$553 million
architect=Robert A.M. Stern Architects (http://www.ramsa.com/en/index.html)
height=2 25-story office towers; 2 26-story residential
acreage=6.5 acres
Attached parking and retail
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/ogewiki1.jpg

Information & Latest News

7/26/13: "As for those who question whether Rainey Williams is just a front, and question his capacity for doing this development, well, you don't know Rainey Williams." http://newsok.com/article/3866278

1/7/15: New TIF District would fund OG&E HQ, convention garage and hotel (http://www.okctalk.com/content/94-new-tif-district-would-fund-og-e-hq-convention-garage-hotel.html)
http://newsok.com/proposed-project-c...rticle/4987881 (http://newsok.com/proposed-project-could-impact-arts-festival-site/article/4987881)

1/11/16: It became apparent that someone didn't know Rainey Williams. http://newsok.com/oge-energy-center-...rticle/5471877 (http://newsok.com/oge-energy-center-development-halted/article/5471877)

Links
Gallery

Clayco -- the design / build firm we first reported to be hired by Rainey Williams -- is proposing a development on the pink and blue properties below.

The City is saying they want to issue an RFP (responses due in 60 days) and consider all proposals before making a decision, as there are other interested parties.

In early. LETS GOOOOO

BTW, I don't know what James Dunn plans to do with his property on this block but the City could use eminent domain to make it available for a developer who would like to include it in their larger plan.

Not saying this would happen, but it means that any potential developer knows that they don't have to depend on Dunn voluntarily selling in order to include that property in their plans.

Who said OKC is dead.......smh

If this property was developed, it makes the existing plaza between it and the OG&E HQ pretty irrelevant and an opportunity to return it to a street; or at the very least serve as a link between the two developments.

Also, what now for the Arts Festival? Seems like an easy solution would be to move it to Sheridan and make better use of Devon's outdoor space.

Even more reason why California Ave should be re-opened. We need to be breaking up these super blocks as fast as we can.

Why not include what they wanna do on this part of the block on the stage center site? Seems like a waste of space. I'm excited for this entire block to be developed, but just seems like this could all be built on the stage center foot print. Unless if its a massive development, but I don't believe that.

This is Jim Couch's memo to the City Council:



DATE: JULY 15, 2014
TO: THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY AT RENO AND HUDSON

National developer Clayco, is planning a new class “A” corporate headquarters for OG&E on the former Stage Center site owned by Kestrel Investments at 400 West Sheridan Avenue (North Block). The City and the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust (OCEDT) own most of the block south of the former Stage Center property (South Block). The development team working on the OG&E Project has recognized an opportunity to do a more significant project by including the South Block in the current planning and design process. Combining the blocks offers the possibility of the construction of a larger parking structure and enhanced mixed use development. Due to the significant economic benefit of the larger development opportunity, The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City would like to engage in a process to determine the feasibility of this and to do so in a way that is in the best interest of The City.

Why are the City and Trust involved?
• The City currently owns approximately half of the South Block, with OCEDT owning most of the remaining half of the block (see attached)
• The Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority (OCURA) is the public agency typically used by the City to carry out redevelopment plans.
• OCURA can issue an RFP in anticipation of the City and OCEDT transferring properties to OCURA for redevelopment purposes.

Proposed Process:
• OCURA will consider a resolution authorizing the issuance of an RFP at its July 16, 2014 meeting. The RFP will state that selection and designation of a redeveloper is contingent upon the transfer of the land from the City and OCEDT. Interested parties will be given 60 days to respond.
• The process to transfer the land from the City and OCEDT will take place over the next two months.
• Identify a conditional redeveloper and agree on a schedule to implement the South Block development plan.

The City/OCEDT property at Reno Avenue and Hudson Avenue presents a significant development opportunity and it is advantageous to determine if other developers will submit proposals. The plan to transfer the property to OCURA and accept proposals will allow consideration of redevelopment options through a tested, transparent process. Please contact me if you have further questions.

James D. Couch
City Manager


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

I'm feeling all sorts of justified about my continued optimism regarding the stage center tower. Also a little smug.

