Yesterday there were probably two dozen or more huge rolls of beige carpet stacked in the Century Center center of first floor. Hopefully, that's just something temporary for one of the holiday functions being set up by Sheraton caterers. It's really ugly.
I can still remember going in there when I first started working downtown and eating tacos while walking around shopping. Love to see it back into action before I retire!

I hope this is simply not just an exterior renovation but actually incorporates street fronting retail. Good news nonetheless to see this move forward.

very likely to be a restaurant w/ patio on the south west corner ..

Here are renderings that were submitted with the TIF application:



http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/centurycenter3.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/centurycenter4.jpg

They have already started pulling out the old carpet and furniture and hope to get started on this project in the Spring of 2013.

HOWEVER, they are planning to convert everything to office (93,500 square feet), with only a 6,500 s.f. restaurant/retail space on the southwest corner. You can also see from the rendering above they will be putting a simple facade on the building shell and the large setbacks will remain. This latest design is less ambitious than the concept shown in previous renderings.

The two levels of parking will add another 400 spaces.

Not quite the wow factor of the original renderings, but anything would be an improvement. I guess if you're only going to have one corner be retail, the SW corner makes the most sense with it facing MGB.

The renderings show Anchor 1 and Anchor 2, being retail on both the NW and SW corners developed. Is the rest of the submission different than the renderings?

I believe Anchor 1 & 2 are meant to indicate office tenants.

You can see a 'restaurant' sign on the SW corner.

note that this is a complicated deal the current parking is owned by copta ... and copta owns the "rights" to air space above the garage ...

sounds like copta is giving the bulding owners some of the "air" rights in exchange for them building (paying for) the parking expansion

Adding a couple of levels of parking, attaching a pretty plain fascia and converting almost all the building -- including tons of very visible street frontage -- into office space... Very disappointing and a long way from the highest and best use of this key property.

I understand the financial realities and it's not my money at risk, but it's still disappointing.

Definitely less ambitious than the original renderings and I'm quite disappointed with the decision to convert most of the space back to office.

What is the new fascia material? Hopefully this turns out to be a decent improvement, but it's disappointing.

I believe the first two floors will be largely glass curtain wall and the parking above will be some sort of mesh.

To be fair, in the downtown market there is much, much more demand for office space versus retail. I'm sure they tried to find more retail/restaurant tenants but I bet they already have people interested in all that office space.

They could also convert more of the street-level space to retail later, but I doubt that will happen for quite some time.

My concern is that this looks like a cheap way around the city's regulations on electronic advertising.

xx

Adding a couple of levels of parking, attaching a pretty plain fascia and converting almost all the building -- including tons of very visible street frontage -- into office space... Very disappointing and a long way from the highest and best use of this key property.
So what would the highest best use be? Usually you are the first one to defend/explain the lack of downtown retail, so this is surprising coming from you.

My concern is that this looks like a cheap way around the city's regulations on electronic advertising.
What are these regulations? In this case of this city, electronic advertising may actually encourage density and vitality.

xx

Umm, what?

I'm actually not sure where electronic advertising stands now, but there was a moratorium...there were ordinances in this city, at one point.

I don't think the advertising shown in those renderings is electronic.

Perhaps it's an accommodation to COPTA / City of OKC to promote downtown events in return for letting them operate the parking garage?

I don't think the advertising shown in those renderings is electronic.

Perhaps it's an accommodation to COPTA / City of OKC to promote downtown events in return for letting them operate the parking garage?

Because I'm sure civic events will only ever be shown on there, just like at the Peake.

What a disappointment..... reminds me of 50 penn place..... a little paint, some facade changes and you still get a pig....

there is no improvment in this plan from the existing. Just throwing more money down the rat hole

Although I am disappointed as well, at least the appearance will be upgraded significantly. Just about anything is better than the giant concrete bunker we have.

A couple more levels of parking isn't a bad thing is it ?

I don't think you guys are getting an adequate picture or vision of what's about to take place with Century Center. But that's understandable as not a lot of detail has gone out yet. I'd advise everyone that any opinions at this point might be premature. I suspect this picture will evolve somewhat once all details are out.

I don't think you guys are getting an adequate picture or vision of what's about to take place with Century Center. But that's understandable as not a lot of detail has gone out yet. I'd advise everyone that any opinions at this point might be premature. I suspect this picture will evolve somewhat once all details are out.

