How many times does something changed when first initially planned? Not in just Edmond, but okc and elsewhere. Stuff happens. And the only time people have flipped over anything in this area is when the wally world market was proposed a mile to the west of here. I know people who were ecstatic about the crest going in. Esp since they have modified Fairfax golf course in order for the corner to be opened up for development. So if anything happened it seems like it was on Crests end and not anyone complaining.

And like you said, everything is proposed and speculated. No one really knows what else is going in besides the ones you mentioned. The convention center and sports complex will be a lightning rod for development in the future along I-35 down to 2nd street. No one expects this area to be a classen curve, but it has potential to be a strong economic area.

but to start cursing about things, cmon now. you seem to be getting way to worked up lately. take a deep breath, and embrace the good (and sometime bad) things that are going on up here. There are lots of things to look forward toman I know. It doesn't just happen in Edmond, it's just frustrating to see something nice not happen. :/

btw... if I say anything that offends you, Jerrwall, or anyone else I apologize. even though I love my dad and he loves me, he has pretty much disowned me for being with a particular girl he doesn't approve of due to race and he also might have cancer, had another girl I've been with on and off for awhile I really liked tell me she only wanted money and was cheating leave me because I wouldn't give her $1000, mother call me the spawn of satan because I couldn't give her $400 for a car payment, coupled with school, working my but off to save up money to pay the rest off for this acting school I'm moving to LA for, I'm just stressed out and irritable so again, if I have been an ass, I do sincerely apologize.

Worthy Cook, I hear you and you're not wrong with anything you're writing. I guess I just feel like there should be enough demand with UCO and civic and university events for a hotel downtown. Private industry can stack cheap chain hotels up and down I-35 for all I care, but if the city is going to get involved with something I wish it would take a different approach. And this convention center isn't exactly going to be Cox. I think there's more than enough land in the center of town, even if it's over closer to UCO or even on UCO property.

I realize this is water under the bridge at this point, but I still don't understand why Edmond is actively encouraging sprawl by providing incentives to build out this area. Is a large scale hotel and convention center still going in at this intersection? Why aren't we creating a stronger center by encouraging those developments around downtown/UCO? While many suburb across the country build new urbanist faux town centers to create a sense of place, Edmond turns it's back on its existing and authentic good bones. (I know there are efforts going on in downtown Edmond, but what if this activity was also there?) 2 steps forward, 1 back. Oh well.Yes, if I remember right, we will start to see vertical activity for the convention center and hotel by October. The Summit Sports Complex will also be breaking ground this October/November as well. I believe the McDonalds shouls start before the end of this year and the roadwork will begin next summer sometime.

The theater/entertainment complex and Walmart NM are still a year or two out as are the other unknown big box stores.

As far as the sprawl, they are building this out there to create awareness of the city for travelers on I-35. Not only will this draw people from the highway and create good visibility, this will be better here and not downtown because it will create a new retail corridor that could be pretty significant. East Edmond is set to begin growing pretty rapidly and it is likely we will see talks of new highway loop on Waterloo or a little north of it within a decade and construction soon after. Logan County is starting to see increased growth and the city council of Guthrie is starting to become more development friendly. Guthrie is truly a city that could take off if it played it's cards right(another thread that is high up on my list of threads I want to start). It has a beautiful downtown that is begging to be revitalized!

Once this police station is built, other things are going to happen. There are about three 2-5 story buildings that are in the works that will have retail on bottom and housing on top, couple with a few other office buildings, a possible performing arts center, commuter rail station, parking garage, Broadway redevelopment, etc. I am actively looking for a short term rental house around UCO and they are scarce with rents pushing 800-1000 a month. Not extremely high, but they are steadily rising. The old police station is also going to be redeveloped, possible restaurant and offices. I have possible talks of new city hall and a brand new community center.

So some things are in the works that could be big for the city and its downtown. I am perfectly fine with the location of this development and I think it won't be on the fringes for long.

No Crest? Boo! Hiss!

I hope they build a nice area for the Edmond people at the normal Edmond standards. And don't turn that corner into tax revenue drivers for people passing thru.

