Guys, I'm gonna have to hold off until after the holidays. My bad.

No worries Steve. Have a great Christmas and we will see you next year. Are you chatting the next several weeks?

Guys, I'm gonna have to hold off until after the holidays. My bad.

Slacker! ;)

After reading that I can only assume someone didn't make their electric bill payment - multiple times.

Patrick wrote a separate post recently indicating that his power was cut off without warning for accidentally missing a payment. That provides a context for this article.

This type of backlash (expressed by The Lost Ogle) was certainly predicted when we first starting talking about OG&E building a new HQ and why -- in my humble opinion -- they decided to go through a developer rather than build it directly themselves; especially on a site where the demolition is going to bring even more unwanted scrutiny:


My only complaint is that ****** OG&E is going to be a tenant. Things must be going well for the legal monopoly that they can afford a nice new shiny building. Screw lowering our rates, or coming up with a better notification system

Slacker! ;)

Yeah, yeah. I'm also going to be taking a vacation from the live chat this Friday and next Friday. I suppose this will make me about as popular as Ed Shadid at a Greater Oklahoma City Chamber board meeting.

^

People will only be upset because we all appreciate the work you do and it will be sorely missed.

However, I hope you get a nice long vacation and some quality time with the family. Well deserved!

Let the tower news settle with the populace for a little while. Smooth move...

This type of backlash (expressed by The Lost Ogle) was certainly predicted when we first starting talking about OG&E building a new HQ and why -- in my humble opinion -- they decided to go through a developer rather than build it directly themselves; especially on a site where the demolition is going to bring even more unwanted scrutiny:

Eh it's the Ogle, they aren't supposed to be taken seriously.

Have a great break Steve. You certainly do deserve it!

Eh it's the Ogle, they aren't supposed to be taken seriously.

I get that but they/he is expressing a sentiment that is certain to be shared by many (i.e., my rates are going up because OG&E is building some palatial new HQ!).

^

People will only be upset because we all appreciate the work you do and it will be sorely missed.

However, I hope you get a nice long vacation and some quality time with the family. Well deserved!

Thank you sir. You have a great Christmas as well! I'm sure you'll fill some of the void here on OKC Talk as always.

Let the tower news settle with the populace for a little while. Smooth move...

I actually never intended it this way... but yeah, this will make for quite the first 2014 live chat when I get back....

Patrick and thelostogle.com weighed in the OG&E tower:

OG&E is getting a shiny new building downtown? | The Lost Ogle (http://www.thelostogle.com/2013/12/18/oge-is-getting-a-shiny-new-building-downtown/)

It's sad this tool and others have a viewpoint like this. He obviously knows very little, if anything, about OGE and how they run their business and how they continually fight to keep customer rates near the lowest in the country. This tower won't effect rates much at all. But, the EPA/Obama driven scrubbers and other environmental regulations will. Know your facts before you make yourself look like an idiot, Patrick.

I did see a little humor in the growing balls reference.

It's sad this tool and others have a viewpoint like this. He obviously knows very little, if anything, about OGE and how they run their business and how they continually fight to keep customer rates near the lowest in the country. This tower won't effect rates much at all. But, the EPA/Obama driven scrubbers and other environmental regulations will. Know your facts before you make yourself look like an idiot, Patrick.

I wouldn't mind temporary increases for a total conversion to natural gas (they should be called OCG&E) and for infrastructure improvements like buried lines. The scrubbers are okay and should help with smog and ozone pollution that can cause serious health problems especially those with cardio vascular diseases, but it seems like it would be a better long term solution to invest in the infrastructure to convert Oklahoma electricity to natural gas.

Either way, there's always going to be critics of what can be seen as superficial spending by a government sanctioned monopoly. That's a pretty easy target, especially in a state where many call themselves conservative.

