This "who broke the story first" argument is getting very old! You guys both do great work...leave it at that and stop the child's play.

Much, much bigger issue than this and it will soon all come out.

Back to topic... if this thing were just a space needle/observation platform and designed well, it would be amazing and very popular. I feel the swings detract from it. Just my opinion though.

Totally agree.

Back to topic... if this thing were just a space needle/observation platform and designed well, it would be amazing and very popular. I feel the swings detract from it. Just my opinion though.

yah that would be better.. but I haven't seen a rendering of one of the star flyer things with an observation deck on top.. unless I missed it.

Back to topic... if this thing were just a space needle/observation platform and designed well, it would be amazing and very popular. I feel the swings detract from it. Just my opinion though.

I am starting to lean this way. It would be great as an observation deck with a unique, attractive looking crown that would add to OKC's skyline like the Reunion tower is iconic for Dallas. Such a thing would be far better than a carnival ride in my opinion.

If I were another city that was "suppose" to be jealous of this thing, I'd just laugh. You don't put a toy in the middle of a wannabe world class city. Sorry.

Oh, the collision of old and new media. They usually compliment each other, but it takes looking at things in a new way. I've recommended it before, but here's a good read on the topic: Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide: Henry Jenkins: 9780814742952: Amazon.com: Books (http://www.amazon.com/Convergence-Culture-Where-Media-Collide/dp/0814742955)

What I'm about to say is over dramatic, but if you all haven't noticed that is how I roll...

OKCtalk is always the first source to have the lead, even though we may never have quotes or concrete details. I can't remember any time that a story about developments in OKC had smoke appear first any where other than here. It just can't happen. Steve does provide these quotes & details when he finally has his press release, but he is always at least 1 step behind the initial break. Both are important, but when Steve starts taking obvious shots at OKCtalk with his "I was first" comments then I can't help but snarl in his direction.

Try to act mature Steve, OKC needs you to inform the masses about what is going on. Most of the masses won't recognize your attacks on us, but all of the participants here do. Currently OKCtalk is for the hardcore development junkies. Before you know it more people will discover this site with the help of social media & the internet in general & your career will be in jeopardy. I know that scares you, but its up to you to find a way to integrate our help with what you do in a innovative fashion, without blatantly stealing leads this website provides you. In a career (journalism) that values ethics over almost anything, you must stop taking such shots at one of your biggest sources or you will crash & burn.

*Drops mic*

on topic.....

It has to incorporate brick. Initially I didn't consider the base would be inclosed within a building, this definitely helps me warm up to the idea. The idea in general is really starting to grow on me. It bothers me that the observation deck is being talked about with words like "could" & "might". I don't want to be negative, but that normally means it WON'T be included or will be cut at the last minute as unforeseen costs arise.

I don't mind the swings, if gives people a reason to actually go up there. I don't think too many people will pay money to go up 200 feet, that really isn't even that high.

I don't think too many people will pay money to go up 200 feet, that really isn't even that high.

It's 186 ft to the lower platform of the Eiffel Tower. A few weeks ago I waited in line with many hundreds of people for 1 hour and 40 minutes to get tickets to go that 186 ft.

If I were another city that was "suppose" to be jealous of this thing, I'd just laugh. You don't put a toy in the middle of a wannabe world class city. Sorry.

First, this isn't Steve's "make Dallas or KC jealous" development he has been teasing about. Second, OKC isn't a wannabe "world class" city and many of the decisions already made in Bricktown are laughed at by people in higher tiered cities. I really don't think the StarFlyer will be that out of place unless they decide to totally cheap out with it, which in that case I would completely oppose it. I would definitely be opposed to something like this going in Midtown or Auto Alley but I think it could work in Bricktown.

It's 186 ft to the lower platform of the Eiffel Tower. A few weeks ago I waited in line with many hundreds of people for 1 hour and 40 minutes to get tickets to go that 186 ft.
would you have waited that long for a ticket to ride 200 feet on a Starflyer in Paris?
I would suspect not.. that a lot of the allure had to do with it being the Eiffel Tower.

First, this isn't Steve's "make Dallas or KC jealous" development he has been teasing about. Second, OKC isn't a wannabe "world class" city and many of the decisions already made in Bricktown are laughed at by people in higher tiered cities. I really don't think the StarFlyer will be that out of place unless they decide to totally cheap out with it, which in that case I would completely oppose it. I would definitely be opposed to something like this going in Midtown or Auto Alley but I think it could work in Bricktown.
Agreed with both your points BUT how much longer before you move to Dallas? ;-)

Me, no. But people do such things, that's all I was saying.

would you have waited that long for a ticket to ride 200 feet on a Starflyer in Paris?
I would suspect not.. that a lot of the allure had to do with it being the Eiffel Tower.

