Top 50 convention cities for 2016:

http://www.cvent.com/en/supplier-network/top-50/2016-top-destinations-us.shtml

Top 50 convention cities for 2016:

http://www.cvent.com/en/supplier-network/top-50/2016-top-destinations-us.shtml

Thanks, DenverPoke:

Good reputable list with some cities in our region like 8. Dallas, 10. New Orleans, 12 Denver, 24.
Grapevine, 33. Fort Worth & 41. Irving, TX.

Our Goal - 10 year plan:

Oklahoma City's goal should be to become one of the top 50 convention cities by 2021 & Top 40 by 2026.

Thanks, DenverPoke:

Good reputable list with some cities in our region like 8. Dallas, 10. New Orleans, 12 Denver, 24.
Grapevine, 33. Fort Worth & 41. Irving, TX.

Our Goal - 10 year plan:

Oklahoma City's goal should be to become one of the top 50 convention cities by 2021 & Top 40 by 2026.

Top 40 is a good goal and OKC will need a bunch more Hotels in the downtown area for that.

Totally disagree. The real opportunity of 40+ story towers in OKC is very clearly almost non existent. In order for the downtown to truly grow, it has to be able to draw people and events to it. It's pretty evident that funding 4+ story buildings in the city isn't TOO difficult. But, apparently, funding anything over say, 12 stories, is pretty difficult. No one seems to want to pull the trigger on true high rises except Devon. And I get that, its not an easy thing to drop that sort of money.

I guess what I'm saying is, whatever scale you want to use, OKC is a pretty mid/average tier American city. And that's fine for some. But i, personally, want better. I want a future NBA All-Star game here. I want an MLS or NHL team here. I want tourists. Building a bunch of 10 story buildings isnt going to impress anyone except for the people that activly read this forum. At current, I would take 4-5 40+ story towers 1000 times out of 1000 in downtown over 20 10ish story midrises in OKC.

I feel with the size of OKC, smaller midrises aren't going to be all the difficult to build/fund at current and in the future in OKC. But, how often will a true high rise opportunity present itself in downtown OKC? 10 story buildings don't bring big new job opportunities or All-Star games to OKC. High Rises do. There is also the cosmetic appeal and marketability of the city with more high rises. To me, you just cannot pass up high rises in this city for lesser quality mid rises. The opportunity to build mid rises will always be easier and more abundant than the opportunity to build a high rise.

If I'm reading your post correctly, your two main points are:
1. It's hard to finance towers so businesses/the city in OKC should pursue that over mid-rise projects that are more likely to get financed.
2. Great cities are defined by building height and mid-tier cities are defined by their lack of building height. Tall buildings lead to more events like all-star games.

To your first point, I just want to point out there are crappy skyscrapers and amazing mid-rises - I just want to avoid the false quantity (height) equals quality notion. Beyond that, I don't really see how something being hard to finance makes it more desireable.

To your second point, many of the best cities in the United States and the world purposely do NOT have tall skylines, but instead have dense, walkable developments. The host of the all-star game this season is New Orleans -- a city defined by walkability and density, not height. But there a tons of other examples -- from Portland to most all European cities -- of cities where mixed use mid-rise density takes precedence over skycrapers. People get over the skyscrapers pretty quickly, but they keep coming back for vibrant neighborhoods with local businesses and active streets. I bet more visitors mention liking Bricktown (or the Plaza District or Midtown...) because of their experiences they had in the district than just looking at the Devon tower.

In the end, I'm not saying OKC should ban skycrapers (although I don't think it's a terrible idea), but not worry about them... the 4-6 story developments are what will really change OKC. Just think about how the new residential development will transform Film Row from a dead area into a neighborhood; Or how the Steelyard will transform east Bricktown. Both will have more of an impact on how OKC is perceived than the new tower going up IMHO. Most towers just serve as spaces for workers from 9-5pm and then are dead afterward... Give me mixed use mid-rises all day (and, of couse, towers can be mixed use too, but they tend to do it worse). :)

Anyway, my point is, I don't care about the height of the Convention Center. I just see the quality of the design and how it actively interacts with the park as much more important. That's what convention go-ers will remember and be impressed by...

^^^^^
Yup.

I like to think about a place such as Boston when conversations like this start up. They do have a few high rises, but a majority of people will associate their experiences with the dense, urban areas around Longwood and Cambridge.

Second hotel on the Convention Center site?