I wouldn't mind temporary increases for a total conversion to natural gas (they should be called OCG&E) and for infrastructure improvements like buried lines. The scrubbers are okay and should help with smog and ozone pollution that can cause serious health problems especially those with cardio vascular diseases, but it seems like it would be a better long term solution to invest in the infrastructure to convert Oklahoma electricity to natural gas...
Like

The design is nice, but I am deeply disappointed in the height and general purpose. As with so many developments, we were sold on bigger promises. I was willing to trade my principles and lose Stage Center in exchange for something truly unique - something that would significantly add to OKC's skyline and urban fabric. This ain't it. This tract is among the most desirable in the downtown area. It deserves better.

I realize that big real estate development is a difficult and messy process, but I am also troubled by back-tracking and lack of concrete, forward-thinking plans. In the past, this has led to new surface parking!

The design is nice, but I am deeply disappointed in the height and general purpose. As with so many developments, we were sold on bigger promises. I was willing to trade my principles and lose Stage Center in exchange for something truly unique - something that would significantly add to OKC's skyline and urban fabric. This ain't it. This tract is among the most desirable in the downtown area. It deserves better.

I realize that big real estate development is a difficult and messy process, but I am also troubled by back-tracking and lack of concrete, forward-thinking plans. In the past, this has led to new surface parking!

Like

The design is nice, but I am deeply disappointed in the height and general purpose. As with so many developments, we were sold on bigger promises. I was willing to trade my principles and lose Stage Center in exchange for something truly unique - something that would significantly add to OKC's skyline and urban fabric. This ain't it. This tract is among the most desirable in the downtown area. It deserves better.

I realize that big real estate development is a difficult and messy process, but I am also troubled by back-tracking and lack of concrete, forward-thinking plans. In the past, this has led to new surface parking!

This is why I said, I'd lay down on the property in front of the bulldozer. It's a nice design, just not worthy IMHO.

This is why I said, I'd lay down on the property in front of the bulldozer. It's a nice design, just not worthy IMHO.

Well that helps explain why we now have Jearsy barriers & tall chain link fences around major construction downtown.

After the news came out yesterday, Steve tweeted: "That was a long day. I think another $10 million in development is all I've got energy to report until I take off for vacation... Other fun stuff might have to wait until the new year." What are the best guesses for the $10 million in development? Housing on top of the Main Street Parking garage? I think a MidtownR apartment complex would be more than that. Maybe we will finally hear about what else will be coming to Century Center with the Oklahoman? Maybe an updated rendering of the parking garage Don Karchmer wants to build? Other ideas?
Not trying to be snarky, but having a hard time figuring out why one can't write more than 1"big news" article and contact necessary sources in a 2 week span? Taking holiday time for Christmas is one thing, and encourage those able to take time off to do so, but just for the sake of " it's hard work" is another. Journalists in "Big League Cities" write big stories multiple times a week if not daily.

Well that helps explain why we now have Jearsy barriers & tall chain link fences around major construction downtown.

Jearsy ;-) Poking fun goes both ways, haha.

The design is nice, but I am deeply disappointed in the height and general purpose. As with so many developments, we were sold on bigger promises. I was willing to trade my principles and lose Stage Center in exchange for something truly unique - something that would significantly add to OKC's skyline and urban fabric. This ain't it. This tract is among the most desirable in the downtown area. It deserves better.

I realize that big real estate development is a difficult and messy process, but I am also troubled by back-tracking and lack of concrete, forward-thinking plans. In the past, this has led to new surface parking!

I say we wait and see what the final design will look like. Again, these are conceptual plans only, and the true design work has not even started. When its all said and done, this tower might end up 'at least 20 stories'. And the parcel designated for the other tower is open any developer and that high-rise might end up being our first true modern residential high-rise in downtown. I think they just wanted to get something in front of the DDRC as soon as possible to get the Stage Center demolition process going, because they know it will take some time to get approved. I would not be surprised if the DDRC rejects his application for demolition, until he presents more concrete plans/designs for the site.

