I am really not sure where to put this, but I thought it was interesting. Will be interesting to see what a developer can do with the lot near the Peake! Haha

https://newsok.com/article/5609049/development-proposals-being-sought-for-two-prime-spots-in-core-to-shore

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I would love to see some form of sports bar or pub on the western corner... How wide across are these tracts? How tall of a development do you think we would see here?

Remember, the Omni is planning an elaborate sports bar on the far nw corner of their development which will be quite close to the arena.

Remember, the Omni is planning an elaborate sports bar on the far nw corner of their development which will be quite close to the arena.

Hmm, Then this should have an urban grocer!

Hmm, Then this should have an urban grocer!

With minimal residential plans down there, that may not be the best use right now. I could see a residential tower planned, with some ground-floor retail.

With the western portion are they not concerned with blocking the view of the main entrance to the arena?

With the western portion are they not concerned with blocking the view of the main entrance to the arena?

In the article at the top Cathy O’Conner talks about this very thing

I won't be shocked if the Thunder ownership buy these two and make it a pre/post game gathering place. Think something like Champions Square in New Orleans outside the Superdome.

With minimal residential plans down there, that may not be the best use right now. I could see a residential tower planned, with some ground-floor retail.

Remember, there will be apartments built directly across the street from this on the new parking garage.

I see it as more of a Brickopolous type of development, not exactly, but that kind of density and width.

So the lot is about 50' wide. The trailer only portion of a tractor trailer is 53' long. This will take some real creativity.

The Brickopolis-style building here is an excellent example. They've packed a lot into that building and didn't have a ton of space to work with.

A legitimate ferris wheel?

In the article at the top Cathy O’Conner talks about this very thing

She mentions it needs to focus on the eastern portion, but makes no mention of the western portion. My thoughts are you wouldn't want to build anything on the western portion and have it anything more than a park.

Usually, when a RFP pops up like this it means they already have been approached by someone but have to go through a public process before doing a formal selection.

The problem with that approach is that there is one party that has had a ton of time to work on what they want to do, their potential financing and in most cases talking to key decision makers with the city. While everyone else scrambles around and has to be ready to submit in 90 days.

I'm not aware of any such situation where the party that triggered the RFP wasn't granted development rights.


I suspect they already have a developer in mind and that they are somehow tied to the Thunder.

So submissions have to be ready in 90 days?

So submissions have to be ready in 90 days?

After the RFP is issued, which hasn't happened yet.

Could they build over the top of the loading dock and butt up against the parking garage? That would present some more space to do a larger structure such as an office building or a hotel.

^^^^^^^
I believe that the original arena improvements plan associated with the Thunder’s arrival included a practice facility built over the existing loading docks, before changes were made and the practice facility moved to its present location on Britton Road.

Get ready: it’s going to be a parking garage.

Does anyone know what will be happening to the space between the Myriad Gardens and Scissortail park? Hopefully not just leaving a big slab of asphalt in the middle of all this new construction.

Does anyone know what will be happening to the space between the Myriad Gardens and Scissortail park? Hopefully not just leaving a big slab of asphalt in the middle of all this new construction.

Nope. Nobody knows. It’s owned by the Midtown Renaissance people, and they haven’t said anything.

This one is exciting with potential to really bolster an already (planned) exciting area. I would love to see a completely mixed use building with offices (for the Thunder and any other sports association) with clothing retail and possibly a grocer on the western corner. Maybe a whole foods which server hot food.

Whatever goes here would require a lot of creativity. I’d say only use the eastern block and turn the western chunk into a grass area with trees and chairs. Put up an illuminated OKC piece similar or different to what’s at Wheeler on that hill so it becomes a nice looking area while not blocking the view of the arena. I’m ready to see some renderings.

I've heard that the Thunder or someone affiliated has long been interested in some sort of team shop and bar & restaurant on this land.

I suspect that now that that section of the boulevard is largely complete, they want to move forward and that has triggered the need for an RFP.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/chkrfp092618.jpg

I would like to see Shake Shack go in to part of this space. The proximity to the park, arena, and convention center would make it a killer location for them.

So do we know what this will be now?

So do we know what this will be now?

Deadline for responses isn't until April 1, 2019.

