That's true, mailibu. It makes even less sense that i first thought.

It may have just been too old and dilapidated to save/restore especially with asbestos abatement. Let's face it, the building had been sitting vacant for what, 15 years or so?

Longer than that. Also, I'm sure removing the asbestos while allowing for restoration is longer, trickier, more expensive process than just ripping it out so it can be demolished. I would rather not see it torn down, but there are more interesting buildings to be saved (like the aformentioned Will Rogers and Tower Theatres). I guess I just don't like the architecture of the Continental.

Older buildings are just about architecture... They are about history and memories and they are a big part of what bonds people to a community as they age.

I'm only 46, and I can name dozens of buildings from my childhood that are already gone. The Continental will be yet another one.

I knew it was only a matter of time before the "Save The Continental" crowd got going. I constantly hear from the people on this board about how urban spral is making the city to big but everytime a developer tries to reuse urban land here come the protester. You can't have it both ways.

Buildings are not ment to last forever. They were built for a purpose and when that purpose is gone it is time to move on. These aren't people, they are brick and mortar. Not to single out MalibuSooner but I am constantly amazed how some people think their "memories" are more important than other people money.

everytime a developer tries to reuse urban land here come the protester. You can't have it both ways.

Sure you can. It's called adaptive re-use and it's the norm in most cities.

I don't know enough about the Continental to judge whether it could/should be saved, just sorry to see it go.

If concerned citizens don't at least raise some questions, nothing ever would be saved. It's almost always cheaper to demolish and rebuild than to renovate.

And saving structures and making a profit for developers are not mutually exclusive concepts.

Malibu, having no memories myself of the Continental, I am not so sentimentally attached, but I can understand how you feel and you are right that it shouldn't just be about the "coolness" or importance of the architecture. I certainly would rather see it saved as an art house theatre or a new music venue--both things OKC could use.

It's called adaptive re-use and it's the norm in most cities.

Exactly. And honestly, it is often the re-use structures that draw people to that city. They themselves become attractions.


And saving structures and making a profit for developers are not mutually exclusive concepts.

No doubt. We should be very thankful that bricktown was never razed given the mentality of Oklahoma City back then. You would think that its great success would have eliminated the destroy to develop mentality, but not yet. These are the structures that make money when given the chance.


I certainly would rather see it saved as an art house theatre or a new music venue--both things OKC could use.

Exactly. At least those things would be new and fill a need. Not only are we losing the Continental in this, but what are we gaining? A parking lot and maybe an office building? How much more parking and empty office space do we need in OKC?

So, you see, Kerry, it's not just that Oklahoma City tears down its past as often as it can, it's that it repeatedly does for no net gain. If the city needed to convert the area to office space in order to control its sprawl, it would still be a great loss to the city, but it would at least be serving a need.

As it is now, there is tons of empty office space along the expressway. This is just like the gold dome. They wanted tear it down for a Bank One branch and a Walgreens. Over a year of fighting went on for this thing. In the end it was saved, Bank One got a nice new branch that is always busy with customers, and Walgreens got their location across the street. Imagine that... a city with a glut of space was able to keep its historic structure AND have new development.

The irony is that many cities that have extremely limited space and are fully developed have been much more successful at preserving their history and character through their structures. Many learne dthe hard way that those places give their city value and giev people a reason to visit, because they are unqiue to the area. Oklahoma City has such relatively few historic structures, you’d think people would be more excited about saving what is left here.

Exactly.

The whole Moesteller area has unique architecture. Black & white with a modern flair to it. I was sad when they took away some of that with the Country Inn & Suites or whatever hotel is right next to Borders.

See - you guys prove my point. The last three posts have all been about different areas developers - or property owners as they used to be called, want to modernize and the first effort by many is to stop it. Usually for no other reason than someone thinks the architecture is cool. If the preservationist in OKC want to preserve every single strucutre then I suggest they pool their money and start buying these properties.