Deal set to revive hotel development next to new convention center:

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960_blur-165a37b3bd8ed5725fce150929fa403d.jpg
A deal set to be heard Wednesday by the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority will allow development to being again on a Fairfield Inn in the area known as Core to Shore. Developer Andy Patel said upgrades will be made to the hotel, including a possible change in brands. [Drawing provided]

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 | by Steve Lackmeyer

Tulsa hotelier Andy Patel is getting a second shot at building the first hotel in the area known as Core to Shore as part of deal for him to sell his original site to the city for construction of a new convention center.

Patel, who is also working on plans for a hotel in Bricktown, bought a one-story warehouse at 5 SW 5 for $1.25 million in April 2014 when the city was attempting to acquire land south of the Myriad Gardens for the $283 million convention center.

He cleared the site and completed designs that won accolades from the Downtown Design Review Committee. Then plans for the convention center changed.

“We were ready to start construction,” Patel said Monday.

Instead of just asking, backed up the power of eminent domain, to acquire the Patel property, Urban Renewal Director Cathy O'Connor started talks with Patel on how best to help him continue on a nearby site.

The deal awaiting approval by Urban Renewal Commissioners would sell Patel city-owned land at the southwest corner of SW 5 and E.K. Gaylord — immediately south of the Convention Center.

“We see this as a win-win for the city that allows us to buy the property needed for the convention center while being able to sell of a piece of our property so he can move ahead with his project,” O'Connor said.

The development deal, if approved, would require Patel to submit his plans again to the Downtown Design Review Committee and also present them for approval by the Urban Renewal Authority.

“We're looking into whether we can do a more upscale hotel,” Patel said. “It will be the same size. The design will likely be very similar, though there can be changes with a different brand. We will be adding a nice upscale bar and food and beverage no matter what brand we go with. There also will be a bigger lobby.”

If the hotel remains a Fairfield Inn, it won't be a typical Fairfield but rather similar to an upscale version built in downtown Nashville, Patel said.

Patel is not certain when construction might start. Construction is expected to start by late 2017 on the convention center, a proposed Omni headquarters hotel and garage.


“I still have to do some redesign for approval,” Patel said. “I'll be at the mercy of my architects.”

What is Core to Shore?

Core to Shore is a master plan drawn up by the city that seeks to redevelop more than 1,300 acres between the shore of the Oklahoma River to the core of downtown Oklahoma City. The area was blighted for years, but became a priority after a barrier between the area and downtown disappeared with the relocation of Interstate 40. Much of the city’s efforts are current focused on the area between Walker Avenue, E.K. Gaylord Boulevard, the new Interstate 40 and the future downtown boulevard.

If this development has at least 100 - 135 rooms; coupled with the new 600-plus room Omni convention hotel, OKC will have close the original study for approximately 735 rooms on the convention center site.


http://r-ec.bstatic.com/images/hotel/840x460/428/42839537.jpg
Fairfield Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown/The Gulch

Might be similar to the Aloft which has 130 rooms.

Not enough stories. They need to add at least 10 stories, with five of them being residential, and three of them being shops. And a pony.

Woo hoo! First!

Not enough stories. They need to add at least 10 stories, with five of them being residential, and three of them being shops. And a pony.

Woo hoo! First!I wanted to be the first one to say that!

Second hotel on the Convention Center site?

Deal set to revive hotel development next to new convention center:

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960_blur-165a37b3bd8ed5725fce150929fa403d.jpg
A deal set to be heard Wednesday by the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority will allow development to being again on a Fairfield Inn in the area known as Core to Shore. Developer Andy Patel said upgrades will be made to the hotel, including a possible change in brands. [Drawing provided]

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 | by Steve Lackmeyer

Tulsa hotelier Andy Patel is getting a second shot at building the first hotel in the area known as Core to Shore as part of deal for him to sell his original site to the city for construction of a new convention center.

Patel, who is also working on plans for a hotel in Bricktown, bought a one-story warehouse at 5 SW 5 for $1.25 million in April 2014 when the city was attempting to acquire land south of the Myriad Gardens for the $283 million convention center.

He cleared the site and completed designs that won accolades from the Downtown Design Review Committee. Then plans for the convention center changed.

“We were ready to start construction,” Patel said Monday.

Instead of just asking, backed up the power of eminent domain, to acquire the Patel property, Urban Renewal Director Cathy O'Connor started talks with Patel on how best to help him continue on a nearby site.

The deal awaiting approval by Urban Renewal Commissioners would sell Patel city-owned land at the southwest corner of SW 5 and E.K. Gaylord — immediately south of the Convention Center.

