Although they say the plans are only preliminary, they do show the original tile floor in the lobby is to be replaced with stone.

I know the tile is original but IMO it really stands out, and not in a good way. I remember noticing how out of place if felt the first time I walked in after the remodel. It looks better in the photos below than in real life.

It's just this incredibly boring off-white ceramic tile. The mosaic floors in the Park Avenue Grill were definitely worth saving and won't be touched.

I'm sure some will be upset if they pull up the original flooring but I can understand why they would want something much nicer:

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

Although they say the plans are only preliminary, they do show the original tile floor in the lobby is to be replaced with stone...

...I'm sure some will be upset if they pull up the original flooring but I can understand why they would want something much nicer...

Count me as one who will be disappointed. I'd rather they just contrast the floors with incredible area rugs and runners. The preservation of that floor was an important piece of the justification for historic tax credits during the renovation in the aughts. Bill Skirvin installed that hard tile floor with a purpose; he wanted ranchers and oil men to feel confortable walking into his luxury hotel with muddy boots. I think it's an important element and speaks to the history of the building (and the city) and the personality of its founder and namesake.

^

I knew you would say all that! :)


But valid points, all.

Still, it really looks out of place and despite all their great restoration work, is in pretty lousy condition.

Yeah, I know I've made that point before LOL.

Count me as one who will be disappointed. I'd rather they just contrast the floors with incredible area rugs and runners. The preservation of that floor was an important piece of the justification for historic tax credits during the renovation in the aughts. Bill Skirvin installed that hard tile floor with a purpose; he wanted ranchers and oil men to feel confortable walking into his luxury hotel with muddy boots. I think it's an important element and speaks to the history of the building (and the city) and the personality of its founder and namesake.

While I respect your opinion on this matter, I think what you are expressing is why some people don't support HP. The tiles are constantly dirty and unsightly. They are not particularly attractive. And how do they work with the faux bordello aesthetic?

I would hope HP would be allowed just a tad more subjective interpretation, and perhaps that makes me a philistine, but replacing those tiles, provided they make a quality choice, will greatly improve the lobby.

and how do they work with the faux bordello aesthetic?

lolz

Channel 5 just reported on this and used OKCTalk as their source.

OKCTalk - Skirvin changes leadership once more (http://www.okctalk.com/content/202-skirvin-changes-leadership-once-more.html)

Skirvin to sell its floor for charity

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record September 21, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – Carpet Concepts Owner Kay Dosser is used to removing floor tile. She’s not accustomed to companies requesting that it be saved.

Carpet Concepts removed the Skirvin Hilton Hotel’s original tile during the hotel’s $4.3 million renovation. The company also installed the marble floor in the lobby, the wood-look ceramic tile in the Red Piano Bar, and the carpet in the corridors and rooms.

“Being a historical site, it made sense (that it would be saved),” Dosser said. “It did require more careful attention to the demolition. Normally, we would go in and chunk it all up, and haul it out. This way, you would ease it up carefully and save the ones that it would let you.”

Carpet Concepts was able to save about 200 tiles. They will be sold starting Oct. 1 at the Skirvin front desk for $50 each. All proceeds benefit Positive Tomorrows, a school for homeless children.

Skirvin General Manager Gerald Rappaport said there was a moment when he didn’t think the tiles would be saved. He said he didn’t plan the fundraiser until he saw there would be enough available for sale.

“The first section was coming up in pieces,” he said. “When they started on the first 30 feet or so, I thought, ‘This isn’t going to work.’ Then we got to a section where it all just slid off; so we have more now than we probably need.”

Dosser said it took extra care to remove the tiles because they were set in a mud bed. When they were installed, the entire floor was covered in a concrete-like mixture. Then, the ceramic tiles were set in the mixture. She said it’s a deeper set than what is typically used now.

“The goal was, because of the age of the hotel, to salvage what we could in full pieces,” Dosser said.

Positive Tomorrows President Susan Agel said the nonprofit organization has enjoyed its relationship with the Skirvin. Rappaport said some activities have included taking the students to the zoo, hosting breakfasts with Santa, and providing treats for class parties.

“One year, (the Skirvin staff) did a breakfast for our students, so we took them to the hotel,” Agel said. “For some of them, it was probably the first time they had been waited on. They were drinking their chocolate milk just to see how fast their glasses would fill up again.”

She said the school has seen an increase in students. Last year, there were 58 children; now they are serving 74. She said having 16 extra students can make operations interesting.

“We have a yearly budget of about $1.5 million,” Agel said. “We get a small amount from the government, probably less than $100,000 a year. It leaves a bunch that we have to raise.”