I am sure one of you will point out that there is already a group doing this. If so, then how is it that passed on such gems as the Golden Dome, the flats around St. Anthonys, Belle Isle, and the Continental. And how do you know that you, or anyone else for that matter, won't think the new building is as significant as the one being torn down?

I am sure that of all the "historic" building you guys can come up with - a previous structure was torn down to make way for it. I have looked at the old pictures of downtown OKC and how many buildings were torn down in the 60's. Many of these building were beautiful and that style of archetecture will probably never come around again - but given the choice between a vacant lot or a dilapidated building standing empty for the better part of 45 years - give me the vacant lot.

I ask again - when Crossroads Mall closes how many of you are going to want to save the building for its unique architecture? I har a lot on this board about OKc needs a new high-rise, or more hotels, or more anything - but when someone tries to do it the first things hear is "anywhere else in the city - just not on this lot". Crap, no wonder OKC has such a hard time attracting new development and the ones that do build here keep it a secret as long as they can.

I har a lot on this board about OKc needs a new high-rise, or more hotels, or more anything - but when someone tries to do it the first things hear is "anywhere else in the city - just not on this lot".

That doesn't even make sense since they are not planning a hotel or high-rise or anything other than parking and possibly some sort of office space down the road -- and neither of those things at that location would benefit the community in any way.

Regarding Crossroads, I can't imagine anyone wanting to save it. The point isn't to save everything -- there are structures demolished weekly all over town -- just the limited number of properties that OKC has with any sort of history and/or character.

And if you really think that developers should be allowed to do whatever they want in a community without answering to the proletariat, you are living in the wrong country. There are laws, review processes, notices, hearings, and all types of permits required before a developer can tear down a substantial structure and build something else.

Most cities are much, much more strict about these things and that's precisely why they are considered great places to live and attract *more* development, not less.

I am aware of what a developer has to go through - at one time I was city planner here in Florida. If the owner of the property thinks he needs the available parking to attract new residents to purchase a condo in his building how does that effect you in any way? Unless you are the owner or a new resident - I don't see how it can.

Regarding Crossroads, I can't imagine anyone wanting to save it. The point isn't to save everything -- there are structures demolished weekly all over town -- just the limited number of properties that OKC has with any sort of history and/or character.

I'll bet the current owner of an abandonded theater thought the same thing about it when he bought it. How about this - all of you preservationsist get together and list the 500 properties with the most "character" and send out a notice that says any developer wanting to tear them down will be protested to the hilt. Then let every other structure in the city be fair game.

I am actually with you the historical part of it - but it actully has to be real history significance- not made up history. I doubt anything of real historical value occured at the Continental.

I was in this building last weekend, for dinner at Nikz. Great dinner and even better views, I do hope that the restaurant/lounge remains even when the tower is converted to condos. Two things that stood out: how ugly NW Expressway is driving up to Nikz and how bad the OKC night skyline looks. NW Expressway, one of the busiest throughfares in the city, deserves better. Better lighting, sidewalks, and landscaping would really help its appearance, looks as outdated as most of the building along it. The OKC skyline during the day is great, but is almost totally dark at night. Some colored lights on a few of the taller buildings would be a cool effect.

BG918 - you make a good point. I wish more buildings in OKC, especially downtown, were trimmed in lights.

Another thing that would help is residential highrises, because then the lights in the building are on late into the night.

As for restoring the theater- well I worked for one of the companies that owned the thing- here's the problem...

We wanted to rennovate the building and use it as a call center, but it is FULL of asbestos! The cost of asbestos remediation, as well as the repairs (when I worked for the company in 1998 there was a tree growing in the lobby and water flowing in) was crazy- the tree, leaks and broken glass were repaired, but nothing more was ever able to be done- the seats and screens were gone when the company bought the property back in 97.

I moved from OKC in 99- and have a ?...

