Yay :)

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/06/08/oklahoma-city-first-national-hotel-seek-million-federal-loan-downtown/7580797002/

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/06/08/oklahoma-city-first-national-hotel-seek-million-federal-loan-downtown/7580797002/

this should be a no brainer yes vote ..

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/06/08/oklahoma-city-first-national-hotel-seek-million-federal-loan-downtown/7580797002/

The link you provided is a dead end for non subscribers. Could you summarize please?

Starting from here: https://twitter.com/OKC_SPAN/status/1402279348099600390


Next is public hearing and a resolution approving a substantial amendment to the FY 20-21 Consolidated Action Year Plan. This will seek $11 million in Section 108 Loan for the First National Center.

The city has put a lot of support into this project, which is apparently coming along nicely. Brent Bryant calls this a very difficult project. It has a 600 unit garage, some residences (generating ad valorem), and hotel (sales tax).

The Section 108 loan is the loan guarantee component of the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).

The loan is guaranteed by HUD to the City, allowing the City to downstream loans at low rates.

The link you provided is a dead end for non subscribers. Could you summarize please?

go to settings and clear all of your "oklhaoman" cookies ... and then reopen the link and you can read it

https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2021/06/08/oklahoma-city-first-national-hotel-seek-million-federal-loan-downtown/7580797002/

this passed at council today

I am so anxious to see the building lit at night once finished!

does anybody recall what flag will fly for the hotel portion? I really hope we get an exclusive like a Ritz or Four Seasons or even Conrad. ..

The article above shows it will be an Autograph By Marriott.

https://autograph-hotels.marriott.com/

^

Yes and run by the Coury group which runs the Colcord and Ambassador.

The Ambassador is also an Autograph hotel.

The article above shows it will be an Autograph By Marriott.

https://autograph-hotels.marriott.com/


^

Yes and run by the Coury group which runs the Colcord and Ambassador.

The Ambassador is also an Autograph hotel.

was hoping that it would be a step up from Autograph (which usually are very very nice hotels in themselves ) and be a "Luxury-collection" hotel .. https://the-luxury-collection.marriott.com/our-hotels/

I was told this parking garage will open starting next week. First step in reopening the entire project.

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc061321a.jpg

Wow. From the parking garage alone you can already tell how amazing this project really is.

I've never seen a parking garage in OKC look so good.

https://twitter.com/americanrails/status/1426574673567961089

Is the background building the one people refer to as the other building that looks like first national, same architect maybe?

https://twitter.com/americanrails/status/1426574673567961089

Is the background building the one people refer to as the other building that looks like first national, same architect maybe?

Both are Art Deco in style but were designed by different firms. FNC was designed by Weary & Alford Co. and the Chicago Board of Trade Building was designed by Holabird & Root. Both firms are/were located in Chicago.

Maybe the Old John hancock Building in Boston?

Took these Sunday; you can see the pool; down below the pool in the middle of that opening you can see the restored skylight above the Great Banking Hall. In the last image, you can see some of the restored windows on the left side.

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It's amazing what a difference the new windows will make!

Pete,
Do you know if they are replacing all of the windows?

Pete,
Do you know if they are replacing all of the windows?

I believe so. Most on the west side are already finished.

I believe so. Most on the west side are already finished.

I think only new windows are at the top. I think the rest of the building has the original windows cleaned and then a new storm window added on inside. I believe this process of leaving original windows was off of historical tax credits. I’m standing here looking at the west side and there are not windows

The pool, itself, was a lot more expensive than I ever imagined it would be.

Why would they just replace a few windows at the top? Doesn't make sense.

I am sure the new windows are more energy efficient than the current windows that are probably 90 years old, lol.

Why would they just replace a few windows at the top? Doesn't make sense.

