As ugly as some of you think it might be, I still would like to see this go up on the stage center site:
at least I think it looks better than the stage center building! AND I think it would be one the most toured/visited buildings in the south AND retail at the base!

http://www.power-technology.com/uploads/newsarticle/1033274/images/204485/large/turbonomics%20distant.jpg

As ugly as some of you think it might be, I still would like to see this go up on the stage center site:
at least I think it looks better than the stage center building! AND I think it would be one the most toured/visited buildings in the south AND retail at the base!

http://www.power-technology.com/uploads/newsarticle/1033274/images/204485/large/turbonomics%20distant.jpgIf not on the Stage Center site, somewhere in DT OKC. This could even work somewhere in the Boat House District.

People see 20-25 stories and are thinking of a small building.

I was in San Diego yesterday and today, and saw this building across the street while waiting for the light rail.

It's 23 stories, has a wide footprint, and is an absolutely stunning building. I would not be disappointed at all if this went on the Stage Center or anywhere else downtown.

412 feet tall.

First Allied Plaza - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Allied_Plaza)

http://www.loopnet.com/Attachments/1/C/9/1C97A9EF-B065-4F73-8471-A863B0FFC72B.jpg

That would be a nice addition to OKC.

As ugly as some of you think it might be, I still would like to see this go up on the stage center site:
at least I think it looks better than the stage center building! AND I think it would be one the most toured/visited buildings in the south AND retail at the base!

http://www.power-technology.com/uploads/newsarticle/1033274/images/204485/large/turbonomics%20distant.jpg


If not on the Stage Center site, somewhere in DT OKC. This could even work somewhere in the Boat House District.

I liked the idea somebody mentioned of doing it on a smaller scale as a large piece of art, it could be a focal point in our central park

I liked the idea somebody mentioned of doing it on a smaller scale as a large piece of art, it could be a focal point in our central park

The thing is, if it doesn't topple over, everyone will think they are still dreaming.

I've always thought something like this could be our "iconic" landmark that people think of when someone mentions OKC, if it could be done right and in the right place.

I've always thought it would be really cool to build a world-class landmark on the south end of the Core to Shore park overlooking the river. Something extremely iconic like the Space Needle, Eiffel Tower, St. Louis Arch, etc.

I've always thought it would be really cool to build a world-class landmark on the south end of the Core to Shore park overlooking the river. Something extremely iconic like the Space Needle, Eiffel Tower, St. Louis Arch, etc.

You may have missed the "iconic" oil derrick landmark that was proposed over the river at one time. LOL

http://www.okctalk.com/general-civic-issues/12984-energy-tower-proposed-rival-eiffel-tower.html

I liked the idea somebody mentioned of doing it on a smaller scale as a large piece of art, it could be a focal point in our central park

well, I don't know about the "piece of art" part, but he was quoted as saying:
(referring to making the most efficient blades)

Jamie Jacob [an aerospace engineer at Oklahoma State University, of which Elliott is an alum] and his team have developed four different turbine blade designs and one of them outperformed the other and the report is 90% complete, it is performing better than Jamie's original thoughts were in May. So I'm incredibly excited about that. We are applying for a major grant to take it to the next level, which is to do a physical turbine mockup. When OSU dedicated the football stadiums new west end zone with Boone Pickens, we went over to the engineering department at the lab and he saw the wind tunnel test and saw the process going on. He was excited about the progress that had been made. It will never move as fast as Id like for it to move but it is moving and we feel like the grant interviews will be during November and we will go forward.


RE: the ultimate goal with the turbinomic project?

A. Ultimately I want it to be built. Does it have to be on a 50-story scale? No. Would it be great to adapt this to five or 10 stories? Yes. I would just like to have the opportunity somehow, some way, to incorporate this technology into a project. We know it will work.

from an OKC Review article.

I hope he arrives somewhere in the middle of 10 stories and the original 50 stories!