A faux urban town center in Edmond would be nice, but let's be real. Spring Creek Plaza attempted and did a good job at Oklahoma standards. Other areas in the metro don't have anything like Spring Creek. It would be nice if Edmond really focused it's efforts downtown or an urban town center thing. I hope what they are doing down there will make a significant difference. Crest at Covell and 35 would be nice and I hope that happens.

I hope they build a nice area for the Edmond people at the normal Edmond standards. And don't turn that corner into tax revenue drivers for people passing thru.
Who are "Edmond people" and what exactly do you consider "Edmond standards"

Im curious too. Expecting a really accurate response.

9/9/2014

Here's what is currently there.

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/15193490942_80d9324035_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3925/15007075699_4058cbfe47_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5578/15007289337_81932a386b_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5560/15193852775_295a0770bb_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/15170821726_2d217ef230_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/15170819076_0fddae3d76_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/15007064609_cd27faff80_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3884/15193473722_e8dd949c2a_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3921/15170812786_192d109523_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3865/15007267258_1c287c8546_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3878/15007165420_f562c055a7_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/15193464812_caf7b29e9c_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5587/15007256518_ec2d2f1ddb_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/15190793631_e087561652_b.jpg

It has been like this for a few months now. If I recall, we should see some foundation movement on the Conference Center/Hotel in October. Not sure about the McDonald's.

I realize this is water under the bridge at this point, but I still don't understand why Edmond is actively encouraging sprawl by providing incentives to build out this area...

One man's sprawl is another man's infill. This area will definitely begin to connect much of the far north and east sides around a new high school and hopefully reduce some core Edmond traffic issues as well.

This is starting to remind me of "Hefner Four Corners". A lot of dirt work, a huge flag pole on each corner of Hefner and Broadway Extension and the developers went bankrupt. It never happened, it was in the late 70's and to this day, there isn't much there.
C. T.

This is starting to remind me of "Hefner Four Corners". A lot of dirt work, a huge flag pole on each corner of Hefner and Broadway Extension and the developers went bankrupt. It never happened, it was in the late 70's and to this day, there isn't much there.
C. T.I am very afraid that will end up happening here. A lot of dirt work and nothing else.

PlutPan,
I drove by today and there's still a lot of expensive equipment on the Northwest corner, and it's been there for quite a while, not doing anything and not making any money, so who knows? I suspect there's just been a delay.
C. T.
I am very afraid that will end up happening here. A lot of dirt work and nothing else.

From Diana's chat


Diana Baldwin 2:13 p.m. I was told last week that the land exchange between the conference center and hotel developers and the city has been completed. Now, they will proceed to work on the conference center and full-service hotel. Developers said once the hotel-conference center starts to come out of the ground so will others,. I know of a McDonalds and Braums.

- Chat recap: Edmond adds more nightlife options | News OK (http://newsok.com/chat-recap-edmond-adds-more-nightlife-options/article/5343311)

for comparison, what is this Hotel/Conference center size compared to one in Ardmore along I-35?

I drove the area between Waterloo and I-35 and zig-zagged my way down to Arcadia. I was shkcked at how many housingddevelopments are going up in the area. Lots of nice, tree-covered lots and lots of new housing going up.

Tell me about!! I've lived here in the area since 1984 and everyday I drive through the area and cannot believe it. I'm wondering what it'll be like in another 5 yrs???

So all of the heavy machinery has been moved off of the site and there is nothing there now. I'm not worried at this point, because it would seem to me they are going to need different kinds of machines than what they used for land clearing, but so far no other movement on the site. If this place is still dead in November, then I think we can start worrying.

The hotel will go before the planning commission on the 21st.