Was the hotel over there built on the site of the old brick medical tower? The company I worked for first owened that building, then bought Founder's Tower and then the theater...just wondering...

I remember 2 weeks after we bought the medical tower, I was working graveyard when it started raining in the building- apparently all the glazing was gone off all the windows! It was also raining in the elevator!

:fighting4 Kelly

I forgot about the medical tower. It was idential to the theater.

Was the hotel over there built on the site of the old brick medical tower? The company I worked for first owened that building, then bought Founder's Tower and then the theater...just wondering...

I remember 2 weeks after we bought the medical tower, I was working graveyard when it started raining in the building- apparently all the glazing was gone off all the windows! It was also raining in the elevator!
:fighting4 Kelly

Hi Kelly.....Welcome to OKCTalk! The medical tower was not torn down, but completely refurbished (gutted) and is now a Country Inn & Suites by Carlson.

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Many of these building were beautiful and that style of architecture will probably never come around again - but given the choice between a vacant lot or a dilapidated building standing empty for the better part of 45 years - give me the vacant lot.

That's hilarious. You would have torn down the Skirvin. You would have torn down bricktown. You would have torn down the gold dome. You would tear down the First National building. Maybe even Plaza Court? These places were dilapidated buildings that stood vacant or nearly vacant for years. Now, because they were preserved, are some of or soon to be some of the most economically important buildings in Oklahoma City. They themselves are attractions. They are actually used to sell the city. It is because of them that it is easier to sell the city to developers.

The lesson in OKC is that tearing buildings down when you don't need to is a mistake. That's what was done with urban renewal. These buildings were torn down and we ended up with newer empty buildings and empty lots. I would much rather have decaying buildings, like the Skrivin, kept around until they can be reopened, than a dead vacant city.

The Continental is the only theater of its kind left in OKC and was part of a unique curved screened format (Cinerama Dome in LA is another example). As far as I can tell, it's the only one of its size left as well and there are no working venues in Oklahoma City of its size and character.

It may not have a lot of historical significance relative to structures in most cities, but given the very little historical character left in Oklahoma City, it stands out. I know that most Oklahomans still do not recognize the value in its architectural history (probably because most of it is gone already), but no one saying EVERY building should be preserved, but there are a handful that should and the Continental was one of them. But you may be right, that empty lots and empty office buildings ARE Oklahoma City’s defining attribute and there are probably more like you that like it that way, than there are those who want to see our past uniqueness carry into the future.

The medical tower had a brick exterior which was covered with stucco and converted into the present hotel. I had hoped that the theater would have been bought by the hotel and converted to banquet hall space, but apparently, the asbestos issue makes it more expensive to renovate than it's worth. That's a shame.

That's hilarious. You would have torn down the Skirvin. You would have torn down bricktown. You would have torn down the gold dome. You would tear down the First National building. Maybe even Plaza Court?


As far as I know, none of the building you just mentioned have been vacant for 45 years. As for the Skirvin and FNC, these building have real historical signifiance. The Golden Dome had fake significance. It wasn't even an original. It was a knock-off from another architect. If the Louvre was on fire you save the Mona Lisa, you don't run to the gift shop and save the prints. The Continntal was built 1965 and was only used for about 18 years. As far as I know, nothing of historic value ever occured there. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and so is uglyness. The Continental is ugly.

The Golden Dome had fake significance. It wasn't even an original. It was a knock-off from another architect.

Which, of course, accounts for the enormous number of geodesic domes coast to coast.

Here's some great nostalgia on the Continental:

http://mysite.verizon.net/res17zef/1966continentaltheatre.jpg

http://mysite.verizon.net/res17zef/continental.jpg

The Golden Dome had fake significance. It wasn't even an original. It was a knock-off from another architect.

Yeah, and I bet you would've preferred a box-shaped Walgreens in its place. Oh well.....that's across the street now, and it's sure pretty to look at.