Since that memo is dated next Tuesday, does that mean there'll be some amount of discussion about this at the city council meeting that day? (Assuming there is one, at least, do they meet every Tuesday?)

One more edit: In case anyone missed the discussion of this in the stage center tower thread, Clayco's portfolio can be viewed here (http://www.claycorp.com/our-projects/projects-overview/).

Clayco cant just build the OGE tower higher and bigger to include this mixed use that they want on the south? There is plenty of space on the stage center block to make it work. But why control one block when you can control two...

And I could see some serious legal issues to eminent domain-ing the Dunn property to transfer to another developer.

Steve's article (http://newsok.com/article/4987881), including the answer to my city council question.


City Manager Jim Couch also is expected to present a report on the potential development at Tuesday’s meeting of the Oklahoma City Council.

Actually, the eminent domain issue has been used many times for this exact type of purpose, but it appears that property has been -- at least for now -- excluded from the RFP.


Although the idea of developing this property is enticing, I'm conflicted.

1. This could mean a better development on the Stage Center site plus something great to the south.

or

2. It could be nothing more than doubling the footprint of an already disappointing development and in the process taking yet another prime piece of downtown property.

This is Jim Couch's memo to the City Council:



DATE: JULY 15, 2014
TO: THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY AT RENO AND HUDSON

National developer Clayco, is planning a new class “A” corporate headquarters for OG&E on the former Stage Center site owned by Kestrel Investments at 400 West Sheridan Avenue (North Block). The City and the Oklahoma City Economic Development Trust (OCEDT) own most of the block south of the former Stage Center property (South Block). The development team working on the OG&E Project has recognized an opportunity to do a more significant project by including the South Block in the current planning and design process. Combining the blocks offers the possibility of the construction of a larger parking structure and enhanced mixed use development. Due to the significant economic benefit of the larger development opportunity, The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City would like to engage in a process to determine the feasibility of this and to do so in a way that is in the best interest of The City.

Why are the City and Trust involved?
• The City currently owns approximately half of the South Block, with OCEDT owning most of the remaining half of the block (see attached)
• The Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority (OCURA) is the public agency typically used by the City to carry out redevelopment plans.
• OCURA can issue an RFP in anticipation of the City and OCEDT transferring properties to OCURA for redevelopment purposes.

Proposed Process:
• OCURA will consider a resolution authorizing the issuance of an RFP at its July 16, 2014 meeting. The RFP will state that selection and designation of a redeveloper is contingent upon the transfer of the land from the City and OCEDT. Interested parties will be given 60 days to respond.
• The process to transfer the land from the City and OCEDT will take place over the next two months.
• Identify a conditional redeveloper and agree on a schedule to implement the South Block development plan.

The City/OCEDT property at Reno Avenue and Hudson Avenue presents a significant development opportunity and it is advantageous to determine if other developers will submit proposals. The plan to transfer the property to OCURA and accept proposals will allow consideration of redevelopment options through a tested, transparent process. Please contact me if you have further questions.

James D. Couch
City Manager


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

They already have Stage Center Photo Shopped out like its just a grassy knoll.

The article by Steve is updated with more information. This is going to be a large development next to the new tower, and will not affect the 16 - 18 story OG & E tower. From reading the article, we might see our first new mixed-use high rise. And depending on if hotel is developed and how many rooms, it could impact the development of the convention center hotel.

Might. I'm not holding my breath. Wow me so I can lose some of the huge regret I have over the Stage Center destruction.

The article by Steve is updated with more information. This is going to be a large development next to the new tower, and will not affect the 16 - 18 story OG & E tower. From reading the article, we might see our first new mixed-use high rise. And depending on if hotel is developed and how many rooms, it could impact the development of the convention center hotel.

That's not what the updated article says at all, unless I'm just missing the part you are talking about.


“What happens in the future will have a huge impact on our site,” Chapman said. “Pete Delaney (CEO of OGE Energy Corp.) is very interested in seeing something next door that is very nice, He said if it’s available, let’s look at it and have something much bigger, something that is mixed use. We’re talking about doing something that is far bigger, far more robust.”
Chapman said any potential development of the south half of the block would not result in dropping the previously announced 16- to 18-story height of the OGE Energy Corp. tower. Chapman said an expanded development likely will include housing and a hotel.
“Everyone wants to see more height here, and that’s a good goal to have,” Chapman said.

