Zoo proposing "world-class" aquarium for MAPS 4 (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=646-Zoo-proposing-world-class-aquarium-for-MAPS-4)
by Miguel Rios

Oklahoma City Zoological Park and Botanical Garden (OKC Zoo) officials hope an aquarium proposal will be included in the MAPS 4 package. The vision is for a 100,000 square-foot “world-class attraction” that would cost $100-$150 million. It could be integrated into a Bricktown Canal extension that would cost an additional $1.5 million.


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In 1990, city residents approved a one-eighth-cent sales tax to support the zoo permanently. With a dedicated funding source already in place, OKC Zoo executive director Dwight Lawson said the zoo could easily operate and potentially fund part of the project.

“We’re able to generate pretty good capital funds on a regular basis, so we have the potential to, in essence, save up money to support part of a project like this. So MAPS would not have to fund the entire venture,” Lawson said. “It would be a 365-day-a-year attraction that was both available to local families as well as tourists. It has a big, strong education component. It has a potential for partnerships with schools and universities and things like that.”

Though the project had gotten some buzz before the MAPS 4 special meetings were announced, it did not appear as its own formal agenda item at any of the four meetings. Instead, Ward 7 councilwoman Nikki Nice brought it up under “other projects brought forward by councilmembers.”


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“I’m not entirely sure how they came up with the slate,” Lawson said. “I believe that the council did some polling via the [Greater Oklahoma City Chamber] that may have influenced that. I’m not privy to the exact methods.”

The chamber’s MAPS polls have never been made public in the past. However, OKC Zoo hosted seven focus groups last December to gauge community reactions to the idea of a standalone aquarium.

“We did a focus group with a random sample of our members, and then we did some exit polling of visitors here at the zoo about how they felt about it and a couple of things that they might want to see,” Lawson said. “Those groups were pretty positive about it. Granted, that’s a bit of preaching to the choir since it’s our audience, but they liked the idea.”

Canal destination
Don Hayes of Hayes Brokerage presented the proposal Aug. 6 and said the idea is to extend the Bricktown Canal into the aquarium, giving it a destination. He said they received a $1.5 million quote for the extension from the canal’s engineer.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/aquarium5.jpg


“One of the reasons Nikki has grabbed onto it is because it’s her ward, first of all. Second of all, the canal doesn’t go anywhere. It just goes down and turns around,” Hayes said. “So we said, ‘What if we gave the canal a destination?’ so that when people are coming into Bricktown and they want to know what’s in the canal taxi, well, it goes all the way over to the Oklahoma City aquarium; inside the aquarium, as a matter of fact. We can make it a Disney-type affair.”

The canal would be extended westbound, and the aquarium would be constructed adjacent to Summit Gyms at OKC Silos. Hayes envisions a wall of glass within the aquarium where you could see aquatic animals. He said the city could even continue extending the canal to Scissortail Park in the future.

“We could make that thing unbelievable,” Hayes said.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/aquarium2.jpg


Since the idea is still in the early stages and there is no certainty on the inclusion of the project in MAPS 4, Lawson said they are “a little coy and noncommittal” in terms of the location. Through a feasibility study, OKC Zoo had already identified several potential locations last year.

“As part of the MAPS process, you really don’t commit to a particular site,” he said. “MAPS or no, if we’re able to move forward with this at some point, I think there are some sites downtown that would still be really good. The Producers District being one of them. I think the canal extension was the brainchild of some of the developers downtown, so that would be a nice fit, but we want to stay [open-minded]. ... If it’s not part of MAPS, that makes it much more difficult for us, and we’re going to have to regroup and think about how to go about it.”

An economic impact study estimates the aquarium would “receive 600,000 visitors per year with a gross operating budget of $13 million per year after initial construction costs ranging from $110 million to $150 million.” Additionally, the estimated economic impact from visitor expenditures ranges from $27 million to $80 million “while supporting 305 to 915” local jobs.

“At this point, this thing is so packed with opportunity for promotion for Oklahoma City and our tourist industry. It’s incredible,” Hayes said. “I think it would pumpstart, jumpstart, hit the reboot button on Bricktown and that water taxi.”


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Dwight Lawson


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I LOVE his Idea. A BOLD proposal

I mean I love it. Just don’t know why they waited so long. City council has like 6 days to decide. Although if Nice is on board it’s probably a slam dunk.

