development
|category1=current
|category2=Far North
|category3=Recreation
|category4=
|
|project=
|address= 13250 Highland Park Blvd.
|status=ready to start construction
|owner=
|cost= $7 Million
|architect= ADG
|start= Feb 2014
|finish=
|contractor=
|height= 2 stories
|sq. feet=57,273
|acreage= 24 acres
|other= 61 driving stalls, restaurant/bar
|
|image=http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/skyboxwiki1.jpg
|

Information & Latest News
1/10/14: Application to Board of Adjustment for parking variance
10/3/13: $7 million building permit (http://www.okc.gov/Access/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Permits&TabName=Permits&capID1=13BRE&capID2=00000&capID3=11212&agencyCode=OKC&IsToShowInspection=)
8/6/13: Journal Record Article
Links
County Assessor Record
Gallery

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/skybox5.jpg

don't have a JR sub anymore, but does it say the exact location? i'm hoping not that close to the mall, maybe further west

Behind (south) of the Lowes that is along Memorial.

Behind (south) of the Lowes that is along Memorial.

That'd be a great location for it. Nice and long. I have a few friends that will partake of this place if it is built.

nice, looking forward to it

Skybox golf range planned near Quail Springs Mall
by Molly M. Fleming
Published: August 6th, 2013

OKLAHOMA CITY – Plans are in development for a golfing entertainment venue in the northeast corridor of the city.

Attorney Dennis Box has filed an application with the Oklahoma City Planning Commission on behalf of an unnamed developer. The application is for a special permit to operate a participation recreation and entertainment facility, which would be an outdoor golf venue at 13250 Highland Park Blvd., just south of Quail Springs Mall.

Box did not want to comment on the development.

According to the special permit application, the golf venue will include a two-story building with a 61-stall practice driving range. The venue will sit on 24 acres of property. The application states that the venue will be called Skybox and will be an adult recreation golf facility.

The site plan shows the venue to have two restaurants: a sports bar on the first floor and a wood fire and rotisserie on the second floor.

“The concept for this entertainment venue is to permit patrons to practice their golf swing in any of the sixty-one stalls behind the proposed two-story structure,” the application states.

“The facility would include lease spaces for meetings, banquets, and other entertainment
venues.”

Box has also filed a corresponding Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Level 2 application for the proposed facility. The permit would allow for the sale of beer, wine and mixed-beverage sales.

The golf range would measure 1,006 feet and would be directed toward the outfield behind the proposed building and away from the retail development to the north.

“Additionally, a putting range is proposed between the parking lot and the building,” states the special permit application.

According to the application, Skybox would be opened from 9 a.m. until 2 a.m. Daily.

The proposal and corresponding ABC permit will be seen by the Oklahoma City Planning Commission on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/skybox1a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/skybox1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/skybox2.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/skybox3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/skybox4.jpg

Yay! Finally something is going to happen with that vacant land!

This is a fantastic idea!

I agree this seems to be a really cool concept and I bet it will prove to be very popular.

With all the golf shops on Memorial and now this facility, do we now have a Golf District?? ;)

Glad to see I was proven right when I said something about this in the goldsmith thread, although I didn't know name or had the the really detailed renderings. Going to be awesome

I can see some interesting nights down the road for certain! lol

I am beyond excited about this!
Anyone heard any completion date estimates?

Interesting. The real TopGolf released this today:

TopGolf Aims to Open in Oklahoma City | TopGolf (http://topgolf.com/company/press/press-releases/topgolf-aims-to-open-in-oklahoma-city/)

TOPGOLF AIMS TO OPEN IN OKLAHOMA CITY

The popular Texas entertainment company announces its intent to expand to Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sept. 12, 2013 – Long-standing rumors that TopGolf will one day open in Oklahoma are no longer just rumors. TopGolf today confirmed it is actively seeking locations to develop a flagship Oklahoma location.

TopGolf is the only entertainment center of its kind, offering competitive golfing games for all ages and skill levels and advanced technology to track every player’s shots. The company, based in Dallas, has nine locations worldwide with another four under construction. Set to welcome its 10 millionth visitor before yearend, TopGolf has introduced more people to the game of golf than any other concept. Nearly half of all TopGolf guests describe themselves as “non-golfers.”

