If they can swing those prices, I'd hope to see some urban residential towers going up shortly thereafter. That'd be pretty cool to see in OKC. Not my cup of tea, but if you can get $2MM or $3.5/sq.ft. for residential space, how are we not hearing about multiple new projects?

If they can swing those prices, I'd hope to see some urban residential towers going up shortly thereafter. That'd be pretty cool to see in OKC. Not my cup of tea, but if you can get $2MM or $3.5/sq.ft. for residential space, how are we not hearing about multiple new projects?

I think it will take people actually buying or renting these consistently before 100s more are built.

The first move-ins for the apartments are now tentatively set for 2/25.

The hotel site still says opening in March but their reservation system only allows you to book a room beginning on April 28th. Rates shown are $215 to $719.

If people are willing to pay that much in rent I’m surprised there aren’t more for-sale options.

guys, have to start somewhere. Lets give this time.

These types of posts always puzzle me. They come from the assumption that everyone sees the world like you do, desires the same lifestyle you do, has the same financial means you do. While OKC isn’t a particularly wealthy city, there ares still plenty of residents here with considerable means.

It’s not like the building is full of $11K+ units. They’ll only have to find a very few tenants for the truly extravagant units. $11K/mo is similar to a mortgage on a $2M home, and believe it or not, more than a few people in OKC can swing that amount in monthly housing cost without thinking too hard about it. In fact there are some who could swing that simply as a crash pad while retaining a primary residence elsewhere. And not everyone is married to the idea of a giant house and yard in the suburbs, anyway. Or even owning vs renting.

Throughout the rest of the building, rents are more along the lines of a mortgage on homes ranging from $400K to $700K, and there are large housing additions all over OKC with broad swaths of homes in this range. Believe it or not there are even people RENTING homes in that range, for a variety of personal reasons. Those people would be prime candidates here.

Then too there are people residing in OKC on extended business who have zero desire to own a home here, and for many of them these rents don’t seem high, based on the city from which they’ve temporarily relocated.

Additionally there are plenty of people who already rent here in OKC in other properties purporting to be “upscale” that really AREN’T upscale. Many of them would pay a bit more rent to unlock the type of amenities being offered here.

There’s also corporate housing to think about. Plenty of companies would happily pay the types of rent shown here without thinking twice about it, if they routinely host executives from other branches, visiting directors, game night executive crash pads, whatever.

None of these things is unusual or outlandish in a major city.

I don’t necessarily disagree with any of this, just figure it would make more financial sense to buy a $2 million dollar condo than pay $11k+ per month in rent if you can afford that. Obviously not everyone feels that way about it, but to me…in OKC with all the available options for ownership in and around downtown, it seems crazy to pay $11k to rent. But again, power to anyone who can afford that and chooses to do so. It isn’t crazy for a major city, but I don’t consider OKC on the same level as somewhere like DFW, Denver, Houston, Austin, Nashville, KC, etc where real estate, economic development and population growth are going absolutely crazy and people would generally be more willing to pay $11k+/month in rent. Maybe I’m completely off on that but I’ve followed all aspects of development in OK pretty closely over the last decade and just don’t see it right now.

That said, I know you’re much more tied in with economic dev downtown than I am so I’ll have to take your word for it.

If people are willing to pay that much in rent I’m surprised there aren’t more for-sale options.

I guess that was kinda my point. You’d think there would be people jumping at lower cost buying opportunities downtown (and building more for sale housing) if the market is really out there for rents over $11k/month.

If you only need it for 1-2 years, maybe you’re better off renting because then you won’t have to worry about trying to find a buyer when you’re ready to leave. If it’s true that the market is limited, you’re probably better off renting.

I'll say I have some higher end rental properties and my tenants don't want to hassle themselves with purchasing a home and being on the hook for ownership. They want to just call and have things fixed for "free" by myself. Its not unreasonable for someone that wants this location and has the money to want to spend on rent. As others have said, purchasing and trying to sell when you're leaving is a PITA.

The tower looks almost fully lit tonight. A nice blue.