I mean I love it. Just don’t know why they waited so long. City council has like 6 days to decide. Although if Nice is on board it’s probably a slam dunk.

I even LOVE the images of what it could look like.

Canal extension? OKC Zoo run Aquarium? They want to give it a unique look and make it world class? Yes. Yes. Yes and yes. Just PLEASE actually build other establishments on the Canal front. The Southside of the Canal is just so sad outside of a few things.

Imagine the sea of parking around this.

Imagine the sea of parking around this.

Nothing several canal front parking garages can't fix!

Nothing several canal front parking garages can't fix!

It’ll have retail on the bottom floor though

I mean I love it. Just don’t know why they waited so long. City council has like 6 days to decide. Although if Nice is on board it’s probably a slam dunk.

They did present at one of the MAPS4 meetings but only after not being allowed as one of the 'official' presenters.

They only reason they received a small amount of time is because Nikki Nice brought it up.


This isn't just any proposal... They have the Zoo behind which already has partial funding.


The question is: why were they not give the same opportunity to present as the other proposals?

Wow, LOVE this. As in, I can't say how much I LOVE this. I might love this more than any transit idea even. If I were to rank all the ideas this one immediately goes to the top. I know it's conceptual, but I love their renderings and ideas of a canal extension too.

Lots of questions about why this project was not given the opportunity to have a proper presentation at the MAPS 4 public meetings. They had almost 20 presentations and here is this bold, "think big" project backed by our amazing zoo and it can't get the time of day?

Perhaps this process isn't nearly as transparent as we've been told.

BTW, I just posted this story on social media about a half an hour ago and its completely blowing up.

This seems to be something that people actually want.

Lots of questions about why this project was not given the opportunity to have a proper presentation at the MAPS 4 public meetings. They had almost 20 presentations and here is this bold, "think big" project backed by our amazing zoo and it can't get the time of day?

Perhaps this process isn't nearly as transparent as we've been told.

Very true. If the mayor and nice are in support it’s a slam dunk. Won’t matter how cooper and jo Beth vote.

At first thought, I really love the idea of an aquarium and having a destination for the canal. With the Zoo being able to provide partial funding, it definitely has me sold.

Lots of questions about why this project was not given the opportunity to have a proper presentation at the MAPS 4 public meetings. They had almost 20 presentations and here is this bold, "think big" project backed by our amazing zoo and it can't get the time of day?

Perhaps this process isn't nearly as transparent as we've been told.

90% of the other proposals seem to have direct benefits to power brokers in the city, this proposal seems to benefit the citizens the most. What good would our tax dollars be if they didn't just benefit a select few?

Wish these renderings could have been released back in June or July during the hype. Hope it's not too late. Thanks, Pete.

Yes, Please.

An economic impact study estimates the aquarium would “receive 600,000 visitors per year with a gross operating budget of $13 million per year after initial construction costs ranging from $110 million to $150 million.” Additionally, the estimated economic impact from visitor expenditures ranges from $27 million to $80 million “while supporting 305 to 915” local jobs.

BTW, I just posted this story on social media about a half an hour ago and its completely blowing up.

This seems to be something that people actually want.

I thought to myself a bit back that when it wasn't getting the attention the other projects were getting even though the general reception was positive that right before the list was revealed we would get a proposal. It's great strategy imo to have positivity heading into the reveal.

I love this, but id like to see it even a little larger. The best thing about this design is that there's still plenty of room for the soccer stadium too. It could help quickly in-fill the co-op for sure.

Lots of questions about why this project was not given the opportunity to have a proper presentation at the MAPS 4 public meetings. They had almost 20 presentations and here is this bold, "think big" project backed by our amazing zoo and it can't get the time of day?

Perhaps this process isn't nearly as transparent as we've been told.

So, this seems like a question answered through a thorough investigative piece of journalism you can do. That is better than first casting aspersions. At least an interview with zoo board members, council members, etc. to get them on the record. Then, if it smells bad based on facts, cast away.

Give me all of this

Pete getting this to blow up on social media might end up being the biggest direct impact OKCtalk.com has ever had on the city.

So, this seems like a question answered through a thorough investigative piece of journalism you can do. That is better than first casting aspersions. At least an interview with zoo board members, council members, etc. to get them on the record. Then, if it smells bad based on facts, cast away.

We had to get this story out as the council is likely to vote on the MAPS4 slate next Tuesday.