I am sure the new windows are more energy efficient than the current windows that are probably 90 years old, lol.

i am pretty sure that those windows were not original ..... Ie they were replaced some time in the past (by a previous owner) ... and those are the only windows this new renovation replaced. ....

i am pretty sure that those windows were not original ..... Ie they were replaced some time in the past (by a previous owner) ... and those are the only windows this new renovation replaced. ....

I dont understand why keeping windows is so important for the national historic rehabilitation credits. Same for historic neighborhoods that might require particular wood windows. Its cost prohibitive, not energy efficient and you can get similar looking windows that no one would notice that they arent exactly the same as the original windows. So many historic neighborhood homes keep rotted old windows because too often its too expensive to replace with new conforming windows.

I dont understand why keeping windows is so important for the national historic rehabilitation credits. Same for historic neighborhoods that might require particular wood windows. Its cost prohibitive, not energy efficient and you can get similar looking windows that no one would notice that they arent exactly the same as the original windows. So many historic neighborhood homes keep rotted old windows because too often its too expensive to replace with new conforming windows.

Not sure about historic neighborhoods with bad wood windows, but NPS care ALOT about windows. NPS has a '10 commandments' for rehabilitating historic buildings. If you want to understand better how the tax credit folks think about buildings I think useful to start there.

1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment.

2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.

3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.

4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their own right shall be retained and preserved.

5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a historic property shall be preserved.

6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.

7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible.

8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken.

9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.

10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.

Additionally they have narratives to help provide more education on particular elements. For example, this is a narrative on windows:
https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/rehabilitation/rehab/windows01.htm

I don't understand why keeping windows is so important for the national historic rehabilitation credits. Same for historic neighborhoods that might require particular wood windows. Its cost prohibitive, not energy efficient and you can get similar looking windows that no one would notice that they arent exactly the same as the original windows. So many historic neighborhood homes keep rotted old windows because too often its too expensive to replace with new conforming windows.

I can attest to this. I used to live in Edgemere Park and was thinking about new windows. They were painted shut, had the old weight mechanism in them, ect. I have about 18 or so windows in my 1800 sq ft house. Tried to get around the historical district but they stood firm. Got two quotes between $35-40K!!! to replace with what the historical district wanted. Did not replace.

Any progress updates on this?

https://twitter.com/OKC_SPAN/status/1447965972707651584

Multicolor light testing atop First National tonight

They’re doing some testing on the LED’s tonight. Hope they light it all up soon.

17213

17214

17215

I was walking on Reno and glanced at the skyline, thinking to myself “it’ll be nice when the First National is complete” because it was such a dark hole in the skyline. Then as I looked closer, I quickly realized there appeared to be lightning on the north side of the tower. I had no idea they were going to test them tonight so it was a nice surprise, especially with First National already being on my mind.

The FNC is running a bit behind schedule, no doubt impacted by the same supply chain issues affecting other projects.

They had planned to be open by the end of 2021, but that clearly is not going to happen.

Hopefully, we won't be too deep into 2022 before they open their doors.

Not sure if they've been posted yet or not but it looks like they have some new websites up. I've heard through the grapevine that pre-leasing is going very well for the apartments.

https://thenationalokc.com

https://thefirstokc.com

not seeing floor plans or rates, unless I'm missing it

the map location in the first link is incorrect. However, the pics/renderings look awesome!

the second link is awe inspiring as well with the history and placemaking.

When do you think they'll announce the Hotel brand?

When do you think they'll announce the Hotel brand?

It will be part of Marriott's Autograph collection.

The Ambassador is the only other OKC hotel with that designation.

That's kind of what I thought but wasn't sure. Thanks

Not sure if they've been posted yet or not but it looks like they have some new websites up. I've heard through the grapevine that pre-leasing is going very well for the apartments.

https://thenationalokc.com.

https://thefirstokc.com
Yes. Apartment leasing is going very well.

Yes. Apartment leasing is going very well.

Know anything about the rates or floor plans?

Know anything about the rates or floor plans?

