^^^ yes, I was being sarcastic :p

Okay, thanks for the clarification. I was surprised by the post. My apologies. Context is important and I missed it.

What a terrible location for most businesses. My only though would be to turn it into a museum and events hall. Take down two or three floors to create the necessary space and the police can have their balls and stuff there. It would be wildly expensive but after 5 -10 years maybe people start using it enough to pay for itself.

Okay, thanks for the clarification. I was surprised by the post. My apologies. Context is important and I missed it.
Sorry I should have added the /sarc. It’s easily lost online. :)

it's the arts district, so something arts, or maybe that children's museum we didn't get for stage center... I mean, children don't need tall ceilings....

it's the arts district, so something arts, or maybe that children's museum we didn't get for stage center... I mean, children don't need tall ceilings....

Sounds like fun, a bunch of kids running around unsupervised because no adults can fit on the floors. :p

That's what i was just thinking. OK, granted its 6'10", not flat 6'. But you still have to put lights and HVAC in that, which would mean ducking (haha hvac, duct...) around that gear.

Swap with the Police Union for some of the surface lot space they own in the area. Union can use it for their FOP Hall and expanded support services for officers. City could partner with union on parking garage development in the area. As a show of cooperation and good faith following the change of leadership in OKCP.

OMG, that sounds wonderful Dob.

How do we get them to negotiate and compromise? Because I totally am fine with the old police hq and court complexes coming down to become a parking garage but the jail should remain for reuse.

Should we notify the mayor of these ideas?

Swap with the Police Union for some of the surface lot space they own in the area. Union can use it for their FOP Hall and expanded support services for officers. City could partner with union on parking garage development in the area. As a show of cooperation and good faith following the change of leadership in OKCP.

FOP just built new building on Agnew.

^^^

As impossible as my idea would be to pull off, I think that is just one of the problems. I think it must violate a dozen state laws, city ordinances, labor and management rules, and who knows what else. It would be a very heavy lift. But, it is driven by a desire for all involved to make money and save one building.

Also, instead of costing the taxpayers, repurposing it would put it on the tax rolls.

After being deferred, the approval of demolition is back on the council agenda for next Tuesday:


On April 10, 2018 (Item VII.AI.), City Council approved a resolution to conditionally designate Allied Redevelopment L.L.C. as a potential and conditional redeveloper of the Jail Facility described above, subject to the final determination and approval of the Mayor and Council. The Resolution authorized and directed the City Manager or his designee(s) to conduct negotiations with the conditionally designated redeveloper for a period of ninety (90) days in an attempt to reach an agreement as to development plans, financing arrangements, price contingencies, and other terms and conditions, and if satisfactory, present an economic development contract to the Mayor and Council for review for the sale of land and the redevelopment of the Jail Facility. Allied Redevelopment L.L.C. was not able to reach an agreement with the City Manager or his designee(s) as of May 1st, 2019 and Allied Redevelopment L.L.C. did not meet the requirement to have a proposal ready to submit to Council within the 90 day period.

The construction of the new Municipal Courts Building and the new Oklahoma City Police Headquarters caused the loss of at least 235 parking spaces for the City’s public safety campus. There is a critical need for parking to support the City’s five-building public safety campus, consisting of the Communications/911 Center, Municipal Court/Criminal Justice Center, Police Headquarters, Police Property Facility and Police Forensic Laboratories. The demolition of the old Police HQ Building, the old Courts Building and Jail Facility would provide an estimated 166 additional surface parking spaces. Funding has been set aside to demolish the no longer needed structures.

City staff, based on its analysis of the structures and the demonstrated need for additional parking for the expanding public safety campus, is ready to proceed with demolition of the former Police HQ Building, the Jail Facility, and the old Court Building. Based on experience, it is very likely the City will realize significant savings through bidding all three demolition projects through the same competitive bidding process.

Oklahoma City: The city with no history.

Oklahoma City: The city with no history.

You need to read 'Boom Town' by Sam Anderson.

You need to read 'Boom Town' by Sam Anderson.

I have read it (it’s a good albeit very incomplete book — notice the complete absence of Indigenous people’s as one example) and I taught Oklahoma History back in the day. My point isn’t that OKC has no history, but that it tears historic buildings down more carelessly than any other city.

Two hundred year old buildings were approved to be torn down just in the last few weeks... aren't too many of those left around here....