“Exploring the major Oklahoma markets of Oklahoma City and Tulsa for a future TopGolf was an easy decision,” said TopGolf Chief Development Officer Randy Starr. “We have been following the great story of Oklahoma’s vibrant economy and expanding population base, and it doesn’t hurt that residents have already vocalized their desire for us to open here after having visited our neighboring facilities.”

Once a site is selected, a TopGolf Oklahoma would be a three-level location with 4,000 square feet of private event space and 102 bays that can host up to six players at one time. Starr estimates that the location would serve approximately 425,000 visitors in its first year of operation.

TopGolf’s economic impact in the community is remarkable, creating more than 400 jobs at each location and serving as an anchor tenant that tends to attract other popular franchises to the area. In fact, its economic output in Oklahoma is expected to exceed $264.5 million over a 10-year-period, according to a TopGolf audit.

Oklahoma residents can follow TopGolf’s progress in Oklahoma at facebook.com/topgolfokc.

About TopGolf

TopGolf is the emerging global leader in golf entertainment, with nine locations serving more than 1.5 million guests annually. Players hit golf balls containing computer microchips that track each shot’s accuracy and distance while also awarding points for hitting targets on the outfield. Each facility offers an upscale, laid-back experience that features climate-controlled hitting bays and an impressive food and beverage menu crafted by an executive chef. Mix in dynamic event spaces for groups of all sizes, and TopGolf stands as the premier entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets the neighborhood’s favorite hangout. To learn more about TopGolf, visit TopGolf | The Premier Golf Entertainment Complex (http://www.topgolf.com).

Media Contact:
Adrienne Browne
Senior Communications Manager, TopGolf
Ph: (469) 546-5370
E-mail: adrienne.browne@topgolf.com

That's pretty big.

Movin' on up! Yes indeed! Yes indeed!

Where to put it?

https://www.facebook.com/TopGolfOKC

That looks amazing, and I don't even golf!

Oh man this is even better news than skybox. Top golf is a big deal. High quality construction and service. Google the Katy location. That was their first three story and it is really impressive

So is this one the TopGolf location or is this "SkyBox" development something completely different?

I sent several emails to TopGolf HQ two or three years ago asking them if they could send me franchise information to open a location in OKC. I never received a single response. Personally, my idea was to open one right along the river downtown if property was available.

Target golf and alcohol. The ball boys should get hazardous duty pay.

I sent several emails to TopGolf HQ two or three years ago asking them if they could send me franchise information to open a location in OKC. I never received a single response. Personally, my idea was to open one right along the river downtown if property was available.

I expect for you to bow if they their next big announcement is a river location. Just trying to figure where. I'd say west of I-44.

Lol I would be rather upset. But logistically, think about how great a piece of C2S TopGolf could be if it got the development started down from the OKCBHD. Not to mention with SkyBox going in up in Edmond it could serve as a more centralized location for the Norman crowd while also catering to corporations downtown (who I'm sure would love the idea for corporate outings).


I expect for you to bow if they their next big announcement is a river location. Just trying to figure where. I'd say west of I-44.

Never mind.

This project is still going forward.

They have an application to waive certain parking requirements before the Board of Adjustments.

This project is still going forward.

They have an application to waive certain parking requirements before the Board of Adjustments.

You're a curator-archivist-researcher marvel. This is a serious question: What software do you use to keep all of your information organized. Something like OneNote? RightNote?

You're a curator-archivist-resercher marvel. This is a serious question: What software do you use to keep all of your information organized. Something like OneNote? RightNote?

Thanks for the compliment!

I have a daily routine for checking certain sites and also employ some software tools to monitor others. But generally, the montoring tools are pretty unreliable as they often miss updates and too often alert you to the trivial.

Often, I'll see something that is only a small hint, then closely monitor and cross-reference other sites for more information. And, we now have a huge network of people that can provide additional info that helps complete the puzzle (much of this happens off the board).

I am strangely driven by the desire to KNOW and have become pretty resourceful in being able to figure things out. As with anything, with enough time, experience and motivation you get to be pretty good about picking out important tidbits from piles of data.

Frankly, it's as much an art as science.


Here is an example: The Sam's at 39th & May.