Lines for the London Eye run 20-30 minutes and when you do the math, they are capable of running about 800 people through per hour. Our skyline isn't near as pretty as London's but a lot of the out of town rural visitors view coming to OKC for the weekend as going to the big city. I think it is cool but I do think it will look a little out of place at this location.

edit...although I think it is cool...I won't be riding it. It is too high up without two jet engines and two pilots for me.

I'm not saying people wouldn't ride the starflyer, because they would. I just don't think people would pay money to go up an observation deck that is only 200 ft tall that was nothing but a boring platform. At least with the swings there is some sort of novelty to it to garner interest. Swings + observation deck = bricolage ,which happens to be french for tinkering. The Eiffel tower is Art + observation deck. If the Eiffel tower was a giant pole with a deck on top I don't think it would be so revered.

I don't know the CN Tower is pretty close to being a giant pole with a deck on top and people flock to it. :-P

First, this isn't Steve's "make Dallas or KC jealous" development he has been teasing about. Second, OKC isn't a wannabe "world class" city and many of the decisions already made in Bricktown are laughed at by people in higher tiered cities. I really don't think the StarFlyer will be that out of place unless they decide to totally cheap out with it, which in that case I would completely oppose it. I would definitely be opposed to something like this going in Midtown or Auto Alley but I think it could work in Bricktown.

I seriously doubt those in higher tiered cities give a rats behind about Bricktown.....please don't dream stuff up, that's how rumors get started.

If you're going to do something like that, might as well just leave the state fair rides/midway standing year round (kinda like Bells does [did?] in Tulsa) since it's essentially the same kind of rides/games as a carnival.No I understand, but they are trying to get Crossroads(Plaza Mayor), turned into a Hispanic Mall and I think a little carnival in one of the lots would a smash hit there. A Medieval Times would also be cool to see in the area.

200 feet seems pretty short for an observation tower. Tack on a few hundred feet to it. Plus, I'm not a huge fan of the swings.

Girls, girls... you're both pretty.

This might be my favorite quote from this whole thread. Thanks for the laugh.

I noticed this as well. On NewsOKs comment section everyone should mention OKCTalk and give Pete his due. I still think it's extremely laughable steve is so up in arms as a "professional journalist", that an amateur (although one of the best most informed amateurs there could be) is beating him to all this information.Done. I posted under the comment section that people should give credit to Pete and OKCTalk.

1. You have no idea what I did, who I spoke to, etc.

2. Using your logic nothing is a "story" until you report it.

3. If being first wasn't so important you wouldn't be putting forth that specific claim.

4. Anyone could take something reported, add a little bit of info. (if any) and then claim to be first.

5. Your quick responses on this site demonstrates how often you are here seeking information.

Pete, I saw the agenda the same time you did. I would encourage you to quit this public discussion and take our discussions private as was requested by members of this site. I visit OKC Talk, the Journal Record, OKC Biz, and Wall Street Journal everyday. Your frequent postings of pieces of my stories show how often you visit NewsOK seeking information (see how that works?)
So yes, I sometimes get story ideas from this site, but I assure you I am not sitting on my butt plagiarizing this site. I do my own work, my own interviews, my own research. I can say with certainty this is not always the case when it comes to how TV news reporters use this site.
When I'm hit with slurs on this site, I'm often notified of it. I believe there is a big difference between getting information from a public posting at the city's web site (which would technically give the "scoop" as you call it to the city), versus talking to those involved, quoting them and writing a story. We will agree to disagree on this. I have sent you a private message proposing how we can go back to being friendly and resolving our differences.
My suggestion: keep doing what you do great and quit worrying about what I do. I'm not out slandering you or OKC Talk. I'm not even hinting at OKC Talk in anything i'm posting or writing. Your time is much better spent creating great resources for your website visitors, as evidenced by the fantastic assembly of homes being developed in the Cottage District of Midtown.

- Steve

I've been seeing an overall negative reaction from this pre-proposal so far. In general though, opinion seems to be split across age groups. Older folks almost unanimously hate this idea, while quite a few younger people like myself are open to it as long as it is done professionally.