Lets cut the crap on trying to distract the fact that this is becoming ridiculous. Announcement dates keep getting pushed out, and no solid details have been released. This is not looking good, like Spartan said, when December passes, we will be given a another made up deadline.

Lets cut the crap on trying to distract the fact that this is becoming ridiculous. Announcement dates keep getting pushed out, and no solid details have been released. This is not looking good, like Spartan said, when December passes, we will be given a another made up deadline.

I'll refer you back to post #1210.

The thing is, if it doesn't topple over, everyone will think they are still dreaming.

Nice! :)

You may have missed the "iconic" oil derrick landmark that was proposed over the river at one time. LOL

http://www.okctalk.com/general-civic-issues/12984-energy-tower-proposed-rival-eiffel-tower.html

This type of Iconic Structure is perfect. If they had a Modern Forward Looking Energy Tower ( Oil Dereck / Solar Panels / MagLev Wind Turbine / Large Plasma type Tube ) ...kind of a yesterday, today, & tomorrow energy statement.

The Anara Tower in Dubia ( arch - Atkins DG , project on hold ) would be exactly the type of structure that we should place here. 1,200 Ft.

I'll refer you back to post #1210.

That is not an announcement...that is just another..."I heard....."

That is not an announcement...that is just another..."I heard....."

Don't get your panties in a wad Sarg. We will hear something within the next 10 days.

That is not an announcement...that is just another..."I heard....."

Yes, but Pete has some pretty credible sources. It's surprising how accurate they are, even though things do get pushed back at times.

Don't get your panties in a wad Sarg. We will hear something within the next 10 days.

LOL :smile:

Yes, but Pete has some pretty credible sources. It's surprising how accurate they are, even though things do get pushed back at times.

agree

Pete, do you think an announcement will be before Christmas or before New Years Day ?

Pete, do you think an announcement will be before Christmas or before New Years Day ?

Not to speak for Pete, but Steve said we'd have a lot to talk about over Christmas. Not sure if that was in reference to the SC site though.

Pete, do you think an announcement will be before Christmas or before New Years Day ?

I really don't know.

But I do believe they will not submit a demolition application without having detailed plans for the new project ready to go.

So, knowing they would have to file an application in February (at the latest) to get approval in March for demo, they must be getting very close.

Also, in order to ensure the March demo timeline, they know that they may have to go through a couple of rounds with the design committee, so they may want to submit everything in January at the latest.

The OKC Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual meeting, well... right now, even as I type... at the Cox Convention Center:

https://www.okcchamber.com/index.php?src=sba&srctype=geteventdetails&datasource=geteventdetails&cale_id=1449

A 2013 year-in-review speech is to be given by Pete Delaney, head of OG&E (http://distinctlyoklahoma.com/cover-story/petedelaney/).

Perhaps Mr. Delaney will throw in a few hints about what will be coming up in 2014. You know, maybe some juicy tidbits about what OG&E is planning to do in downtown. Hmmm?

Ok, probably not. Fat chance in heck. :(

One can dream though. Maybe someone attending the event will overhear Delaney make an "interesting" comment..... :)

Not to speak for Pete, but Steve said we'd have a lot to talk about over Christmas. Not sure if that was in reference to the SC site though.

It's been quiet this week. I thought we'd see a column on Sunday with something grand, didn't happen. Then I thought maybe the OKCCentral column on Tuesday would have something good, didn't happen. Maybe tomorrow? Probably won't happen. Maybe this Sunday?

I really don't know.

But I do believe they will not submit a demolition application without having detailed plans for the new project ready to go.

So, knowing they would have to file an application in February (at the latest) to get approval in March for demo, they must be getting very close.

Also, in order to ensure the March demo timeline, they know that they may have to go through a couple of rounds with the design committee, so they may want to submit everything in January at the latest.

thank you.

I really don't know.

But I do believe they will not submit a demolition application without having detailed plans for the new project ready to go.