Concerning the Gold Dome, I wish they'd either strip the rest of the gold off, and change the name to Silver Dome, or get some cans of Rustoleum. Oh well, 20 years from now hopefully all of the gold will have flaked off.

Here's some great nostalgia on the Continental:

I think I've mentioned this before, but one of my first jobs was popping popcorn upstairs at the Continental. I bagged it and brought it down to the oval concession stand. I later was "promoted" to working concessions. It was very hard to work and be fair because of its oval shape. Everyone gathered around and there was no way to know who was next and who had been standing and waiting, but overlooked. George Gaughn was the owner at the time. He was a treasure trove of movie history.

----

That's an awesome story, writerranger!

I have many, many fond memories of the Continental. See those old pictures reminded me that the seats were very widely spaced front-to-back... So much so, I'm not sure if your feet could even reach the seats in front of you (or maybe I've exaggerated this distance with time).

I also remember going with my dad to see most the Pink Panther and James Bond films there. And of course, lots of the old school musicals.

That's an awesome story, writerranger!

I have many, many fond memories of the Continental. See those old pictures reminded me that the seats were very widely spaced front-to-back... So much so, I'm not sure if your feet could even reach the seats in front of you (or maybe I've exaggerated this distance with time).

I also remember going with my dad to see most the Pink Panther and James Bond films there. And of course, lots of the old school musicals.

Fun memories! It was a huge theater with that big Cinerama screen. You are absolutely right about the Pink Panther and James Bond pictures. That was one of the last studio/theater hookups in Oklahoma City. Continental had first-run on all the United Artist releases. The other contract theater (from around the same time) was The Lakeside, which had the Walt Disney films.

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Founders Tower changes name to The 360°; condos planned
by Kelley Chambers
The Journal Record
10/23/2006

OKLAHOMA CITY – The owners of Founders Tower announced Friday the name of the building will change to The 360° at Founders Plaza effective immediately.

When renovations of about $30 million to the building are completed sometime next year, the office building will have a new function as upscale condominiums and conference facilities.

The 20-story building, built in 1963, and 7.5 acres of surrounding land sold for $4.6 million in 2005 to Founders Tower LLC, a subsidiary of Bridgeport Development Group LLC.

“When we decided to renovate the tower, we wanted a name that would reflect not only the sentimental and historical value of the building, but one that would encompass the chic elegance of the new condos as well,” said Jim Meyer, president and CEO of Bridgeport Development Group. “We feel that The 360° at Founders Plaza accomplishes both. The vast selection of amenities that we will offer ensures a lifestyle that perfects the notion of simplicity. The 360° reflects that holistic image. With incomparable panoramic views from every angle and state-of-the-art designs, there will simply be no better residential address in Oklahoma.”

The 178,000-square-foot building at 5900 Moesteller Dr. was last renovated about three years ago.

The company said the current round of renovations would turn much of the building’s space into luxury condominiums and would include 24-hour concierge service and on-site amenities including a tailor, hair salon, sauna, spa and gym. The property includes the restaurants Nikz at the Top and Queen Anne Cafeteria as anchor tenants.

Hmmm. At first I didn't see the "at Founders Plaza". I guess I like it as long as Founders is still in the name.

The following is from the latest issue of the MidCity Advocate (http://www.midcityadvocate.com/).....If you get a chance, pick up a copy. They're doing a good job!

Here's a link to a larger picture of the article. (http://writerranger.zoto.com/img/original/5d375a969812c22229255183de61aaee-.jpg)


http://writerranger.zoto.com/img/50/5d375a969812c22229255183de61aaee-.jpg


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And I'm still wondering if the revolving restaurant Nikz at the top will be staying.

I sure hope so.

An article I read a few weeks ago in either the JR or the Oklahoman covered all of this as well as mentioning that Nikz and the Queen Ann are both staying.

And I'm still wondering if the revolving restaurant Nikz at the top will be staying.