Not trying to be snarky, but having a hard time figuring out why one can't write more than 1"big news" article and contact necessary sources in a 2 week span? Taking holiday time for Christmas is one thing, and encourage those able to take time off to do so, but just for the sake of " it's hard work" is another. Journalists in "Big League Cities" write big stories multiple times a week if not daily.

Wow, Metro. Come on. Your disclaimer that you "don't mean to sound snarky" cannot hide your snarkiness here. The man is entitled to a vacation. If he wants to take it now, or in March, or in September, what is it to you? Using the "Big League City" theme to criticize Steve for not delivering articles on your timeline is unfair. After all, "Big League Cities" might have more than one person covering a particular beat. In fact, hey! So does The Oklahoman. Isn't William Crum now on the downtown beat?

Wow, Metro. Come on. Your disclaimer that you "don't mean to sound snarky" cannot hide your snarkiness here. The man is entitled to a vacation. If he wants to take it now, or in March, or in September, what is it to you? Using the "Big League City" theme to criticize Steve for not delivering articles on your timeline is unfair. After all, "Big League Cities" might have more than one person covering a particular beat. In fact, hey! So does The Oklahoman. Isn't William Crum now on the downtown beat?

Don't forget Brianna Bailey.

Not trying to be snarky, but having a hard time figuring out why one can't write more than 1"big news" article and contact necessary sources in a 2 week span? Taking holiday time for Christmas is one thing, and encourage those able to take time off to do so, but just for the sake of " it's hard work" is another. Journalists in "Big League Cities" write big stories multiple times a week if not daily.

Imagine me saying this is in a kind and respectful tone, because that's how I intend it: You clearly have no idea of what Steve puts into his job.

The dude is EVERYWHERE, all the time. He never misses a downtown meeting, is always out talking with people. Then he writes, blogs, tweets, chats all day every day. Not to mention, writes multiple books, helps spearhead Retro Metro, posts here, is great about responding to emails and messages... All this seven days a week. Honestly, I don't know how he does it.

I simply don't know anyone who works harder or more consistently. And I know a ton of driven people.


I say all this not to kiss Steve's arse, but because I have a very good idea now of what he does and I'm not exaggerating when I say I am in awe.

Imagine me saying this is in a kind and respectful tone, because that's how I intend it: You clearly have no idea of what Steve puts into his job.

The dude is EVERYWHERE, all the time. He never misses a downtown meeting, is always out talking with people. Then he writes, blogs, tweets, chats all day every day. Not to mention, writes multiple books, helps spearhead Retro Metro, posts here, is great about responding to emails and messages... All this seven days a week. Honestly, I don't know how he does it.

I simply don't know anyone who works harder or more consistently. And I know a ton of driven people.


I say all this not to kiss Steve's arse, but because I have a very good idea now of what he does and I'm not exaggerating when I say I am in awe.

Like

I say we wait and see what the final design will look like. Again, these are conceptual plans only, and the true design work has not even started. When its all said and done, this tower might end up 'at least 20 stories'. And the parcel designated for the other tower is open any developer and that high-rise might end up being our first true modern residential high-rise in downtown. I think they just wanted to get something in front of the DDRC as soon as possible to get the Stage Center demolition process going, because they know it will take some time to get approved. I would not be surprised if the DDRC rejects his application for demolition, until he presents more concrete plans/designs for the site.



I doubt that the height will change much if any. OG&E knows what their needs are and they will be the only occupant so I don't see why they would change it. Too bad the new MLP didn't join forces with them in the same building. Maybe that is why they stated 25 stories at 1st? We all thought that 25 stories was too short and it was. But now we hear this and it's really a downer. This should be built somewhere up around Regency Tower. 35 stories or taller should be going on this stage center site IMO.

Geez, nothing is good enough for some people. Move to Manhattan if you want the best downtown life. This is a major improvement over the eye sore currently rotting there.

