Haha the good old "put your money where your mouth is" strategy. Well played, Popsy. Well played.

The city doesn't care about older or iconic buildings if they appear to stand in the way of shiny and new. If they don't care enough to save the Stage Center it is no surprise that this building is seen as just another obstacle to be removed.

Agree! Same for the India Temple

I ask this question in all seriousness: do you know of many good examples of beautiful historic buildings that were replaced with "something better?

St. Paul's cathedral. It has been rebuilt many times on the same spot. There are literally thousands of examples of this. And do you really consider this building historic? That really seems like a stretch to me. Stage Center is much more historic but I believe when it is replaced it will be by something much better. Of course, I wasn't much of a fan to begin with.

I ask this question in all seriousness: do you know of many good examples of beautiful historic buildings that were replaced with "something better?

I'll take this: there is a difference between "old" and "historical." Preserving a building simply because it is old, but lacks significance, doesn't make sense to me if it could be replaced with something better. Salinger makes a good point above in referencing Main Street. One North Hudson replaced an existing building, as did First National Center. If in 50 years, someone wanted to raze Robinson Plaza to build something great, kudos. If they wanted to continue that razing 30 yards to the south, and clear the Colcord, expect me (a very old man at this point) to be standing in front of the hover bulldozers.

The Film Exchange building is historic, and I believe should be saved. I truly believe one of OKC's greatest faults is the continual destruction of the past. This park project seems like an OK idea that is being hastily pushed through without considering the alternatives.

I think it would make a strong statement if OKC talkers could raise donations equal to say, $400,000 to contribute towards the rehab of the building. Are there enough OKC talkers out there willing to donate? I could probably come up with $1,000.

Already have. It's called a penny sales tax. You're welcome.

I don't know anything about the structural condition of these buildings. The architect on the committee said there were problems and seemed familiar with them. I posted that yesterday so those of you who are concerned would know about the resolution as quickly as possible.

From my perspective, I think the Film Exchange building is the one to concentrate your efforts. It has the most interesting facade, has the most historical significance if I understand Steve and Shipwreck's posts correctly, and is farther away from the stage and lawn planned for the NE corner of the park. It appears that is could house the park staff, the park conservancy the consultants recommended, and maintenance equipment for the park. There is probably enough room to build restroom facilities with controlled access to serve the Robinson spine and maybe even a refreshment stand. I can see where that building could perform many function for the park under one roof. Just a few ideas.....

Yes, I would look at innovative ways to preserve the Robinson facade, but turn the rest of the building into a shell, perhaps a family or movie pavilion, etc. Restrooms are also a good idea. This will set the tone for development east of the park and can elevate the quality and uniqueness of what we will see. Right now OCURA seems to be treating the east side as the junk side. The bigger battle may even be preventing OCURA from clear cutting everything between Robinson and Shields and ESPECIALLY SW 3rd between Walker and Western, which is already a fabulous, in tact historic street.

If we put the park elsewhere, it appears OCURA would have clear cut Bricktown, or ESPECIALLY Film Row.

Popsy: unfortunately the City has already decided they want the building gone a long time ago. As Steve pointed out, someone had purchased the building, applied for the permits to do the renovation work and was turned down. There was a simlar story with the India Temple before SandRidge got involved. Even if the money is there, if the powers that be decide otherwise, its a done deal (at least when it comes to the financing). Now if there is sufficient public outcry, we might be able to get it changed (somewhat successful with the Boulevard but not the India Temple).

It's a goner. Too little too late. Let it be a lesson. Lets keep the International Harvester Building.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9362337257_4fbab306d9_h.jpg

OH MY GOD!I think there are overhead wires in that picture! ;)

I guess the demo resolution sailed through the MAPS oversight committee this morning?

Agree 100%.

OH MY GOD!I think there are overhead wires in that picture! ;)

I guess the demo resolution sailed through the MAPS oversight committee this morning?

I watched the meeting. The resolution was not passed nor was it denied. It apparently failed for lack of a motion. I think that the intent of the committee is to get more information before they vote.

That gives Film Exchange proponents a little more time. Still have a shot maybe.