“We see this as a win-win for the city that allows us to buy the property needed for the convention center while being able to sell of a piece of our property so he can move ahead with his project,” O'Connor said.

The development deal, if approved, would require Patel to submit his plans again to the Downtown Design Review Committee and also present them for approval by the Urban Renewal Authority.

“We're looking into whether we can do a more upscale hotel,” Patel said. “It will be the same size. The design will likely be very similar, though there can be changes with a different brand. We will be adding a nice upscale bar and food and beverage no matter what brand we go with. There also will be a bigger lobby.”

If the hotel remains a Fairfield Inn, it won't be a typical Fairfield but rather similar to an upscale version built in downtown Nashville, Patel said.

Patel is not certain when construction might start. Construction is expected to start by late 2017 on the convention center, a proposed Omni headquarters hotel and garage.



What is Core to Shore?

Core to Shore is a master plan drawn up by the city that seeks to redevelop more than 1,300 acres between the shore of the Oklahoma River to the core of downtown Oklahoma City. The area was blighted for years, but became a priority after a barrier between the area and downtown disappeared with the relocation of Interstate 40. Much of the city’s efforts are current focused on the area between Walker Avenue, E.K. Gaylord Boulevard, the new Interstate 40 and the future downtown boulevard.

Laramie, Steve has previously requested that we only post a link to his articles along with a small excerpt. He does not want his complete articles posted.

Not enough stories. They need to add at least 10 stories, with five of them being residential, and three of them being shops. And a pony.

Woo hoo! First!

Only a pony? Smart negotiators go for a unicorn...

Laramie, Steve has previously requested that we only post a link to his articles along with a small excerpt. He does not want his complete articles posted.

Thanks for passing this information along; will comply with Steve's request in the future.

Link: http://www.oklahoman.com/deal-set-to-revive-hotel-plan-next-to-new-oklahoma-city-convention-center/article/5522963

MAP (Replica: advance to Business section - C: http://digital.newsok.com/Olive/ODN/Oklahoman/default.aspx (May need subscription to view.)

Any news or updates related to the $288 million convention center & $235.5 million headquarters hotel proposed as part of the MAPS 3 convention center complex:

Oklahoma City Council approved negotiating a deal with Omni to build a 600-room headquarters hotel.

https://localtvkfor.files.wordpress.com/2016/09/omni-concept.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&w=770

Most recent news:

The addition of a non subsidized private hotel which could add 100 -135 more rooms to the convention center site could give us 700 or more rooms available on the convention center site set to open by 2020.

A deal set to be heard by the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority will allow development to being again on a Fairfield Inn in the area known as Core to Shore. Developer Andy Patel said upgrades will be made to the hotel, including a possible change in brands.



http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960_blur-165a37b3bd8ed5725fce150929fa403d.jpg

The top task for negotiators with the city and the Urban Renewal Authority as they meet with Omni executives is to see if they can reduce the $84.5 million in public assistance requested by Omni, which is committing to finance the remaining $151 million of the $235.5 million hotel.

Oklahoma City seeks to reduce its cost for Omni convention center hotel - http://newsok.com/article/5520515

New Fairfield Inn Plans Reveal Sleeker Hotel for Convention Center Site:

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/w620-4caa903827f6effe523e610015a31ec3.jpg


Patel, who is also working on plans for a hotel in Bricktown, bought a one-story warehouse at 5 SW 5 for $1.25 million in April 2014 when the city was attempting to acquire land south of the Myriad Gardens for the $283 million convention center. He cleared the site and completed designs that won accolades from the Downtown Design Review Committee. Then plans for the convention center changed.


...The revised designs keep the hotel at five stories, but the room count is increased from 112 to 133 rooms.


http://newsok.com/new-fairfield-inn-plans-reveal-sleeker-hotel-for-convention-center-site/article/5530956?custom_click=columnist

That will up the total count for rooms available on the convention center & hotel site (Total 733 rooms = Omni 600 + Fairfield 133). This puts us closer to the original 735 room study target figure.

Maps 3

..

"Plenty-Plenty, a new Oklahoma City beyond 2020."

We'll have most MAPS projects & private developments completed, here a some selected projects:

http://journalrecord.com/files/2017/01/Bennett-Event-center.jpg
Bennett Events Center (279,000-sq. ft.,)*
BOK Park Plaza Center
Convention center
Downtown Park

Conference hotel accommodations totaling 733 rooms on convention center site:

Fairfield Inn 5-story (133 rooms)
Omni Hotel 19-story (600-rooms)

Riversport Rapids*
Street Car Transit
Wellness centers (Budget plans for 4 throughout city)

* = Completed projects.