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I'm glad to see this building open again. I have good memories, even if terrifying, of the First National Building. I worked for a couple years around 1990 for a company that maintained/repaired a lot of the antennas near the top. The lead guy just went out and walked around the ledge. He made a great deal of fun of me because I crawled or even slithered is too close to the edge.

Pete, could you credit me for the photo? My handle for both Twitter and Instagram is @kerwin_moore

I guess that was kinda my point. You’d think there would be people jumping at lower cost buying opportunities downtown (and building more for sale housing) if the market is really out there for rents over $11k/month.

I would bet it gets rented by NBA players over the years, especially ones that know OKC might be just a one year stop. (CP3 and Melo come to mind)

I would bet it gets rented by NBA players over the years, especially ones that know OKC might be just a one year stop. (CP3 and Melo come to mind)

That would probably be the most likely scenario or high-level corporate execs who live out of town and don’t want to buy.

I definitely get renting when you don’t want to buy. I owned a house in Mesta Park for nearly 10 years but sold when I moved to Tulsa. I’m not sure how long I’ll be up here and was tired of dealing with everything that comes with owning so I’m renting an apt downtown for now. Other than lighting over $1k on fire every month, I really prefer renting at this point. I’m single, don’t have kids, live by myself and work from home with clients downtown so it’s perfect for me. Though if I were choosing between something big enough to drop $11k/month on it in rent, I’d probably purchase a condo or townhouse down here given how hot the for sale market is.

This project looks incredible and stunning! I love the intricate Art Deco touches! OKC should be proud that this beautiful landmark was saved and someone cared enough to keep it from being a pile of rubble. Kudos to the developers! Fantastic job!!!

That would probably be the most likely scenario or high-level corporate execs who live out of town and don’t want to buy.

I definitely get renting when you don’t want to buy. I owned a house in Mesta Park for nearly 10 years but sold when I moved to Tulsa. I’m not sure how long I’ll be up here and was tired of dealing with everything that comes with owning so I’m renting an apt downtown for now. Other than lighting over $1k on fire every month, I really prefer renting at this point. I’m single, don’t have kids, live by myself and work from home with clients downtown so it’s perfect for me. Though if I were choosing between something big enough to drop $11k/month on it in rent, I’d probably purchase a condo or townhouse down here given how hot the for sale market is.

Would you rather drop $135k in rent for 2 years or drop $2M to purchase, still pay monthly HOA, and then have to hope you can sell it quick when you no longer have a use for it in 2 years? It would seem to me like the risk/reward makes renting a lot easier. And honestly, getting just 3% on the extra $1.7M+ in savings nets you $50k + HOA fees that would almost surely be another $5k-$10k/year you're probably only renting for ~$6,500/month anyway.

I can’t wait to see the completed project in person, at least the public areas. What a treasure. I would take 1 of these renovations over any new construction skyscraper.

She’s a beaut, Clark.

The actual roof is lit up tonight. Really coming together.

The actual roof is lit up tonight. Really coming together.

I can see it from my patio and I probably watched it for about 20 minutes last night. It's very cool it's finally lit up again.

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Crappy pictures but shows the roof lighting.

^

Thanks!

Here are those images cropped and enlarged:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc021722a.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc021722b.jpg

Hoping the "spire" at the very top also ends up being illuminated

Great looking pics, Pete. So nice to see the skyline at night. Really looks impressive entering OKC from I-35 North and I-40 west of MWC.

Do know if, with the re-opening of the building, if the closed underground portions that went through FNC will re-open?

Do know if, with the re-opening of the building, if the closed underground portions that went through FNC will re-open?

I would assume so. There is just plywood blocking the connections currently. You can see renovated space h behind the plywood as it doesn’t completely cover
Not sure if it will be immediately but I’m 100% the connection will be back soon

Hoping the "spire" at the very top also ends up being illuminated

It will be. The angle of the pictures don’t show it but the south side of the spire was lit up.