Not dropping the height is not the same thing as not affecting it.

The article by Steve is updated with more information. This is going to be a large development next to the new tower, and will not affect the 16 - 18 story OG & E tower. From reading the article, we might see our first new mixed-use high rise. And depending on if hotel is developed and how many rooms, it could impact the development of the convention center hotel.

You can't seriously believe that can you? I'll be shocked if this is taller than 10 stories and that includes the parking parage. I really think they are still just trying to take advantage of the parking shortage, so will have 5 or so floors of parking and on top of that will stick 4-5 stories of hotel on one side & will stick 4-5 stories of housing on the other side. There will probably be retail on the bottom floor. There is absolutely 0% chance this will be a "high rise".

I hope Larry Nichols is disappointed everyday when he has to look at what he allowed. He is one of the primary reasons the Stage Center was torn down, as all he has to do is lift or point a finger and the city rushes to do his bidding. If this development doesn't knock it out of the park, I just hope he and the city experience significant regret. I'm not usually a bitter person, but this disaster makes me angry and bitter.

I think this will end up being a high rise. I agree with G.Walker...

I think this will end up being a high rise. I agree with G.Walker...

Clayco built a 30 story mixed use residential high rise in St. Louis.


http://www.claycorp.com/p/329/the-plaza-in-clayton/

Remember, the original Stage Center renderings indicated potential for a hotel and/or a residential tower.

So why now do we need two blocks to add these things?

My worry is this is more about parking than anything else. They had already planned a bunch more than was needed for a 16-18 tower, parking is in very short supply downtown... And especially since this is now to stretch all the way to Reno, the convention center will be very nearby and we know they haven't addressed their parking issues.

My concern is that we end up with a massive parking garage and a few mid-rise towers.

BTW, where is Rainey Williams in all this?

It sounds more and more like Clayco has taken the lead here.

I'm a little surprised that the Clayco confirmation came out before the demolition finished, I was expecting them to wait on that announcement a bit longer in order to limit the bad PR a bit. Then again, it's not like anyone who cares about the stage center isn't already paying attention.

I am expecting some serious residential development to take place, and dare I say, enough to make other cities envious.

I'm a little surprised that the Clayco confirmation came out before the demolition finished, I was expecting them to wait on that announcement a bit longer in order to limit the bad PR a bit. Then again, it's not like anyone who cares about the stage center isn't already paying attention.

After we reported their involvement, Rainey Williams came out and said Clayco was a "consultant" and they were still looking for an architect.

My understanding is that they had already hired Clayco as the architects some time ago.

has the OG&E HQ been bumped from 14-16 to 16-18 or has it always been 16-18?

Clayco built a 30 story mixed use residential high rise in St. Louis.


Office & Residential Construction - Clayco - The Plaza in Clayton (http://www.claycorp.com/p/329/the-plaza-in-clayton/)

Also, The Vue in Orlando:

Apartment Building Construction - Clayco - The Vue ? Orlando (http://www.claycorp.com/p/516/the-vue/)

has the OG&E HQ been bumped from 14-16 to 16-18 or has it always been 16-18?

It was bumped up...

Here is a complex called "The Vue" in Charlotte.

http://charlotteexclusive.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/vue_2.jpg

Clayco built a 30 story mixed use residential high rise in St. Louis.


Office & Residential Construction - Clayco - The Plaza in Clayton (http://www.claycorp.com/p/329/the-plaza-in-clayton/)

Oh! I love that.

BTW, I don't know what James Dunn plans to do with his property on this block but the City could use eminent domain to make it available for a developer who would like to include it in their larger plan.

Not saying this would happen, but it means that any potential developer knows that they don't have to depend on Dunn voluntarily selling in order to include that property in their plans.


Clayco cant just build the OGE tower higher and bigger to include this mixed use that they want on the south? There is plenty of space on the stage center block to make it work. But why control one block when you can control two...