^^^^
I don’t really agree that we are more careless than any other city. I think we are such a 20th century city that we were plowing down 40 to 50 year old commercial buildings. Happens all the time everywhere. Except that was all we had in our new city. Las Vegas has the same reputation, but they align closely with OKC in regards to age and growth (until around 2000).

^^^must not have been to other cities where they have, like, old buildings and stuff?

^^^must not have been to other cities where they have, like, old buildings and stuff?

HAHA GOT 'UM



But for real. Seeing as we have so few older buildings left. I do really wish we could stop, you know, tearing all of them down.

^^^must not have been to other cities where they have, like, old buildings and stuff?

So, let's look a that:
Let me suggest most cities of any size are older than 1889. OKC was nothing before then. The first wave of development takes about 25 years (which also aligns with the start of WW1), and is primarily 3 story, unremarkable commercial buildings. After WW1 we have the roaring twenties, and some development during the decade. But the great depression interrupts that activity and building didn't pick back up in a meaningful manner until after WW2. 1946. Postwar development went away from downtowns and toward suburbs.
So, now we are 20 years after the end of WW2 and OKC has an oversized, small town, low rise downtown area. A bunch of 2 and 3 story buildings and not much else covering a lot of space. Our civic leaders decide to raze and start over. We did lose a handful of larger and nicer buildings, but the vast majority weren't, IMO.

I wonder how many cities of our size came from zero as recently as 1889 to where we are today? Again, I bring up Las Vegas, or maybe Phoenix (due to explosive growth from a smaller town during the same era). Dallas, KC, Memphis and so many other cities are at least 50 years older, which gives them a couple more building generations before the postwar development cycle that has driven so much of America.

^^^That's a really bad argument.

1. Many cities with much much much older architecture have managed to not tear down their buildings. I think this is your point, but I don't think it supports your argument that old buildings shouldn't be saved. It just proves that we as a culture don't value historical architecture like other places. Maybe your argument is that only the most significant buildings were saved and that over time, a city was left intact with a dense network of only the best historical buildings left un-demolished throughout the ages. This point is somewhat true, but misleading in that most places didn't tear down entire city blocks at a time like we did. Also, most places won't tear down functioning buildings unless there is an absolute need to upzone.

2. It's not about when most of our historic buildings were built, but when and why they were torn down, and how many. It's a fact that OKC was one of the worst when it came to urban renewal. A very very high percentage (above 90%) of our historic architecture was wiped within a span of 20ish years. No, not all was "larger and nicer buildings", but that's not the criteria that necessarily makes them worth saving. Once they are gone, they aren't coming back. We are sensitive to this, and the other seemingly "insignificant" buildings coming down, because almost everything else was destroyed. Look at a photo of downtown from 1970. It looks like Dresden.

So, now we are 20 years after the end of WW2 and OKC has an oversized, small town, low rise downtown area. A bunch of 2 and 3 story buildings and not much else covering a lot of space.


This seems like a wildly inaccurate way to describe pre-1967 Oklahoma City.
15425

I'll submit that while a lot of buildings may not have been considered "taller or nicer" back when they were torn down, most would be considered gems today. And, the methods, materials and finishes used in their construction are all gone as well, never to be replaced.

Now we have a couple 100 year old buildings slated for demolition that are considered to be too dilapidated and unsecure to do anything with. How long have they been sitting in decline amongst all the activity in Bricktown now?. Only to be replaced by a parking lot. … What's that phrase? … demolition by neglect? …. These could have been saved.

This is a 100% snark free and honest question; What did we tear down during Urban Renewal over 50 years ago?

I freely admit many buildings would be considered gems today, but back then they were 50-60 year old buildings. At that time, those buildings would be considered bad because they had knob & tube wiring, black iron plumbing and drafty wood windows. Along with small room sizes and no space for AC ducting.
Now, let me use the 50 year old Biltmore at I-40 & Meridian as an example-I'm gonna suggest we would look at it and say it has inadequate wiring, old plumbing, inefficient aluminum windows, an old fashioned layout, and just an unattractive design that would never be appealing again.

I'm just suggesting we put Urban Renewal in the context of when it happened, and not project today's sensibilities on it.

Some seem to think there is a group of people who want to see these "old" buildings saved just just because they are old. The actual reason most of these older structures need to be saved is because nothing could be built in today's time that would be of same quality or design standard. Sure there is the the occasional new high rise that impresses, but for the most part these old buildings can never be replaced.

