I like the 6 restaurants. That is something that is not present in many Oklahoma hotels (aside from the casino/hotel set-ups).

The Downtown Design Review Committee just approved this project.

surprised?

They have filed for their building permit.

Should take a couple of months then work should start in earnest.

Omni is set to close on the purchase of the property from the City on August 7th.

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1032674555335204865


Signing the many documents that pave the way for construction of our Omni convention center hotel.

Apologies if this is old news, but William Crum is reporting that the skybridge has been dropped from the design. https://twitter.com/WILLIAMCRUM/status/1032730951418347520

Mahke Crrr is gonna be pissed!

Wonder why the scrapped the skybridge? That's not good right?

I thought it was good they dropped it because it would add more street life

There is no skybridge from the City of Denver subsidized Hyatt Hotel to the CC across the street. As long as it's not a long walk in blazing sun or howling winds, a skybridge isn't necessary.

I thought it was good they dropped it because it would add more street life

But there is very little, if any, street life there. And nothing being built anytime soon will add street life to the site (just my opinion). So this just serves to accentuate the lack of street life.

Huh?

But there is very little, if any, street life there. And nothing being built anytime soon will add street life to the site (just my opinion). So this just serves to accentuate the lack of street life.

Like a park, the largest hotel in the city, a huge mixed-use apartment complex, and a large convention center?

none of which have been built yet?

Like a park, the largest hotel in the city, a huge mixed-use apartment complex, and a large convention center?

All on a 100 foot wide boulevard with cars whizzing by. Not saying those things are not great (that you mentioned) but in terms of the few feet from the hotel to the new CC, the lack of skybridge won't help the street life, to me.

We will have to agree to disagree because I think that entire area is primed for pedestrian activity.

We will have to agree to disagree because I think that entire area is primed for pedestrian activity.

Plus the fixing the boulevard will probably be on maps 4

Plus the fixing the boulevard will probably be on maps 4

Why would the city fix the boulevard they just built?

Why would the city fix the boulevard they just built?

They didn't build it! The state did...

Why would the city fix the boulevard they just built?

The boulevard was constructed/is being constructed by the State Department of Transportation. They prioritize easy traffic movement above all else, and asking them to take into account pedestrian activity or future downtown growth is like asking a pro wrestler which fork to use at a fancy dinner. It is beyond their capacity to understand. As a result, the current boulevard design is exactly what nobody at the city asked for. We tore down one elevated interstate only to have ODOT insist on building another one.

What is the real reason the sky bridge was dropped? I asked Mayor Holt and got no response. This is a very shortsighted move. The city shouldn’t have to try and “force” street life by removing something that most modern convention centers have. I’m hoping this is a just a cost thing? The best solution would be to extend underground, but I thought at the very least they would have a sky bridge. They removed it once and added it back and removed it again.

They can always do it later as well.

I'm wondering if the construction schedules between Omni and CC line up well enough to not delay one or the other.

Since the street there will likely be closed during construction, seems like they could put in a tunnel while at it, but I don't know if that makes things better or worse schedule wise. I know the water table is an issue here as well.

and will probably add it back again. ...

I have mixed feelings on it because I do think we could benefit tremendously by encouraging use of the street BUT I also agree that having the skywalk wont stop anyone from going to the street if we have something good for them to want to go to. ..

However, having the skywalk WILL help OKCs efforts in landing/retaining conventions, I only question why we dont build one for Fairfield too (and possibly other, connected/nearby hotels).

We all have concerns about the street life in the area of the Omni Hotel & the new convention center. Will it be an worse than the current street life downtown?

If a skybridge is available: No actual impact on street activity, as already demonstrated at other sites. If people wish to access street level, nothing at all is stopping them.

If a skybridge is not available: Organizers looking to schedule events where the hosting hotel has ready access to cater the event will look to nearby cities who are serious about attracting said events.

The boulevard was constructed/is being constructed by the State Department of Transportation. They prioritize easy traffic movement above all else, and asking them to take into account pedestrian activity or future downtown growth is like asking a pro wrestler which fork to use at a fancy dinner. It is beyond their capacity to understand. As a result, the current boulevard design is exactly what nobody at the city asked for. We tore down one elevated interstate only to have ODOT insist on building another one.

This is incredibly interesting. So you're saying ODOT is spending 10s of millions building a facility that they won't own or maintain, forced the city to acquire rights of way and move utilities, and is doing it with zero input from okc public works, downtown chamber, etc.

Those people are ninjas.

This is incredibly interesting. So you're saying ODOT is spending 10s of millions building a facility that they won't own or maintain, forced the city to acquire rights of way and move utilities, and is doing it with zero input from okc public works, downtown chamber, etc.

Those people are ninjas.

I don't know all the details, but my takeaway understanding is that the city & a group of concerned citizens (Friends for a Better Boulevard) worked with the state to alter the boulevard from the original design, but the final design still left quite a bit to be desired.

Insane amount of detail here: http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=30513

I noticed dirt work happening on this site when I walked by yesterday

Yes, they are well underway now (taken today).