And I could see some serious legal issues to eminent domain-ing the Dunn property to transfer to another developer.

I'm with onthestrip on this one. In 2006 The Oklahoma Supreme Court held in BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MUSKOGEE COUNTY v. LOWERY - FindLaw (http://caselaw.findlaw.com/ok-supreme-court/1107593.html) that economic development is not a permitted reason to use eminent domain under the Oklahoma Constitution:


While the Takings Clause of the U.S. Constitution provides “nor shall private property be taken for public use without just compensation,” the Oklahoma Constitution places further restrictions by expressly stating “[n]o private property shall be taken or damaged for private use, with or without compensation.”  OKLA. CONST. art. 2, § 23   ......  The proposed purpose of economic development, with its incidental enhancement of tax and employment benefits to the surrounding community, clearly does not fall within any of these categories of express constitutional exceptions to the general rule against the taking of private property for private use.

That said, the fact OGE/Rainey/Clayco wants to beef-up this project is encouraging. I assume they are prepared to deal with Mr. Dunn if required.

^

I don't want to get into a legal argument but there have been many cases where courts -- including the U.S. Supreme Court -- have upheld eminent domain from private to private owners.

However, the private property on this block is small and excluded from the RFP. I would think developers would make a very generous to Mr. Dunn and he doesn't want to accept, they'll merely build around him.

^
As you say then. It would be boorish of me to argue with the host in his own home.

I am not an expert on eminent domain, but the Oklahoma Constitution provides additional protections beyond that of the US Constitution. That said, lawyers like money. I'll bet Mr. Dunn would be quite happy to cash in.

I would bet that Cathy O'Connor has helped facilitate talks between potential developers and Mr. Dunn.

It's just a 4,000 SF building that he paid $315,000 for in 2000.

http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/sketches/picfile/2730/R010017924001rA.jpg

I am not an expert on eminent domain, but the Oklahoma Constitution provides additional protections beyond that of the US Constitution. That said, lawyers like money. I'll bet Mr. Dunn would be quite happy to cash in.

This. Though Mr. Dunn, or anyone else with a functioning enterprise in the same setting, could easily smile and rather safely say pass if there was no desire to move, real money talks real loud.

So it seems pretty obvious that California needs to be restored, but I'm not seeing any hint of a land swap written into the RFP, bc this would be the stage to do that. They need to separate an easement and discuss funding (probably TIF bc I know the city wouldn't pay for it the same way we pay for other new roads bc "oooh it's downtown it's funding has to be different and weird..")

This. Though Mr. Dunn, or anyone else with a functioning enterprise in the same setting, could easily smile and rather safely say pass if there was no desire to move, real money talks real loud.

His building that we're talking about is basically nothing. So this shouldn't even take much real money but I'm sure he'll get double to triple what he paid.

Give him a million, send him on his way.

The way it sounds to me is that we will have a superblock. What are the chances the california ROW is closed and we end up with a contiguous development?

BTW, the Dunn building was formerly the home to the human resources department of Fred Jones Companies.

The way it sounds to me is that we will have a superblock. What are the chances the california ROW is closed and we end up with a contiguous development?

Well unless retaining the California easement is WRITTEN into the RFP then that's exactly the ball that starts rolling.

Any coincidence to this new information and the Stage Center demolition which proceeds this week? Don't watch the man behind the curtain! Look - shiny new buildings to replace it!
Demolition + new plans announced for the south block = distraction.

^^ Exactly what I am thinking too, a simple "Smoke Screen" to further distract from the SC demo.

Heavens to Betsy Claire, what a dreadful idea.

Heavens to Betsy Claire, what a dreadful idea.

While some may think it clever and not such a "dreadful idea," some of us see it as calculating and manipulative. I suppose there's nothing wrong with it if one thinks this kind of "look over here!" while an icon is demolished is acceptable. I'm just one that doesn't think that it is. It may be typical, but it's still manipulation.

I'm sure they want to change the conversation away from the demolition, but they also didn't want to release new renderings because it puts the architect in the crosshairs.

So, in this way they can shift the focus to something new without necessarily having to use an architect to take the heat.