Rappaport said he thinks people will be interested in buying the tiles. He’s lived in Oklahoma City for only about a year, and he’s heard about people’s love for the building.

“When (guests) heard the lobby floor was going to be demolished, there was a lot of sentimental value that was potentially going to go away,” he said. “We wanted to make sure people had the opportunity to own a piece of that history. It’s a win-win. Our community gets to own a piece of Skirvin history and (the hotel staff) get to do something good for a great organization.”

Skirvin to sell its floor for charity

By: Molly M. Fleming The Journal Record September 21, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – Carpet Concepts Owner Kay Dosser is used to removing floor tile. She’s not accustomed to companies requesting that it be saved.

Carpet Concepts removed the Skirvin Hilton Hotel’s original tile during the hotel’s $4.3 million renovation. The company also installed the marble floor in the lobby, the wood-look ceramic tile in the Red Piano Bar, and the carpet in the corridors and rooms.

“Being a historical site, it made sense (that it would be saved),” Dosser said. “It did require more careful attention to the demolition. Normally, we would go in and chunk it all up, and haul it out. This way, you would ease it up carefully and save the ones that it would let you.”

Carpet Concepts was able to save about 200 tiles. They will be sold starting Oct. 1 at the Skirvin front desk for $50 each. All proceeds benefit Positive Tomorrows, a school for homeless children.

Skirvin General Manager Gerald Rappaport said there was a moment when he didn’t think the tiles would be saved. He said he didn’t plan the fundraiser until he saw there would be enough available for sale.

“The first section was coming up in pieces,” he said. “When they started on the first 30 feet or so, I thought, ‘This isn’t going to work.’ Then we got to a section where it all just slid off; so we have more now than we probably need.”

Dosser said it took extra care to remove the tiles because they were set in a mud bed. When they were installed, the entire floor was covered in a concrete-like mixture. Then, the ceramic tiles were set in the mixture. She said it’s a deeper set than what is typically used now.

“The goal was, because of the age of the hotel, to salvage what we could in full pieces,” Dosser said.

Positive Tomorrows President Susan Agel said the nonprofit organization has enjoyed its relationship with the Skirvin. Rappaport said some activities have included taking the students to the zoo, hosting breakfasts with Santa, and providing treats for class parties.

“One year, (the Skirvin staff) did a breakfast for our students, so we took them to the hotel,” Agel said. “For some of them, it was probably the first time they had been waited on. They were drinking their chocolate milk just to see how fast their glasses would fill up again.”

She said the school has seen an increase in students. Last year, there were 58 children; now they are serving 74. She said having 16 extra students can make operations interesting.

“We have a yearly budget of about $1.5 million,” Agel said. “We get a small amount from the government, probably less than $100,000 a year. It leaves a bunch that we have to raise.”

Rappaport said he thinks people will be interested in buying the tiles. He’s lived in Oklahoma City for only about a year, and he’s heard about people’s love for the building.

“When (guests) heard the lobby floor was going to be demolished, there was a lot of sentimental value that was potentially going to go away,” he said. “We wanted to make sure people had the opportunity to own a piece of that history. It’s a win-win. Our community gets to own a piece of Skirvin history and (the hotel staff) get to do something good for a great organization.”

Wish they could've found a way to incorporate them (as a floor somewhere) back into the decor. However, glad the proceeds will be going to a good cause.

Would anyone be interested in buying a piece for me? I won't be in OKC again until late October and would love to have a piece but am afraid they will all be gone by then. Can pay in person when I arrive or write you a check or PayPal.

Would anyone be interested in buying a piece for me? I won't be in OKC again until late October and would love to have a piece but am afraid they will all be gone by then. Can pay in person when I arrive or write you a check or PayPal.

catch, I'd be happy to help you out.

I think we are going to buy one. Had our wedding there and we go back once a year.

catch, I'd be happy to help you out.

Thanks! I'll send you a private message.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/skirvin121417a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/skirvin121417b.jpg

What a great example of the effectiveness of public development incentive! :D

A very random, yet cool development. Apparently, Kyrie Irving of the Celtics is in talks to star in a movie about The Skirvin.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/25869793

Interesting move, especially with the bedbugs incident

Oklahoma City's Historic Skirvin Hotel

Skirvin ghost tales may get a Hollywood treatment:

https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/r960_blur-4067e4c135f06b9a0e5e406c795e87be.jpg

The Skirvin Hilton Hotel and Effie, the fabled ghost who supposedly haunts the historic landmark, may soon be featured a Hollywood movie based on tales told by NBA players who say they've had encounters with the tragic and sometimes amorous apparition...

