It's a craptastic lowball offer. I'm sure the developer can make good money off of it, but this is like putting a generic slap-together McMansion in Heritage Hills. It degrades the character of the neighborhood. It destroys exactly what makes the area valuable.

It degrades the character of the neighborhood. It destroys exactly what makes the area valuable.

This can't be stressed enough with any development.

Start practicing sign language ;)

bahaha, nice one.

The public also has a pivotal role in protecting the investments of developers who do it right and build for the future and for the community they live in.

Some cajones on this guy for proposing this. Utterly shameless.

Start practicing sign language ;)

:(

I kind of have an idea where this 6 story Springhill hotel will be but does anyone have an address?

You can see the exact location in the aerial at the top of this thread.

The address used in the application is 330 NE 1st.

Ok,I didn't see the exact address. Bids are out on this project now.

You can see the entire package submitted to the Downtown Design Review Committee HERE (http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/springhill.pdf) (warning: large file to be downloaded)

Meeting is set for June 20th Council Chambers City Hall 9:30AM.

Ok,I didn't see the exact address. Bids are out on this project now.

Bids are out now for construction? Through SW, Dodge, etc?

How the heck are those sidewalks "in compliance"?

If that's true and it's perfectly legal to exclude the pedestrian from the corner to cross at the crosswalk...I don't know. It just all amazes me. I was expecting a little more help from the "Staff".

Sigh.

"install 5' concrete sidewalks along Russell Perry Ave and NE 1st St; " needs to be changed to "partially install 5' concrete sidewalks along Russell Perry Ave and NE 1st St;"

nm

Well the sidewalks make sense now. I'll give them that.

Sid, the sidewalks now go all the way to the corner.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/springhill61413.jpg

How the heck are those sidewalks "in compliance"?

If that's true and it's perfectly legal to exclude the pedestrian from the corner to cross at the crosswalk...I don't know. It just all amazes me. I was expecting a little more help from the "Staff".

Sigh.

"install 5' concrete sidewalks along Russell Perry Ave and NE 1st St; " needs to be changed to "partially install 5' concrete sidewalks along Russell Perry Ave and NE 1st St;"

Are you referring to the actual submittal? The stamped one (June 10, 2013) actually shows a full sidewalk now and a center ramp. Center ramps are what PW is using in many places now in OKC. Not preferable, but it meets ADA, etc.

In the words of Howard Wolowitz when seeing Sheldon Cooper smile: "Oh crap, that's terrifying..."

For those of you who don't get the reference:

The Big Bang Theory - Sheldon's smile - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyiB5dKpglM)

Having lived and traversed that stretch many times in the past to Brictown, 5' sidewalks are pretty small to handle the only other pedestrian connection to into Bricktown from Deep Deuce other than the Walnut street bridge.

Sid, are the other sidewalks in the neighborhood 6'? Can't remember.

in the words of howard wolowitz when seeing sheldon cooper smile: "oh crap, that's terrifying..."

for those of you who don't get the reference:

the big bang theory - sheldon's smile - youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyib5dkpglm)

roflm*o!!!!

I wish they could do something about the high speed turns at that intersection. They need to cut the radius of the curb down to about 5 feet. There is still no way to walk from the front door to the sidewalk without walking in the drive.

Well the other thing that's interesting is I bet those 5' sidewalks terminate into rail road tracks and grass. Noting that the drawing conveniently leaves that little detail off.

The city needs to step in there and make the connection across. Don't think Union Pacific will care, but now is the time to start asking.

That's great Sid!

Great work Sid!!

roflm*o!!!!

Wow, this forum's ability to edit out profanity is amazing!

Bids are out now for construction? Through SW, Dodge, etc?

Mages Construction. A Texas Corp.

Anyone going to the meeting tomorrow? I think I will.

Mages Construction. A Texas Corp.

Are we allowed to have an opinion on this matter yet, or should we wait till they start construction?

Are we allowed to have an opinion on this matter yet, or should we wait till they start construction?

I really do not think you know the full story on this yet.

We need somebody who isn't afraid to ask the unpopular questions.

Are we allowed to have an opinion on this matter yet, or should we wait till they start construction?Well, to be fair, I don't think Steve meant that we should wait until it's built to criticize it. There were just a few people who went into full-on nutso meltdown mode and went ape and I think he just said don't get your panties in a wad just yet. Plenty of people love to jump to conclusions and assume the worst and from a professional standpoint, it's good to have all of the facts before you really say "this thing is absolute crap". Having discussions about the extremely low price per square foot and pointing that out and saying "lets be aware that this is might be poor quality development" is just fine, but when people instantly assume this hotel is going to be "garbage" or "the developer should ashamed", when no one had even seen the renderings yet, was something that could have been kept in ones mind, for the time being.