I wouldn't mind temporary increases for a total conversion to natural gas (they should be called OCG&E) and for infrastructure improvements like buried lines. The scrubbers are okay and should help with smog and ozone pollution that can cause serious health problems especially those with cardio vascular diseases, but it seems like it would be a better long term solution to invest in the infrastructure to convert Oklahoma electricity to natural gas.

Either way, there's always going to be critics of what can be seen as superficial spending by a government sanctioned monopoly. That's a pretty easy target, especially in a state where many call themselves conservative.

Like!

Pete, did the $750 million price tag for the Devon Tower include office furniture and what not or only construction cost, and could this be why the price tag for this is at "only" $100 million, since OGE would be supplying their own? Or would office furniture etc. not significantly affect the price?

I'm a little surprised Philly is able to build a 47-floor hotel/residential tower in downtown Philly for only $200M. Makes me think we should be able to do a little better here in the midwest with our $100M (e.g. pay for whole site, not just the office tower and parking, etc).

Skyscraper planned on Philadelphia record co. site | 6abc.com (http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=9363372)

Pete, did the $750 million price tag for the Devon Tower include office furniture and what not or only construction cost, and could this be why the price tag for this is at "only" $100 million, since OGE would be supplying their own? Or would office furniture etc. not significantly affect the price?

I believe the $750 million did not include furniture, fixtures and equipment -- only property and construction costs.

But Devon is almost 2 million square feet of space, plus the auditorium, rotunda, connection to the Colcord, etc.

The OG&E tower will likely only be about 500,000 square feet, if that much. Plus much less parking and other amenities.

The newest office construction downtown to compare would be the Parkside Building, which had a $35 million building permit; not including property purchase and demoliton.

Parkside is much smaller and won't have a parking garage, but it's also a unique, complex structure.

You can't really tell whether it's leed certified ambitious by the drawing, however you get guess that OGE would try to be.. Certainly the green space on the roof helps in that regard, but it is harder with all glass face. Plus, there are levels of LEED. LEED is very misunderstood by most.

Sure, you can't tell for sure but the green space, the glass for daylight and what looks to be spots for electric vehicles makes you wonder. Also, I am a LEED AP so no misunderstanding here.

The lack of activity on this thread speaks volumes to the quality of this project in relation to its expectations. Its nearly halfway down the first page, and people have literally waited YEARS for this announcement.

The 2 most exciting aspects of the entire project are A. it has "green space" on top of the parking garage, even though its right next to the best park in the city and soon the soon to be Maps park. So....? and B. it may have a urban target at street level. A target... SMH. Going to a target in my life has never made me excited. Ever. I get it will be nice for people living downtown, but the excitement of that will wear off in a few weeks time.

There is basically zero excitement surrounding the actual "tower" aspect.

What a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day you are.

of course people on here are disappointed, they had wet dreams of a 45 floor building. As Steve hinted at, people became emotionally invested in this mystery building.

I for one was very surprised and very pleased at most aspect of the plan so far.

How excited does one need to be about knowing another partial block in the core is going from decaying to vibrant, from desolated to active, from dead to alive? Unless one insists on only measuring success by distance from dirt to tippy top of crown, this project qualifies as a success. Lots of bodies across from MBG, business regulars and visitors alike, providing eyes and feet for the gardens and the new eateries in the area. Also providing, at least in my opinion, eyes and bodies for the new park to the near south as well.

Too old and fat to be doing backflips for anyone or anything, but do feel free to put me in the I'm ok with SC being demo'd and this replacing it column.

The lack of activity on this thread speaks volumes to the quality of this project in relation to its expectations. Its nearly halfway down the first page, and people have literally waited YEARS for this announcement.

The 2 most exciting aspects of the entire project are A. it has "green space" on top of the parking garage, even though its right next to the best park in the city and soon the soon to be Maps park. So....? and B. it may have a urban target at street level. A target... SMH. Going to a target in my life has never made me excited. Ever. I get it will be nice for people living downtown, but the excitement of that will wear off in a few weeks time.