Then I'm going to be blown away. I'd be excited to see any facade improvement, filling it up with office space, a new restaurant and a shop or two.

Yeppers. Better parking, ore activity, better looking facility, and the death of a big and long dead void. Hard not to like it, as it takes far less than planned thus far to be a major improvement. If there is even more icing on the cake, color this chubby man happy.

I don't think you guys are getting an adequate picture or vision of what's about to take place with Century Center. But that's understandable as not a lot of detail has gone out yet. I'd advise everyone that any opinions at this point might be premature. I suspect this picture will evolve somewhat once all details are out.

a complete and total remodel of all the office space ... the addition of a new (most likely upscale) restaurant with patio on the southwest corner and the addition of 4 levels of parking .. on top of all of that the replacement of the entire facade .. turning this into what will in essence the best looking parking garage in the city ..

am i missing anything??

I have to admit I'm disappointed that there won't be more retail (was hoping for a drugstore/convenience store type) but it will be good to see some improvements made and the filling of the cavity of the ground and second floor. Also glad to know the parking availability will remain as is plus more - downtown workers will have some additional monthly slots, hopefully. I'm glad I've kept my monthly pass paid up - even at $100 a month, still worth it for convenience and safety.

If we are talking about wish lists, I REALLY hope a solid convenience store goes in here.
Downtown is BADLY in need of one of these..
A place to grab a fountain drink, or a snack is just not available down here in walking distance.
Perhaps an urban 7-Eleven or an OnCue Express?

I can see OnCue doing that. They're somewhat locally based (Stillwater) and have demonstrated design flexibility on Western Ave.

Or in my dreams... A QuikTrip. Of course, that'll never happen.

Or in my dreams... A QuikTrip. Of course, that'll never happen.

sorry to go off topic, but

i've been to many a QuikTrip's and i have to say... while they are better than most of the 7-11's around here... i don't see the obsession with them being so wonderful. when it comes down to it, it's still just a convenient store

Curious, as I am not recalling a single one. is there a single newish (say, less than eight years old) 7/11, OnCue, Love's, QTrip, C-K, etc. that does not include a multiple outlet fuel service?

They are cleaner, have better products, better fountain/smoothie/coffee options, and better staff (this is a product of better compensation and benefits). They're pretty much better in every way. Have you seen the new Quik Trips. They're much more than a gas station.

On Cue has basically modeled itself after QT. they've done a decent job, but it still isn't near the overall quality of product.

We have QT hear in the DFW area so I do frequent them on a semi regular basis. When I am in OKC I have also made an effort to go to OnCue. To be honest, I feel like OnCue is as "good" or "better" than QT in the design, cleanliness, functionality of their stores. OnCue has patterned their business almost identical to QT. I will say, that QT has better sandwiches and salads and their pastries are better than OnCue. I like the feature of Oncue with their frozen yogurt and toppings bar. The QT's that I have been to did not have this feature. OnCue also has drive thru service which I have not seen with QT? I feel that OnCue has a bright future and with a little twiking on their products, it will be as good as QT. Give Tulsa a run for their money, lol. Now saying that, back on topic....................

Curious, as I am not recalling a single one. is there a single newish (say, less than eight years old) 7/11, OnCue, Love's, QTrip, C-K, etc. that does not include a multiple outlet fuel service?

Kevin - not around here, but in D.C. I've seen at least one non-fuel C-store with similar amenities as QT. It was locally owned, not a chain - but had coffee bar, drinks, ready-made sandwiches and other impulse as well as needed items to get by. Would love to see one downtown - for workers as well as visitors. If I had a nickel for every time I was asked where someone could find a convenience store in CBD, I could open up a store myself!

They are cleaner, have better products, better fountain/smoothie/coffee options, and better staff (this is a product of better compensation and benefits). They're pretty much better in every way. Have you seen the new Quik Trips. They're much more than a gas station.

QT has a pretty cool icee section and they have an urban model store at 15th and Denver.

QT is NOT coming to OKC unless the Brown family sells its 7-Elevens. They have a long-standing verbal non-compete agreement - got this rumor confirmed by folks in the business. So that's that.

A business hanging by a thread...or a noncempetition agreement

Worst agreement ever. Everyone would choose QT given the choice.