So, knowing they would have to file an application in February (at the latest) to get approval in March for demo, they must be getting very close.

Also, in order to ensure the March demo timeline, they know that they may have to go through a couple of rounds with the design committee, so they may want to submit everything in January at the latest.

Pete, do you think that they will have done their homework and greased all the skids so that the application will be a mere formality? Or will it be something that might not get approved?

The OKC Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual meeting, well... right now, even as I type... at the Cox Convention Center:

https://www.okcchamber.com/index.php?src=sba&srctype=geteventdetails&datasource=geteventdetails&cale_id=1449

A 2013 year-in-review speech is to be given by Pete Delaney, head of OG&E (http://distinctlyoklahoma.com/cover-story/petedelaney/).

Perhaps Mr. Delaney will throw in a few hints about what will be coming up in 2014. You know, maybe some juicy tidbits about what OG&E is planning to do in downtown. Hmmm?

Ok, probably not. Fat chance in heck. :(

One can dream though. Maybe someone attending the event will overhear Delaney make an "interesting" comment..... :)

I just got back from the chamber lunch, no hints of any new towers from Pete.

You know when looking at the turbine building and also the oil derrick, it got me thinking. OKC really has a negative or really not thought about nationally. It is slowly changing but that will take time and continued improvements. We do need people a reason to come here for many reasons. I honestly believe that if we built those 2 structures, it would be our iconic landmarks that people around the country could identify with. So what if they are a little over the top, it stands out in peoples memories.

We are becoming a power in the oil, gas, and wind farming energy sector. We know it and others are taking notice as well. IF we did this, I PROMISE you that companies will take notice as well that OKC is becoming an "it" place for energy. It is basically like free advertising to the world. Yes, the expense of the buildings could be high, but the return on the investments and for our city could be what really makes this city potentially BOOM! I hope at least one person will read this and agree and perhaps mention it in the chat with Steve. Also, flood the people who can make it happen this and let them know how this could let the world know we have arrived as a serious and major player in the energy sector. Momentum will build and I think companies will WANT to be here if not fight to come here.

I just got back from the chamber lunch, no hints of any new towers from Pete.

Ah shoot. Well, didn't think so.

Did he give a good talk anyway?

Not to speak for Pete, but Steve said we'd have a lot to talk about over Christmas. Not sure if that was in reference to the SC site though.

Steve has been mum these last few days so maybe he is working on a big story...I am sure he will update us on his story tracking in his chat tomm...

Steve has been mum these last few days so maybe he is working on a big story...I am sure he will update us on his story tracking in his chat tomm...

I think Steve's been quiet because he wrote like 25,000 words for the Sunday MAPS special edition and he needed a break.

I don't, he has wrote a couple stories since then...

Did he give a good talk anyway?

He did, although I thought the Q&A was the most interesting part (other than the Lyric performance during lunch). Dr. Stephen Prescott of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation talked about some of the great things his group has been doing, and how big of a boost the new GE research facility will be to help attract highly educated employees to the region.

i think steve's been quiet because he wrote like 25,000 words for the sunday maps special edition and he needed a break.

both!

He did, although I thought the Q&A was the most interesting part (other than the Lyric performance during lunch). Dr. Stephen Prescott of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation talked about some of the great things his group has been doing, and how big of a boost the new GE research facility will be to help attract highly educated employees to the region.

Just to be sure I understood correctly, Dr. Prescott was talking about how big a boost the GE Center will be for OMRF? Did he expound on that thought?

Just to be sure I understood correctly, Dr. Prescott was talking about how big a boost the GE Center will be for OMRF? Did he expound on that thought?

He said many of the medical researchers they try to lure to OKC from other metro areas have spouses who are also involved in research in other fields, and the more research positions that are available in OKC, regardless of whether they are medical in nature or not, will allow OKC and the OMRF to better attract couples who both have jobs that require a high level of education. Plus, more growth in the area makes for a more impressive visit to the OMRF campus when they bring in candidates to visit. All secondary benefits, but important nonetheless.

