I don't want to knock this project because it's impressive we are getting a Canopy and very exciting to see Bricktown move further east, but look at the design they went with in San Antonio... Our's looks incredibly bland now... Construction on their Canopy is supposed to start any day now.
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Looks pretty gimmicky besides being ugly.

Build that here, and it would look like it's daring our earthquakes and tornados to come pick a fight.

We don't HAVE to have the earthquakes...

I will say regarding the above Canopy in SA, that is a city that is in a different league when it comes to hotels than other projects. I don't think other developments in SA are routinely higher quality than OKC, it just so happens to be a magnet city for tourism. Btw that's not a knock on SA, great city, the greatest just ask anyone...

Also, I know it will be, but that building just looks unsafe.

History has plenty of examples of tragedies where people assumed something was safe because it was designed by engineers who are supposed to know this stuff.

Impress? I find that tower to be quite ugly.

Even if I liked the building (I dont) it would be a terrible fit for Bricktown.

Of course it would be a terrible fit for Bricktown. it wasn't designed for Bricktown. If you look at the land where it is being placed it makes a lot more sense. It was designed for where it is being built. I don't love it and I don't hate it but when I looked at the space it will occupy the design made a bit more sense. but I'm sure someone will say it doesn't.. well because we all have opinions.

Has the building permit been approved yet? If so, can we start a new thread not labeled "Bodyworks Site"?

can we start a new thread not labeled "Bodyworks Site"?

I still think they should build a bathhouse on the site and call it Bath and Bodyworks site. :p

Pretty standard here honestly. Other cities get designs that impress, we usually get run of the mill.

Our Aloft in Deep Deuce is a lot cooler than most Aloft hotels. Even the urban ones.

Our Aloft in Deep Deuce is a lot cooler than most Aloft hotels. Even the urban ones.

That is a good example.

Or, how about the new Sandridge building?

Or, how about the new Sandridge building?

Another one that I really like. Now if we can just get something to occupy it.

Or, how about the new Sandridge building?

Another good example.

Our Aloft in Deep Deuce is a lot cooler than most Aloft hotels. Even the urban ones.

Speaking of... Their website says an Oklahoma City North location will be opening in 2019. Do we know where exactly?

Speaking of... Their website says an Oklahoma City North location will be opening in 2019. Do we know where exactly?

Would be a good fit for Chisholm Creek development.

That would be a great hotel for that up and coming area. Would fit perfectly into Chisholm Creek

The Aloft on the northside is going in behind Lowes, not in Chisholm Creek.

The Aloft on the northside is going in behind Lowes, not in Chisholm Creek.

Wait, really? What an incredibly horrible spot for a nicer hotel. Are there any plans to renovate/move/demolish all of those apartment complexes that will be directly south of this? I don't mean to come down on the people that live there, but that is NOT an area I would want to build a hotel like Aloft.

RE: The architecture complaints of the OKC canopy.

It's in Bricktown. There's no reason for it to be architecturally wowing. There's plenty of opportunity for that in other places throughout OKC, but Bricktown needs to be lots and lots and lots of Brick in pretty standard square-ish forms.

The Aloft on the northside is going in behind Lowes, not in Chisholm Creek.

I just drove by there. Not even behind Lowes. It's further south on the other side of the street next to those crummy apartments! Yuck!

Has the permit been approved?

RE: The architecture complaints of the OKC canopy.

It's in Bricktown. There's no reason for it to be architecturally wowing. There's plenty of opportunity for that in other places throughout OKC, but Bricktown needs to be lots and lots and lots of Brick in pretty standard square-ish forms.

Pretty fair point.

Any news on this?

Nope.

Canopy filed for their building permits some time ago and had them almost finished after some back and forth with the city, and then nothing.

https://newsok.com/article/5606174/questions-emerge-on-bricktown-hotel-building-spree


the three hotels are on hold while work continues on renovating the former Marriott in northwest Oklahoma City

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Noticed that there was equipment on site today. Property is still listed for sale. Curious if they’re just doing some dirt work?

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Noticed that there was equipment on site today. Property is still listed for sale. Curious if they’re just doing some dirt work?

There hasn't been any permit applications.

Have no idea what this could be about.

probably just parking or something dumb like that

probably just parking or something dumb like that

That property is owned by Fred Mazaheri who also owns the old lumberyard property just south of OKC Boulevard where they routinely charge people for overflow Bricktown parking.

I suspect that's what this will be as well, especially because Cowboy Ranch (just to the west) is drawing big weekend crowds.


BTW, city ordinance does not allow for parking on anything other than a hard surface, but it's rarely enforced.

Yes that's what I was thinking. I figured on ballgame nights plus other stuff going on, the cowboy place is probably tight on parking.

That property is owned by Fred Mazaheri who also owns the old lumberyard property just south of OKC Boulevard where they routinely charge people for overflow Bricktown parking.