I would assume so. There is just plywood blocking the connections currently. You can see renovated space h behind the plywood as it doesn’t completely cover
Not sure if it will be immediately but I’m 100% the connection will be back soon

Ah. The parts I'd seen where they closed it off they went through the trouble of sheet rocking and painting. Maybe those closures weren't FNC related.

Ah. The parts I'd seen where they closed it off they went through the trouble of sheet rocking and painting. Maybe those closures weren't FNC related.

Yes the eastern side at one point was Sheetrock now that I think about it but I’d say for last few months has just been plywood as they probably finished the area and needed to take out the wall and just have a more temporary block until they open The western side is just a temp wall but you can see that it still connects and there is no reason they wouldn’t reopen it as well

The hotel sign is up:

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc022722b.jpg

Most of the ground floor level looks nowhere near done when you look through the windows though...

Most of the ground floor level looks nowhere near done when you look through the windows though...

Most of that is the restaurant space. The prominent northwest corner will be the Gilded Acorn and here is a photo I took yesterday and the steakhouse to the east along Park is a little ahead of this:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc022722e.jpg


Also from yesterday, photos showing the valet for the hotel facing Robinson and the lobby; both are nearly finished:

HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc022722a.jpg


HTTP://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/fnc022722c.jpg

Drove to FNC last night, the exterior lighting on this building turns red, yellow, blue, green and some combinations of those colors--simply awesome.

Our downtown at night rocks. The Paycom Center, Omni Hotel, FNC, Devon Tower, Strata Tower and Arvest Bank Tower really stands out.

time for OKC to get some upscale national chains. Sorry, not holding my breath on the offerings at this tower announced so far. ..

time for OKC to get some upscale national chains. Sorry, not holding my breath on the offerings at this tower announced so far. ..

Like Ruth's Chris (overrated) or Morton's (also overrated)? Name recognition is one thing, but OKC has enough steakhouses. A national chain steakhouse is the last thing this city needs. I love the local flair here with FNC. Just my opinion.

im not even saying steakhouse btw.

Like Ruth's Chris (overrated) or Morton's (also overrated)? Name recognition is one thing, but OKC has enough steakhouses. A national chain steakhouse is the last thing this city needs. I love the local flair here with FNC. Just my opinion.
I disagree. A Ruth’s or McCormick and Schmick's would be a nice option to have in addition to the plethora of amazing steak houses OKC has. But to your point OKC has to have one of the best steak restaurant offerings in the world. The best steaks I’ve had in OKC blow anything out of the water I’ve had elsewhere. What sucks is there isn’t a true seafood restaurant. That’s what I wish OKC could get. Closest thing is Fish City, Pearls, or Bonefish Grille(Tulsa) and I’m being very generous there. There was The Drake but I’m not sure how good it is now.

They should have built a Fogo De Chao here. That would draw people from outside of downtown. In order to really be a big draw and liven up the place from regional visitors they’re going to have make some damn good steaks here.

I disagree. A Ruth’s or McCormick and Schmick's would be a nice option to have in addition to the plethora of amazing steak houses OKC has. But to your point OKC has to have one of the best steak restaurant offerings in the world. The best steaks I’ve had in OKC blow anything out of the water I’ve had elsewhere. What sucks is there isn’t a true seafood restaurant. That’s what I wish OKC could get. Closest thing is Fish City, Pearls, or Bonefish Grille(Tulsa) and I’m being very generous there. There was The Drake but I’m not sure how good it is now.

They should have built a Fogo De Chao here. That would draw people from outside of downtown. In order to really be a big draw and liven up the place from regional visitors they’re going to have make some damn good steaks here.

A Fogo de Chao or top-notch seafood place? I'm with you on. I just think there are too many steakhouses here.

time for OKC to get some upscale national chains. Sorry, not holding my breath on the offerings at this tower announced so far. ..

Perhaps you should check out Apicii (the consulting group that is creating, branding, setting up and initially operating the food concepts in the building) before passing judgment. Here is their portfolio (https://www.apicii.com/projects). I’d ask that you click on it, and then come back here and tell the room that you’d prefer Ruth’s Chris. I dare you, in fact.

