I'm sharing the question with readers:
http://newsok.com/article/1825514/?template=business/main

Thanks Steve for including this here.

I'd definitely have to say Ron Norick. Without Ron Norick's vision, we simply wouldn't have the downtown we have today. I remember, back in 1992 some folks back said Ron Norick was crazy. They couldn't imagine a downtown full of night life, professional sporting events, etc. All we knew at that time was a downtown that was desolate at night, and showed the pains of an oil boom gone bad.

Today, we have a vibrant Bricktown. We have a beautiful ballpark and canal, that draw thousands downtown every year. We have a state of the art library. We have an NBA team (we canonly thank Norick for this...without the Ford Center, it wouldn't be possible.)

Norick is responsible for the rebirth of downtown as we know it today.


I think each mayor of late has been known for certain accomplishments, the results mostly showing up after their reign.

MAPS was obviously a result of Norick.
MAPS for Kids will be a result of Humphreys.
And soon, in the future, you'll see a completely revamped fair grounds thanks for Cornett.

Many might not agree, but you've got to add Jim Brewer to that list. He might not be doing much with his vacant space on the canal now, but he had a vision for Bricktown and put it in action. Many people also said he was crazy many years ago.

Previous winners, as listed at www.downtownokc.com:

Dean A. McGee Award Recipients
2005 – Luke R. Corbett
2004 - Burns Hargis
2003 - Lee Allan Smith
2002 - J. Edward Barth
2000 - Ray Ackerman
1999 - Dave R. Lopez
1998 - Robert M. Johnson
1997 - J. Larry Nichols
1995 - Jackie L. Jones
1994 - Ken Townsend
1993 - Mayor Ron Norick
1992 - Bill Johnstone
1991 – Fred Jones Hall
1990 – Clayton Bennett
1989 - James R. Tolbert
1988 - Stanton L. Young
1987 - J.W. "Bill" McLean
1986 - Dean A. McGee
Stanley Draper Award Recipients
2005 – Dan Batchelor
2004 – JoeVan Bullard
2003 - Carolyn Hill
2002 - James D. Couch
Neal Horton Award Recipients
2005 – Meg Salyer
2004 – Randy Hogan
2003 - John Michael Williams
2002 - Scott Rodgers & Steve Utley (First Worthing Company)

Neal Horton Award Recipients
2005 – Meg Salyer
2004 – Randy Hogan
2003 - John Michael Williams
2002 - Scott Rodgers & Steve Utley (First Worthing Company)

He He! Don't let me even start on this one!

I agree. Norick needs to be on that list.

I'd vote for Tanenbaum at this point. He will have two major converted residential properties online by the fall and I think the Montgomery was a great job. While all the new developments are welcome, I think it shows a real respect and love for downtown to take the time to renovate and preserve its current properties.

I agree. Norick needs to be on that list.
He is. He was the 1993 McGee Award winner.

I like a couple of architects Steve mentioned - Rand Elliott and Anthony McMermid, plus Brewery proprietor Jim Cowan.

I wonder why original Downtown OKC leader Devery Youngblood has yet to be recognized.

It's Midtown, but if Greg Banta's investments succeed, I think he's a shoo-in for the Horton award.

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Oh, and another guess for the future: Mike Knopp/Aubrey McClendon on behalf of the Oklahoma Association for Rowing. They have risen the profile of the river and its connection to downtown. Along with the Dell facility, the Chesapeake Boathouse has set a high standard for riverfront design.

It's Midtown, but if Greg Banta's investments succeed, I think he's a shoo-in for the Horton award.
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Excuse me... but those of us who live in Mesta Park and Heritage Hills have had to start turning Greg Banta in to the City on every one of his projects. He has no concept of rehabilitation in historic areas, He is destroying the character of his buildings and will never be considered for any award with Neal Horton's name on it.

I agree Mike Knopp should also be considered