It's smart PR. And it's certainly not coincidental that all this comes out just as they put up the demolition fence.

Why don't they use an architect to design a good project, rather than to take heat. This isn't difficult.

Why don't they use an architect to design a good project, rather than to take heat. This isn't difficult.

That is why I think this is so strange. Show me something with from the architect and someone that can make it happen, it happens everywhere like this all the time.

Heavens to Betsy Claire
(a dreadful poem in six stanzas)

South of Stage Center

a vortex you enter
of claims that contend

for possible ends:

Could a giant parking garage

simply be a crafty mirage
to distract and divest us

as Stage Center's digested?

Just a case of 'staged' misdirection

by OGE, OCURA or like acronym collection
to beguile and enchant-us

as Johansen's art is decanted?

Shall Dunn's little office

make developers cautious
of raising a tower so soaring

it makes Devon's seem ... boring?.

Will California be reopened?

Will "eminent domain" be spoken?
Can a million upon Mr. Dunn rained

make him exit to the south of Spain?

Can the Superblock ever be displaced?

Will the Arts Festival find new space?
and although you may justly call me a varlet:

"really, will any of this ever make us as good as Charlotte?".



I realize I risk being banned, but duuude, sometimes you just got to flow.

Why don't they use an architect to design a good project, rather than to take heat. This isn't difficult.

This whole thing has been a bit shifty. That usually results in an ending that leaves people scratching their heads. This may end up being nice and probably a "success", but I think it's a long shot for it to be unique or impressive in any way.

Clayco's involvement gives me hope. They are a big-time sophisticated design/build and development company.

But frankly, it's very hard to understand what is happening here:
1. What is the nature of Clayco's involvement in the Rainey Williams project? Are they just consultants (as he has stated in the press), architects (which we heard some time ago), development partner, buying one or more of the extra parcels on the Stage Center site for their own development plans, etc?
2. Has Rainey Williams' role been reduced through the introduction of Clayco?
3. Who exactly is involved with this South Parcel proposal? Just Clayco or do they have other partners?

Unfortunately, I don't think we'll know any more for a while. The process is that the basic info will be presented to the City Council tomorrow then OCURA meets on Wednesday to approve the issuance of an RFP.

Don't know when the RFP will be formally posted (likely very soon), but from that point there is 60 days before responses are due. Shortly after that, OCURA will unveil the proposals. But even then, there is a whole other process of selecting one that is best (if in fact there is at least one that seems to be acceptable). And then, of course, you have to have agreements with OCURA, go through the design review process, etc.

All of this will likely hold up the OG&E building and parking structure until it can be resolved.


Hopefully, the end result will be a better overall project.

This whole thing has been a bit shifty. That usually results in an ending that leaves people scratching their heads. This may end up being nice and probably a "success", but I think it's a long shot for it to be unique or impressive in any way.

What do you mean not unique or impressive? We are going to be getting the worlds largest parking garage super block.

What do you mean not unique or impressive? We are going to be getting the worlds largest parking garage super block.I doubt that, surely there are bigger elsewhere. Even if so, I don't mind this super block. There are tons of smaller blocks, not every super block is bad or needs to be broken up.

Yes super blocks downtown are a detriment and outstanding negative factor to walkability.

Yes super blocks downtown are a detriment and outstanding negative factor to walkability.I disagree with that. If every block was a super block, then I'd agree more with you, but a few blocks here and there, I don't see it. Tons of people walk around the Cox Center, and that is a super block.

BTW, I'd super putting a street through the Cox Center to divide it up, but not the block through the Stage Center. I'd just assume put a sidewalk through there and keep the block the way it is.

It's science.

It's science.oh...... I love science!

I think the connection between Walker and Hudson along the old California area should remain in some form, for pedestrians and possibly bicycles, but not for vehicles. With the whole block on their hand, there are some really cool possibilities. Maybe they could create a retail/pedestrian promenade between OG&E and the extended development where the Arts Festival plaza is now? IF they have the desire and vision, California wouldn't need to be reopened to vehicular traffic in order to make the block more friendly to those on foot.