Any new things going on with this project?

They are still trying to finalize the negotiations with Omni.

Assuming all goes well, they hope to start construction by the end of the year.

They are still trying to finalize the negotiations with Omni.

Assuming all goes well, they hope to start construction by the end of the year.

Great!

Will this building need a tower crane?

Will this building need a tower crane?

Yes, I'm sure it will.

Any news on the Omni Convention Center hotel?

Any news on the Omni Convention Center hotel?

My understanding is they are still working on finalizing the financial package and public incentives.

Looks like the city is putting the finishing touches on the incentive plan for Omni and we should see the details in early to mid July.

I forget. What is the time frame that construction on the hotel would likely begin?

I forget. What is the time frame that construction on the hotel would likely begin?

We'd still have to get designs for the project in the first place, correct? So it would be at least two years away I would assume.

Construction was planned for a 2018 start date with a 2020 completion date. Unless things have changed I think everything is still on track.

I really enjoy the conceptual design. A couple things I'd like to see included especially with public funding/funding; residential lofts/townhomes built into and around the hotel, and add a art gallery, internet café, or even a convenience store on the first floor just like the one in bricktown underneath the hotel.

^Keep in mind that it's conceptual. Will probably look completely different.

^Keep in mind that it's conceptual. Will probably look completely different.


Good point. Landscaping and residential incorporated would satisfy my thirst here.

Your thirst will go unsated. The only place I've heard talk of any component of the convention hotel being residential is here, by people saying they wish it would happen. It's not happening, and of course Omni is going to want to keep the option of expansion open. I would also advise against holding your breath on the art gallery, but if you haven't explored the 'underground city' recently you might wish to check it out. Landscaping is planned, however, so there's that.

http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=328-A-detailed-look-at-the-proposed-Omni-convention-hotel

The Omni should be very close to what was proposed.

It seems the only issues are around the incentives provided by the city, and you can bet they will be substantial.

Your thirst will go unsated. The only place I've heard talk of any component of the convention hotel being residential is here, by people saying they wish it would happen. It's not happening, and of course Omni is going to want to keep the option of expansion open. I would also advise against holding your breath on the art gallery, but if you haven't explored the 'underground city' recently you might wish to check it out. Landscaping is planned, however, so there's that.

http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=328-A-detailed-look-at-the-proposed-Omni-convention-hotel

Yeah I visited the underground mall a couple years ago and thoroughly enjoyed myself. The art on the walls present it as a sort of time capsule.

I love the art gallery in bricktown, its native themed with native artifacts, paintings, tools. We need more art galleries and internet café's/coffee shops. We have a couple but as more people move into the downtown area we will need more of it. Adding an art gallery and/or a corner store would make this area live.

Update: "City would pay $85 million for Omni hotel in proposed deal" http://newsok.com/article/5556353

Update: "City would pay $85 million for Omni hotel in proposed deal" http://newsok.com/article/5556353

Congrats to the Oklahoman on breaking this story!

Oh, wait...

http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=328-A-detailed-look-at-the-proposed-Omni-convention-hotel

"On Tuesday, City Council will vote on a measure to proceed with the negotiation of approximately $85 million in public incentives for this project." - Published on 09-26-2016 04:38 AM

I'm trying to determine if the actual cost is higher than the $85.4 million because effectively the city has to provide that money to Omni up-front and before they sink a dime of their own money in.

I believe there are also interest costs because the city has to take out a bond against future tax collection through TIF and everything else.

Hope to get that clarified soon.


As a side note, this detailed plan just came out in the city council agenda that was posted in just the last hour, which means the Oklahoman was fed this story (with more detail in the agenda) far in advance by O'Connor & Co. Considering that the Alliance (which O'Connor heads) was formed specifically to keep items like this from public view until they desire to release them, it's troubling to me to see information disseminated this way. It shows favoritism to one news outlet and that seems highly inappropriate when dealing with matters concerning tens of millions of tax dollars.

Hush, nobody has heard of this until now.

Congrats to the Oklahoman on breaking this story!

Oh, wait...

http://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=328-A-detailed-look-at-the-proposed-Omni-convention-hotel

"On Tuesday, City Council will vote on a measure to proceed with the negotiation of approximately $85 million in public incentives for this project." - Published on 09-26-2016 04:38 AM

Uh...I try to stay away from the OKCTalk/OPUBCO beef because I consider Pete my friend as do I consider Steve and a number of others at The Oklahoman. The whole thing pains me. That said, the line you posted was obviously not published by OKCTalk in September of 2016. That is the date of the original story, but obviously it was edited to include the new info. Not that there is anything wrong with that; just don't use it incorrectly to discredit other reporting.