Official groundbreaking ceremony is Oct. 1st at 10AM.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/omni091318a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/omni091318b.jpg

Nice shots. I keep dreaming about a couple of 30-40 story buildings on the Ford slabs. That would really change the skyline for the better.

Only if residential. We don't need any more corporate plazas with prime park-side frontage.

Good lord. This area is going to totally transform in the next 2 years. Just incredible.

Nice shots. I keep dreaming about a couple of 30-40 story buildings on the Ford slabs. That would really change the skyline for the better.
Yep!


Only if residential. We don't need any more corporate plazas with prime park-side frontage.
Yep x 2!

Only if residential. We don't need any more corporate plazas with prime park-side frontage.

I don't think OKC has any local developers who want to build up. So it may be quite a while for that. But I hope they hold it rather than sell it for a mediocre development.

They were planning something for the Ford site about 10 years ago, but it never came to fruition. Granted it was right before the recession.

Only if residential. We don't need any more corporate plazas with prime park-side frontage.

If condos across the street from the Federal building are going for what, $400/sqft, I can't imagine what a place would cost in between the parks. The Parks should definitely be the name of the development though. Parks I and Parks II

Only if residential. We don't need any more corporate plazas with prime park-side frontage.

Mmmm, I kind of disagree. I think the Myriad Gardens & Scissortail park should be connected by some kind of plaza park through the middle of the Ford site with development on both sides of it. I certainly wouldn't be disappointed if that wasn't the case, but I feel like there should be a natural connection between the 2 that you don't have to walk around a super block to get to.

^^^ these two ideas are not mutually exclusive... Why not have a mix of housing, office, and retail, while still maintaining the grid including a nice pedestrian connection along Harvey between the two parks.

Mmmm, I kind of disagree. I think the Myriad Gardens & Scissortail park should be connected by some kind of plaza park through the middle of the Ford site with development on both sides of it. I certainly wouldn't be disappointed if that wasn't the case, but I feel like there should be a natural connection between the 2 that you don't have to walk around a super block to get to.

^^^^I love this idea. In a similar vein, what about a pedestrian mall with retail and restaurants on the bottom floors and residential/office on the second floor (no higher than three floors). That would be FANTASTIC. So you can walk around whole thing or right down the middle of it where the storefronts would be. You could have landscaping, water features, places for street performances, etc. Can you imagine what a great place that would be to hang out before/after events at the arena! Kind of like a very mini/scaled back version of The Grove in L.A.

Yeah, I don't think the Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park should be separated by highrises. Just personal preference. A plaza park sounds great though!

^^^^I love this idea. In a similar vein, what about a pedestrian mall with retail and restaurants on the bottom floors and residential/office on the second floor (no higher than three floors). That would be FANTASTIC. So you can walk around whole thing or right down the middle of it where the storefronts would be. You could have landscaping, water features, places for street performances, etc. Can you imagine what a great place that would be to hang out before/after events at the arena! Kind of like a very mini/scaled back version of The Grove in L.A. Either do it on the Ford site or on the Cox site down the line.

I agree with a visual connection between the two parks.

I further agree with the retail/restaurants. As a matter of fact, I think every building (and parking garage!) constructed in the CBD, Bricktown, Midtown etc. should have storefronts on street level, in fact it should be written in code as a requirement.

I would stop short of having it highly programmed with water features etc., because it feels like that would be competing with the gathering spaces in the two parks themselves. I absolutely would not put such features on the Cox site when it is developed. When Cox is developed, it needs to be dense, tall, office or mixed-use buildings that completely fill the block with no "plazas." A true extension of the densest, tallest parts of the CBD. We don't need another new "quasi-entertainment" district competing with Bricktown, Midtown and Film Row. We're doing a great job of that. We need more true urban "city". Just my two cents.

I would further add, as if it needs to be added, that the Cox site should restore the traditional street grid. Get rid of the superblock.

I would further add, as if it needs to be added, that the Cox site should restore the traditional street grid. Get rid of the superblock.

Oh, yeah, I like this idea for the Cox site much better. Have a natural continuation of density is the way to go with that site.

A plaza park sounds good in theory but you have to remember who owns this land. I can't see holding on to that priceless piece of land for that long, then developing it into a plaza park. If he does though, it better be the best NYC adaptation of a plaza park in history. If not, he's let a great opportunity pass from all the money he could have made from selling the land at first.

http://www.tmtdevelopment.com/images/park-avenue-west-tower2.png
TMT Development is one of the West Coast's most respected names in real estate development and is recognized as a premier developer of Class A office towers and retail shopping centers throughout the northwest.
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A partial or original street grid would give the site two 2-blocks or a 4-square block section of prime development across from The Peake; keep & reinforce the underground parking. Omni has expressed interest in 1st rights for another hotel development for the Cox site. Entertain ideas for the Cox site now with future plans that will enhance the core. The more 3A+ hotels we have available the more quality conventions we'll be able to attract. How about a mixed-use office & condo luxury high rise residential.