Name recognition means something to a traveler though too. Remember, this is at a hotel. When it's a local hotel restaurant, it runs a 50/50 chance of being worth what it's markup is. Some are really good, and some just aren't.

It's not a hotel space, but think about Vast. A LOT of businesses take clients there. The food is just meh, but the view is great. People go there because of the destination, not because they're just craving the meh food. So sometimes, people are willing to accept the meh food because the atmosphere it is in, more than makes up for it.

You may be able to say that Bob's Steakhouse (i'm just making up a name ok) is far superior, but that doesn't mean that is the place that's going to be the best fit for the space or what makes the visitors happy. Sometimes people travel and they want that brand recognition. Sometimes they want the chain because it's "safe".

^^^^^^^^
This is a true LUXURY hotel (which OKC largely lacks, even with Omni on the ground). Guests of a luxury hotel are going to be more interested in product that’s BETTER than Ruth’s Chris, if available.

The building also has luxury apartments, and again they would prefer same (true luxury vs chain name recognition). And beyond all of that, this space exists in the epicenter of the CBD, and will attract upscale LOCAL clientele and business meetings throughout the day and evening, simply from the surrounding buildings.

Not sure anyone has clicked on that Apicii link I provided, but I for one couldn’t tell you how disappointed I’d be to walk into Bloomingdale’s NY or the Beekman (also NYC) or Montage Beverly Hills (or Los Cabos), Blackstone (Chicago) a Ritz Carlton (Philly and Coconut Grove) and be presented with a Ruth’s Chris.

Would I like to have a Ruth’s Chris in Oklahoma City? Of course I would. But not in this building. There is a place in OKC for *true* luxury product, and it’s in this building.

Name recognition means something to a traveler though too. Remember, this is at a hotel. When it's a local hotel restaurant, it runs a 50/50 chance of being worth what it's markup is. Some are really good, and some just aren't.

It's not a hotel space, but think about Vast. A LOT of businesses take clients there. The food is just meh, but the view is great. People go there because of the destination, not because they're just craving the meh food. So sometimes, people are willing to accept the meh food because the atmosphere it is in, more than makes up for it.

You may be able to say that Bob's Steakhouse (i'm just making up a name ok) is far superior, but that doesn't mean that is the place that's going to be the best fit for the space or what makes the visitors happy. Sometimes people travel and they want that brand recognition. Sometimes they want the chain because it's "safe".Well, the Bob's Steakhouse in the Omni (both chains obviously) is quite good. The Omni is quite upscale too. No, it's not a Ritz-Carlton. But the hard product is very upscale, and with so many dining outlets, one of them being the outstanding Bob's, it's a great destination for locals. Sure, the soft product does not compare to what you get at Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons but it is solid. And I have been very impressed with the quality of food and service at Bob's each time I've been there.

^^^^^^^
Bob’s is great. It’s exactly the type of place that belongs in an Omni, which is an upscale hotel targeted primarily at business travelers. But your line “… does not compare to what you get at Ritz-Carlton…” is exactly the point I’m trying to make. Apicii literally IS what you find at Ritz-Carlton. More than one of them, in fact. I think OKC folks are so used to only seeing luxury product when they travel that they have a difficult time even visualizing it in our own city.

Forgoing a chain in favor of a unique luxury product developed by international experts is something that is throwing folks around here off. This property will be the first time in many years (if ever) that Oklahoma City has had hospitality product that would be just as home in a place like New York, Chicago, Miami, LA, Seattle or Dallas as it is here.

^^^^^^^^
This is a true LUXURY hotel (which OKC largely lacks, even with Omni on the ground). Guests of a luxury hotel are going to be more interested in product that’s BETTER than Ruth’s Chris, if available.

The building also has luxury apartments, and again they would prefer same (true luxury vs chain name recognition). And beyond all of that, this space exists in the epicenter of the CBD, and will attract upscale LOCAL clientele and business meetings throughout the day and evening, simply from the surrounding buildings.