I suspect that's what this will be as well, especially because Cowboy Ranch (just to the west) is drawing big weekend crowds.


BTW, city ordinance does not allow for parking on anything other than a hard surface, but it's rarely enforced.

Hard (concrete or asphalt) or improved? Would a crushed and compacted rock surface work, a la most of the cheap/free parking at the fairgrounds?

Would a crushed and compacted rock surface work, a la most of the cheap/free parking at the fairgrounds?

Nope, permeable surfaces of any type require a specific variance.

A homeowner can't just throw down gravel and park on it, for example.


But as I said, this isn't well enforced. But when someone starts charging in the downtown area, that should send up some flags.

Although the city itself is a huge abuser. There is a dirt lot just east of the convention center that is filled with cars most days. That started when the city began charging for the paved lot south of the CC.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/convention080721a.jpg

This is the old Bodyworks site.

You can see the hotel to the north is already parking some cars there.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/bodyworks080721a.jpg

Who currently owns that piece of land?

Fred Mazaheri, who also owns the old Lumberyard property just south of Harkins theater and the old Goodwill site west of Scissortail Park.

Fred Mazaheri, who also owns the old Lumberyard property just south of Harkins theater and the old Goodwill site west of Scissortail Park.

So the guy who sits on property he is supposed to be developing? I just hate how he is able to hold thee key properties, blatantly ignore development requirements, and get away with it.

So the guy who sits on property he is supposed to be developing? I just hate how he is able to hold thee key properties, blatantly ignore development requirements, and get away with it.

the only one with any development requirement is the old goodwill property

the only one with any development requirement is the old goodwill property

I forget, so help me here, what has Mazaheri actually developed?

the only one with any development requirement is the old goodwill property

Fair enough, but the fact he is not complying lends itself to me believing he is a fraud who has just enough money to hinder OKC from moving forward.

I forget, so help me here, what has Mazaheri actually developed?

For one, a pretty large commercial development at the Kilpatrick Turnpike and May.

For one, a pretty large commercial development at the Kilpatrick Turnpike and May.

Is it the one on the SW corner of May and the turnpike? If so, that’s one of the nicer looking strips in OKC. He could certainly pull off something nice on this site. It needs to be brought back to life.

Fair enough, but the fact he is not complying lends itself to me believing he is a fraud who has just enough money to hinder OKC from moving forward.

That's a bit harsh.

That's a bit harsh.

Maybe. But that lot next to Scissortail Park has no business being empty or undeveloped like it is. This was basically supposed to be under construction by now, yet he has done nothing, no plans or anything. Why is this allowed?

It's almost criminal, and I hate that no one is holding him accountable, not even himself.

Is it the one on the SW corner of May and the turnpike? If so, that’s one of the nicer looking strips in OKC. He could certainly pull off something nice on this site. It needs to be brought back to life.

It is that one.

Maybe. But that lot next to Scissortail Park has no business being empty or undeveloped like it is. This was basically supposed to be under construction by now, yet he has done nothing, no plans or anything. Why is this allowed?

It's almost criminal, and I hate that no one is holding him accountable, not even himself.

You need to get into commercial development. It is so easy.

You need to get into commercial development. It is so easy.

I'm not saying it's easy. But he's supposedly experienced with this, and has strict guidelines to adhere to. Sure, that governing body should hold him accountable, but he should also hold himself accountable. Just my opinion.

Implementing a Land Value Tax in the urban core would solve these types of issues virtually over night. Owners of vacant and under-utilized property wouldn't be able to build fast enough.

Implementing a Land Value Tax in the urban core would solve these types of issues virtually over night. Owners of vacant and under-utilized property wouldn't be able to build fast enough.

I vote yes to this. Vacant land property taxes should be at a higher rate, would end a lot of those who buy speculatively with no plans of doing anything.

Why is this called the Bodyworks site? What is "Bodyworks"? Besides Bath & Body Works lol

Why is this called the Bodyworks site? What is "Bodyworks"? Besides Bath & Body Works lol

There was an auto body repair shop located there as recently as a few years ago. They had another location south of the Kilpatrick Turnpike between Western and Santa Fe.

Why is this called the Bodyworks site? What is "Bodyworks"? Besides Bath & Body Works lol

https://www.google.com/maps/@35.4652618,-97.5036298,3a,70y,117.32h,92.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1szeAkzvKOaJBkH-KKpSsUcQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

For one, a pretty large commercial development at the Kilpatrick Turnpike and May.

Thank you. That is encouraging as that is one of the nicest strip developments in OKC, with an interesting mix of tenants. Not like it's groundbreaking or anything but it is much nicer than the status quo in this city.

Implementing a Land Value Tax in the urban core would solve these types of issues virtually over night. Owners of vacant and under-utilized property wouldn't be able to build fast enough.

I've been an advocate of that for more than a decade.