Here is the new location and the site plan for the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Hotel

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3930/15545534576_9c003e0d9c_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15382604159_cefdbf4298_b.jpg

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5609/14948489564_afe6473d55_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15569241815_a5dd11e883_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/14949064743_6f92ee0f2c_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15383087968_ac95c29209_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/14948489954_bd991ac522_b.jpg

- http://agenda.edmondok.com:8085/agenda_publish.cfm?id=&mt=ALL&get_month=10&get_year=2014&dsp=agm&seq=5789&rev=0&ag=1277&ln=26986&nseq=5790&nrev=0&pseq=5788&prev=0#

Update on the hotel from The Sun


Final site plan approval was granted this week for the $25.5 million Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center to be located near Interstate 35 within the northeast corner of Sooner Road and Covell. The Edmond Planning Commission favored the request made by Covell Partners, LLC with a 3-0 vote.

The planned unit development covers an entire quarter-section of land, said Bob Schiermeyer, city planner. The site plan provides for a southwest to northeast orientation of the hotel/conference center, he said.

“Access to the building will be from Covell and Sooner Road with a loop drive around the east side of the building,” Schiermeyer said. “There is a second drive on Covell.”

The 130,033-square-foot hotel is in full compliance with the city’s 15 percent requirement for landscaping and plant count for the Interstate 35 corridor, according to Ryan Ochsner, the city’s urban forestry coordinator.

Two ground signs are 8 feet tall, making them shorter than what is allowed in the I-35 corridor, Schiermeyer said. “These signs will have a brick base to match the six-story brick building. The 158-room facility will be 80 feet tall.

“There is no height limit,” Schiermeyer said of the location.

The parking will meet the requirements for 160 hotel rooms and conference center, Schiermeyer said. There will be 546 parking spaces on the site and 28 bicycle parking spaces.

Covell Partners Project Manager Clay Coldiron said the hotel’s swimming pool and spa will be inside the building.

- Hilton Garden Inn phases on schedule - The Edmond Sun: News (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/hilton-garden-inn-phases-on-schedule/article_2714896c-5a2a-11e4-b7a3-bb30a988020e.html)

things move so slow in this city it's unreal

Edmond hotel and conference center construction set to begin at first of the year | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/edmond-hotel-and-conference-center-construction-set-to-begin-at-first-of-the-year/article/5359184)

From News9


EDMOND, Oklahoma - It's been in the works for the last decade and finally plans are starting shape up for a brand new conference center in Edmond, near Sooner and Covell Roads.
“The major hurdles are through, so we would like to see some dirt moving out there very soon," said Janet Yowell, Executive Director of the Edmond Economic Development Authority.

The site plan was just approved last week for a 130,000 sq. ft. Hilton Garden Inn, standing six stories tall with about 160 rooms.

“It will be a full-service hotel with a restaurant with food service and then a place to hold meetings,” Yowell said. “So it will have event space and break out space, and that's the thing that's important to us and a new product to our market. We haven't had a full-service hotel in a number of years."

The center will fill a void in Edmond as traffic continues to pick up in the growing area along I-35. It is also where a public-private sports complex is to be constructed on the northeast corner of Sooner Road and Covell Road.

not a fan of the final design, looks like any ordinary hotel, but whatevs

http://kwtv.images.worldnow.com/images/5411544_G.jpg

- read more here: Plans For Edmond Convention Center, Sports Complex Take Shape - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/27052986/plans-for-edmond-convention-center-sports-complex-take-shape)

Throw-away development at its finest

Throw-away development at its finestWe're talking big names here though! We got McDonald's and a Braum's coming here. Likely a Walmart to. This is the real deal!

So a hotel, a McDonalds, and a Braums? Impressive....

Nothing brings in a conference like Braums.

I think this HGI is where ODOT is hosting the 2016 conference on the best urban design principles and how to incorporate public input. :wink:

As an edmondite the hotel/convention design is a shame. Looks like a hotel attached to a church. wish it was a little more contemporary with some greys, less brick.

as for the restaurants already planned, i will say they don't bother me. the majority of this area will be used by people not from the area and people stopping off i-35. and with the sports complex a lot of families and kids. kids love mcdonalds. its cheap and fast.

I would assume more sit down restaurants are in the pipeline.

I don't even think it's a question that more restaurants and businesses will attempt to build near there. I also would expect another hotel or motel, considering the easy access to the interstate, and the sports complex that's going to be near there as well.

