View Full Version : Century Center
Spartan 03-16-2014, 01:13 PM It seems pointless for them to end negotiations with CVS bc they didn't want to open the store right away, when this project has all kinda of delays anyway. No wonder CVS didn't want to open up on an aggressive timeline within this project.
metro 03-16-2014, 11:18 PM All Century Center monthly Parker's are being relocated on 3/24 until late October to surface lots located south of the Peake. No promises we'll get a place at Century Center - only that we'll have a place"somewhere".
After 20+ years of $100 a month to COTPA, I'm not a happy camper.
We will at least have trolleys from parking lots, but evidently not wheelchair compatible.
Not that it solves your problem but you paid $100/month EVERY year for over 20 years? Seems like only in the last few years has inflation raised most of COTPA's rates from around $80 to $90-100?
Exterior panels staring to come down... Thanks to shawnw for the photo:
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7268d1396550782-century-center-century040214.jpg
ljbab728 04-03-2014, 10:42 PM There goes more of OKC's history being torn down. :Smiley122
Rover 04-04-2014, 08:59 AM Getting rid of more "brutal"ist architecture.
urbanCOWBOY 04-04-2014, 09:19 AM Thank the lord. This is going to enhance this area so much. Next eyesore is the convention center
Spartan 04-04-2014, 09:34 AM Main Street parking deck may actually come first...
HangryHippo 04-04-2014, 12:12 PM Main Street parking deck may actually come first...
What?
warreng88 04-04-2014, 01:37 PM Main Street parking deck may actually come first...
I've actually thought about that as well. As ugly as the Convention Center is, there is at least a plan to replace it. The main street parking garage is the same style of ugly as the Santa Fe parking garage and takes up an enourmous amount of Main Street frontage. I like that there are at least some store fronts but would like to see them closer to the street.
Lauri101 04-04-2014, 06:02 PM Not that it solves your problem but you paid $100/month EVERY year for over 20 years? Seems like only in the last few years has inflation raised most of COTPA's rates from around $80 to $90-100?
When we moved to current location, parking in lot that turned into Devon tower ran about $90 for reserved. That was in1994. Prior to that move, we were in Federal Courthouse and many of us parked in church parking lot for $35.
So did I pay $100 a month, every month? Naw - I rounded up. When the reserved cost went to $130, I dropped down to non reserved for $90. However, I have not been able to work since last May, but have continued to pay $108.38 every month so I won't lose my monthly parking. I hope to be released to return to work by late May.
On another note - found out shuttles from the surface lots for Century Center are wheelchair compatible. Props for COTPA for getting it right!
Urbanized 04-05-2014, 09:02 AM Man, the $49/mo I pay for the Bricktown parking garage (up from $39 - couple of years ago) sounds better with every post I read. Who knew?
Demolition by the numbers... Thanks to Will for taking these today:
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7329d1396996063-century-center-cc040814a.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7327d1396996061-century-center-cc040814c.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7326d1396996060-century-center-cc040814d.jpg
Rover 04-08-2014, 08:15 PM Man, the $49/mo I pay for the Bricktown parking garage (up from $39 - couple of years ago) sounds better with every post I read. Who knew?
Yeah, that's about an hour's charge in NYC.
So, what do we think is going to happen with the holes drilled through the facade and the numbering?
Will be interesting to see the demolition process.
catch22 04-08-2014, 08:53 PM Perhaps they are going to insert something into the holes the grabs the inside (as in the interior side) of the wall. And they will pull the wall out as a panel?
They should learn to count higher than 3.
Perhaps they are going to insert something into the holes the grabs the inside (as in the interior side) of the wall. And they will pull the wall out as a panel?
Yeah, maybe the plan is to cut the panels loose from inside then attach cables and lift them away.
Urbanized 04-08-2014, 09:54 PM Yeah, that's about an hour's charge in NYC.
But Bricktown's outrageous, right? :wink:
I remember staying at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston back in 2000 or so, and as a guest paying $225+ a night for the room parking was STILL $50/day. I talk with visitors all of the time who think $5-$10/day downtown is "cute". We don't know how good we have it here.
Mississippi Blues 04-08-2014, 09:57 PM But Bricktown's outrageous, right? :wink:
I remember staying at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston back in 2000 or so, and as a guest paying $225+ a night for the room parking was STILL $50/day. I talk with visitors all of the time who think $5-$10/day downtown is "cute". We don't know how good we have it here.
I'd take the park bench my own self.
shawnw 04-08-2014, 11:16 PM Last time I was foolish enough to drive a car into Manhattan, it was $40/day with no in-out privs, so $40 each time I came back if I left, so I never used my car, thus why it's stupid to drive into Manhattan...