I closely monitor the City's permits, licenses and planning site (SIRE) but 99% of what comes through there is just dreck: housing permits, renewals of existing licenses, etc.

About two months ago I noticed a SPUD application for 41st and May and right away recognized the address as being part of the old car dealership. But as with almost all initial applications, there was almost no other information.

So, I kept my eye on it, put a software monitoring tool on the application... Nothing happened.

Then, there was a new agenda posted for the Planning Commission. Those in themselves are lengthy and the descriptions don't tell you much, so you have to click on every single item and even 98% of those are uninteresting (people wanting to build a new garage and the like).

Through this process -- and remembering the previous SPUD Application, among others -- I found something about a small parking lot looking to be rezoned at 41st & May, did some more research and found a site plan of a large structure just to the south. Zooming in, I found the Sam's logo.

You just blew my mind, Pete. You're my idol. I'm like you, I have a desire to know & because of you I'm able to know. I'd like to be able to keep track of stuff like you do, though. Dang.

That is fascinating. I would have to agree about the art vs science. In another life you would make an excellent investigative reporter for 48 hours or a cold case detective. You have a keen eye to be sure!

I asked about how you pull on this information together, and keep it straight, because I do a lot of genealogy and used OneNote for years and switched to this new program called RightNote and it really helps. I envy your abilities to follow so much and keep it all together and THEN share it! Thanks for all you do.

Haha, it's obviously a labor of love otherwise I wouldn't do it. Don't mean to sound like a martyr because I enjoy the hunt.

Often, you just collect little bits of information along the way, then you find out something else and it suddenly all fits together.

Pete, have you seen the cost of this project on the permit?

Yes, $7 million building permit (http://www.okc.gov/Access/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Permits&TabName=Permits&capID1=13BRE&capID2=00000&capID3=11212&agencyCode=OKC&IsToShowInspection=) application on 10/3/13.

Here is their logo:

http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/5848d1389390914-skybox-golf-skyboxlogo_winner-325x139.jpg

Yes, $7 million building permit (http://www.okc.gov/Access/Cap/CapDetail.aspx?Module=Permits&TabName=Permits&capID1=13BRE&capID2=00000&capID3=11212&agencyCode=OKC&IsToShowInspection=) application on 10/3/13.

Any idea when you expect construction to start? And an open date?

Thanks for the compliment!

I have a daily routine for checking certain sites and also employ some software tools to monitor others. But generally, the montoring tools are pretty unreliable as they often miss updates and too often alert you to the trivial.

Often, I'll see something that is only a small hint, then closely monitor and cross-reference other sites for more information. And, we now have a huge network of people that can provide additional info that helps complete the puzzle (much of this happens off the board).

I am strangely driven by the desire to KNOW and have become pretty resourceful in being able to figure things out. As with anything, with enough time, experience and motivation you get to be pretty good about picking out important tidbits from piles of data.

Frankly, it's as much an art as science.


Here is an example: The Sam's at 39th & May.

I closely monitor the City's permits, licenses and planning site (SIRE) but 99% of what comes through there is just dreck: housing permits, renewals of existing licenses, etc.

About two months ago I noticed a SPUD application for 41st and May and right away recognized the address as being part of the old car dealership. But as with almost all initial applications, there was almost no other information.

So, I kept my eye on it, put a software monitoring tool on the application... Nothing happened.

Then, there was a new agenda posted for the Planning Commission. Those in themselves are lengthy and the descriptions don't tell you much, so you have to click on every single item and even 98% of those are uninteresting (people wanting to build a new garage and the like).

Through this process -- and remembering the previous SPUD Application, among others -- I found something about a small parking lot looking to be rezoned at 41st & May, did some more research and found a site plan of a large structure just to the south. Zooming in, I found the Sam's logo.

That's amazing. I feel like I just watched National Treasure.

Any idea when you expect construction to start? And an open date?

They have their building permit apart from the variance on the parking, and that will be heard next Thursday.

Here's hoping it gets approved and they start work right away.


I've also heard they will have a nice wood fire pizza place and bar in this facility.

Will be interesting to see what Top Golf decides, as they just posted on their FB page they are still very interested in OKC.

That's amazing. I feel like I just watched National Treasure.