I'm not a fan of the rendering either, but I'm wondering how final that is, or if there might be changes done as building progresses. I would have loved for this to be more visually in line with the designs of the sports complex.

I think it's final. I believe when it's all said done, this will be a nice area with some great restaurants and stores. I just hate to think what were stuck with now and if another economic recession happened, this is what we would have for awhile.

Hotel looks like about 95% of every other mid-grade business hotel in the country, so basically what I was expecting. At least it is a Hilton Garden Inn and not a Best Western or Motel 6. I am sure this area will develop nicely, as long as the city doesn't let something stupid go in (i.e. Wal-Mart, Church other large ugly box right in the middle fo the lot). I am still hoping someone will convince Life Time Fitness to move in there (fat chance).

Yeah my excitement for this area just dropped big time. It took me a minute to digest the design for the hotel and now that it has, this coupled with the Braum's, McDonald's, and even the rumored Crest just has me blah. I mean this is the kind of sprawl I don't like. This is just the same crap at 100 other OKC intersections and represents the typical Edmond way doing things. Maybe I'll be proven wrong by an indoor upscale mall, lifestyle center, or even a large movie theater with an upscale 2nd story sports bar(like what was discussed), but for now, I have more hopes for the Waterloo development and that isn't even funded yet.

BTW, they are slated for several big box stores, and I wouldn't mind that as long as they are good stores like a Costco, Ikea, Rooms to Go, Fry's ...etc. I swore I overheard the mayor saying a Tiger Direct Warehouse was in the works for the area, which would fit where they tend to locate sometimes, but I would still be surprised. I am just hopeless for this area currently, but I hope I am wrong.

Again, just for a list of what is actually confirmed

*6 Story Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center
*McDonald's
*Summit Sports Complex - http://www.okctalk.com/edmond/35223-summit-sports-complex.html

What is rumored or speculated at this point

*large upscale movie theater and lasertag complex w/ upstairs sports bar
*Crest grocery store
*Braum's
*gas station/Convenience store(OnCue?)

The hotel, which isn't really ambitious at all, isn't starting until the beginning of the year. If memory serves me right, it was supposed to be half way completed by now as original timelines had groundbreaking dates this summer, but I could be wrong on that. They changed that however sometime ago and said we'd see vertical movement this October and now it is January.

The McDonald's is supposed to start whenever dirt really starts to turn into a foundation over at the hotel, according to The Edmond Sun.

The sports complex is supposedly breaking ground this month. I suspect that is going to be delayed as well, but I don't know. This was originally going to break ground in the spring of 2014.

The road construction is slated to begin spring 2015, which for reason, I feel that the Summit Sports complex will be delayed from 6 months to a year, but I hope I am wrong. They are going to widen Covell to 6 lanes(three lanes each) from Sooner rd. to I-35. They aren't going to widen the bridge, which I think is a mistake, and they have no plans to add service roads, although they are going to use 2013 surplus tax revenue to do a study. I'll make a map of where everything is supposedly going.

Anyhow, the main reason(s) I am being pessimistic is we have a bunch of delays, no real movement on any buildings & this whole area turned dirt over a year ago(last fall if remember right), and we were told this was going to become a world class development & right now were faced with a mid-rate hotel, a McDonald's, and a gas station.

The only really nice thing we are getting is a world class sports complex, and while that excites me for just having such a thing, I will likely never step foot in there, so it doesn't do anything for other than it is just cool we are getting it.

Tiger Direct warehouse would be awesome and a huge score for OKC. How likely do you think that is?

One positive thing is with Wal-Mart going in at Covell and Coltrane, there is no reason to worry about it going in at this intersection and ruining the possibility of better retail there.

Regarding the Crest, I thought that I heard it was no longer happening. Is it back on the table?