Urbanized 04-09-2014, 07:33 AM Yeah, I didn't rent on that trip to Boston, either. The garage price sealed the deal for me. I'm glad I didn't; it allowed/required me to use the heck out of the T (my first subway experience) which was excellent training for the much larger London Tube which I used extensively a couple of weeks later, and also for the Chicago El and NYC subway since. Screw renting cars in cities like that.
Here are the detailed plans for the OPUBCO space in the Century Center.
When looking at the detailed plans, it's amazing how little space is devoted to reporters and how much is for video, circulation, sales, IT, HR, etc.
The two-level space will feature a large opening in the middle with a perforated metal staircase -- very modern detail.
The video studio will be along Robinson and of course, the huge, curved video screen will be on the corner of Robinson & Sheridan facing the Myriad Gardens.
No word yet on who may be taking the remainder of the lease space, although we hear Mahogany Steakhouse is still interested in the ground floor.
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/5033d1384531493-century-center-cc1115131.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7563d1397850625-century-center-opubco1sta.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7564d1397850626-century-center-opubco1stb.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7565d1397850626-century-center-opubco2nda.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7566d1397850627-century-center-opubco2ndb.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7567d1397850628-century-center-opubcocross.jpg
BTW, it's interesting to the note that the old OPUBCO tower (now owned by American Fidelity) has just over 282,000 square feet.
The space OPUBCO is moving to in the the Century Center is only 65,000 square feet, so they will be taking less than 25% of what they built in 1991.
This does not include the plant which OPUBCO will continue to lease at the old location for the foreseeable future.
Hearing that the YMCA will be taking about 12,000 square feet in the Century Center.
They would be taking the space behind (east) of OPUBCO on either the 1st or 2nd floor.
FighttheGoodFight 05-02-2014, 11:50 AM Hearing that the YMCA will be taking about 12,000 square feet in the Century Center.
They would be taking the space behind (east) of OPUBCO on either the 1st or 2nd floor.
Interesting. Will this just be a second YMCA downtown? I know the other one on 4th is always very busy.
^
Yes and they also have a small Y in Plaza Court.
okclee 05-02-2014, 11:56 AM This is very good news. The 4th street Y is packed with people, and the midtown is growing in numbers too. Also good to see all the other downtown fitness options.
At the Mayor's Development Roundtable this morning the developers said the OPUBCO space is modeled after the NY Times newsroom (see below).
Looks like they almost exactly copied the bring metal stairway, although OPUBCO will only be two levels.
http://bucketreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/2011_insidethenewyorktimes.jpg
warreng88 05-07-2014, 09:37 AM While driving around last night, you could see the downstairs was completely gutted and could see all the way through to the wall on the other side, regardless of which window you were looking in.
FighttheGoodFight 05-07-2014, 09:41 AM If they model it after the picture shown that will look great. I do have to say that is one of the cleaner newsroom I've ever seen.
Panels finally starting to come down (from: https://twitter.com/ParkingOKC )
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnIS-UrCAAAj9MY.jpg
zookeeper 05-08-2014, 01:16 PM ^
Yes and they also have a small Y in Plaza Court.
Where have I been? I had no idea.
shawnw 05-08-2014, 01:19 PM Exciting!
Well, maybe a little more when the glass starts going up, but nice to see these monoliths come down.
borchard 05-08-2014, 01:38 PM Ah I see, that's very unfortunate and bums me out to hear that. My steaks from MM's have always been how you described they should be (sauce is an insult to an excellent piece of beef). Also want to be clear that I wasn't knocking Red Prime, and agree its in the top tier of steak houses in OKC. I also prefer the vibe of RP over MM's.
My wife and I really like RP. Both times I have been I have splurged on the 14-day, dry-aged beef. Excellent choice
As of Saturday, all the exterior panels are just about off (thanks to shawnw for the photo):
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7794d1399815438-century-center-cc050914.jpg
shawnw 05-12-2014, 09:03 AM Just FYI they were off by the end of Saturday, other side that you can't see included.
traxx 05-12-2014, 03:35 PM As of Saturday, all the exterior panels are just about off (thanks to shawnw for the photo):
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7794d1399815438-century-center-cc050914.jpg
Yea!
Architect2010 05-12-2014, 11:09 PM The building looks better already, and I am NOT kidding.
This structure is really the last vestige of the failed urban renewal of the 60's and 70's. Everything else has adapted or at least spruced up, but here on the corner of three major CBD roads and on one of the most visible sites in all of downtown we've had this ugly, empty final reminder.
FNC is more important but this property is far more conspicuous and when it's finally open and full of life, it will really change the way the middle of downtown feels.
Hopefully, this project will pick up steam now that the demolition is largely complete.
warreng88 05-13-2014, 09:59 AM So, it seems like all they really have to do to the outside is install the windows because it will be completely see-through, right? Even if they don't get the inside completely done for a long time, that will still make the area look soooooooooooooo much better.
shawnw 05-13-2014, 01:05 PM hopefully that awful pain color will be the next thing to go. not sure what that will be to support the look they are going for, but I'm sure they can't leave what's there, or I hope not...
hopefully that awful pain color will be the next thing to go. not sure what that will be to support the look they are going for, but I'm sure they can't leave what's there, or I hope not...
