd. OKC def needs more live music venues and this would be incredible.

Not worried about competition, different acts/genres and audience sizes can and do co-exist in large cities such as OKC. If anything AI expect the competition to make the OKC scene better than ever.