Groundbreaking set for January in Edmond's new hotel and conference center | NewsOK.com (http://m.newsok.com/groundbreaking-set-for-january-in-edmonds-new-hotel-and-conference-center/article/5374460)

Hilton Garden Inn groundbreaking nears - The Edmond Sun: News (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/hilton-garden-inn-groundbreaking-nears/article_ad94f93e-8006-11e4-b182-6ba70972b3c9.html)

What a f*cking throwaway project.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/edmondsun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/f5/4f5e364a-8007-11e4-9f09-cb0d25882340/54879a62c80ea.image.jpg?resize=760%2C353

When you look at that what do you see? You know what I see? A hotel that has literally no identify and will be surrounded by a McDonald's, Braum's, and some gas station. Wonder how long it is until a Sonic and a strip mall get announced for here. They could've done something really neat like place large electronic billboard on the side and grow vines up with a large sign on top that says Edmond Conference Center, but we have a hotel that could be anywhere, and you wouldn't know where it was by looking at it. 99% of development in Edmond. Makes me so mad.

Now this is just more worthless sprawl, and sorry to be negative here, but until the 'plans' for the large, upscale movie theatre/bar lounge come to fruition, I'm deeply disappointed in this.

Have the whole side light up at night
http://www.your-home-design.com/home/building-elements-hotel-integrate-local-culture-in-modern-architecture-440x500.jpg

http://www.denver-cityscape.com/images/ColoradoCenterRes1013.jpg

http://spotimg.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/3d-view-landscapes-architecture-buildings-town-cities1.jpg (http://spotimg.com/3d-architecture-buildings-town-cities-6461/)

. . . or if they really want to step outside the box
http://spotimg.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Zaher-1167.jpg

Hotel looks like about 95% of every other mid-grade business hotel in the country, so basically what I was expecting. At least it is a Hilton Garden Inn and not a Best Western or Motel 6. I am sure this area will develop nicely, as long as the city doesn't let something stupid go in (i.e. Wal-Mart, Church other large ugly box right in the middle fo the lot). I am still hoping someone will convince Life Time Fitness to move in there (fat chance).

I'm holding out for the Life Time Fitness along Memorial west of Portland :)

Hilton Garden Inn groundbreaking nears - The Edmond Sun: News (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/hilton-garden-inn-groundbreaking-nears/article_ad94f93e-8006-11e4-b182-6ba70972b3c9.html)

What a f*cking throwaway project.

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/edmondsun.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/f5/4f5e364a-8007-11e4-9f09-cb0d25882340/54879a62c80ea.image.jpg?resize=760%2C353

When you look at that what do you see? You know what I see? A hotel that has literally no identify and will be surrounded by a McDonald's, Braum's, and some gas station. Wonder how long it is until a Sonic and a strip mall get announced for here. They could've done something really neat like place large electronic billboard on the side and grow vines up with a large sign on top that says Edmond Conference Center, but we have a hotel that could be anywhere, and you wouldn't know where it was by looking at it. 99% of development in Edmond. Makes me so mad.

Now this is just more worthless sprawl, and sorry to be negative here, but until the 'plans' for the large, upscale movie theatre/bar lounge come to fruition, I'm deeply disappointed in this.

I'm really disappointed as well. This looks like the hotels that are already at 2nd and I-35.

I'm really disappointed as well. This looks like the hotels that are already at 2nd and I-35.

Which may be the intention.

I'm really disappointed as well. This looks like the hotels that are already at 2nd and I-35.


Which may be the intention.

The thing about the other hotels down the road is that they arent being given a hotel tax rebate from the city, and this Hilton Garden is. Not sure what great thing Edmond is getting on this deal, other than they can say the have a "convention hotel."

The thing about the other hotels down the road is that they arent being given a hotel tax rebate from the city, and this Hilton Garden is. Not sure what great thing Edmond is getting on this deal, other than they can say the have a "convention hotel."

The tax rebate is considered a management fee on the city owned convention center.

I'm holding out for the Life Time Fitness along Memorial west of Portland :)

Well when we moved to OKC, my wife and I decided that if Life Time Fitness ever built here, we would move to be close to it. So I can think of worse areas than Memorial and Portland ;).

Banking question holds up start of Edmond conference center | News OK (http://newsok.com/banking-question-holds-up-start-of-edmond-conference-center/article/5389486)

Work should be starting soon. They have a new sign up--if that means anything--and I have seen several people out there lately.