We could not get in touch with Nikki Nice.

And we aren't done with this story.

OMG! 1,000,000x YES!

Wait, am I supposed to be against this because it wasn't presented a month ago?

The surface facing I-40 would actually be a video wall:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbtZcWAa2Dw

The question is: why were they not give the same opportunity to present as the other proposals?

Because it polled absolutely terribly. That may have been how the question or questions were asked. I am a bit confused though. So the zoo wants it at the canal?

Because it polled absolutely terribly. That may have been how the question or questions were asked. I am a bit confused though. So the zoo wants it at the canal?

I know Twitter fandom != polling, but do you think the discrepancy in support we're seeing between prior polling and this announcement is due solely to the availability of renderings?

Because it polled absolutely terribly. That may have been how the question or questions were asked. I am a bit confused though. So the zoo wants it at the canal?

Yes, the zoo wants it downtown.

And what polling do you mean? The polling by the chamber that is never made public?

That can't be used as a reason and also have the city claim we have a transparent process.

Another video that better demonstrates the video wall.

All these animations and renderings are done by Skyline Ink here in OKC, and they do simply amazing work.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZUF2Ht26yo[/url]

Because it polled absolutely terribly. That may have been how the question or questions were asked. I am a bit confused though. So the zoo wants it at the canal?


an aquarium didn't poll terribly

If it ends up looking anything remotely like that, it will be incredible.

Another video that better demonstrates the video wall.

All these animations and renderings are done by Skyline Ink here in OKC, and they do simply amazing work.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZUF2Ht26yo[/url]

Very cool. Would it not be considered a distraction to drivers?

Also, I assume we shouldn't be reading anything into the rest of the buildings shown down in the Producers land, right?

^

The rest of the coop stuff is highly conceptual.

Based on social media reaction this is a slam dunk. I haven’t seen a single person who isn’t in love with the idea.

And what polling do you mean? The polling by the chamber that is never made public?

Yes. That is exactly what I mean. I'm not defending this but am just saying apparently it was at the bottom of the poll. This location may have had something to do with it. Generally speaking, likely voters are against anything involving significant downtown investment.

The zoo would have been better off proposing it at the zoo rather than downtown if they wanted it included. People love the zoo. I love our zoo too.

Yes. That is exactly what I mean. I'm not defending this but am just saying apparently it was at the bottom of the poll. This location may have had something to do with it. Generally speaking, likely voters are against anything involving significant downtown investment.

The zoo would have been better off proposing it at the zoo rather than downtown if they wanted it included. People love the zoo. I love our zoo too.

I'm not buying into any poll data unless it is made public and we understand the methodology and how the questions were asked.

And it should not be used for making public decisions.

The post on Instagram has nearly 2,000 likes in the first hour. Blowing up on Facebook and Twitter too.

Based on the comments here and everywhere else, I don't believe for a minute this project isn't wildly popular.

AQUARIUM >>> State Fair Park Arena

I'm not buying into any poll data unless it is made public and we understand the methodology and how the questions were asked.

And it should not be used for making public decisions.

The Chamber runs the MAPS campaigns. Their opinions and their data typically always influence our policymakers in their decision-making process.

The Chamber runs the MAPS campaigns. Their opinions and their data typically always influence our policymakers in their decision-making process.

I completely understand that.

Doesn't make it right; and in fact, this project seems to demonstrate that approach is completely wrong.

They could have literally any other projects as part of Maps 4, and if this was included I would be a 100% supporter.

Put the aquarium at Producers Coop, Put the soccer stadium at Farmers Market. Boom we lit. This is definitely dreaming big

The post on Instagram has nearly 2,000 likes in the first hour. Blowing up on Facebook and Twitter too.

Based on the comments here and everywhere else, I don't believe for a minute this project isn't wildly popular.

It’s also depressing how many people need a civics class.

Fix the highway interchanges first! :facepalm:

Yes. That is exactly what I mean. I'm not defending this but am just saying apparently it was at the bottom of the poll. This location may have had something to do with it. Generally speaking, likely voters are against anything involving significant downtown investment.

The zoo would have been better off proposing it at the zoo rather than downtown if they wanted it included. People love the zoo. I love our zoo too.

this project doesn't make finacial sense at the zoo

It’s also depressing how many people need a civics class.