UPDATE: I attended the meeting this morning and was welcomed warmly to speak by the group. I was the only one doing so. This meeting was a formality to simply approve all that was decided yesterday...then it fell apart a little. Surprisingly, it was my letters and emails to the mayor and council that had Councilman White address the building specifically with the McDearment (prob spelled that totally wrong) Firm about why the building should be razed and can it be prevented. The discussion kind of veered itback on its original course and decision. Then I was alowed to speak at that time instead of waiting till the end of the meeting. I presented what I knew, shared the history, and did my best to disuade them and to ask them for reconsideration. After some back and forth here is where we now stand: THE BUILDING HAS A REPRIEVE. The committe was divided and realized they may not have had all the information or knew about its actual historical signifigance. The plan is to do more research and in 30 days revisit what they know - not to determine its fate. We are being given time. NOW, the fun part, I was approached right after by a lovely gentlemen attorney from Washington, D.C. who was once heavily involved with OKC development back in the day. He proposed repurposing the building as a Museum about Oklahoma City. What a great idea! The bottom line remains however, the building can not stay if there is no way to fund its salvation and future. We need a champion - a significant champion. Perhaps with grant money and philanthropy, a museum, cafe, offices could be what we are looking for. Anyhoot, there you have it and that is where we stand. Someone know Mr. Moneybucks, by chance? lol

Good to hear. Just relying on tweets until now. Thanks for the update.

You know, it is probably a good thing I don't live in OKC because I would have been arrested about 100X over the last 2 years or so while being chained to some object. I think my wife would stop bailing me out after the 2nd or 3rd time.

The City of OKC just submitted an application to demolish the Film Exchange Building to the Downtown Design Review Committee.

Interestingly, it's being shown as an "Administrative" type of review, which means the staff with decide without it coming in front of the board at the monthly meeting.

I believe this still still have to get formal approval from City Council, however.

UPDATE: I attended the meeting this morning and was welcomed warmly to speak by the group. I was the only one doing so. This meeting was a formality to simply approve all that was decided yesterday...then it fell apart a little. Surprisingly, it was my letters and emails to the mayor and council that had Councilman White address the building specifically with the McDearment (prob spelled that totally wrong) Firm about why the building should be razed and can it be prevented. The discussion kind of veered itback on its original course and decision. Then I was alowed to speak at that time instead of waiting till the end of the meeting. I presented what I knew, shared the history, and did my best to disuade them and to ask them for reconsideration. After some back and forth here is where we now stand: THE BUILDING HAS A REPRIEVE. The committe was divided and realized they may not have had all the information or knew about its actual historical signifigance. The plan is to do more research and in 30 days revisit what they know - not to determine its fate. We are being given time. NOW, the fun part, I was approached right after by a lovely gentlemen attorney from Washington, D.C. who was once heavily involved with OKC development back in the day. He proposed repurposing the building as a Museum about Oklahoma City. What a great idea! The bottom line remains however, the building can not stay if there is no way to fund its salvation and future. We need a champion - a significant champion. Perhaps with grant money and philanthropy, a museum, cafe, offices could be what we are looking for. Anyhoot, there you have it and that is where we stand. Someone know Mr. Moneybucks, by chance? lol
Good job, Shipwreck! I wish that I could have been that Mr. Moneybucks you mentioned, but that good fortune was not to be my destiny, sad to say.

But would it be outstanding to have an Oklahoma City history museum, or what?

i was met by channel 4 in the lobby of City Hall - watch the 5 and 6pm news tonight re Film Exchange building and the story now centered on its future.

i was met by channel 4 in the lobby of City Hall - watch the 5 and 6pm news tonight re Film Exchange building and the story now centered on its future.

Thanks Brad for all you have done to make us aware of this.

Good job, Shipwreck! I wish that I could have been that Mr. Moneybucks you mentioned, but that good fortune was not to be my destiny, sad to say.

But would it be outstanding to have an Oklahoma City history museum, or what?

If they tear it down it will be the ultimate OKC history museum. What could represent the history OKC more than an empty lot where a building used to stand? As a joke someone should just put a sign on a vacant lot that proclaims it to be the OKC History Museum. Then see if it can get onto Google Earth as an actually point of interest.

If they tear it down it will be the ultimate OKC history museum. What could represent the history OKC more than an empty lot where a building used to stand? As a joke someone should just put a sign on a vacant lot that proclaims it to be the OKC History Museum. Then see if it can get onto Google Earth as an actually point of interest.

a city park is not an "empty lot"

i was met by channel 4 in the lobby of City Hall - watch the 5 and 6pm news tonight re Film Exchange building and the story now centered on its future.

How much money do we need?

How much money do we need?
Enough for its restoration/build out and future - not counting designing, permits, etc. So say $10-25mil - the actual bldg part may be significantly less, but the idea would be to generate revenue for the building and then establish a trust fund for the museum, staff, etc. I think the art museum did something similar. I think a museum is the best idea. I really do. I would love to take that challenge on. Anyone want to hire me as a consult? lol We need a museum where the artifacts from our city's past can be dispayed and our tale told.