What people seem to be missing is that you can't just stick it out on the river front or out in some park because it's a $2.25 million dollar investment and is meant to enhance everything around it rather than just being a stand alone attraction.

I don't have much hope that it will survive past being a fun concept at this point. It needs to be in a central location like the heart of bricktown to be successful, but I think the fear of hurting bricktown's "ambiance" will prevent people from seeing it as something unique and fun. Too bad though, I'm sure a younger, hipper city will pick up on the idea and it will be the next fad for cities... then OKC can pick up the idea again 15 years down the road with a smaller crappier version, just like the ferris wheels.

It reminds me of the London Eye debacle. If I recall correctly there was resistance to building a ferris wheel in the heart of London too, but it was done so professionally that it is now not only an icon itself, but now every other major city has one. Implementation is everything with these things.


I really want to see some actual concept art for the actual idea behind this with the observation tower and base incorporated. They really shot themselves in the foot by using the images from amusement parks rather than having something professionally made up. Anyone know if the meeting is over yet?

Watching that video from above gave me an idea. Perhaps this could be used to raise/lower our ball on New Year's Eve.

Bricktown Flyer may already be grounded | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/4987200)

The BT Design Review Committee basically said they would vote against if formally submitted for approval.

I can understand that, but I do think it's a lost opportunity. Guess we'll just continue to stare at that vacant lot rather than have a $2.5 million investment.

I can't imagine he'll take his idea elsewhere; the whole genesis of the idea was to bring something new to Bricktown, not be an amusement ride operator.

Why can't they build a building under it and integrate this with a building?

I've thought about this all day, trying to remain open minded to it, but I actually hate the idea of this:

1) Instead of transitioning into an urban, mixed-use oasis for tourists and residents alike, this would complete the cheesy Disneyfication of Bricktown.
2) This would be Bricktown's tallest building.
3) This would be among OKC's tallest downtown buildings.
4) It looks like a cheap carnival ride

I think I might be OK with this if the location were slightly different. As others have suggested, the river would be ideal. But I might be OK with an area of Lower Bricktown.

I'm just not excited about this at all.

I've thought about this all day, trying to remain open minded to it, but I actually hate the idea of this:

1) Instead of transitioning into an urban, mixed-use oasis for tourists and residents alike, this would complete the cheesy Disneyfication of Bricktown.
2) This would be Bricktown's tallest building.
3) This would be among OKC's tallest downtown buildings.
4) It looks like a cheap carnival ride

I think I might be OK with this if the location were slightly different. As others have suggested, the river would be ideal. But I might be OK with an area of Lower Bricktown.

I'm just not excited about this at all.Just curious, what is so bad about making something look like 'Disney Land'? I like that look honestly...

Secondly, what if it isn't a traditional one. Maybe one with larger steel tubes that light up at night or something among that sort? It could look really cool...

You know, honestly, the more I think of it, the more I like it. It could be great, we'll just have to see the final designs. Knowing Oklahoma, since it's a unique, bold and daring idea, it probably won't happen. Different and unique things generally don't go far here it seems. The cool things we do have, get torn down for a measly office building.

Bricktown Design Committee Looks At Plans For The 'Bricktown Fly - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/25981881/bricktown-design-committee-looks-at-plans-for-the-bricktown-flyer)

You know, honestly, the more I think of it, the more I like it. It could be great, we'll just have to see the final designs. Knowing Oklahoma, since it's a unique, bold and daring idea, it probably won't happen. Different and unique things generally don't go far here it seems. The cool things we do have, get torn down for a measly office building.

Truth. I almost posted this earlier but didn't. Anything cool and unique doesn't seem to fly here. Everything has to be a watered down, crappier version of something in another city.

From Steve,

Bricktown Flyer may already be grounded | News OK (http://newsok.com/bricktown-flyer-may-already-be-grounded/article/4987200)

Petroleum landman Brandon Arthur may end up looking for a new site for his proposed 220-foot “Star Flyer” after being told by the Bricktown Urban Design Committee the amusement ride is a bad fit for the historic warehouse district.

“I want to continue pursuing this site,” Arthur said, “but I am open to looking at other sites as well.”