They did a study that the revolving floor space would actually be much more efficiently used up as one of Aubrey McClendon's guest bathrooms.

An article I read a few weeks ago in either the JR or the Oklahoman covered all of this as well as mentioning that Nikz and the Queen Ann are both staying.

Excellent. Thanks!

Check out the new windows on the first few floors... Will make the building look completely different.


************************************


Founders to Offer Rooms with Views

By Steve Lackmeyer
Business Writer

A northwest Oklahoma City landmark — Founders Tower — is getting a new name and a new life as upscale housing.

Bridgeport Development Group, which bought the 20-floor tower and surrounding 7.5 acres last year for $4.6 million, released plans Tuesday for converting the former office building into 68 condominiums.

The building is being renamed "The 360 at Founders Plaza" and will include construction of an adjoining office building and hotel.

"The name 360 says it all," said Jim Meyer, chief executive officer of Bridgeport Development. "Not only will our residents have a beautiful 360-degree view of Oklahoma City, but the name also encompasses the complete elegance of what we're offering. From a fitness facility to a concierge service to restaurants and room service, tenants at the 360 can assume all the creature comforts that come with a robust and elegant lifestyle."

Mark Livingston, president of Bridgeport Development, said the $50 million development will include the most extensive overhaul of the tower at 5900 Mosteller Drive since it was built in 1963.

About $2 million is being spent on replacing all of the tower's original dark pane glass windows with new energy-efficient, lighter-colored turquoise windows, Livingston said.

A new cooling tower is set to replace older heating and air systems later this month. Livingston said the project also includes all new electrical wiring and plumbing.

"I've always admired the building in the sense it was unique," Meyer said. "I like the circular structure and the design — it stood alone along Northwest Expressway. It was the very first suburban office park in northwest Oklahoma City. It was a risky deal back then. But it worked."

The same couldn't be said when Meyer bought the tower last year. Office occupancy was down to 50 percent, though the tower still boasted a top floor rotating restaurant, Nikz, and longtime ground floor favorite, Queen Ann's Cafeteria.

But with 6,500-square-foot floor plates, Meyer concluded the tower was no longer feasible as anything but small, low-rent office space or housing.

"Today, people are looking for more conventional space for offices than what this building offers," Meyer said. "It would have taken a significant amount of money to take it from C- to B-Class office space. And it could have never been an A Class building."

The same building was deemed ideal for housing. Meyer said the layout should allow for up to three balconies for each unit. Plans call for four units per floor, ranging from 1,275 to 2,100 square feet. Prices will range between $200,000 and $600,000. The first units should be available by May, Meyer said.

While all office tenants have already left, Nikz remains open on the 20th floor, though the restaurant's lease is awaiting renewal.

"We're working with them to stay while we're going through construction," Meyer said. "I wouldn't mind keeping them. But we also have a lot of other people interested in that space."

Queen Ann's has six years remaining on its lease, and Meyer said the cafeteria's lease will be honored until it expires. Meyer said Covenant Brothers men's clothing is an existing tenant that fits the future plans for The 360 and will move into new space on the first floor. Meyer also wants to add a jewelry store, cleaners and banking center to the building's future retail mix.

A two-story parking garage will be added as part of the development to serve not just the tower but also a planned hotel and office building. Meyer said the two-story office building, to be anchored by Spirit Bank, will replace the former Continental Theater, which was razed earlier this year.

The hotel, likely five stories, is pending a feasibility study. The W Hotels, Hyatt and Hotel Indigo all have expressed interest in the development, Meyer said.

"They've all approved the site. ... I'm doing a site study to make sure the economics work," Meyer said.

Designs for The 360 at Founders Plaza are by Richard Brown, whose portfolio includes the MAPS renovation of the Civic Center Music Hall. The contractor is VanHoose Construction, and financing was provided by Stillwater National Bank.