Not sure anyone has clicked on that Apicii link I provided, but I for one couldn’t tell you how disappointed I’d be to walk into Bloomingdale’s NY or the Beekman (also NYC) or Montage Beverly Hills (or Los Cabos), Blackstone (Chicago) a Ritz Carlton (Philly and Coconut Grove) and be presented with a Ruth’s Chris.

Would I like to have a Ruth’s Chris in Oklahoma City? Of course I would. But not in this building. There is a place in OKC for *true* luxury product, and it’s in this building.

i was really hoping that this property would be a part of the "luxury collection " for marriot instead of the Autograph collection ..

but for reference that is a very rare collection dallas does not have one ..

^^^^^^^^
This is a true LUXURY hotel (which OKC largely lacks, even with Omni on the ground). Guests of a luxury hotel are going to be more interested in product that’s BETTER than Ruth’s Chris, if available.

The building also has luxury apartments, and again they would prefer same (true luxury vs chain name recognition). And beyond all of that, this space exists in the epicenter of the CBD, and will attract upscale LOCAL clientele and business meetings throughout the day and evening, simply from the surrounding buildings.

Not sure anyone has clicked on that Apicii link I provided, but I for one couldn’t tell you how disappointed I’d be to walk into Bloomingdale’s NY or the Beekman (also NYC) or Montage Beverly Hills (or Los Cabos), Blackstone (Chicago) a Ritz Carlton (Philly and Coconut Grove) and be presented with a Ruth’s Chris.

Would I like to have a Ruth’s Chris in Oklahoma City? Of course I would. But not in this building. There is a place in OKC for *true* luxury product, and it’s in this building.

And since you have already said OKC is wanting this to be a catalyst for nice, upscale downtown retail, it is an even more important project. Love this for OKC!

i was really hoping that this property would be a part of the "luxury collection " for marriot instead of the Autograph collection ..

but for reference that is a very rare collection dallas does not have one ..
Yes, and I suppose it is always possible that the property could be re-positioned into a different collection in the future, if that made sense. But to be clear, Autograph also includes many properties considered true luxury hotels. Here is a link to Autograph: https://autograph-hotels.marriott.com/about/

One of the reasons I know FNC's mobility within the Marriott collections is even possible is that Gary did a number of things during the build that would be required of a Ritz-Carlton, the top of all of Marriott's brands. They initially toyed with pursuing the R-C flag even. For instance when they re-plumbed (and the ENTIRE building required it) they selected cast iron for drain, waste and vent rather than PVC, which essentially everyone uses these days. The reason for cast iron is so that when someone upstairs or elsewhere in the building flushes a toilet or takes a shower, you will not hear it in other rooms. This would be a requirement to gain R-C designation. This was an incredible and expensive commitment all by itself. And this was done on multiple aspects of the building, so that there would be no limits on the flag that they could pursue.

This renovation was done with an eye to keeping the building active and engaged for ANOTHER 90 years. Nothing like this project has been attempted in this city, ever.

Thanks for the insight as always, Urbanized. It’s refreshing to see a developer commit to quality instead of pure cosmetics aiming for a specific sale down the road. Sounds like they are spending money as if they were going to live there. Awesome.

Yes, and I suppose it is always possible that the property could be re-positioned into a different collection the future, if that made sense. But to be clear, Autograph also includes many properties considered true luxury hotels. Here is a link to Autograph: https://autograph-hotels.marriott.com/about/

One of the reasons I know FNC's mobility within the Marriott collections is possible is that Gary did a number of things during the build that would be required of a Ritz-Carlton, the top of all of Marriott's brands. They toyed with pursuing that flag even. For instance when they re-plumbed (and the ENTIRE building required it) they selected cast iron for drain, waste and vent rather than PVC, which essentially everyone uses these days. The reason for cast iron is so that when someone upstairs or elsewhere in the building flushes a toilet or takes a shower, you will not hear it in other rooms. This was an incredible and expensive commitment all by itself. And this was done on multiple aspects of the building, so that there would be no limits on the flag that they could pursue.

This renovation was done with an eye to keeping the building active and engaged for ANOTHER 90 years. Nothing like this project has been attempted in this city, ever.

agree with all of this and to be clear autograph collection/lux collection does not necessarily mean better / worse hotels .. .