For example, look at the many historic churches in OKC and how the design, thoughtfulness, and layout brings pride and is a pillar for the communities they serve. Compare to the mega churches built today that look and function more like a super target than an asset to the community.

Banks aren't building unique gems like gold dome and Founders anymore. Look no further than the corner of Western ave and Avondale Dr. in Nichols Hills to see what we can expect as replacements for Founders Bank.

Its not as if The old city jail is the greatest piece of architecture we have ever seen in OKC. its not the most important. But we do know that a building like this can never be duplicated in Oklahoma City ever again. Tearing it down for a new building is a debate, tearing this down for a surface parking lot is a travesty.

This is a 100% snark free and honest question; What did we tear down during Urban Renewal over 50 years ago?

This is a good place to start to get an idea of the buildings that existed during this time period. Some may find it depressing though.

https://www.okhistory.org/research/hmresults.php?mobi

I did click on the link and went through it. What I particularly noticed is that over half the buildings shown are still standing. And many of the others were torn down before 1960.

Regarding banks and churches: both industries have customer bases that feel their money can be better spent on items other that opulent buildings. Occasionally an expensive looking bank or church goes up, like the Mid First Bank at Western and Grand, or the Mormon temple in Surry Hills.

Lol. “Over half the buildings are still standing.” Half is pathetic.

My bigger point is not that cities don’t tear down buildings, but that Oklahoma City has not learned to quit doing it.

I'm just suggesting we put Urban Renewal in the context of when it happened, and not project today's sensibilities on it.
With all due respect, that's ignorant. Context is important, but we have the benefit of hindsight. It was a mistake that we should be working diligently to not repeat.

We have destroyed way too many buildings over the years. That said, I entertained guests from southern California, Wichita, and some other cities a couple of months ago. We ate at Packards and had drinks at the rooftop. Several of my guests were talking about their surprise to see so many old buildings being used still. Guess it is a matter of perspective.

I did click on the link and went through it. What I particularly noticed is that over half the buildings shown are still standing. And many of the others were torn down before 1960.

Regarding banks and churches: both industries have customer bases that feel their money can be better spent on items other that opulent buildings. Occasionally an expensive looking bank or church goes up, like the Mid First Bank at Western and Grand, or the Mormon temple in Surry Hills.

It has nothing to do with opulence or being "expensive looking" it has everything to do with context. If anything, i'm arguing against the "expensive looking" facade style that is the norm today.

I proposed a use and trade last month on this thread. I think it is the only idea I have read regarding actually doing something with this building generated by readers. I hope somebody else can come up with a good use for the building. I think it looks good from the outside and can be a positive for the city.

However, this is a very challenging project. The location just about demands a law enforcement use. The low ceilings and asbestos are very problematic. I think the denial of the police unions attempt to build a parking garage in the area may have placed this building in the position of being a political pawn, as the need for parking has become elevated and is agitating for a solution.

30 years ago I bought a 1905 house in a challenged block that had only 2 houses left. With a wife and 2 sons under age 3 I put all my energies and little money into saving it. 7 years we worked on it. wife washed the dishes in the bathtub for 3 months while we tried to build a kitchen. We saved the house. It is the only house left on the block now. There are other buildings, but they are commercial, as is the house now. Sold it 10 years to the day after we bought it for $50,000 more than we paid. Did the math and I did not make 50 cents an hour for my labor.
I love old buildings. I have put in the effort to save one. I also understand the opposition, disappointment, heartache, money and hours to do it. It is very difficult on a good day.

Hopefully someone can come up with a solution for this jail building.

The demolition approval was deferred in today's council meeting.

The city is going back to Marva Ellard for one last try at renovation.

This is a 100% snark free and honest question; What did we tear down during Urban Renewal over 50 years ago?

I freely admit many buildings would be considered gems today, but back then they were 50-60 year old buildings. At that time, those buildings would be considered bad because ...

I just wanted to add that right now, buildings 50-60 years old are facing this problem and we're losing them in the same way. Even some that are attractive and appealing. I don't know that we've really changed. We don't seem to recognize potential in buildings that haven't become quite historic enough just yet.

I just wanted to add that right now, buildings 50-60 years old are facing this problem and we're losing them in the same way. Even some that are attractive and appealing. I don't know that we've really changed. We don't seem to recognize potential in buildings that haven't become quite historic enough just yet.