There is basically zero excitement surrounding the actual "tower" aspect.

Or people have the holidays on their mind... or the impending ice storm... or the same complaints have been hashed and rehashed that there's little left to re-rehash.

Please point me in the direction of the forum rule book that says all posts must have rainbows and unicorns bursting from them.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TfEcLSNKT0U/T4T1z-6PBKI/AAAAAAAAA38/yO557JREm4I/s1600/apr+10+post+Rainbows_and_Unicorns_by_KosReD.jpg

Listen, I think we can all agree that this tower is an improvement over the stage center. But that does not mean it IS WORTH losing the stage center over. Let me ask you a hypothetical question.

Say a new company decides to move in to town, they release plans to build a giant 50 story tower in downtown Oklahoma City that rivals Devon in beauty, elegance and functionality, butttttt, they bought the land First National resides on and the building must be razed to build their new tower. Sure the new tower would be BETTER than First National but would you be willing to let go of that historic landmark JUST BECAUSE what would be replacing it is better?

I also was one that wanted a more profound (as in tall) tower. What we got is exceptional as to what is there now, since the Stage Center is now defunct and has been for years. But on the drive in from the West today it dawned on me. For about a mile, let's say between Penn and Western, now when you glance over at the Devon tower with an amazing deep blue lighting outline from top to bottom, if the new tower was any taller, especially since it's so wide, the view would be severely compromised.

Now i'm happy the OG&E building will only be 14 - 16 floors tall. This building being shorter than expected is an unforseen blessing.

The lack of activity on this thread speaks volumes to the quality of this project in relation to its expectations. Its nearly halfway down the first page, and people have literally waited YEARS for this announcement.

The 2 most exciting aspects of the entire project are A. it has "green space" on top of the parking garage, even though its right next to the best park in the city and soon the soon to be Maps park. So....? and B. it may have a urban target at street level. A target... SMH. Going to a target in my life has never made me excited. Ever. I get it will be nice for people living downtown, but the excitement of that will wear off in a few weeks time.

There is basically zero excitement surrounding the actual "tower" aspect.

It's hard to make true judgment until the final designs are released. I don't like it so far, but that might change once dirt starts to turn. I don't understand why they would want "green space" this will deter employees using Myriad Gardens. Again, this plan might change totally before its all said and done.

OK....
What if ...
Original plans to have two corporate anchors ended up in a decision instead to go their separate ways in terms of physical headquarters?
What if one wasn't quite on the same timetable, but the project was designed to allow for that second company to build a third building on that same block?
You end up with three mid- to lower high-rise buildings instead of a 40-story tower. You ended up with more expansive skyline instead of just one more taller building. And what if this is combined with another tower or two built for other occupants?
What if this is about corporate space needs, corporate branding and skyline presence, timing projects in terms of financing, ensuring adequate planning for parking and traffic flow, and also about when and how the boulevard is designed? What's more important? Those considerations I just listed, or who has the biggest tower?
For what it's worth, I was surprised by the height as well. My sources were telling me 14- to 16-stories for OGE and about a dozen floors for either hotel, housing or other office tenants. I didn't know for sure until a week before I broke the story that it was two towers.
As for the design, read my story. This is a conceptual master plan. That's it. ADG doesn't even know if they get to do actual architectural design. This is building modeling or site concepts.

Thank you Steve. With that information, I am very excited to see the end result of this site.

How excited does one need to be about knowing another partial block in the core is going from decaying to vibrant, from desolated to active, from dead to alive? Unless one insists on only measuring success by distance from dirt to tippy top of crown, this project qualifies as a success. Lots of bodies across from MBG, business regulars and visitors alike, providing eyes and feet for the gardens and the new eateries in the area. Also providing, at least in my opinion, eyes and bodies for the new park to the near south as well.