I don't like this and I was very suspicious from day 1, and now it's confirmed that the developer could've put more effort into this. I will likely be there to be part of the presence of people who want the standards to be raised for downtown OKC! Just my 2 cents on all of this though.

I'll be there and from what I can tell, there are several others that are planning on going. Including folks from The Hill. Should be a good showing.This is tomorrow at 8am, right?

Well, to be fair, I don't think Steve meant that we should wait until it's built to criticize it. There were just a few people who went into full-on nutso meltdown mode and went ape and I think he just said don't get your panties in a wad just yet. Plenty of people love to jump to conclusions and assume the worst and from a professional standpoint, it's good to have all of the facts before you really say "this thing is absolute crap". Having discussions about the extremely low price per square foot and pointing that out and saying "lets be aware that this is might be poor quality development" is just fine, but when people instantly assume this hotel is going to be "garbage" or "the developer should ashamed", when no one had even seen the renderings yet, was something that could have been kept in ones mind, for the time being.

I don't like this and I was very suspicious from day 1, and now it's confirmed that the developer could've put more effort into this. I will likely be there to be part of the presence of people who want the standards to be raised for downtown OKC! Just my 2 cents on all of this though.

I was just trying to inject a little humor in the discussion and point out how futile and ridiculous it is to wait to have these discussions. The guy already has bids out for something yet to be approved? Did I read that right?

Again, my point.

I'll be there and from what I can tell, there are several others that are planning on going. Including folks from The Hill. Should be a good showing.

Good job, Sid.

i really do not think you know the full story on this yet.

lol

I was just trying to inject a little humor in the discussion and point out how futile and ridiculous it is to wait to have these discussions. The guy already has bids out for something yet to be approved? Did I read that right?

Again, my point.Ah, my bad I didn't get it right I guess lol. . . nevermind man ;P

I'll be there and from what I can tell, there are several others that are planning on going. Including folks from The Hill. Should be a good showing.

Glad to hear some folks from all across the neighborhood will be there. Good job everybody getting the word out on this. I think it's great to finally get ahead of the curve on these projects with enough time to get word out there when we get a bad egg.

from those who are going first thank you ... and second please provide an update

I'll be curious if the commissioners burst into laughter and need a recess to regain themselves before deliberating the urban design merits of this proposal...

from those who are going first thank you ... and second please provide an update

Will do!

I'll be curious if the commissioners burst into laughter and need a recess to regain themselves before deliberating the urban design merits of this proposal...

I hope so. Every time I look at this design I am reminded that an architectural degree does not necessarily confer "taste". Or, to quote a local architect, "Oh, to have their money and my taste."

Per Steve's tweet at 10:00am, "A proposed yellow & blue six-story hotel in DD isn't faring well at DT Design Review. Developer and architect a no-show"
And at 10:15: "The proposed Springhill Suites by Marriott in Deep Deuce will not get approval as currently designed."

Wow, they didn't even show?

Glad to hear this didn't get approved.

Will be interesting to see if the developer comes back with revised plans.

how do they not even show up? ... wow

Per Steve's tweet at 10:00am, "A proposed yellow & blue six-story hotel in DD isn't faring well at DT Design Review. Developer and architect a no-show"
And at 10:15: "The proposed Springhill Suites by Marriott in Deep Deuce will not get approval as currently designed."

Orange you excited by the news? Or does it leave you feeling blue? In light of the no-shows, might there have been a touch too much yellow? In any event, color me as happy happy happy as Phil Robertson in a duck blind.

how do they not even show up? ... wow

Apparently applicant was undergoing emergency surgery. Hope they are ok.

There are more than one people involved in this process. I'm sad someone wasn't able to make it but have a hard time believing that with a hotel project, no one was able to make it today. Nonetheless, I wish whoever is in surgery, a speedy recovery.

There were quite a few people who showed up to protest. The protest ranged from no hotel on that site at all, to wanting it to be shorter, to (of course) the facade design, and most resoundingly -- a lack of street/sidewalk integration.

A couple of the commissioners actually made the statement that we are in an important transition time where projects like this, especially in neighborhoods like Deep Deuce, need to undergo special scrutiny. I didn't sense a single commissioner was pleased and a couple said they hope that what eventually gets built is "very different" than what we see today.

Very proud that Deep Deuce showed up like they did. Our comments were recorded and will be provided to the developer and owner.

Thank you for making a difference. It's people like you whom we owe our thanks for the improvements our city is seeing. What you describe is a sea change from a decade ago. There are still too many unnecessary fights, in my opinion, but what you describe the commissioner saying about the neighborhood is a very positive sign.

I remember OKC in the early 90s. It felt hopeless sometimes. There seemed to be a shocking lack of people who "get it." The fact is, they were probably here, but their voices were muted. Now, we have so many examples of citizen activism making a difference in our city that people feel more empowered to speak up. Also, we are lucky to have many more powerful players and people in important community and political positions who seem to "get it," such as our mayor, and, increasingly it seems, our chamber of commerce.