The City of OKC just submitted an application to demolish the Film Exchange Building to the Downtown Design Review Committee.

Interestingly, it's being shown as an "Administrative" type of review, which means the staff with decide without it coming in front of the board at the monthly meeting.

I believe this still still have to get formal approval from City Council, however.

If it's administrative, staff's decision is all that is necessary (for permit purposes). Someone can file an appeal, but it has to be within 10 days of approval/denial of the application. HOWEVER, the ordinance says staff "reserves the right" to send this to the committee for review. Staff will send items when they are controversial, etc. With the attention this has received, we'll see where the application ends up.

Enough for its restoration/build out and future - not counting designing, permits, etc. So say $10-25mil - the actual bldg part may be significantly less, but the idea would be to generate revenue for the building and then establish a trust fund for the museum, staff, etc. I think the art museum did something similar. I think a museum is the best idea. I really do. I would love to take that challenge on. Anyone want to hire me as a consult? lol We need a museum where the artifacts from our city's past can be dispayed and our tale told.

you would also maybe need the money to buy it back from the city .. and pay the consultant to change the plans for the park ..

Since the City presumeably owns it now and the money is already there for the Park with MAPS 3, I don't see why there needs to be an outside 3rd party...the citizens have already paid for it...pay for it out of the Park funds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfO7gQDw8J4
Film Exchange Building KFOR (July 25 2013) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfO7gQDw8J4)

Fight over historic building heats up in downtown OKC | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2013/07/25/fight-over-historic-building-heats-up-in-downtown-okc-2/)

Since the City presumeably owns it now and the money is already there for the Park with MAPS 3, I don't see why there needs to be an outside 3rd party...the citizens have already paid for it...pay for it out of the Park funds

Expanding on this thought ... if the building were to be razed, and the dirt underneath it reworked for flora, trail, etc., that comes at a cost from those funds. So, if the bldg is to remain and used as a city museum or partial kiosks for rentals, a small cafe in a corner,w ahtever, why wouldn't the funds not used for demo be available toward restoration and new use.

I'm very disappointed in Mr. Butzer's comments. Of all the groups that should be concerned with preserving historic buildings, our architectural professionals should be at the forefront.

I'm very disappointed in Mr. Butzer's comments. Of all the groups that should be concerned with preserving historic buildings, our architectural professionals should be at the forefront.
In all fairness his concerns were legitimate. The bottom line simply came down to how will it be funded...see next post.

This is where we stand...

The Film Exchange building at 5th/Robinson has been given a short reprieve from being demolished. That said, the window of opportunity now to find an alternative solution is small.

The need...

There was much back and forth about structure issues, parking lots, eye sore, etc, but what it boiled down to, to incorporate it within the vision of the Central Park, was how will it be funded and can it be conducive to public need (preferably not private, i.e. shops, lofts, etc).

My proposal...

To convert the building into a future "Oklahoma City History Museum"

My reasoning...

There is no such place to house the current widely spread collection of our city's artifacts, nor a dedicated place to share its story. I am not talking about the State museum or some other entity, but a dedicated entity and building for a museum dedicated to Oklahoma City alone.

HOW (rough proposal): First, determine who owns the property today, as I cannot find a record of it under the Asset Group any longer, so I need to calrify its ownership. Meet with the Oklahoma City Historical Society and city leaders to acertain if this is a viable option.

Find a champion/angel to fund the building's build out and restoration. Then through philanthropy, establish a "trust" to fund the museum for at least ten years out, i.e. staff, costs, etc.

Conclusion...

I think that establishing a public museum and archive for Oklahoma City history will work into the overall public use portion of the Central Park vision, and create another destination point within the park. By funding its restoration, the building would be saved from demolition. All of this is my vision. Can it be realized? That is something I will start to work on in the weeks to come. Feedback?

Fight over historic building heats up in downtown OKC | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2013/07/25/fight-over-historic-building-heats-up-in-downtown-okc-2/)

Here are two more stories:

OKC Historian Fights To Save Old Film Exchange Building - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/22936946/okc-group-fights-to-save-old-film-exchange-building)

Demolition of Oklahoma City Film Exchange Building put on hold | News OK (http://newsok.com/demolition-of-oklahoma-city-film-exchange-building-put-on-hold/article/3866101)

Steve's update.

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/3866101?embargo=1


A plan to raze Oklahoma City's 90-year-old Film Exchange Building was put on hold Thursday following protests that the building is historically significant and should be incorporated into plans for the future Core to Shore park south of downtown.