-30-

I'll just leave this here then, it's post number 1343 in this very thread. That and the following couple posts have a number, and none of the posts indicate at this time that they have been edited.

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=35905&page=54&p=969035#post969035

Just talked to Cathy O'Connor and in addition to raising the point I just made about feeding this info to the Oklahoman on an exclusive basis (something that should and will likely change) she did confirm that the $85.4 million does not include interest on the bond.

When pressed, O'Connor said they don't have the final number yet but it will be in excess of $100 million.

So, that $100+ million is the true cost of this incentive project, not the net present value of what Omni is handed upfront (the $85.4 mm).


And on a further editorial note, this is why sources like to give preferential treatment to certain outlets. They know information will generally be published as presented to them without much in the way of further questioning (which is why Trump only gives interviews to Fox). The end result is that the truth suffers.

These incentives and allocations for the convention center and hotel keep creeping up and up and up... To the point that once you get over $100 mm for a hotel that they say is absolutely required (but never factored into the MAPS 3 funding) all the sudden starts to look much more questionable than $85 mm.

And honestly, it will be at least $100 million; who knows how much more.

As usual there is much more of a backstory to these matters so here's a bit more I now feel obligated to share...

I knew this exact dollar amount, the fact there would be additional and significant interest costs and pretty much everything outlined in that Oklahoman article.

I knew because O'Connor meets with the city council well in advance of something like this coming into the public. She does so in small groups as a loophole (IMO) to circumvent open meeting laws. I have spoken directly to the municipal counselor about this practice but it would take me suing them for anything to change, something at this point I am not willing to do, even though I have consulted with open meetings law expert who say that I would have a very strong case.

But, this happens on all such matters: O'Connor meets with the council members and although no binding vote is taken, every bit of detail in that article was revealed to them at that time, in a fully-formed package with all the detail work already completed.

However, the council is admonished not to share this information to the press. In fact, any documents passed out on those meetings are collected before adjouring.

So, what happens here? There is zero of this anywhere in the public domain and yet simultaneous with the posting of the council agenda for Tuesday (Friday is the last day that can be done) a fully detailed article is released by the Oklahoman where O'Connor has clearly provided what was absolutely not public info to the Oklahoman well in advance. AND the article contained more detail than was in the agenda.

So, you have the Alliance which specifically formed in a way that open records and meeting laws do no apply, and holds things away from the public eye as long as possible (which does not imply there is something nefarious) but then releasing in advance to one news outlet, after making others promise not to share that same information.


Much more to this but it's time to shine some light on these issues. And not coincidentally, the news organization benefiting from such an arrangement is not going to do it nor are they going to bother with probing questions such as the total real cost to taxpayers.

BTW, now told at 4% interest on the bonds the total cost would be close to $135 million.

That is way, way more than the reported $85.4 million.

BTW, now told at 4% interest on the bonds the total cost would be close to $135 million.

That is way, way more than the reported $85.4 million.

This is utterly embarrassing. Why does it feel like we're being taken to the woodshed in these negotiations? Omni wasnt the only hotelier offering to provide the convention hotel? And with all this public funding we can't get more rooms (750) or any residential promised? Thanks for your hard work Pete.

I've been so elated with all the new developments and progress my city has made and is continuing to make but I have a bad taste in my mouth about this.

Besides the $135 million, here are some other things Omni is demanding:

1. A parking garage. City doesn't own the land and already stated they can only borrow $27 of the $37 million that is need to build it, PLUS they have to somehow get the land from OG&E. No garage under construction, no Omni deal.

2. No TIF money for any hotel other than FNC. That alone could kill the hopes or renovating Spaghetti Warehouse.

So at least $385M for the "convention center complex"? Starting to look a lot closer to the $400M Nashvile paid, if that's their real total cost (I do not know the breakdown).

So at least $385M for the "convention center complex"? Starting to look a lot closer to the $400M Nashvile paid, if that's their real total cost (I do not know the breakdown).

You should also factor in the value of the land the city gave to OG&E to move the sub-station.

And other things as well. I'll have to total all this up.

Yes please do.

So at least $385M for the "convention center complex"? Starting to look a lot closer to the $400M Nashvile paid, if that's their real total cost (I do not know the breakdown).