...We were quite aware of Effie, who legend says was a former maid impregnated by the hotelier and oil wildcatter W.B. Skirvin and then locked in the room on the 10th floor until she gave birth.

ESPN and Variety reported Monday afternoon the hotel will get the Hollywood spotlight with Imagine Entertainment announcing it has optioned an upcoming Players' Tribune oral history article on the Skirvin with the movie set to star Kyrie Irving of the Boston Celtics and “Uncle Drew” fame.

The reports do not indicate whether the studio will be filming at the historic hotel, but based on past response by the hotel's current owners, Marcus Hotels and Resorts, film crews may find themselves unwelcome guests.

Once the baby was born, the tale goes, Effie jumped, baby in her arms, to her death.

Repeat after me: It never happened.

Skirvin ghost may get a Hollywood treatment: https://www.oklahoman.com/skirvin-ghost-tales-may-get-a-hollywood-treatment/article/5621437

Dang hope they got rid of the bedbugs. He also seen a naked effie !

They are completely closing starting tomorrow; reopen date TBD.

They are completely closing starting tomorrow; reopen date TBD.

Saw a hotels.com commercial last night that said "Just Stay Home", so if *they're* saying that, man... I'm guessing this is the first of many that's going to close.

Dang hope they got rid of the bedbugs. He also seen a naked effie !

How long has it been since Kyrie Irving stayed there... :wink:

Kyrie brought his own bed bugs:


Good night!
Sleep tight!
Don't let the dead bite!

"I felt alright," Irving said after the game. "Our team said I was out with flu-like symptoms. It was honestly from the bed bugs from the frickin' Hilton that we stayed at. As you can see, I got it at the top of my head, it's just like bed bugs and I didn't get any sleep. We came into the game, then I was freaked out, then I started feeling nauseous so it was just a whole bunch of BS honestly. Coming into today I got a lot of rest and felt better."

How many bed bugs did you eat without sleep that made you feel nauseous...

Wait... hotels are an "essential" business.

Wait... hotels are an "essential" business.

that doesn't stop them from making the choice to close

Wait... hotels are an "essential" business.

But I believe you need to show proof of an "essential reason" in order to stay in an OKC hotel, at least I thought I read or saw that comment after Stitt gave his press release.

But I believe you need to show proof of an "essential reason" in order to stay in an OKC hotel, at least I thought I read or saw that comment after Stitt gave his press release.

It all seems fairly difficult to enforce regardless. It’s probably the right thing to do if you’re the governor but it’s going to be up to the people to abide by it.

Paddyshack and Phi Alpha... I haven't heard that. I just read in the Memorandum that all hotels are deemed "essential." I guess a hotel could close due to poor sales (I have seen this in other cities), but there is no catch about people showing proof of an "essential reason" to book a room there. I am guessing the Skirvin is closing due to poor sales and too low of a dip in their revenue.

I'm coming back from Seattle, it would suck if my motel closed, but they were at 80 percent vacant last week

From their FB page:


Dear Skirvin Hilton Hotel Guest:

The Skirvin Hilton Hotel will be closed effective 12 pm, Thursday, March 26th.

As a Skirvin Hilton guest, your safety and comfort is of the utmost importance to us. In order to do our part to help “flatten the curve,” we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our doors at Skirvin Hilton, effective 12 pm, Thursday, March 26th. We will be providing updated information on the status of our temporary closure moving forward, via email and social media.

For guests with arrivals through April 30th, we will automatically cancel your reservation and provide a full refund to your original form of payment. However, please be patient as it may take up to 10 business days for the credit to be processed. Given the continuously evolving situation, we will further assess the status of reservations for guests arriving May 1st and beyond.

From their FB page:

If your going to shutdown and go into hibernation to save money, you might as well say its for your customers personal safety.

If your going to shutdown and go into hibernation to save money, you might as well say its for your customers personal safety.Why do you assume they're doing it for money only, though if if you don't have money to operate that's certainly a reason.

I know plenty of people closing businesses, even ones that could be open, because they are trying to flatten the curve.

https://oklahoman.com/article/5658985/tragic-loss-of-general-manager-coincides-with-skirvin-closing

I have it on a pretty solid basis that a group of buyers are already considering purchasing the Skirvin. Stay tuned :-)

So they closed closed? Like not temporary?

Our core hotels (Renaissance Marriott, 21c Museum Hotel, Hilton Skirvin, Sheraton, Courtyard by Marriott) are poised to benefit from potential bookings at the Omni & new Oklahoma City convention center supported by the convention center garage; once we get past the Covid-19 pandemic.