Hotel sucks, but they interior should be nice and it will be awesome next to the pond. I'm really excited for the retail portion of this. Should bring some better retail than what Edmond currently has. Seeing as Edmond some of the most desirable demographics in the metro, I think we might get some high-end retail that hasn't came into the OKC market yet as long as this is done right. Something like this:

Spartan posted about this awhile back, but I couldn't find the thread.
Crocker Park Shopping Center > It's All Happening Here ? Westlake, Ohio (http://www.crockerpark.com/)

http://media.cleveland.com/business_impact/photo/crocker2jpg-fc2913fbbc653748.jpg

http://www.wicfy.com/images/markets/original/Crocker_Park_76781100_1373384103_273.jpg

http://www.cyburbia.org/gallery/data/507/crocker_park_04.jpg

Granted I would like to some space reserved for big box retailers keeping my fingers crossed for Costco, Fry's, or Tiger Direct.

Honestly, I doubt those locations would want to be on an island surrounded by trees.

Update:


The right-of-way plans and the environmental assessment for the Covell widening project has been submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, said Larry Stevens, city manager.

Plans call to further widen Covell and continue the parkway with four lanes extending east from Fairfax Lane to Interstate 35.

“When we get that stay of approval, our people will move forward with the finalizing of the plans and also begin to relocate the utility relocations that will be needed for the major project,” Stevens told the Edmond City Council.

The engineering work for the project is about 30 percent complete, according to the city’s Engineering Department.

The total estimated cost of the Covell widening project is currently set at $10 million, Stevens said. ODOT will provide roughly 50 percent of the cost, he added.

“We’re making progress there and hope to hear something back from ODOT in the near future,” Stevens said.

Increasing roadway infrastructure needs are not going to go away on that portion of Covell. A new McDonald’s restaurant is proposed for the southwest corner of I-35 and Covell. Also, a new public high school will be constructed in six years on an 80-acre site located on the southeast corner of Air Depot and Covell.

Further development on Covell will include the construction of the $30 million Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center at the northwest corner of I-35. A groundbreaking for the project is expected to take place soon.

Summit Sports is another endeavor that is expected to break ground in the next couple of months on the northeast corner Covell and I-35 at a cost of $17 million, according to Janet Yowell, executive director of the Edmond Economic Development Authority.

- Covell project includes widening - The Edmond Sun: News (http://www.edmondsun.com/news/covell-project-includes-widening/article_dd6aac14-b308-11e4-9a20-af943610cb00.html)

Banking question holds up start of Edmond conference center | News OK (http://newsok.com/banking-question-holds-up-start-of-edmond-conference-center/article/5389486)

Work should be starting soon. They have a new sign up--if that means anything--and I have seen several people out there lately.

Hotel sucks, but they interior should be nice and it will be awesome next to the pond. I'm really excited for the retail portion of this. Should bring some better retail than what Edmond currently has. Seeing as Edmond some of the most desirable demographics in the metro, I think we might get some high-end retail that hasn't came into the OKC market yet as long as this is done right. Something like this:

Spartan posted about this awhile back, but I couldn't find the thread.
Crocker Park Shopping Center > It's All Happening Here ? Westlake, Ohio (http://www.crockerpark.com/)


It is really sad that basically every metro outside of Oklahoma has really nice outdoor shopping areas like those pictured. But outside of Utica Square I can't think of any in Oklahoma. I sometimes think it may be our zoning, since our commercial areas tend to be shallow. Other times I think it is just because Okies don't demand it.

Is the Hotel ever actually going to start construction? The dirt work out there started at least 2 years ago and still nothing. Every time it rains more of the dirt hill washes away.

This really shows Edmond hasn't changed a bit.

City talks a big game, then it gets scaled down, then we wait forever to see crap built.

You always move so quick from support to flip the tables. Construction wasn't even approved until last October. It was supposed to start by now but as mentioned above, the financing issues in February delayed construction. I'd assume they are either resolved or close to resolved so expect some construction anytime...

I supported it when I thought it was going to be nice. Like everything else, Edmond is incapable of doing something progressive and not a typical bland strip mall.