Jim Meyer, along with his brother Mark, founded Bridgeport Holdings LLC in 1998. The company has a portfolio of six subsidiary companies that include construction, housing, lending, a foster child center and publishing house.

http://olive.newsok.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=DOK/2006/12/06/19/Img/Pc0190900.jpg

http://mysite.verizon.net/res17zef/founders1.jpg

The W Hotels, Hyatt and Hotel Indigo all have expressed interest in the development, Meyer said.

Interesting...

While I would love to get one of those hotels, I can't believe any of those would occupy a 5-story building... And I'm not sure that site could accomodate anything larger.

I hadn't heard of Indigo before, so I just looked it up. It looks like most of their hotels are in historic buildings like the Skirvin, but they have locations in Dallas, Houston, and Sarasota that are in new buildings in the 5-7 story range and look like a fancier Hampton Inn essentially. That could work, especially if they're building a parking garage.

I can't imagine a W or Hyatt outside of downtown though.

Thanks for posting the article. I loved the new windows when I saw the pictures in the Oklahoman today. The new energy-efficient turquoise color (miami style) windows will be a much welcome improvement. Once all of those are installed the building will look almost as if it is newer construction. I too am glad to hear W and Indigo are interested in the OKC market. Perhaps if they don't occupy this site downtown may be on the future radar!!!

I call BS on a W in that location.

Glad to see the building coming back to life, although I'm sad we're losing more of the black and white theme of the Mosteller area.

Looks like great plans for that area. I am glad they are doing what they are doing. The new windows will look great.

I find it hard to believe that a W or Hyatt would go anywhere in Oklahoma City before they had a location downtown. I can't imagine Intercontinental Hotels putting a Hotel Indigo right by the Crowne Plaza, since there is one right there. But, I suppose it's possible. I wouldn't be surprised if the hotel ends up being something like a Doubletree.

I'd settle for a Doubletree in that part of town. Why the heck don't we already have a Doubletree? Tulsa has two.

I echo all of the aforementioned above comments.

Here is the link to their website: The 360 at Founders Plaza (http://www.the360living.com/)

I've been noticing they've been doing heavy advertising lately. A nice spread in Downtown Magazine.

I see the prices start at a quarter of a million dollars. Actually, that could make for a lot of house. I wouldn't pay a dime to throw my lot in with Jim Meyer. Jerk.

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that could make for a lot of house

Yeah, but no house in OKC will have the views or the amenities of this development and any newer home would most likely be in the sticks, so it's just a matter of preference. I think as long as the high rise condo market stays small, there will be enough demand for the luxury and convenience of these condos to get those prices. That is, if they do it right. We'll see...

The new windows will definitely make it look like a new development. Last time I was in Chicago, most of their many new residential high rises were using those types of windows. The floor to ceiling views will be cool too and that place will have city and lakeside views.

How many of the windows have now been replaced?

I just can't visualize that building with those windows -- the renderings on that website don't help much. I'm sure it will be an improvement and looks like a very nice development.

And even though expensive, I think this development will do very well.

It looks very attractive to me. I agree, condos with floor-to-ceiling windows are a rare commodity in OKC and the lake and urban views would be killer. I can imagine doctors and NBA players living there. It's high time this kind of living option is offered here.

Look guys, I'll be honest....it looks pretty nice. No, it's really nice. I have a totally biased perspective because of some of these other issues I have with Meyer (discussed in other threads). So, with that said......Yes, the windows look great. You can see them now on the lower floors. There's no question it will be nice and they'll get what they are asking. That earlier post was strictly emotional and didn't reflect my true views on what will be a very nice development.

---------------

pics anyone?

I knew that writeranger because of your views (and most of ours on the Queen Ann), however I welcome this development. We need more of these high-end condo towers throughout the city, especially downtown and the NW Expressway corridor. With the Classen, the 360 makes two for sale condo highrises with floor to ceiling windows. I wish they'd convert The Tiffany on NW Expressway to nice condo's instead of apartments. The Lakeview Tower is also fairly nice highrise apartments. The windows are really looking nice, something you'd see in Miami or Vegas. This will really help improve population density in the metro, as well as our overall image. I'll try and take pics this weekend.