We'll see what events, conventions, trade shows & large gatherings, including the Bennett Events Center @ State Fair Park and the Meridian Hotel Corridor will offer.

So they closed closed? Like not temporary?

I was told just until the virus situation lifts.

I have a friend that work(ed) at the Skirving and he said they room occupied count was minimal. Luckily, the Skirvin is doing the right things, paying out sick and vacation time and insurance while they are closed. He said a few weeks ago, they only have eight occupied rooms. Sunday morning is usually the biggest checkout time with over 125 on a normal Sunday and it was down to about 40 last week,

I have a friend that work(ed) at the Skirving and he said they room occupied count was minimal. Luckily, the Skirvin is doing the right things, paying out sick and vacation time and insurance while they are closed. He said a few weeks ago, they only have eight occupied rooms. Sunday morning is usually the biggest checkout time with over 125 on a normal Sunday and it was down to about 40 last week,

Sadly, they just lost their GM, who was a very nice guy if you ever got a chance to meet him.

Sadly, they just lost their GM, who was a very nice guy if you ever got a chance to meet him.

https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=7294&p=1112096#post1112096

I was told just until the virus situation lifts.

I really wonder what it means for the situation to "lift." COVID-19 seems to be a 12-18 month event that will come in waves and there are a spectrum of guidelines/policies/practices that range from stay-at-home orders (high end) to masks and social distancing (low end). I guess the question is, how many people will book hotels on the low end over the next 12-18 months? At the very least, I know my own travel will be cut down dramatically over the next year and we usually travel a lot. I think adaptation is key, but I also hope it's enough.

Hotel employees will start coming back to work at the end of the month and the hotel will be open for guests beginning June 15th.

Looks like they pushed back their reopening until June 22nd.

https://twitter.com/SkirvinHiltonOK/status/1273725046788407297


The Skirvin Hilton Hotel is happy to announce our doors will reopen on June 22nd. While our doors were closed, we focused our efforts on the implementation of Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection program. We are ready and excited to share our world-class hospitality with you.

Man, while it was close it would have been the perfect opportunity to get the Ghost Adventure folks in there.

Skirvin sells to local ownership group (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=884-Skirvin-sells-to-local-ownership-group)

Oklahoma City's oldest hotel, The Skrivin has sold to a local group of investors led by Mark Beffort and Andy Burnett and the Chickasaw Nation.


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/skirvin121022a.jpg


The new owners plan to spend $15 million on renovations.

Built in 1911, the historic hotel completely closed in 1988 leaving downtown with only one hotel.

The city bought the Skirvin and put together incentives that ultimately led Marcus Hotels of Milwaukee to renovate and reopen the hotel in 2007.

According to Kenton Tsoodle, President of the Alliance of Economic Development, the transaction ends a mortgage and ground lease held by the City of OKC which will receive $14.2 million of the sale proceeds.

Previously, revenue from the lease and mortgage was pledged toward incentives given to the Omni Hotel project and it's likely this lump sum will be allocated for the same purpose.

A far cry from the depths of the 1990s, the downtown area now offers over 20 hotels with several more planned.

To see a full list of current and planned downtown hotels, see our comprehensive summary here: Downtown Hotel Summary (https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=34292&p=659682#post659682).



HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/skirvin121022b.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/skirvin121022c.jpg

good news to have this moved to local ownership

Always nice to see more investment in OKC by the Chickasaw Nation.

I wonder if this means they'll be dropping the "Hilton" branding and it'll just be "The Skirvin" again?

I wonder if this means they'll be dropping the "Hilton" branding and it'll just be "The Skirvin" again?

Don't think so.

Hotels need affiliations with large hotel groups to facilitate bookings.

Don't think so.

Hotels need affiliations with large hotel groups to facilitate bookings.

Makes sense. Although I think it would be nice to leave the Hilton out of the name, like the Colcord has done.

Makes sense. Although I think it would be nice to leave the Hilton out of the name, like the Colcord has done.

Hilton may require its name to be included.

This is great news! I hope the $15MM means to finish whatever reason the scaffolding on the west side that has been up for I think two years.

I dont think they would be so cheeky as to be the Chickasaw Hilton Skirvin....or at least I hope not. If i read it right, they are only a part investor in the deal, so honestly i dont expect to see much on the surface for changes.

I'm curious to know what company will manage staffing now that marcus is leaving.

The main partners of this group also own and operate The Colcord.

https://www.couryhospitality.com/portfolio/

The Hilton name will remain and I was a told Hilton would actually take over the operations for the new group.

When I first saw this I thought "It was just refurbished". Then the story said it was 2007. Time flies.