Too old and fat to be doing backflips for anyone or anything, but do feel free to put me in the I'm ok with SC being demo'd and this replacing it column.

These people will be moving from one corner of downtown to the other. No new jobs will be added, other than construction jobs. And those only last as long as the actual construction. How exactly is that a huge improvement?


Now i'm happy the OG&E building will only be 14 - 16 floors tall. This building being shorter than expected is an unforseen blessing.

LOL, you are right. I would for sure hate for a spectacular new tower to block the view of another spectacular tower. We should just level all other buildings downtown so we can have a perfect 360 view of the Devon tower.

OK....
What if ...
Original plans to have two corporate anchors ended up in a decision instead to go their separate ways in terms of physical headquarters?
What if one wasn't quite on the same timetable, but the project was designed to allow for that second company to build a third building on that same block?
You end up with three mid- to lower high-rise buildings instead of a 40-story tower. You ended up with more expansive skyline instead of just one more taller building. And what if this is combined with another tower or two built for other occupants?
What if this is about corporate space needs, corporate branding and skyline presence, timing projects in terms of financing, ensuring adequate planning for parking and traffic flow, and also about when and how the boulevard is designed? What's more important? Those considerations I just listed, or who has the biggest tower?
For what it's worth, I was surprised by the height as well. My sources were telling me 14- to 16-stories for OGE and about a dozen floors for either hotel, housing or other office tenants. I didn't know for sure until a week before I broke the story that it was two towers.
As for the design, read my story. This is a conceptual master plan. That's it. ADG doesn't even know if they get to do actual architectural design. This is building modeling or site concepts.

So enable is building a tower in the future on the south half of this site. :)

OK....
What if ...
Original plans to have two corporate anchors ended up in a decision instead to go their separate ways in terms of physical headquarters?
What if one wasn't quite on the same timetable, but the project was designed to allow for that second company to build a third building on that same block?
You end up with three mid- to lower high-rise buildings instead of a 40-story tower. You ended up with more expansive skyline instead of just one more taller building. And what if this is combined with another tower or two built for other occupants?
What if this is about corporate space needs, corporate branding and skyline presence, timing projects in terms of financing, ensuring adequate planning for parking and traffic flow, and also about when and how the boulevard is designed? What's more important? Those considerations I just listed, or who has the biggest tower?
For what it's worth, I was surprised by the height as well. My sources were telling me 14- to 16-stories for OGE and about a dozen floors for either hotel, housing or other office tenants. I didn't know for sure until a week before I broke the story that it was two towers.
As for the design, read my story. This is a conceptual master plan. That's it. ADG doesn't even know if they get to do actual architectural design. This is building modeling or site concepts.


Did you really just write your paragraph out in the way the real building will look when turned counter clockwise....? :Smiley122

You end up with three mid- to lower high-rise buildings instead of a 40-story tower. You ended up with more expansive skyline instead of just one more taller building. And what if this is combined with another tower or two built for other occupants?

^This. What would be better, downtown as it is now or take the 11 tallest buildings and replacing them with 10 story buildings but keeping the same amount of space? These 11 building would become 32 buildings all between 100 and 150 feet tall, plus all the other buildings downtown that were not in the top 11. Downtown's tallest would be 101 Park Ave (former Sonic bldg.) at 180' but there would be some awesome street-level density. Think Madison, WI.

I mentioned this before but Stage Center could easily fit 5 towers.

OK....
What if ...
Original plans to have two corporate anchors ended up in a decision instead to go their separate ways in terms of physical headquarters?
What if one wasn't quite on the same timetable, but the project was designed to allow for that second company to build a third building on that same block?
You end up with three mid- to lower high-rise buildings instead of a 40-story tower. You ended up with more expansive skyline instead of just one more taller building. And what if this is combined with another tower or two built for other occupants?
What if this is about corporate space needs, corporate branding and skyline presence, timing projects in terms of financing, ensuring adequate planning for parking and traffic flow, and also about when and how the boulevard is designed? What's more important? Those considerations I just listed, or who has the biggest tower?
For what it's worth, I was surprised by the height as well. My sources were telling me 14- to 16-stories for OGE and about a dozen floors for either hotel, housing or other office tenants. I didn't know for sure until a week before I broke the story that it was two towers.
As for the design, read my story. This is a conceptual master plan. That's it. ADG doesn't even know if they get to do actual architectural design. This is building modeling or site concepts.