Totally agree. The most at risk period, IMO is when something is old enough to be "old", but not old enough to be "retro". I drive by the intersection of NW36th & Portland and as I look at the tilt up concrete and pebble building on the SW corner I notice they are covering it all up with a more modern façade. In 10-15 years we will be lamenting the loss of that classic 1970s design and materials.

Yes, right now 1970's architecture is most at risk. I raised that very issue with BancFirst Tower.

Until recently, who would have thought that pink bathrooms and mid-century kitsch would come back around to being highly valued and popular?

That day will come for the 1970's too, but as is always the way, much of it will have already been lost.

Sure there are legitimate concerns about tearing down the historic city jail, it didn't bode well for other projects we could have saved (crying over spilled milk now) like: Baum Building, Criterion Theater, Mercantile Building, Hales Building, and finally the 600 room, 26 story Biltmore Hotel would have added another 500 to 550 rooms (expensive redo) to our downtown hotel room count--saved a land mark skyscraper. Man, you're talking about bringing in some top tier 2 and tier 1 type conventions.

That's why I do agree with some posters about the Omni not being at least 735 rooms or larger; in time you could attract some future landmark conventions to our city.

Totally agree. The most at risk period, IMO is when something is old enough to be "old", but not old enough to be "retro". I drive by the intersection of NW36th & Portland and as I look at the tilt up concrete and pebble building on the SW corner I notice they are covering it all up with a more modern façade. In 10-15 years we will be lamenting the loss of that classic 1970s design and materials.

Really? That's just a one-story strip mall, I'm not sure anybody anywhere would mourn the loss of that facade (or building if it was demo-ed). If it was anything else besides a strip mall, maybe... And yes, I know size doesn't always matter, but that building has no distinguishing characteristics at all, IMO.

^^^^
Yep. totally forgettable. And that is why it, and all like it, will be covered up or removed. Then we will miss them.

Kinda like in modern movies set back in the 50s-60s, seems like they have too many red Corvettes and Thunderbirds, plus some Cadillacs. Much harder to find many brown Nova 4 doors or commercial vehicles and vans.

^^^^
Yep. totally forgettable. And that is why it, and all like it, will be covered up or removed. Then we will miss them.

Kinda like in modern movies set back in the 50s-60s, seems like they have too many red Corvettes and Thunderbirds, plus some Cadillacs. Much harder to find many brown Nova 4 doors or commercial vehicles and vans.


I seriously doubt anybody at all will miss these kinds of things, it's like saying that 50 years from now we'll miss all the strip centers that were built in the last 20 years (and still ongoing), which I don't think *anybody* will say. Sure, the old strip centers add some ambiance and slightly retro background imagery, but they're not important or historic by any stretch of the imagination, unlike many other buildings here that have been re-faced or demo-ed.

And about those movies - all the ones I've seen that are set way back when always have a mix of every kind of car/van/truck imaginable, so maybe you're seeing different movies than I am, so to me that argument isn't really pertinent. We're just going to disagree on this, I suspect.

Anyway, back on topic, interesting that the jail's been given one more chance to be renovated, didn't know they could/would do that.

At yesterday's City Council meeting, Marva Ellard spoke briefly about a proposed new timeline for renovating the jail.

Councilman Stonecipher said he would like to see more detail in her plan and the matter was deferred to the next meeting.

City council voted to deny the motion that would have sent the demolition request to the Downtown Design Review Committee.

Marva Ellard said she is still interested in trying to renovate it.

For the demolition motion:
McAtee
Stone
Stonecipher
Greenwell

Against:
Cooper
Hamon
Nice
Greiner
Holt

Interesting vote breakdown.

Sometimes I get the impression Greenwell votes the way he does to spite the new council members. He gets really worked up about some strange things.

City council voted to deny the motion that would have sent the demolition request to the Downtown Design Review Committee.

Marva Ellard said she is still interested in trying to renovate it.

For the demolition motion:
McAtee
Stone
Stonecipher
Greenwell

Against:
Cooper
Hamon
Nice
Greiner
Holt

Nice to see Greiner step to the other/right side - he's a millennial too you know, interesting that Stonecipher voted for demo since he's been on the youth side so often.. ..... Not surprised at all on the others in favor or against.