Did a little research, Kestrel Investments is a subsidiary of Marco Capital Group LP, with offices in Oklahoma City & Dallas:

Marco Capital (http://www.marcocapital.com/)

He said many of the medical researchers they try to lure to OKC from other metro areas have spouses who are also involved in research in other fields, and the more research positions that are available in OKC, regardless of whether they are medical in nature or not, will allow OKC and the OMRF to better attract couples who both have jobs that require a high level of education. Plus, more growth in the area makes for a more impressive visit to the OMRF campus when they bring in candidates to visit. All secondary benefits, but important nonetheless.

Very important. I hadn't thought about it in that light, but that's a very good point. Thanks for sharing.

Here's a VERY rough mock up of one of the concepts proposed for Nashville on the Stage Center site. Once again, this is a very crude copy and paste, and I would estimate the height to be about 600', but as you can see, this site will really balance out the skyline. Even if the final height isn't quite this tall.

http://i.imgur.com/ZsxwAuq.jpg (http://imgur.com/ZsxwAuq)

Thanks!

That site -- and really the other two on Hudson as well -- are perfect for extending our skyline from almost all angles.

Heard they are planning to do demo in March, so buildings details will probably be coming soon.

Awesome birthday present!

They were wrong when they said religion is the opiate of the masses.

12-13-13 Business Chat:


Ronaldo 10:27 a.m. Steve, do you have any big articles on Sunday? We are waiting on pins and needles!

Steve Lackmeyer 10:27 a.m. Soon.....


Corey 10:30 a.m. Will the Oklahoma City public get an update on the new high rise project developed by Rainey Williams proposed for the Stage Center site before Christmas Eve?

Steve Lackmeyer 10:30 a.m. Maybe.


Chandler Joe 10:33 a.m. Hi, hi, hi, Steven. Long time reader, first time question asker. Does Wade Scaramucki have a hand in the Mystery Tower?

Steve Lackmeyer 10:34 a.m. (STEVE): If you're talking the G. Rainy Williams tower proposed for Stage Center, I suspect that this project would be a bit of challenge for Wade if he were because he among many architects who do not want to see Stage Center razed. Wade is not involved with the project.


Pat 10:34 a.m. Okay Steve, Can't resist, Stage Center site, will we know specifics before the end of the year ? Thanks

Steve Lackmeyer 10:34 a.m. Maybe.


Gary T 11:24 a.m. You said some time ago that the Stage Center tower was taking a long time becuase complex deals take time. Can you expand on that at all? What made this deal more complex than the Devon tower? Multiple tennants?

Steve Lackmeyer 11:24 a.m. Topography. Engineering. Design. Cost. Tenant negotiations. Concerns about Stage Center.

https://twitter.com/stevelackmeyer/status/411586006576427008

12-13-13 Business Chat:

With vague answers like this, anyone can give those answers and be correct.

FWIW, OGE had a meeting today at the PHF (OU) Research Park, ran into one of the employees outside the bathroom and asked if he was ready to move into a new office tower, he stated, " We heard things about it, but don't know when".

What happened to all this big news we were supposed to be getting this month? With the announcement of Stage Center Tower being one of them? If no big news is announced this week, we are probably looking at the first of the year for big news!

From Steve's Blog:

OKC Central Live Chat 10 a.m. Today | News OK (http://newsok.com/okc-central-live-chat-10-a.m.-today/article/3907309)

Things are going a bit crazy these days. Downtown/urban core development is hitting a pace we’ve not seen in a century. Yes, it’s that crazy. And if we were choose a soundtrack for this story, yeah, Fatboy Slim would be a good pick.

A few weeks ago during an OKC Central Live Chat I predicted that the following 60 days would be an amazing period for downtown. I’m sticking with that call, and I’ll remind you what’s already transpired this first month:

- The start of outside money coming in with Indianapolis-based Milhaus preparing to build 327 apartments, 4,500 square feet of retail and 455-space garage at NW 10 and Shartel.