Lakeview Tower has always had very high occupancy rates because it offers good views of downtown and the lake, and Founders is better still.

I think the development offers something truly unique in OKC and that's why I think it will do very well.

oh my gosh... go to their website (link (http://www.the360living.com)) and click on 'gallery' and check out the pic of the lobby... lenin is the concierge! if you support the 360, then you support communism. not in my okc, mister. -M

lenin is the concierge!

Actually, I think he is security which makes much more sense. I sure wouldn't cross him.

Going fast: Plans coming together for Founders Plaza, with 59 of 68 condos already sold
by Kelley Chambers
The Journal Record
3/23/2007

OKLAHOMA CITY – Work on the 360° at Founders Plaza building in Oklahoma City is in full swing in anticipation of opening one floor of condominiums on June 1.

The developers of the project have been overseeing renovations for months after announcing late last year that the building would be converted to 68 condos and that an office building and hotel would be built on the surrounding 7.5 acres.

Mark Livingston, managing partner of Founders Tower Condominiums Management LLC, said the building had to be completely gutted. It is currently receiving new plumbing, electrical wiring and heat and air systems.

The Founders group purchased the building and the surrounding land for $4.6 million in 2005.

Livingston said the total investment will likely top $50 million.

From the outside, the lower half of the 10-sided building has new windows, which look green because of a Low E film between two panes of glass to filter light for improved energy efficiency. Livingston said the building’s existing windows were all single-pane coated with a dark film.

In remodeling the building, the developers have come across a few surprises, including hefty steel X-braces that had to be removed to accommodate doorways. Livingston said they also believed the electrical component of the building was in a little better shape than they originally thought.

With the new wiring and electrical systems, the building is also being equipped with a backup generator that will keep power on until electricity can be restored in the event of a power loss.

On the sales end, Livingston said that while the condos have not been widely marketed, 59 of the 68 units have sold despite buyers knowing they will have to wait months before they move in.

Livingston said he believes one of the key selling points was the patios in all of the units, which vary in size and get bigger on the upper floors. Each unit has at least two patios.

He also said the buyers have tended to be a mix of young, single professionals and empty-nesters who are perhaps downsizing from larger homes. Another draw Livingston cited was the access to many areas of town within minutes without being in the fray of downtown or Bricktown.

“I love Bricktown, but when you build around a recreational place like that, it sometimes can have a life expectancy,” he said. “Not everybody wants to live downtown every night with the noise and the traffic.”

Talks are now taking place for a hotel and office tenants.

“We’re trying to design the office component and the hotel component to integrate,” Livingston said.

Plans call for a Class A office building with a bank as the anchor tenant in a boutique-style hotel.

Livingston said the group is looking seriously at Aloft, a brand of New York-based W Hotels and part of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc.

In the building, longtime-tenant Covenant Brothers Tailors plans to move into the space formerly occupied by the Queen Anne Cafeteria until renovations of its first-floor space is complete.

The buildings’ two restaurant spaces will also be set for new use after Queen Anne and Nikz both decided not to renew their leases, citing disputes with the developers.

Livingston said the Queen Anne space will likely reopen as a cafeteria and several parties have expressed interest in the Nikz restaurant space on the 20th floor.

The condo units are selling from the high $200,000s to about $500,000.

Livingston said after the third floor is opened in June, other residential floors will be completed about one every two weeks, for a final completion date set for October.

I drove by yesterday, the windows are half done as the article said IF you don't count the top floor where NIKZ was. Those windows are slightly larger. I'll post pics here in a few in my gallery.

Can anyone tell me what the status is on the Founders Tower now?

almost all the windows have now been replaced. That's all I know.