Good that Marva is getting a shot at it. I'm all in favor of demo of the old "new" police hq and the old courthouse - i hope they get turned into a nice garage with street fronts that could be city services; but the old old police headquarters/jail needs to be preserved in some way.

Couldn't they purpose some of the mental health facilities in there?

Nice to see Greenwell step to the other side, interesting that Stonecipher voted for demo. ..... Not surprised at all on the others in favor or against.

You mean Greiner, not Greenwell.

The 4 that voted for the demolition are pretty predictable. I'd still like to see evidence that Stonecipher is more in the center as some here have claimed.

Couldn't they purpose some of the mental health facilities in there?

Our new (old) MAPS 4 sanitarium? It architecturally does look the part.

yep, our own "Bellevue Hospital". hehe

Looks like this building is going to be demolished after all.

City Council deferred this item to Dec. 22 when they will vote to start the process for demolition approval from the Downtown Design Review Committee:

**************

The Old City Jail Facility (“Jail Facility”), located at 200 North Shartel Avenue, was built
following the issuance of City and County bonds that were approved in 1935, together with a
federal matching grant, which were also used to construct the Civic Center Auditorium, City Hall
and Oklahoma County Courthouse.
The six story Jail Facility is comprised of approximately 41,310 square feet with a partial half
basement, two elevators, only one of which may be operable, with floor plates equaling 6,885
square feet. The floor heights vary in the Jail Facility as floors 1-2 have at least eight feet of ceiling
clearance and floors 3-6 only have a clearance of 6’10”, rendering it difficult and expensive to
rehabilitate.
On July 1, 1997 (Item VIII.I 1. and 2.) The City entered into a Jail Services Agreement with the
Board of County Commissioners of Oklahoma County and Sheriff of Oklahoma County, effective
July 1, 1997 to house prisoners that were arrested on City charges at the Oklahoma County Jail.
After July 1, 1997, the Old City Jail was no longer used to house persons arrested on City charges,
however the City Marshall’s Office did continue to occupy office space in part of the Jail Facility
until June 14, 2013. From June 2013 until present the Old City Jail Facility has been abandoned,
sat vacant and has fallen into further disrepair becoming a home to pigeons and others, and would
most likely be considered dilapidated.
On June 20, 2017, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was advertised to redevelop the Old City Jail,
which resulted in only one proposal being submitted by Gator Industrial, LLC, even though eightynine potential proposers viewed the RFP online. On November 7, 2017, the City Council rejected
the proposal from Gator Industrial, LLC for the redevelopment of the Old City Jail and authorized
staff to re-advertise the Request for Proposals.
DEFERRED TO DECEMBER
22, 2020
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6
0
8
In response, a redevelopment group called Allied Redevelopment L.L.C., headed by local
developer, Marva Ellard, submitted a response.
Subsequently, a Review Committee consisting of representatives from the Planning, Police,
Finance, and Public Works Departments, along with representatives from the City Manager’s
Office and Municipal Counselor’s Office reviewed the proposal and submitted follow-up questions
to the prospective developer regarding the developer’s plans for the Old City Jail. After much
review and deliberation, the Review Committee recommended designating Marva Ellard as the
conditional redeveloper of the Old City Jail. It was conditioned on Ms. Ellard submitting a
reasonable redevelopment proposal. On April 10, 2018 (Item VII.AI.) City Council approved a
Resolution to conditionally designate Marva Ellard, owner of Allied Redevelopment L.L.C., as a
potential and conditional redeveloper of the Old City Jail, subject to the final determination and
approval of the final proposed development by the Mayor and Council. The Resolution also
authorized and directed the City Manager or his designee(s) to conduct negotiations with the
conditionally designated redeveloper for a period of ninety (90) days in an attempt to reach an
agreement as to development plans, financing arrangements, price contingencies, and other terms
and conditions, and if satisfactory, present an economic development contract for sale of land and
the redevelopment of the Old City Jail to the Mayor and Council for review and consideration.
On August 13, 2019, at the request of City Council, demolition of the Old City Jail was placed on
hold, and the City Manager and City staff were directed to work with Marva Ellard, as the
conditional developer who expressed an interest in redeveloping the Old City Jail into some viable
and economically feasible use (Item No. VII.AR.).
After almost two years of discussion and negotiations City staff has been unable to reach an
agreement with Marva Ellard to redevelop the Old City Jail.
While the structural condition of the Old City Jail may be considered by some as fair, there are
significant environmental and mechanical issues with the structure, including the existence of
asbestos, along with failing or failed water, sewer, and electrical systems that all need to be
replaced and there are numerous other issues with the building as well. Over the years the Old City
Jail has been allowed to fall into further disrepair and has not been used for any significant purpose
since 2013.
The construction of the new Municipal Court Building and the new Oklahoma City Police
Headquarters caused the loss of at least 235 parking spaces for the City’s public safety campus,
which also served the public doing business with Municipal Court. There is a critical need for
parking to support the City’s five building public safety campus, consisting of the
Communications/911 Center, Municipal Court/Criminal Justice Center, Police Headquarters,
Police Property Facility and Police Forensic Laboratory. The demolition of the Old City Jail would
provide an opportunity to increase the number of surface parking spaces available to the public.
Funding has previously been set aside to demolish the structures replaced by the new Police
Headquarters and the Municipal Court Building and the Old City Jail.
City staff, based on a recent appraisal of the property with the Old City Jail, and based on
3
6
0
8
information previously provided by Marva Ellard, as to the costs of redevelopment, find that
redevelopment of the Old City Jail into a viable and economically feasible use is not possible
without significant economic development incentives in the form of land and cash that would most
likely come from the City’s general fund. Therefore City staff, based on its analysis of the
condition of the Old City Jail, the needed economic development incentives needed to make
redevelopment possible, and in consideration of the need for additional parking, recommends that
City Council determine that it is time to proceed with demolition of the Old City Jail. A resolution
directing staff to ap