- Catholic Charities announcing plans to build a modern new headquarters at NW 12 and Classen

- Midtown Renaissance announcing plans to build a modern, 43-unit apartment complex at 1201 N Francis.

- The Oklahoma Publishing Co. finalizing a deal to move its operations, including The Oklahoman, to the old Century Center.

- Midtown Renaissance moving forward with renovation of the Marion Hotel at Broadway and NW 10

- A cluster of new retailers opening up along Automobile Alley.

- Announcement of an impressive list tenants for The Rise on NW 23.

- Devon’s historic $6 billion purchase of holdings in Eagle Ford (this will have ramifications on downtown).

Yes, it’s true – these are all developments that were unknown to the public just a month ago. And there’s more… much, much more…

- Rainey Williams tower….

- What’s next for Tom Ward….

- Big plays throughout downtown for new housing ….

- The influx of outside money …

- The influx of national retailers …

- Major new downtown anchors…

And yeah, I expect much of this to go public this next month.

What happened to all this big news we were supposed to be getting this month? With the announcement of Stage Center Tower being one of them? If no big news is announced this week, we are probably looking at the first of the year for big news!

From Steve's Blog:

OKC Central Live Chat 10 a.m. Today | News OK (http://newsok.com/okc-central-live-chat-10-a.m.-today/article/3907309)

Things are going a bit crazy these days. Downtown/urban core development is hitting a pace we’ve not seen in a century. Yes, it’s that crazy. And if we were choose a soundtrack for this story, yeah, Fatboy Slim would be a good pick.

A few weeks ago during an OKC Central Live Chat I predicted that the following 60 days would be an amazing period for downtown. I’m sticking with that call, and I’ll remind you what’s already transpired this first month:

- The start of outside money coming in with Indianapolis-based Milhaus preparing to build 327 apartments, 4,500 square feet of retail and 455-space garage at NW 10 and Shartel.

- Catholic Charities announcing plans to build a modern new headquarters at NW 12 and Classen

- Midtown Renaissance announcing plans to build a modern, 43-unit apartment complex at 1201 N Francis.

- The Oklahoma Publishing Co. finalizing a deal to move its operations, including The Oklahoman, to the old Century Center.

- Midtown Renaissance moving forward with renovation of the Marion Hotel at Broadway and NW 10

- A cluster of new retailers opening up along Automobile Alley.

- Announcement of an impressive list tenants for The Rise on NW 23.

- Devon’s historic $6 billion purchase of holdings in Eagle Ford (this will have ramifications on downtown).

Yes, it’s true – these are all developments that were unknown to the public just a month ago. And there’s more… much, much more…

- Rainey Williams tower….

- What’s next for Tom Ward….

- Big plays throughout downtown for new housing ….

- The influx of outside money …

- The influx of national retailers …

- Major new downtown anchors…

And yeah, I expect much of this to go public this next month.

I've been asking the same thing. It felt like we were about to be inundated with "big" project news, but so far, not much at all in the way of new news and nothing at all about the big projects.

I think at this point we don't need to put any more predictions on the announcement and just be surprised when it does happen.......IF it ever happens.

I've been asking the same thing. It felt like we were about to be inundated with "big" project news, but so far, not much at all in the way of new news and nothing at all about the big projects.


Several big housing projects have been announced.
Outside money is funding the Metropolitan and 10th & Shartel Apartments.
GE Global Research Center details announced
21c Museum Hotel announced
Trader Joe's definitely coming
Tom Ward in active negotiations for downtown space; perhaps Rock Island Plow Building
Stage Center Tower details coming soon

I think at this point we don't need to put any more predictions on the announcement and just be surprised when it does happen.......IF it ever happens.

I think something will happen, but I'll be surprised if the announcement is this year. If the demolition is slated for February we will have to know by then. My guess is we will know a few days before demolition.