Fix the highway interchanges first! :facepalm:

The ignorance of OKC citizens is insane. They should, by now, know MAPS only funds capital improvements. Not a cent can help pay teachers more. It is against the state constitution. Therefore, sales and property taxes created by these projects are more important.

They could have literally any other projects as part of Maps 4, and if this was included I would be a 100% supporter.

this was my thought as well... if this is on the proposal for MAPS 4... they just got me to vote for a soccer stadium... because i want this...

This would mean the water taxi would actually have a destination; a place to take people and pick them up.

We already have a crazy amount of hotel rooms (with more coming) in and near Bricktown. Imagine all those people taking a nice boat ride or walk along the canal to go visit the aquarium.

And in turn, it would bring much-needed traffic to the canal itself. Let's face it, development along the canal leaves something to be desired and needs a shot in the arm.

This project would leverage much of what already have, including previous MAPS investments.

Am I missing something? All I see in the renderings and video's is a video wall, a canal and a café...where is the actual aquarium....where they are keeping the fish? If this is going to be a world class aquarium, it is going to have to be more than a giant electrical billboard with a canal running next to it. I would like to see rendering of world class displays of marine life.

Wish these renderings could have been released back in June or July during the hype. Hope it's not too late. Thanks, Pete.

Politically speaking... these people have definitely missed the boat if their ask is a 100 million+.

I'm not discrediting the idea at all but this push should have happened much earlier. They might get thrown a bone or two for some seed money to kickstart it, but there is virtually no way that the city council is going to give them $100 million+

Am I missing something? All I see in the renderings and video's is a video wall, a canal and a café...where is the actual aquarium....where they are keeping the fish? If this is going to be a world class aquarium, it is going to have to be more than a giant electrical billboard with a canal running next to it. I would like to see rendering of world class displays of marine life.

if you look at the very last picture in Pete's first post, you can see that it is raised up two floors or so from it's base... i assume this is going to be where the exhibits are... and rarely on things like these do they show early renderings of the internal exhibts. it's how it looks and displays in the city that are shown in those usually

Am I missing something? All I see in the renderings and video's is a video wall, a canal and a café...where is the actual aquarium....where they are keeping the fish? If this is going to be a world class aquarium, it is going to have to be more than a giant electrical billboard with a canal running next to it. I would like to see rendering of world class displays of marine life.

I've got some conceptual images from a presentation. Give me some time to find and post them.

This would mean the water taxi would actually have a destination; a place to take people and pick them up.

We already have a crazy amount of hotel rooms (with more coming) in and near Bricktown. Imagine all those people taking a nice boat ride or walk along the canal to go visit the aquarium.

And in turn, it would bring much-needed traffic to the canal itself. Let's face it, development along the canal leaves something to be desired and needs a shot in the arm.

This project would leverage much of what already have, including previous MAPS investments.

No joke. And the current end of the Canal, while pretty looking, is so so so loud right next to I-40. If they extend the Canal AND the Aquarium is long, fronting I-40 like it shows, it's going to create a much needed sound barrier there.

Giving the water taxi a reason to exist would be amazing.

Giving the water taxi a reason to exist would be amazing.

Especially if they allow for entry on both ends. To be able to get on and off on both ends of the Canal would be great. Since they're already extending it, go ahead and build all the components necessary for entry on this end. Ticket Booth and a round area to turn around in and anchor or whatever its called in this case. An ACTUAL water taxi.

Okay. If this is on the MAPS 4 ballot, I'll vote for it. Even if there's a USL compliant soccer stadium. My kid absolutely loves the "fish zoo" at Jenks. This appears to have the potential to make the Jenks Aquarium look like a Podunk tourist trap. The educational component of this is real. Many in OKC won't ever get to visit a coast.

The water taxi does well but could be so much more.

And I hate to say this but the Bricktown part of the canal is pretty sad these days. That's a huge city asset (and original MAPS project) that is very far from achieving its potential.

What is going to change things there? Another restaurant? It needs a jolt and you can believe this would drive a lot more people to the canal and spur private development.


Honestly, for me this is more about the location and its relation to the canal and hotel rooms than it is going to see marine life (although I would almost certainly take visitors).

What are the chances the Aquarium & stadium could be built on the COOP site? That would be pretty spectacular.

What are the chances the Aquarium & stadium could be built on the COOP site? That would be pretty spectacular.

Plenty of room for both + tons of commercial development.

It's just a huge site that is a completely blank slate.