The location is great. Both in terms of the fact that a lot of people will very easily see it but it will give riders a great view.
It helps bring more people to Bricktown where they will spend their money.
It isn't at the fairgrounds -- ya!
It will actually be one of those neat things to look at and see if you live in Deep Deuce.
Nice extension of other things to at the Boathouse District to include the RIVERSPORT activities and the future whitewater rapids facility.
Which makes me ponder if something like a Ferris Wheel should actually go somewhere in between. Should we use the Canal as an extension of what's happening at the Boathouse District? IF this is really successful, I'd be inclined to say yes. Maybe we've got this all wrong and a Ferris Wheel needs to go in Lower Bricktown (perhaps near the new Landing).
I could definitely see more retail being attracted in Bricktown if more expendable income was seen dangling from the sky. :)
Of course, this could be operated by someone other than Urbanized and it could reflect poorly on Bricktown if it just looks shoddy.Great summary here!

The location is great. Both in terms of the fact that a lot of people will very easily see it but it will give riders a great view.
It helps bring more people to Bricktown where they will spend their money.
It isn't at the fairgrounds -- ya!
It will actually be one of those neat things to look at and see if you live in Deep Deuce.
Nice extension of other things to at the Boathouse District to include the RIVERSPORT activities and the future whitewater rapids facility.
Which makes me ponder if something like a Ferris Wheel should actually go somewhere in between. Should we use the Canal as an extension of what's happening at the Boathouse District? IF this is really successful, I'd be inclined to say yes. Maybe we've got this all wrong and a Ferris Wheel needs to go in Lower Bricktown (perhaps near the new Landing).
I could definitely see more retail being attracted in Bricktown if more expendable income was seen dangling from the sky. :)
Of course, this could be operated by someone other than Urbanized and it could reflect poorly on Bricktown if it just looks shoddy.

But it belongs there! Bricktown is an entertainment district, not a carnival.

^

The London Eye was extremely controversial when first proposed and has turned out to be a smash hit.

Rather than deny this, I think they committee should have given specific feedback on how to make it work in the district.

Personally, I don't think it is at all within the committee's purview to decide winners or losers, or what TYPE of business should go into Bricktown. They would be on very solid ground to deny based on height limitations in the ordinance, and that would be fair. But saying it's "not appropriate" is an overreach. Will they next deny a Chinese restaurant because that particular fare is "not appropriate?"

I'm not saying this as an advocate or an opponent of the Starflyer. I don't really have an opinion on it. I just think it is a slippery slope when a DESIGN REVIEW board starts choosing the types of businesses that land in a district. They are there to weigh the merits of the submitted design vs written ordinance; that's it.

FWIW, I met the developer last night at the Wheeler Park design charette, and he seemed like a very sharp, well-intentioned guy. He doesn't seem to have completely given up on Bricktown, but also seems to be open to other ideas.

Personally, I don't think it is at all within the committee's purview to decide winners or losers, or what TYPE of business should go into Bricktown. They would be on very solid ground to deny based on height limitations in the ordinance, and that would be fair. But saying it's "not appropriate" is an overreach. Will they next deny a Chinese restaurant because that particular fare is "not appropriate?"

I'm not saying this as an advocate or an opponent of the Starflyer. I don't really have an opinion on it. I just think it is a slippery slope when a DESIGN REVIEW board starts choosing the types of businesses that land in a district. They are there to weigh the merits of the submitted design vs written ordinance; that's it.

They will deny it if they try to serve the food out of a truck.

One of the biggest differences between suburban and urban development is that urban development doesn't really regulate land-use. That is left up to the property owner to decide. As Urbanized said, the design review should focus on protecting and enhancing the public realm by ensuring developments adhere to the design standards.

It sounds like his whole motivation was to bring something new and exciting to Bricktown, and almost everyone will agree that is needed.

So, to ask him to move this project completely misses the point.

The design review committee, the Bricktown merchant's association and Downtown Inc should all be working with him to find a good compromise and move this or a similar idea forward.


Here you have a local businessman wanting to invest millions to improve a completely vacant lot in our one entertainment district, and all anyone seems to be doing is criticizing.

“I do think the idea is novel,” said Committee Member Sandino Thompson. “Seeing energy behind things like this, I’m encouraged. But this site seems pretty tight. Thinking about the precedent on why we might vary from what the design criteria is, you’d have to make a strong case for what would be a steel structure in the middle of Bricktown.”

Has Sandino ever even been to Bricktown? There is steel all over the place. The whole canal is lined with it. Also, how much taller would this be than the lights at the ballpark?

http://i1178.photobucket.com/albums/x378/KerryinJax/OKC%20Stuff/bricktownsteel_zps123b665a.jpg (http://s1178.photobucket.com/user/KerryinJax/media/OKC%20Stuff/bricktownsteel_zps123b665a.jpg.html)

I would like to see more steel and glass than the plain brick and fake stucco boxes this committee keeps approving: Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, SpringHill Suites, Staybridge Suites, Brickopolis... All of these are the most boring and dull designs imaginable.