I cannot believe that the "need for additional parking" is still a factor in tearing down buildings in this city, especially downtown.

And NOW economic development incentives are a big negative?

Tens of millions flow for any project the city really wants done. And they've wanted this thing demolished from the outset.

It is sad to see it go but it is a good thing since they keep failing to negotiate for almost 2 years so they will never come to an agreement so it is time to demolish the building for a parking space so everyone can move on

This building is from "MAPS 0" along with city hall, county court, and municipal auditorium. If you take this building now then none of them are safe with a little neglect, and that should be an appalling thought.

^^^^

This building is from "MAPS 0" along with city hall, county court, and municipal auditorium. If you take this building now then none of them are safe with a little neglect, and that should be an appalling thought.

Tell me more...

OKC upgraded municipal auditorium (currently Civic Center Music Hall) in the original MAPS initiative; also recently recall this proposal in October 2020: https://www.velocityokc.com/blog/development/renovations-new-addition-planned-for-civic-center-music-hall/?back=super_blog

As for the old city jail, why would you need it (Eyesore). IMO there isn't anything significant about this structure other than it once being used to transfer those in temporary incarceration across the street to the county.

Too many bad memories of this place during the late 60s integration.

Demolish it and burn it. And when you're through with burning it--burn the ashes...

^^^ yep

Being sent to city council tomorrow. I engaged with Allison Bailey on twitter about it yesterday and she has some great ideas for the space. But the city is refusing to say how much they would sell it for. I would guess it would be a win-win for the city if they could see to sell it. The property tax revenue would be substantially higher as a building versus nothing (a parking lot that they own) and the city arts parking garage is at or below 50% last time I checked and that would increase revenue there as well. We really have to get away from the idea of parking right next to where you work downtown and not be expected to walk.

Those wanting to rehab the building, how do you get past the 6 foot 10" clearance on the top 3 floors? I'm not an engineer, but I would think you would almost have to demolish those floors. After adding modern HVAC, fire sprinklers, etc, I don't see a practical use for a space that is so short on height.

Those of us that live in the Regency deal with much lower ceilings in parts of our apartment (entry hall and bathrooms due to what might be retrofitted HVAC).

At work much of our building has ceilings under 7'. We've even had a tenant that was taller than our ceilings. Thought he'd balk at wanting to rent when he saw the ceilings. He was like, it's like this everywhere, I'm used to it.

Just saying it happens, people make it work.

Those wanting to rehab the building, how do you get past the 6 foot 10" clearance on the top 3 floors? I'm not an engineer, but I would think you would almost have to demolish those floors. After adding modern HVAC, fire sprinklers, etc, I don't see a practical use for a space that is so short on height.

I talked to Allison about this and those areas could be used for storage. That's not uncommon to have basements or shorter floors for storage especially older buildings. And I am not sure as I haven't ever been in the building, but I don't think that many are that low.