Around $3/sq ft for a ~1250 sq ft two bedroom unit, closer to $3.50/sq ft for one bedrooms ranging from ~860 to ~1K. Prices vary by floor and directional exposure, which also influence some finishes and appliance types. I know there are larger (and more upscale) units but I don’t have any info handy on them.

I also have some floor plans, photos and videos from inside units, but I don’t feel like it’s my place to show them here, especially since they are of unfinished units. Next time we see each other remember to ask and I’ll be happy to show them to you in person.

By the way, several things struck me when I was fortunate enough to tour the apartments: though the living areas are roomy enough, I wouldn’t call them spacious or sprawling by any means (completely understandable while working on these particular floor plates; if you want giant you probably need to be in the ‘burbs anyway).

But the bathrooms and the closets are quite large, especially compared to the more normal-sized living spaces. It feels like a lot of thought went into this, including the idea that the amenities in and nearby this building will double as additional living space for most residents.

Also, to be clear, I know that this likely varies by floor and apartment size. But the ones I toured were all consistent with this theme.

nice to hear and hopefully this fills up quickly along with other residential in the CBD stepping up their game - all will show pent up demand for not only downtown living but HIGHRISE condo and apartment demand in our cbd which would lead to highrise development.

Great to see!

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc113021a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc113021b.jpg

^^^^This

christmas colors look very nice up there. Hopefully it gets more robust - we're coming to the city for the holidays!!

They've only been testing that one area and it's been going on for a week.

I suspect they are working on programming and just using those lights as opposed to the full array which has been installed for a while.

Is that where the steakhouse was going to go?

Is that where the steakhouse was going to go?

I don't think so.

There are going to be multiple restaurants and bars in FNC.

I don't think so.

There are going to be multiple restaurants and bars in FNC.
Nice! I am keeping my fingers crossed for a Fogo De Chao there. I’ve already suggested it to corporate multiple times.

Corporate..?

Those rooms near the lights will sure get some mood lighting it appears

Corporate..?

Yeah it’s a chain

Iconic First National Center set to reopen (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=766-Iconic-First-National-Center-set-to-reopen)

Oklahoma City's third tallest building is set to reopen early next year as a hotel and apartment complex with 8 eating and drinking establishments.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/FNC121321a.jpg


The 193 luxury apartments, known as The First Residences at First National, are currently leasing and will welcome their first tenants starting February 1st, 2022.

The 146-room hotel will open on March 1st and be known as The National, part of the exclusive Autograph Collection by Marriott.

First National Center is actually 3 separate structures: The 33-story art deco Tower built in 1931; the 14-story Center building finished in 1956; the East building opened in 1974.

The Tower has been extensively renovated to include the apartments and hotel rooms. The stunning Great Banking Hall has been painstakingly restored, including the decorative painted ceilings, stone columns, and several large murals. The huge skylight has also been renovated, once again bringing natural light into the marble-lined space.

The hall, originally used by First National Bank, will serve as a public lobby as well as a bar, cafe, and event space.

Atop the two wings of the tower, a new pool, deck, and dog park have been installed.

The Center and East buildings were gutted and now provide 620 parking spaces. The Arcade, on the ground floor and spanning from Robinson to Broadway, has been completely renovated.

In the basement, a restaurant and bar will occupy the former bank vault area. The former Beacon Club space at the very top of the tower will reopen as a bar.

After First National Bank failed in 1980, the complex saw a variety of owners. In 2015, the few remaining tenants vacated and the building was placed into receivership. In 2017, the property was purchased by a group led by Gary Brooks and Charlie Nicholas and the restoration plans were announced.

After many broken promises by previous owners, the reopening represents years of work and over $200 million in investment in the heart of Oklahoma City's central business district.

https://firstnationalokc.com/
https://thefirstokc.com/
https://thenationalokc.com/



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My goodness.

Outstanding!

Wow, that is just incredible!