Construction was actually approved before that and the they decided they wanted to move the hotel away from the highway.

Of course they ran into financing issues. They always do. Same thing with the Covell underpass which was supposed to be done back in 2005 that took forever to get done after they started it and now the I-35 bike trail underpass has hit financing issues.

You know, I'd be more understanding if we were actually getting a cool hotel, lifestyle center, and other recreational ammentities, but coming from Texas where this street and highway would have been widened yesterday, It's kind of hard to keep excited about a typical cookie cutter six story medium tier hotel, a Braums, and a McDonalds.

If we get the movie theater as an anchor to the south side, I'll admit I was wrong and he excited for it.

Right now, we a conference center hotel & sports plex that should almost be finished as they were slated to begin construction over a year ago and we don't even have foundations poured.

I made the mistake of driving by at 6 pm this evening. Traffic was backed up to I-35 on the west bound side with a group of maybe 30 bike riders in the east bound lane. It needs widening now and a traffic light at Covel and Sooner.

From today's edmond chat on newsok...


While you are sending in your questions, let me tell you about something I learned this morning that is causing all kinds of excitement in Edmond today. Developers have secured the financing for the city's new hotel and conference center. The public-private partnership has been on hold for about six months while the financing was worked out and the building was moved further west from Covell Road and Interstate 35. People have been waiting on this day for a while.

I did see a couple of guys that where well dressed walking around the site about a week ago. I kinda figured something was up.

From today's edmond chat on newsok...


While you are sending in your questions, let me tell you about something I learned this morning that is causing all kinds of excitement in Edmond today. Developers have secured the financing for the city's new hotel and conference center. The public-private partnership has been on hold for about six months while the financing was worked out and the building was moved further west from Covell Road and Interstate 35. People have been waiting on this day for a while.

It took them that long to secure financing even with the very generous tax credits? Sounds strange. Id be livid about this deal if I was another hotel owner in Edmond.

Still nothing happening at this site. Anyone have any idea what's going on?

Still nothing happening at this site. Anyone have any idea what's going on?funding problems. Pretty embarrassing when the city is having trouble getting a mediocre(at best) suburban hotel funded and really shows how far Edmond has to go.

McDonald's, Braums, and the speculated convenience store(I'm guessing is an OnCue) are waiting until construction starts on the hotel before they break ground.

I also believe the sports complex is starting this fall. This thing is like 4 years behind. I'll have to look, but I believe the original start date was like 2012 and has been planned since the late 90s.

What's even more irritating is the city seems to be giving up on quality commercial on the east side of the 35 and is moving towards large tract residential on 1/2 acre to 1 acre lots. That isn't even suburban.

Not trying to be a Debbie downer but the longer this plays out the more and more I fear this is going to be a typical half ass Craplahoman development because from what I see with news reports of Oklahoma possibly going into a mini recession we've seen how developments in Oklahoma play out. Developers won't hold onto the land until the economy gets better. They either cheap out or they sell to someone who brings in a lesser quality development.

The hotel will more than likely be built within the next 1-3 years but it's the other stuff I was excited for. So now we have two fast food restaurants already in OKC and a gas station but that was to be expected as you almost always have those things even in upscale developments I just hope some other really exciting stuff gets announced soon.

I bet we see someone kind of movement on the hotel before the years end.

Still nothing happening at this site. Anyone have any idea what's going on?

Not sure why construction hasn't begun, considering they announced in May funding was secured. There was a 6 month delay while plans change and funding was finalized, but I'm curious if something new has happened to delay this...

I wish they'd at least start the OnCue. It'd be really nice to have a gas station on my way home from work or on my way out of town.

I just can't believe how much money was spent on all that dirty work, just for it to sit for two years and erode.

We'll see if these funding issues have truly been resolved as this is like the 3rd or 4th time we've seen an article like this.

Agreements reached for development of Hilton Garden Inn - News - The Edmond Sun (http://m.edmondsun.com/news/agreements-reached-for-development-of-hilton-garden-inn/article_1efd4f8e-5d67-11e5-a42c-17467664d0e8.html?mode=jqm)