Thanks for doing what you do.

Absolutely!

Thank you Sid for putting time and effort into this, and to everyone else that has participated in this process.

This is exactly how things get changed for the better!

the height and hotel part IMHO are fine ...

the materials and street interaction for this site are not ..

the height and hotel part IMHO are fine ...

the materials and street interaction for this site are not ..

That about sums it up for me as well.

Thank you for making a difference. It's people like you whom we owe our thanks for the improvements our city is seeing. What you describe is a sea change from a decade ago. There are still too many unnecessary fights, in my opinion, but what you describe the commissioner saying about the neighborhood is a very positive sign.

I remember OKC in the early 90s. It felt hopeless sometimes. There seemed to be a shocking lack of people who "get it." The fact is, they were probably here, but their voices were muted. Now, we have so many examples of citizen activism making a difference in our city that people feel more empowered to speak up. Also, we are lucky to have many more powerful players and people in important community and political positions who seem to "get it," such as our mayor, and, increasingly it seems, our chamber of commerce.

Thanks for doing what you do.

I second this. Thanks Sid. It really is impressive how active people have become with new developments in the city and maybe even more so in how seriously they are being considered by decision makers. Active citizens are not simply viewed as just a nuisance that hates businesses. I can honestly say I have never seen as much of a sense of community in this city as I am seeing in the core right now, especially in such a way that is making a real positive impact. Not very long ago, these meetings were simply rubber stamp ceremonies to formalize decisions that had already been made.

I second this. Thanks Sid. It really is impressive how active people have become with new developments in the city and maybe even more so in how seriously they are being considered by decision makers. Active citizens are not simply viewed as just a nuisance that hates businesses. I can honestly say I have never seen as much of a sense of community in this city as I am seeing in the core right now, especially in such a way that is making a real positive impact. Not very long ago, these meetings were simply rubber stamp ceremonies to formalize decisions that had already been made.

Absolutely. It's really unfortunate that we didn't really have this kind of community to raise the bar for Lower Bricktown. Imagine that that area could be now if we had had this sort of unity then.

Great job Sid and anyone else who was able to attend!

I agree.

Great points, Sid.

And I would add to the residents all the property owners who have put a lot of money into these areas, something that is also relatively new.

The project of 600 W. Sheridan is another example of this, even though there aren't many/any residents in the immediate area.

Me too.

Oh, and in good jesting fun I'll mention this... The Tree Bank showed up and offered help to save the tree and incorporate it into the parking lot landscaping. Offered to provide the commission and the building resources and materials about how to accomplish this and the benefits of doing so. The Director of the Myriad Gardens also showed up and mentioned that tree absolutely should be saved. Called it a 'Champion' tree. One commissioner even spoke up about it asking if it was a champion tree.

I didn't want to mention before the meeting because it sounds a little too agendaish but there are donors to the Tree Bank on that commission. That's one of the reasons I knew it should be at least brought up. I'm glad I was right. ;)

Awesome! This city has a history of hating on trees.

Steve Lackmeyer: Protests against Oklahoma City hotel, office projects suggest design matters | News OK (http://newsok.com/steve-lackmeyer-protests-against-oklahoma-city-hotel-office-projects-suggest-design-matters/article/3854793)

Champion Tree (June 17 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634239325883/)

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/9099094086_16de4b6c4a_b.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/9099088338_ca70352595_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/9099090134_664e0a9a3c_b.jpg

I must be missing something here. Is the reason for all the attention to what appears to be a diseased Cottonwood tree simply more ammunition to stop an already flawed Hotel plan? Seems to me, the focus should be on a POS Hotel, that won't stand on its own merits.

Where is the righteous indignation over the loss of two irreplaceable, stately, and magnificent pecan trees that will be removed for the Next Maywood Park apartments. For those not familiar, they are between Bricktown Auto-bath and the big metal building.

I'm not suggesting we oppose the apartments, just trying to reconcile the uproar over what most consider a nuisance tree, while ignoring 100+ year old productive pecan trees.

Cottonwoods make me sneeze and my eyes water. Cut that sucker down.

Where is the righteous indignation over the loss of two irreplaceable, stately, and magnificent pecan trees that will be removed for the Next Maywood Park apartments. For those not familiar, they are between Bricktown Auto-bath and the big metal building.

I think if someone were proposing some apartments with a large parking lot to the east where the trees currently are, we would be have the same conversation. But, I am not opposed to then being taken out to make way for 139 apartments with a very urban design.

What's worse about that cottonwood is that it's old. You can't have any type structure or common space underneath it for the debris of limbs will periodically be coming down..

This tree is not worth saving, instead, it should be replaced with several good trees in strategic locations on the hotel grounds.