Haha, the stories I could tell.

Once I find out more about the new pub for the Plaza District, I'll give you a roadmap to that as well, which has been very different than what I outlined with Sam's.

project is out for bid currently, bids next Thursday, so it's moving right along

very excited about this project!

Haha, the stories I could tell.

Once I find out more about the new pub for the Plaza District, I'll give you a roadmap to that as well, which has been very different than what I outlined with Sam's.

Ya, I believe there was core samples being done this week.

I've heard from a couple of different people that Skybox is now dead due to the TopGolf announcement.

Don't think there are any plans to move the concept elsewhere.

I've heard from a couple of different people that Skybox is now dead due to the TopGolf announcement.

Don't think there are any plans to move the concept elsewhere.

That's a shame. It would do well if they just put it somewhere else. Closer to downtown or in Moore/Norman.

Sometimes the best business decision is not to go into a particular business. What happened to them was one of the risks you take when you try to create a local version of an existing national brand and idea. Sometimes it works out well, but if your city is on the radar of the established brand you're likely to be wiped out if you end up going head-to-head.

I agree about re-purposing the idea elsewhere, especially after they have put as much effort into it. The inner city is I think ripe for such a development (I have long dreamed of putting in a simple driving range), yet the inner city is unlikely to be a development target for a national company of this type anytime soon. Seems like a place where local knowledge and instinct could win the day.

I've heard from a couple of different people that Skybox is now dead due to the TopGolf announcement.

Don't think there are any plans to move the concept elsewhere.That really sucks. Would be nice to have both options available here. Surely they could've located in Fritts Farm in Moore and address the Norman-Moore-South OKC area for the folks who don't want to drive to N. OKC. Very excited about Top Golf though!

Somebody said in another thread that there were threats of lawsuits from Top Golf, and maybe I'm misremembering, but aren't the Skybox developers lawyers from the Memorial/Kilpatrick area?

All of that together would seem to indicate why they are not considering opening in another part of the city.

I seriously hope that TopGolf doesn't believe it has exclusive rights to build multi-story driving ranges with attached restaurants and entertainment components. It's not like it was an original concept. The Japanese have been doing it for at least 25 years.

^

I believe the issue was with some/all of TG's five patents on everything from sensors in the golf balls to targets to scoring.

Hmmm. OK, makes a little more sense I suppose.

All signs (and chatter) are that this project is off.

They just asked for an "indefinite continuance" for an application before the Board of Adjustment.

All signs (and chatter) are that this project is off.

They just asked for an "indefinite continuance" for an application before the Board of Adjustment.

wow..

Don't want to compete with TopGolf??

wow..

Don't want to compete with TopGolf??

How can you compete when your competitor has all the patents?

It really sucks.

Come up with a concept that doesn't involve patent infringement?

OK, that sounds a little bit harsh, but my point is that you'd think simple due diligence would have ferreted out that there would be a problem pursuing a concept that closely mimicked another brand's unique concepts. They don't just hand out patents for nothing. There had to be elements here that were original ideas, for which you can gain protection under U.S. patent law. So...perhaps another ORIGINAL golf-related concept would be a better pursuit..?

Really a shame. Would've provide some great infill. I wonder if they go to Midtown or perhaps be a jump start in the I240 area.

I agree, I'd rather see this one built versus TopGolf, just due to the infill, let alone local developers. The area where this was to be built has been and will continue to be vacant much longer than acreage facing Memorial Rd. directly. This parcel was behind Lowe's and in between massive apartment complexes. Would have cleaned up an area that is turning blighted.

So this is essentially dead?

Not what I've heard, a customer of ours has told us it's still alive, but I understand there could be varying info out there.

I'm somewhat confused. Is this the local variant that's dead? and the national variant is still viable? or are both considered dead?

The local Skybox deal appears dead, the national Top Golf deal is very much a go.

Not what I've heard, a customer of ours has told us it's still alive, but I understand there could be varying info out there.

They just put their planning application on indefinite hold, so at least for now this project is in purgatory at that location.

So has there been anything new on this?

This would be great if they would build this in South OKC. Perhaps they could build in Fritts Farm, UNP, Will Rodger's East Side Development. There is one parcel on I-240 corridor that could work.