Even Chesapeake realized you couldn't merely have 50 square brick buildings and thus tastefully incorporated modern and clean designs that complimented the brick structures.

The historical structures are one thing, but new construction needs some modern elements, not all these plain brick/EIFS boxes.

But it belongs there! Bricktown is an entertainment district, not a carnival.

That's your opinion. I think it is a *perfect* fit for Bricktown. Not the time to turn it into some sort of elitist thing where only the "right" kinds of entertainment are considered "worthy."

The BT Design Review Committee basically said they would vote against if formally submitted for approval.

I can understand that, but I do think it's a lost opportunity. Guess we'll just continue to stare at that vacant lot rather than have a $2.5 million investment.

I can't imagine he'll take his idea elsewhere; the whole genesis of the idea was to bring something new to Bricktown, not be an amusement ride operator.

Yeah, I really am starting to fear what seems to be an emerging elitism, almost snobbery about what Bricktown can and should be. What a shame.

Bricktown already has or soon will have:


Canal boat ride
Baseball stadium (used for other events as well)
Bowling Alley
Movie Theater
Laser Tag
Arcade
Horse drawn carriages
Pedal bike bar
Seasonal attractions like a haunted house and snow tubing
Concert venue
80,000 SF sporting goods store


And this proposed new addition would be right in the middle of all these things AND help them.

I simply don't understand why people think the concept wouldn't fit.

If there are design concerns, then those can certainly be addressed.

i would like to see more steel and glass than the plain brick and fake stucco boxes this committee keeps approving: Hampton inn, hilton garden inn, springhill suites, staybridge suites, brickopolis... All of these are the most boring and dull designs imaginable.

Even chesapeake realized you couldn't merely have 50 square brick buildings and thus tastefully incorporated modern and clean designs that complimented the brick structures.

The historical structures are one thing, but new construction needs some modern elements, not all these plain brick/eifs boxes.

this!..

Well how would we all feel if it wasn't an exposed steel structure? What if it was altered to be something more like the Tower of the Americas? <- fill in oh so many observation towers. Instead of making it carnival type ride, what if it were a true observation desk building. Would you be more/less likely to support that? And would the location be acceptable for that type of project? Now keep in mind that just because it's an observation tower, doesn't mean it HAS to be CN Tower tall. You can still get a good view here with being only as tall as the one at the fair gounds or something. The site sort of dictates how tall the thing can be anyway. You aren't going to build a CN tower on a plot that supports a 50 car lot.

Bullbear - it's because there is a design that's been determined for the upper canal, which is brick. Go to lower canal and it's a free-for-all (mostly). But i think for the district, we want that brick face to be maintained. That's how you create a district otherwise you end up with cheap developers putting all stucco suburban bullcrap in there (centennial) and call a pig a swan.

Let's take a look at the most recent new construction projects approved by the Bricktown Design Review Committee.

Well-executed steel and glass structures would be highly preferred to just about any of these (Steelyard at the bottom is the only positive example IMO):



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hamptonwiki1.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/hiltonwiki1.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/holidaywiki1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/springhillwiki1.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/staybridgewiki1.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bedlamwiki1.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/4403d1379348516-steelyard-eb9413d.jpg

Let's take a look at the most recent new construction projects approved by the Bricktown Design Review Committee.


Well... at least they are consistent.

Bullbear - it's because there is a design that's been determined for the upper canal, which is brick. Go to lower canal and it's a free-for-all (mostly). But i think for the district, we want that brick face to be maintained. That's how you create a district otherwise you end up with cheap developers putting all stucco suburban bullcrap in there (centennial) and call a pig a swan.

As Pete very well showed with the examples.. well executed steel and glass can compliment the historic structures more than those he showed do.. IF they were requiring all new buildings to look like they had been existing wharehouses ( which is nearly impossible ) then its adding to the district.. Nobody said it should be a free for all like lower bricktown but frankly there are options that could be considered that look better than what they have approved. I was pretty on the fence about the starflyer thing but I can see it could be a great asset to the area. something new and different. and I think it would look better as a steel structure than if it were a brick observation deck as that would look heavy and odd quite frankly.