Back to the Century Center...

Hearing from more than one source that OPUBCO will be moving into the office space in the renovated building.


Remember, American Fidelity bought their tower and related properties on Broadway Extension and Britton and at the time, OPUBCO said they would ultimately be vacating down the road. The timing seems to make sense where it will take a couple of years for the CC to be complete, then the Oklahoman and related businesses could completely vacate their old HQ.

This would be a welcome addition downtown and I applaud the OPUBCO if this is true.

Notice how Steve said in the chat on Friday that there would be an announcement that would personally mean the most to him. I think with his late father's history with CC and he working for OPUBCO, you might be on to something here. Just a thought.

Notice how Steve said in the chat on Friday that there would be an announcement that would personally mean the most to him. I think with his late father's history with CC and he working for OPUBCO, you might be on to something here. Just a thought.

Very interesting point. I agree completely.

So Century Center might fulfill its original goal, albeit half-a-century late.

I'm now being told there will likely be an announcement this Friday (the 18th) concerning OPUBCO moving to a renovated Century Center.

Scooping Steve on this could leave an indelible mark.

Putting out a rumor is not a scoop in the news biz. A scoop is reporting a confirmed deal, providing confirmed details of such a deal. All love still intact for Pete, and hopefully, ditto.

Since AF bought the old OPUBCO facilities, it has been speculated that OPUBCO itself would have to move to make room for AF. If this happens to be downtown in the old CC, that would be joyous to a lot of us downtown enthusiasts.

Putting out a rumor is not a scoop in the news biz. A scoop is reporting a confirmed deal, providing confirmed details of such a deal. All love still intact for Pete, and hopefully, ditto.

Absolutely!

I am Steve's biggest fan.

Thanks Pete. I really appreciate all you do for Oklahoma City by providing this excellent forum.

Scooping Steve on this could leave an indelible mark.

Pete & Steve - I'm kidding with both of you. I know that this building means a lot to Steve personally, and an OPUBCO purchase could be a great benefit for their most effective reporter - he won't have to drive seven miles to get to his beat!

It would be a great use for that building and getting our newspaper back downtown will be nice too.

Pete & Steve - I'm kidding with both of you. I know that this building means a lot to Steve personally, and an OPUBCO purchase could be a great benefit for their most effective reporter - he won't have to drive seven miles to get to his beat!

don't think they are buying they are going to be a tenant

http://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960-9b3150d13b281449eb8e9a28635b47a0.jpg

OPUBCO eyes downtown move

The Oklahoma Publishing Company is in negotiations to return its headquarters to downtown Oklahoma City after a 20-year absence, Chief Executive Officer Gary Pierson told employees today.

OPUBCO eyes downtown move | NewsOK.com (http://newsok.com/opubco-eyes-downtown-move/article/3745884)

Pete & Steve - I'm kidding with both of you. I know that this building means a lot to Steve personally, and an OPUBCO purchase could be a great benefit for their most effective reporter - he won't have to drive seven miles to get to his beat! Yah he will as he still has to drive from home.


It would be a great use for that building and getting our newspaper back downtown will be nice too.

Very. Now if we can get the TV stations to centrally locate, but that ain't gonna happen. Curious as to why DOK wouldn't go in their old building on 4th and Broadway.

3212

Nice digs

Yah he will as he still has to drive from home.



Very. Now if we can get the TV stations to centrally locate, but that ain't gonna happen. Curious as to why DOK wouldn't go in their old building on 4th and Broadway.

3212

Nice digs

I don't think they own that building

Looking at the picture above, I wish there were plans to make this taller. But the rendering looks pretty sharp and it'll be a great move if it happens.

That big video screen will require variance but as long as it's not promoting anything than local news (rather than a never-ending commercial for the Oklahoman or other businesses) then it could be a really cool thing.

OPUBCO would be moving approximately 350 employees and an annual payroll of more than $26 million into 67,000 square feet.

The mall area is about 115,000 square feet so even if there is a restaurant, that will leave about 40,000 square feet which still could accommodate another good-sized tenant, although I'm pretty sure it would be an office use.

Interesting: The name of their primary product, "The Daily Oklahoman," doesn't appear anywhere on the rendering, and reader comments are disabled.

I'm sure the video board will feature the Oklahoman brand very prominently.