Nashville paid 623 mill for their convention center. And another 128 mil for their Omni convention hotel

Oh dang, apologies on the mis-remembrance. Not sure where I remember that $400M number from.

I just finished reading the Oklahoman article. There sure is a lot of hostage holding in that agreement regarding future hotel competition. How does this affect the pending Bricktown hotels (new Renaissance, Canopy, etc)?

^^^^^
Does not affect them at all. Would affect the suggested (though not formally proposed) boutique hotel in Spaghetti Warehouse building, but not sure that is a great option for that building anyway.

^^^^^
Does not affect them at all. Would affect the suggested (though not formally proposed) boutique hotel in Spaghetti Warehouse building, but not sure that is a great option for that building anyway.

The prospective owners have been pursuing a boutique hotel deal, as that is their preference and have been working with at least two groups.

It is possible this Omni clause could kill the entire deal.

http://newsok.com/omni-deal-a-decade-in-the-making/article/5556404

Great work, Pete. OKC has long had a transparency problem that needs to be addressed.

I don't think it's that bad of a deal. Omni is assuming all the risk and if they start turning profits the city can get up to $15 million/year for 20 years. Could easily get all their money back.

Sooner or later figures about the total cost of the convention center complex (includes hotel) will have to be shared with the public.

Anyway OKC can back out of this deal or is it a done deal or what will the council cut to make the convention hotel a reality?

Councilman Ed Shadid's Facebook page comment on Lackmeyer article:

Robert Rowling, the owner of Omni Hotels, is the 67th richest human on the planet with a net worth approaching $7 Billion. He could do this deal without public subsidies. Instead, he engages in predatory, parasitic behavior in which he extracts enormous sums of money from cities like OKC which are struggling to finance core services.
Assuming that the city is able to sell the revenue bonds at 4% interest, the estimated cost to the city is $135 million when you include interest costs. In addition, the city must spend all of its money before Omni spends a dime thereby allowing Omni to shift interest costs to the city. In addition, the city will essentially provide an interest free loan to Omni who will buy the land over a 25 year period. In addition, the city must builtd a $37 million parking garage plus acquire the land for the parking garage from OG&E. But we are not through: the City is prohibited from subsidizing any hotel in an area defined by Omni which includes essentially all of downtown threatening adaptive re-use projects such as those contemplated at Spaghetti Warehouse etc...Finally, and most importantly, if the hotel does not perform as well as projected and there is a shortfall in paying back our loan from the proceeds, then the shortfall must be paid from the city's general fund which will further erode delivery of core services to our citizens. Imagine a scenario in which the owners of the Thunder demand a new arena from taxpayers (coming in the next 2-6 years IMO) or else they would have to consider relocating to a different area within the Greater Metro or even to another city. Our debt on this hotel provides enormous leverage against us.
OKC is running out of time to diversify its economy. We already face the headwinds of nation leading cuts to public education, and by extension, academic research. If we do not want to end up like West Virginia with its over reliance on a commodity which is going to plummet in value over time, we must diversify our economy as quickly and efficiently as possible. Imagine what an investment such as this might accomplish in an Innovation District centered around the OU Health Sciences Center where industries congregate, exchange ideas and technologies, and spin-off/create new companies. One biotechnology company alone (Selexys), which spawned from such a collobaration, recently attracted a $665 milion investment from Novartis. It is heartbreaking to see OKC put all of its incentive eggs in one basket. With this massive investment in a dying industry full of minimum and low-paying jobs, we will have no powder left to help create the 21st century city and economy our people deserve.

Honest question: What is the worst-case scenario if we don't subsidize Omni or another hotel operator?

Currently, we have dozens of hotels popping up and planned... Couldn't we just do an RFP and drop some of the onerous requirements such as minimum # of rooms, amount of meeting space... And just get someone to pay OKC for the land, deal with their own parking and not get a dime in public incentives, just like the 20 other downtown hotels have already done?

I know all the studies say the convention center needs a hotel but really, what is the downside of just letting market forces find a private hotel developer and run with that site with some degree of coordination?

Good grief, we have the Canopy and Marriott Renaissance both getting ready to start with zero public assistance and with that Marriott, there is zero parking.

It's not like we don't have tons of hotel developers looking to build more.


We are just so far off the reservation. Remember when it was going to be $50 million in assistance? Now $135 plus the garage plus restrictions on incentives to any other hotel, plus, plus, plus.

We don't get one because everywhere else does this?

Not saying it's right, nor do I even know if that's the case. But that's "worst case."