Not looking for Oklahoma City to replace The Peake anytime soon (evaluate 2025); therefore let's keep a possible DT arena replacement site in mind; also require a quarter commitment in funds from the anchor NBA tenant.

The current Peake could be downsized to complement the convention center & hotels if a new arena is needed.

I seriously doubt these guys are holding out with plans of a Park Plaza or the like being built on that prime real estate. I would imagine they have in mind buyers that will invest mega $$$$$ in Large tall buildings.

I'm really hoping the old Ford site is put to good use! Anybody ever been to the Santa Monica Promenade? I wonder if making 2nd street pedestrian only would work well here so that you end up with something similar to the Santa Monica Promenade?

Looking at this area in Santa Monica, you have ~500K sq ft with TONS of different things to do & see on foot:

https://i.imgur.com/kdZWDzO.png

The Ford Site is much bigger, at 650K sq ft:

https://i.imgur.com/JhTEbGX.png

I'm wondering if people would stop parking at this site for games and such if that might spur these guys to find a buyer. I'm not sure how much money they make off parking but it has to be a substantial amount. I usually pay at least $20.00 to park there.

I like the idea of an outdoor shopping complex like in Santa Monica that flows between the gardens and park. I see the Cox site being redeveloped into high density with office and apartment towers, while this site lends itself to more of an attraction IMO.

Would rather Harvey be pedestrian-only instead of 2nd street to make a natural walking connection between the two parks. then line that with shops and restaurants and other places to allow people to spend their money.

Would rather Harvey be pedestrian-only instead of 2nd street to make a natural walking connection between the two parks. then line that with shops and restaurants and other places to allow people to spend their money.

Bingo, Harvey as a pedestrian promenade is a must. In these types of mixed-use developments you typically can't have retail/restaurants on every side but Harvey is important as is Robinson and the Boulevard. It's a very complicated site but also probably the most important one to get right for downtown's future. Give the OU urban design studio or IQC a crack at it if they haven't already.

In planning documents, that corridor from north of Devon, through the Myriad Gardens and down to Sciccsortail Park has been labeled the "Harvey Spine". Devon's architects talked about it in great detail for the placement of their atrium and it was addressed once again when the city was planning to put the convention center on the REHCO lots.

The idea was that from the Devon atrium the spine would run all the way to the OK River, which is more or less part of the Scissortail and Skydance bridge plan.

In fact, REHCO attempted to close all those streets and the city denied them.

However, I'm not sure the existing design review and planning documents can specifically restrict keeping it open to pedestrians. The city can certainl deny street closures though and I'm sure they have the right to create a pedestrian path with or without the road staying open.

It’s City owner ROW. Just close Harvey down for cars and make it a pedestrian and cycle only street.

In planning documents, that corridor from north of Devon, through the Myriad Gardens and down to Sciccsortail Park has been labeled the "Harvey Spine". Devon's architects talked about it in great detail for the placement of their atrium and it was addressed once again when the city was planning to put the convention center on the REHCO lots.

The idea was that from the Devon atrium the spine would run all the way to the OK River, which is more or less part of the Scissortail and Skydance bridge plan.
.
"Let's create a spine that runs all the way through the middle of downtown. You know what would be cool? WHat's that? Let's build our atrium right in the middle of it so that people have to go an entire block around our massive complex to continue on down the spine. Sound's like a great Idea, Just like how we built our massive complex right in the middle of main street, forcing people to go an entire plock out of their way when they travel east/west! Purrrrrfect! High Five!!"

I actually like the atrium in the middle and getting to walk through it... EXCEPT when they have it closed to the public, which really chaps me.

"Let's create a spine that runs all the way through the middle of downtown. You know what would be cool? WHat's that? Let's build our atrium right in the middle of it so that people have to go an entire block around our massive complex to continue on down the spine. Sound's like a great Idea, Just like how we built our massive complex right in the middle of main street, forcing people to go an entire plock out of their way when they travel east/west! Purrrrrfect! High Five!!"

They built their complex on an existing parking garage.

^^^ I know.. Just poking fun. But that garage was demoed so they (devon and City of OKC) could have restored the grid if they reeeally wanted to.

I personally like the idea of turning the old Ford lot into something to blend in the two parks. I'd love it to be developed into mid or high rise buildings, but at the same time I don't want something like that separating the parks.

If it was one master development, I would love to see those four blocks developed as one comprehensive project. The main goal would be to turn Harvey pedestrian, and turn that street and surrounding area into a big petestrian plaza. Big promenade down the middle, lots of open areas for restaurants, shops that can have some merchandise spill into the promenade, fountains, mini-stages. If you are looking down Harvey from either park it should be a funnel shape of development. Mid rise buildings on Robinson and Hudson, maybe residential, and then smaller commercial buildings closer towards Harvey. So when you look down the skyline amost funnels you down the promenade from one park to the next. I would close down 2nd as well, or maybe use them as entrances to underground parking and delivery access for shops and performances.