Deadline for responses isn't until April 1, 2019.

Don’t believe there is anything yet. Heard that the code is really strict regarding the height. Has to be pretty tall (forgot the exact height).

I think that housing would probably be the best option. Putting something that would ONLY be used for games seems like a waste of space. 1507315074
These are two examples of what I’d love to see.

I'm still not convinced that OKC won't need a new arena 10 years from now; however we will probably demolish the Cox Convention Center (Old Myriad) sometime after the new convention center opens. That 4 square blocks will be city owned and ready to be redeveloped.

It will go to an affiliate of the Thunder ownership for a fan shop and/or restaurant.

RFP's usually happen after someone already expresses an interest.


As for the height code, that is negotiable.

I should know this, but the parking lots west of the arena, is that the Stage Theatre/OG&E site ? Any possibility we’ll hear something in 2019 ?

I would like to see Shake Shack go in to part of this space. The proximity to the park, arena, and convention center would make it a killer location for them.

hahaha yah that'd really put us on the map!

I should know this, but the parking lots west of the arena, is that the Stage Theatre/OG&E site ? Any possibility we’ll hear something in 2019 ?

Here's the thread for that area, it doesn't seem like anything is happening in the near term: http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=23785&page=9&highlight=ford+dealership

The Stage/OG&E site is west of Myriad Gardens at Sheridan and Hudson.

Thunder Alley Entertainment Block proposed south of arena (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=606-Thunder-Alley-Entertainment-Block-proposed-south-of-arena)

The ownership group of the Oklahoma City Thunder has proposed a new development directly south of Chesapeake Arena with a large plaza, public art and a covered dining area with docking stations for up to 3 food trucks.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/thunderalley1.jpg


The plan was submitted to the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority (OCURA) in response to a formal request for proposals for land that became available when Interstate 40 was located several blocks to the south several years ago.

The property sits between the arena and the new Oklahoma City Boulevard which essentially retraces the old interstate route but mostly at ground level. The entire boulevard will be complete later this year.

The owners, Professional Basketball Club LLC, is partnering with Randy Hogan who is the developer for the Lower Bricktown property that is home to Harkins Theater, Sonic Headquarters and several other restaurants and attractions along the Bricktown Canal. In a similar process, Hogan won the right to develop that Bricktown property from OCURA.

Named Thunder Alley, the project would also include surface parking spaces for 70 cars at the east end.

The group anticipates the area to be a gathering space before and after Thunder games and other arena events, but also conventioneers who will be utitlizing the new Omni Hotel and convention center being constructed to the immediate south.

The proposal offers $1.25 million for the city-owned 1.55 acres but also asks $1.5 million in public incentives in the form of tax increment financing funds. They anticipate the entire project will cost $10.5 million.

The Thunder Alley proposal was the only response to the RFP and OCURA will consider the plan at a future meeting.


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I stopped reading after Hogan

I stopped reading after Hogan

There are two parking garages across the street from this (one, the Courtyard and two, the proposed Omni Hotel parking garage). Why the F@#K do we need more parking there?!??!

There are two parking garages across the street from this (one, the Courtyard and two, the proposed Omni Hotel parking garage). Why the F@#K do we need more parking there?!??!

i agree the surface parking should be a no go .....


but the answer is that would be premium spaces that the thunder would directly control ..

the rest of it is in the correct scale and would be a fantastic addition

Really think this area is perfect for something like Texas Live.

https://texas-live.com

Just here to say I like it overall, but the inclusion of 70 parking spaces is ridiculous. Can we get these bumper stickers made up?:

Don't Lower Bricktown my Thunder Alley.

Isn’t there supposed to be a large globe sculpture on the caddy corner? It would be odd having two similar pieces on opposite sides of the same corner.

And ditto on nixing the surface parking at a key corner. Just stupid planning.

if they are going to get 1.5 mil in TIF then there should be 0 surface parking

Note they are offering $1.25M for the land but want $1.5M in free money via TIF.

Also, this is the group that owns the Thunder, some of the richest people in the state. Do they really need yet another public hand-out?