Like.

And just like that, I'm pumped again...

*moves backs to lurking in the shadows*

These people will be moving from one corner of downtown to the other. No new jobs will be added, other than construction jobs. And those only last as long as the actual construction. How exactly is that a huge improvement?

Maybe not by OG&E but given the shortage of class A office space this will free up downtown and other companies growth, there will be parties bringing more jobs downtown in the space vacated.

jccougar, have you seen the OGE property on S Broadway?
Further, it's a domino effect. There is a back-up of people wanting space at Leadership Square. This will free up that space for someone from outside to move in....
Look at what happened with 20 N Broadway.

jccougar, have you seen the OGE property on S Broadway?
Further, it's a domino effect. There is a back-up of people wanting space at Leadership Square. This will free up that space for someone from outside to move in....
Look at what happened with 20 N Broadway.

Pretty much confirms Enable/Enogex is/was the second company. :)

I understand the concept of vacated space creating more opportunities for other companies to join the downtown party. This concept would hold true regardless of where the newly constructed space was created though. Saying that, I've backed away from my stance on saving the stage center for this development based on the knowledge you just delivered, for now. Still seems like there is a lot left to be determined, and ill wait.

Just realized that Praedura hasn't made a post in a while. I sure hope he's okay. Last post was 12-12. His posts give me a smile in this thread.

These people will be moving from one corner of downtown to the other. No new jobs will be added, other than construction jobs. And those only last as long as the actual construction. How exactly is that a huge improvement?

What kind of property taxes are collected on the stage center site now?
What kind of property taxes would be collected on the new OGE tower site?
I suspect it would be a BIG improvement.

What kind of property taxes are collected on the stage center site now?
What kind of property taxes would be collected on the new OGE tower site?
I suspect it would be a BIG improvement.

Zero property taxes for decades because the property has been owned by a non-profit.

The tax rate is $155 per $1,000 of property value, so assuming approx. $100 million improved value, that would yield about $1 million a year.

Also, the City will collect sales tax on the various items purchased for the tower, and that represents a pretty good amount as well.

And then, there is continuing sales tax from the restaurants and other services in the project.

I really hope they incorporate LED lighting to compliment Devon, the Crystal Bridge and Skydance Bridge.

I like how all three are bathed in Thunder blue on game days and I know there is coordination / synching functionality between the Myriad Gardens and Devon. Need to make sure that any new buildings have the same features.

I really hope they incorporate LED lighting to compliment Devon, the Crystal Bridge and Skydance Bridge.

I like how all three are bathed in Thunder blue on game days and I know there is coordination / synching functionality between the Myriad Gardens and Devon. Need to make sure that any new buildings have the same features.

On their current old HQ, they have the top outlined in orange lighting. Should be a good sign that they will.

Funny how this has come full circle (from 7/30/84):

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

The New OG&E 16-story Headquarters (http://www.okchistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=237:the-new-ogae-16-story-headquarters&catid=38:places&Itemid=77)

Funny how this has come full circle (from 7/30/84):

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

The New OG&E 16-story Headquarters (http://www.okchistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=237:the-new-ogae-16-story-headquarters&catid=38:places&Itemid=77)

I like the +30 year plan better!

Funny how this has come full circle (from 7/30/84):

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

The New OG&E 16-story Headquarters (http://www.okchistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=237:the-new-ogae-16-story-headquarters&catid=38:places&Itemid=77)

Hopefully, history does not repeat itself this time around.