Bullbear - it's because there is a design that's been determined for the upper canal, which is brick. Go to lower canal and it's a free-for-all (mostly). But i think for the district, we want that brick face to be maintained. That's how you create a district otherwise you end up with cheap developers putting all stucco suburban bullcrap in there (centennial) and call a pig a swan.

Completely agree. Strict codes are a necessary evil for Bricktown because of the way developers here operate. Without them, everything would be built completely suburban.

Bricktown Flyer may already be grounded | News OK (http://newsok.com/article/4987200)
His only mistake is his description of Redpin, the ballpark, Brickopolis, etc. They're there for entertainment. It's an entertainment district, not an amusement district, which is where something like this belongs. I wish the guy my best but nobody will be buying tickets for this thing at a Bricktown kiosk.

Also, this thing is solid steel how many feet below ground. I just can't see that tiny space being big enough. They'd have to close the canal and drain it just for base construction to proceed.

They're there for entertainment. It's an entertainment district, not an amusement district,

Lol, what? Why are you splitting hairs here? Why not both? Go back to the 1920's through the 50's and you would see many little entertainment districts that were littered here and there with stand-alone amusement rides. The rise of dedicated amusement parks has spoiled people's perception of various kinds amusements. Anything that resembles a ride must now be kept in dedicated parks, where they "belong" and you are essentially forced to stay all day. There are definitely more and more places breaking this rule though. Malls, public parks, coastal areas, and even casinos are looking at adding a couple of amusement rides to attract and entertain people. There's this odd perception around rides that makes people uptight. I guess it's the noise and kids, but if a district is going to be anything more than a bunch of restaurants and bars then you have to branch out a little.

And for the record, I would definitely line up to ride this thing if it existed. It would bring me back to Bricktown more often than the odd weekend I decide to stop in and get something to eat.

Lol, what? Why are you splitting hairs here? Why not both? Go back to the 1920's through the 50's and you would see many little entertainment districts that were littered here and there with stand-alone amusement rides. The rise of dedicated amusement parks has spoiled people's perception of various kinds amusements. Anything that resembles a ride must now be kept in dedicated parks, where they "belong" and you are essentially forced to stay all day. There are definitely more and more places breaking this rule though. Malls, public parks, coastal areas, and even casinos are looking at adding a couple of amusement rides to attract and entertain people. There's this odd perception around rides that makes people uptight. I guess it's the noise and kids, but if a district is going to be anything more than a bunch of restaurants and bars then you have to branch out a little.

And for the record, I would definitely line up to ride this thing if it existed. It would bring me back to Bricktown more often than the odd weekend I decide to stop in and get something to eat.
I wouldn't call it "splitting hairs" lol.

It's JUST not the place for it. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it. I won't be purchasing a ticket one way or another but you enjoy your ride ;-)

Kelly's 2 Cents

http://www.news9.com/clip/10350579/my-2-cents-evolution-of-entertainment-in-okc

People will flock from all over the area to ride this star flyer. This would be good for all businesess in Bricktown IMO. I doubt that many visitors will come down and ride the star flyer and leave without doing other things like the canal trip,go to one of the restaurants,take in a movie ect ect. This would only help bring more people to the area and that would help other businesess. Thumbs up!

Honestly I'd rather see something else in that spot. While I'm sure this would be popular and attract people, I think putting it by the boathouses on the river would be more appropriate . At least part of my feeling (if not much of it) comes from the fairgrounds-type pictures they provided. A nicer design would get more support from me.

That said, I would not be upset if they built this thing here. It might be cool. I'm just having trouble visualizing it.

If this was a democracy, which it isn't, I'd vote for somewhere in the new Wheeler District. That puts it close enough to downtown to have an impact, plus there's the potential for some nice synergy with the ferris wheel as well as serving an attraction for a new district that could use some early foot traffic draws.

For this to even being close to viable, you have to have a lot of foot traffic.

For that reason, this wouldn't even be close to viable in the Boathouse or Wheeler District or really anywhere else other than Bricktown.


So, it's either Bricktown or nowhere.

For this to even being close to viable, you have to have a lot of foot traffic.

For that reason, this wouldn't even be close to viable in the Boathouse or Wheeler District or really anywhere else other than Bricktown.

So, it's either Bricktown or nowhere.

My guess is that the vast majority of people who ride this (or just go to the observation deck) will do so at night. No one is going to go to the Boathouse District after dark - walking, biking, car or otherwise.

My preference would be somewhere in Lower Bricktown then.