Professional Baskebtall Club LLC is led by Clayton I. Bennett, chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder and DorchesterCapital. Other members of the ownership group include George B. Kaiser, president of GBK Corporation and chairman of BOK Financial; G. Jeffrey Records, Jr., chairman and CEO of MidFirst Bank; William M. Cameron, chairman and CEO of American Fidelity Assurance Company; Robert E. Howard II, chairman of Howard Investments; Jay Scaramucci, president of Balon Corporation; and Everett R. Dobson, managing partner of DobsonPartnerships.

Honestly - I think Texas Live and KC's Power and Light should have a baby - put that just across Robinson to the West of the Chesapeake Arena! Agree that parking should not be needed here, just extend the development to Shields. I actually love the suspended basketball and could see it being a picture spot, right across from the new 30 foot tall art piece at Scissortail park!

Note they are offering $1.25M for the land but want $1.5M in free money via TIF.

Also, this is the group that owns the Thunder, some of the richest people in the state. Do they really need yet another public hand-out?

if the cost of the "plaza and sculpture" is 1.5 mil .. i don't think that is really a gift that would 100% be public space used all year round but if that is the carrott the stick should be an absolute no to surface parking

Chicago's got The Bean; why can't we have The Ball? :LOL

But no, generally I like this, but I echo the dislike for the small parking lot and the ask for TIF funds here. We don't need a freakin' parking lot right at what will be a very busy corner (Boulevard and EK Gaylord).

Note they are offering $1.25M for the land but want $1.5M in free money via TIF.

Also, this is the group that owns the Thunder, some of the richest people in the state. Do they really need yet another public hand-out?

My disappointment is immeasurable, and my day is ruined. /s

This project really is a bit of a let down and the TIF is a real kick in the balls.

Great renderings, sure.

But this just seems like a particularly strong Boondoggle for the Bourgeoisie.

Really cool design. Seems everyone likes it.

But then there is a Certified Randy Hogan Surface Lot AND they want TIF? 1 foot forward, 2 steps back.

I won't be shocked if the Thunder ownership buy these two and make it a pre/post game gathering place. Think something like Champions Square in New Orleans outside the Superdome.

Winner winner chicken dinner

I absolutely hate it. What is in the arrowhead? Is that a brewery? I dont really understand just making it a huge bball court. There should be seating and space for a live performer. The parking makes sense but why not evaluate those spaces above a small retail space?

I don’t see the big deal about parking? Why are so many against parking here? We are not NYC we are OK. People here drive to events from our wide sprawling city. Some here are not looking long term. Once that whole area is built out parking will be needed. Not all can park at convention. This is close to new park and will make a nice lot to park and take it in.

I like the concept my only worry is the open yet covered part will be a homeless gathering spot after hours.

I wonder if the parking is more about reserving space for things like inflatables,pop up tents, broadcast vehicle parking for games and other arena events.

^^^Because parking is like crack. How do you get off crack? You stop taking it. Unfortunately your body still craves crack as it has adapted itself to need it. It will really hurt for a while because your body needs crack to function properly but eventually your body re-adjusts and that insatiable need lessens and lessens until you don't need it any more. However, if you keep taking crack, you find that you need more and more of it until you eventually die.

Isn’t there supposed to be a large globe sculpture on the caddy corner? It would be odd having two similar pieces on opposite sides of the same corner.


And ditto on nixing the surface parking at a key corner. Just stupid planning.
Does anybody at Hogan have a clue? This is slated for directly caddy corner across the intersection. This is According to Oklahoman Article:
15223

I wonder if the parking is more about reserving space for things like inflatables,pop up tents, broadcast vehicle parking for games and other arena events.

I was thinking the same thing. Someone upthread mentioned a lack of a stage for performers but maybe this lot can be used for that. However, I'm more inclined to believe its there because Hogan. I generally like the idea of this proposal however.

From the proposal:


The parking for the development will not be detraction due to its location on the east end of the property, as well a landscaped hedge. The parking area will also be used as an off loading and parking site for the trucks that move traveling shows from Arena to Arena. For example, U2 has not come to OKC because our arena does not have room to park the 16-18 semi-trucks that support their show. The BOK in Tulsa, on the other hand, has hosted them because they can park their vehicles. The parking area may also host food truck events, street basketball events, and other temporary events.

^^makes sense. Thanks