Demolition of Oklahoma City Film Exchange Building put on hold | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/demolition-of-oklahoma-city-film-exchange-building-put-on-hold/article/3866101) (mobile link)

HOW (rough proposal): First, determine who owns the property today, as I cannot find a record of it under the Asset Group any longer, so I need to calrify its ownership. Meet with the Oklahoma City Historical Society and city leaders to acertain if this is a viable option. Feedback?

Oklahoma City owns the building .. the closed on it jan 27 2011

I propose we meet and gather ideas. This weekend! Send me a private message and let me know what times you can make it. I am free this weekend. We need to get organized now.

From the live chat:
The Film Exchange Building has more than 30 days, but, yes, this 90-year-old building in Core to Shore is being targeted for demolition by the city and planners of the Core to Shore park. I'm not sure what developers were contacted by Mary Margaret Jones at Hargreaves Associates, but I've already heard from one very accomplished developer who definitely has the capacity to take on this property and he's very interested.

I'm very disappointed in Mr. Butzer's comments. Of all the groups that should be concerned with preserving historic buildings, our architectural professionals should be at the forefront.

Of course Hanz doesn't want the Film Exchange buildings. He has designed a modern cafe facing the boulevard. Why would he want to give up the $$$ and not add to his portfolio?

While I agree this building should be saved, my question is why do people/groups that want these structures preserved wait until they are scheduled to be demolished before getting involved.

Some of these have sat, unused, in a state of disrepair for 10, 20, even 30 years.

While I agree this building should be saved, my question is why do people/groups that want these structures preserved wait until they are scheduled to be demolished before getting involved.

Some of these have sat, unused, in a state of disrepair for 10, 20, even 30 years.

This was clearly a property the city had to acquire for the park. I don't think there was anything to be done until it was acquired and people learned what was planned for the property by the park consultants.

Didn't the visual pitches for the park aspect of MAPs3 show the Film Ex bldg. space as lawn and/or trees? That was several years back.
Perhaps my memory is faulty. That does happen, and more than I like.

While I agree this building should be saved, my question is why do people/groups that want these structures preserved wait until they are scheduled to be demolished before getting involved.

Some of these have sat, unused, in a state of disrepair for 10, 20, even 30 years.

The reason these buildings should be saved are because of the park and current developments. This park creates uses for these buildings. The city needs buildings in the park for contingency plans. Rain wind tornados for people to have small events. These buildings are also the only places between downtown and the river for people to congregate after a long bike ride or run. They are a block from the ford center!!!! Nuff said! They can be restored and used in phase 1 of the park which is the grassy area.... They can be refurbished and used in time for phase 1. Union station is not owned by city and could be 5 years out before the city could afford to operate and buy that building complex.

I thought that the Robinson side of the park was supposed to be the active edge. How do you create an active edge by demolishing all of the historic fabric that used to be there?

I thought that the Robinson side of the park was supposed to be the active edge. How do you create an active edge by demolishing all of the historic fabric that used to be there?

but that is a building, it is all square and does not fit in with the pretty arbitrary curved line we drew on paper [/sarcasm]

I think that the city has gotten more of a battle over this than they expected... as usual...

Demolition of Oklahoma City Film Exchange Building put on hold | News OK (http://newsok.com/demolition-of-oklahoma-city-film-exchange-building-put-on-hold/article/3866101)

Link was posted on the previous page. I'm privy to the latest on the preservation efforts on the building and it's got a real chance of surviving.

Link was posted on the previous page. I'm privy to the latest on the preservation efforts on the building and it's got a real chance of surviving.

That's good to hear, Will. Is there an effort to get the city to cut out demolishing every other building surrounding the park area as well?

I think that a lot of these developers want the land acquisition process to go through the Alliance so that they aren't dealing with individual property owners. The problem with that is that historic preservationists don't go through the Alliance to acquire old buildings to fix up, so if the Alliance is going to actively assemble all the land for redevelopment, it needs to incorporate whatever HP can be done. I don't think that the thinking is quite there yet.