I think something will happen, but I'll be surprised if the announcement is this year. If the demolition is slated for February we will have to know by then. My guess is we will know a few days before demolition.

I should have said..."IF it ever happens (this year)", lol. I would bet on a few days too. That way those that want to rally against this thing won't have time to plan.

Several big housing projects have been announced.
Outside money is funding the Metropolitan and 10th & Shartel Apartments.
GE Global Research Center details announced
21c Museum Hotel announced
Trader Joe's definitely coming
Tom Ward in active negotiations for downtown space; perhaps Rock Island Plow Building
Stage Center Tower details coming soon


The way Steve put it, was that we will have big NEW announcements this month. The projects above we all kind of knew about expect for the 21C Museum Hotel. We knew about the Metropolitan, and Shartel apartments before December. We really still don't know what Tom Ward is up to. We still really don't know what is going on with Rainey Williams and his new tower. And major new downtown anchors, I guess he was referring to OPUBCO moving to the Century Center?

So is this the old media bait? You know, give us just enough details to keep us interested, keep us reading, keep us participating, but not delivering any real substantial details?

GE's location was not known before December; nor was 21c (as noted). OPUBCO's deal was finalized; Trader Joe's has inked a deal.

I think Steve was hoping something positive would pop about First National Center, but that seems to be going sideways.

And whether Dec or Jan, Rainey Williams will announce his tower plans very soon.

Also, it's quite clear there will be major construction on the NW corner of Kerr & Hudson, so perhaps news is getting closer there.

Do we have any more detail about Trader Joe's other than that they are coming? I just did a little quick googling and didn't turn anything recent up.

The word on the street is that TJ's has signed a lease.

I believe it is for Nichols Hills Plaza (old Crescent Market space) but it won't be finalized/announced until the sale of the property closes, which should be soon.

Pete and I are on the same exact page here. Also, when I first started talking about this wave of activity, it was late October/early November ....

The way Steve put it, was that we will have big NEW announcements this month. The projects above we all kind of knew about expect for the 21C Museum Hotel. We knew about the Metropolitan, and Shartel apartments before December. We really still don't know what Tom Ward is up to. We still really don't know what is going on with Rainey Williams and his new tower. And major new downtown anchors, I guess he was referring to OPUBCO moving to the Century Center?

So is this the old media bait? You know, give us just enough details to keep us interested, keep us reading, keep us participating, but not delivering any real substantial details?

I somewhat agree. Except for the 21c Hotel and Trader Joe's, we haven't really learned any NEW information. We've known about most of this stuff since at least last spring, though it is definitely more concrete now. That doesn't detract from the fact these are all great developments, and a city like OKC is extremely fortunate to have them. However, I was also expecting major new developments to be announced that are different than what we've been talking about on OKCTalk since last year. Something like Rainey's tower and the second "mystery tower" that there is substantial evidence that is in the works. Maybe some additional west end anchors to accompany the 21c hotel to show us why that location makes sense. Influx of national retailer(s) seems to imply there is more than Trader Joe's on the verge of coming to OKC.

Nonetheless, if nothing else was announced other than what already has been, that would still be huge. People underestimate how big of a deal this GE thing is.

Pete and I are on the same exact page here. Also, when I first started talking about this wave of activity, it was late October/early November ....

Steve, I know you have stated that you are afraid you will jinx it if you talk about a certain project. If something falls through for whatever reason, are you ever able to talk about it falling through and why?

You people are impossible to please.

Hate to tell you guys that because there is so much advance information on everything that is going on, it's very unlikely anything is going to be a surprise any more.

Nothing big is going to just pop up... It will proceed like the Stage Center Tower, with bits of information coming out over a long period of time. That is already happening at Hudson & Kerr and elsewhere.

And then, many get frustrated that once we get wind of things, it just doesn't just start construction the next day.


Welcome to the new age of media, where information is a stream, not a press release about a ground breaking.