My thoughts exactly. That color is miserable.
That's the paint scheme from the Sheraton.
Looks like everything will be painted neutral gray including the cylindrical parking ramp enclosures, but I doubt the hotel is going to be painted.
CuatrodeMayo 05-13-2014, 03:30 PM hopefully that awful pain color will be the next thing to go. not sure what that will be to support the look they are going for, but I'm sure they can't leave what's there, or I hope not...
Freudian slip?
Plutonic Panda 05-13-2014, 04:11 PM I hope they're still doing the video screen. That is one of the most exciting part of this along with the increased Street life as a result
shawnw 05-13-2014, 04:15 PM Freudian slip?
Ha, must have been.
soonerguru 05-13-2014, 07:38 PM That's the paint scheme from the Sheraton.
Looks like everything will be painted neutral gray including the cylindrical parking ramp enclosures, but I doubt the hotel is going to be painted.
Why not? Are they really happy with that look? This is a great time to re-imagine the look and feel of this woebegone property (that has been "renovated" multiple times and has continued to lose its umbilical connection to major hotel brands). Why not make it nice now?
Why not? Are they really happy with that look? This is a great time to re-imagine the look and feel of this woebegone property (that has been "renovated" multiple times and has continued to lose its umbilical connection to major hotel brands). Why not make it nice now?
I assume they like it since they specifically chose it only a few years ago.
zookeeper 05-13-2014, 07:56 PM Why not? Are they really happy with that look? This is a great time to re-imagine the look and feel of this woebegone property (that has been "renovated" multiple times and has continued to lose its umbilical connection to major hotel brands). Why not make it nice now?
It's been a Sheraton again for 10 years now. A lot of people don't realize that was a Westin from 1998-2004. Both flags are a part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Steve Lackmeyer wrote a little history of the hotel in 2011:
http://newsok.com/a-look-back-at-the-oklahoma-city-sheraton-hotels-history-as-it-celebrates-2.5-million-renovation/article/3537086
Just confirmed that the YMCA is very close to finalizing a deal for just over 11,000 square on the first floor.
Should hear something official soon.
http://www.okctalk.com/attachments/development-buildings/7828d1400077826-century-center-ccymca.jpg
Centerback 05-14-2014, 02:22 PM hopefully that awful pain color will be the next thing to go. not sure what that will be to support the look they are going for, but I'm sure they can't leave what's there, or I hope not...
I agree about the paint color. The picture shows a greyish color on the large round garage entry that should reduce the adobe effect still on the Sheraton.
7830
shawnw 05-14-2014, 02:41 PM I really hope it looks close to the rendering. That will make such a difference.
Photos from Metro and Will:
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cc051714.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cc051714a.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cc051714b.jpg
http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/cc051714c.jpg
catch22 05-18-2014, 11:23 AM Sad to say that it looks 1,000 times better in this deconstruction state than the pre-demolition state.
Snowman 05-18-2014, 05:10 PM Why not? Are they really happy with that look? This is a great time to re-imagine the look and feel of this woebegone property (that has been "renovated" multiple times and has continued to lose its umbilical connection to major hotel brands). Why not make it nice now?
I am pretty sure the chose those paint colors since they hide dirt well and they have every intention on doing as little as possible on the exterior of the building.
Bellaboo 05-18-2014, 10:54 PM It looks as if the structure was sagging when built and then braced ?
The beams have been reinforced at multiple stress points.
shawnw 05-19-2014, 08:00 AM Kinda wish they would/could have done this with both the Carnegie (e.g. torn down the brutal facade and added glass to open up the place a little) and the AT&T building (the monolithic one with no windows, not the older buildings).
Just the facts 05-19-2014, 08:17 AM Sad to say that it looks 1,000 times better in this deconstruction state than the pre-demolition state.
I thought the same thing. If the developer ran out of money today and this is all we got out of it, it would still be an improvement.
warreng88 05-19-2014, 08:34 AM Kinda wish they would/could have done this with both the Carnegie (e.g. torn down the brutal facade and added glass to open up the place a little)...
I think the original plan was to add more windows but with just using the historic tax credits, they couldn't really do anything to the outside of the building.
Urbanized 05-19-2014, 10:24 AM It looks as if the structure was sagging when built and then braced ?
The beams have been reinforced at multiple stress points.
I'm no structural engineer, but would bet rather than retrofit bracing that is instead original to to structure and is cross-bracing designed to keep the building from twisting/leaning. Like the cross-braces on a barn door. There is a lot of clear span in that building, which eliminates a lot of the traditional points of support.
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