Speaking to Bradley, he said it was shocking how much the council didn't even know or was aware of regarding the actual condition of the building and the previous efforts to restore and make use of it three years ago. It's unfortunate most people only see the current state of things and don't have the vision to see beyond that. Structural "issues" is a joke. I know if severe weather approached and I had to choose between whatever new artsy buildings they want to put in the park, or taking shelter in the film exchange building, you know where I'm going. Another great point is the fact that the building is already gutted on the inside. I haven't been inside but Bradley has and we plan on going back soon. Besides just looking like crap and needing new windows and some work, it's a far more useful structure than what some might lead you to believe. You have any idea how far gone the current Film Exchange Building was before it was put back into use again? I believe the second floor was falling through and the outside was collapsing. Now it is the most mature restaurant (Joey's) on Film Row and looking like new. Besides all that, these buildings have seen a lot of things come and go and have a story that shouldn't be wiped away. Here are some photos via Bradley and the Film Exchange District Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oklahoma-City-Film-Exchange-District/184232698210) -

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/1001363_10151718828728211_1280726334_n.jpg

"An interior view. Note the thickness of the building's support. Over time the interior walls and original fire proof film vaults were removed. This was constructed as a FIRE PROOF building to house the volatile nature of early nitrate based film stock."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/1069872_10151718830868211_1174758923_n.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/994240_10151718833378211_1311401397_n.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/1079111_10151718922858211_1217585428_o.jpg

"BTW, the rafters in the above image are CONCRETE and not wood. They used wood to form them, so they took on that impression."

They sure as hell don't build like that much any longer. Thanks for posting the interior photos.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/10936_211537058210_2184712_n.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/10936_211537063210_3041896_n.jpg

"Hard to see, but look at the brick work immediately left of the white doorway. You will see a series of what looks like a series of brick 'dotting'. Look to the right of the doorway just above the white panel. You will note the same dotted brick. The dotted brick marks where the original walls of this film vault once stood. There are numerous doors like this one with the vaults long removed."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/10936_199153783210_6560972_n.jpg

"Film vault doors. These doors faced outward to aid in fire protection. These doors were constructed in 1928 along with the rest of the structure."

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/10936_199153798210_4552279_n.jpg

I thought that the Robinson side of the park was supposed to be the active edge. How do you create an active edge by demolishing all of the historic fabric that used to be there?

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/9362294449_d016de17b1_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/9364931834_b9a9bc7cc3_b.jpg

I was developing some of the monitoring wells in and adjacent to the park this afternoon and noticed a camera crew interviewing some folks on the east side of the southern building.

Devon Energy Center Aerials (July 26 2013) - a set on Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157634839526279/)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7459/9390613251_9cf89b4fe5_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5504/9393383582_22e24d1d29_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9390608205_25a552978a_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9390602015_963135ce63_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/9390610987_1b41f9956c_b.jpg

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/9390602927_06ccde999a_b.jpg

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/9393368016_9e49809797_b.jpg

The C.C. Cooke Building (http://www.okctalk.com/other-urban-development/34396-vacant-abandoned-buildings.html#post663474) is also endangered as part of the Boulevard.

Great photos as usual Will. Other than the perspective of exactly where the Film Exchange building is located in relation to the great lawn (perfect place to provide restrooms and park staff offices) I am struck at the opportunities we are losing by putting the convention center between Myriad and Central/Union Park. We are losing the potential for building real mass to our skyline - the old Ford dealer site could easily handle 3 -4 mid or high rises and combined with redeveloping the Cox site with 2 -4 mid to high rises would round out the skyline very well. The MAPS 3 CC really ought to be located directly south of the arena backing up to Shields and the BNSF viaduct. But I guess it is too late and OKC will squander that opportunity.

The C.C. Cooke Building (http://www.okctalk.com/other-urban-development/34396-vacant-abandoned-buildings.html#post663474) is also endangered as part of the Boulevard.

We need to change the battle from trying to save one historic building on S. Robinson to saving all historic buildings in C2S. The city needs to issue a statement saying we won't clear cut the area.

An interesting new perspective by Steve:

City, Consultants Never Invited Developers to Look at Film Exchange Building | News OK (http://newsok.com/city-consultants-never-invited-developers-to-look-at-film-exchange-building/article/3868039)

It's very disappointing to see how the city government works and it's nice to see that committed citizens and journalists can prevent them from just shoving their pre-determined plans through necessary committees.

An interesting new perspective by Steve:

City, Consultants Never Invited Developers to Look at Film Exchange Building | News OK (http://newsok.com/city-consultants-never-invited-developers-to-look-at-film-exchange-building/article/3868039)

Of course.

In the real Central Park, in New York, the MOMA takes a up a massive lot right in the middle of one of it's edges boarding 5th Ave. That lot is proportionately, pretty similar to the chunk that the Film Exchange building would take out of our park. If it is ok for NYC to dedicate a large lot in the original central park to a building/museum, I don't know why our city leaders think we are above that.