Thanks for the insight as always, Urbanized. It’s refreshing to see a developer commit to quality instead of pure cosmetics aiming for a specific sale down the road. Sounds like they are spending money as if they were going to live there. Awesome.

One of the recommendations for Gary is that he usually DOES get an apartment in one of his properties, at least early on, and purposefully spends peak times there (weekends especially) to see for himself what the resident experience is like. He once told me a story about The Edge, where after staying there a few weeks he had his contractor return and replace all of the hollow metal front doors with solid ones, just so that residents wouldn't have to hear footfalls and conversations in the corridor. Understand, this was AFTER the project was "finished." That was a major expense he was under no obligation to take on, other than that he wanted the resident experience to be better than it initially was. First National is just a next-level expression of this ethos.

I disagree. A Ruth’s or McCormick and Schmick's would be a nice option to have in addition to the plethora of amazing steak houses OKC has. But to your point OKC has to have one of the best steak restaurant offerings in the world. The best steaks I’ve had in OKC blow anything out of the water I’ve had elsewhere. What sucks is there isn’t a true seafood restaurant. That’s what I wish OKC could get. Closest thing is Fish City, Pearls, or Bonefish Grille(Tulsa) and I’m being very generous there. There was The Drake but I’m not sure how good it is now.

They should have built a Fogo De Chao here. That would draw people from outside of downtown. In order to really be a big draw and liven up the place from regional visitors they’re going to have make some damn good steaks here.

Urbanized, I never said I wanted a Ruth's Chris there - that was what was previously promised and I was OK with it since OKC doesn't have any national prime chains (until Bob's). No, I'm talking more about what Panda is saying -

Couldn't have said you quote better Panda. OKC needs more upscale national restaurant chains at prime locations. OKC should get some prime seafood, italian, and fine dining continental options for First National and other KEY PRIME locations in the CBD. We have plenty of local elsewhere but it's the CBD that we want to show off or at least keep up with other major cities (the Jones's) especially as you noted national prime upscale eateries in downtown likely would be the only location in the state.

I fear what's being proposed for 1st National is just going to be another Good-Egg and/or Fusion this/that - don't get me wrong but the location in the CBD beggs for higher (and IMO - national).

Urbanized, I never said I wanted a Ruth's Chris there - that was what was previously promised and I was OK with it since OKC doesn't have any national prime chains (until Bob's). No, I'm talking more about what Panda is saying -

Couldn't have said you quote better Panda. OKC needs more upscale national restaurant chains at prime locations. OKC should get some prime seafood, italian, and fine dining continental options for First National and other KEY PRIME locations in the CBD. We have plenty of local elsewhere but it's the CBD that we want to show off or at least keep up with other major cities (the Jones's) especially as you noted national prime upscale eateries in downtown likely would be the only location in the state.

I fear what's being proposed for 1st National is just going to be another Good-Egg and/or Fusion this/that - don't get me wrong but the location in the CBD beggs for higher (and IMO - national).

I think you're severely underestimating the group that is managing the F&B program. How many restaurants do we have with Michelin-starred chefs? I'm not aware of any off the top of my head in OKC, and all of Oklahoma for that matter. I'll take a unique, high level, restaurant over a chain 10/10 times.

Urbanized (I finally was able to read through all of your posts not just the quote from Panda :)). I think we are saying the same thing. But you keep saying Ruth's and I (and Panda) aren't talking about that. I agree OKC does need a Ruth's somewhere else in the city like at Classen Curve, Deep Deuce, or Oak.

What I am saying is I am not aware of the offerings 1st National announced so far - so I will wait until they open. But that this building (and Park Ave) deserves to be the prime of the city, at least have a national upscale name or better to show off OKC; be THE spot to be at - as it likely would be the only locaiton in the state equal to or surpassing other major cities offering. Again, I'm not talking Ruth's or even a steakhouse since we have so many already, but something monster upscale national in another food genre (like Seafood, Continental fine dining, or Italian) that OKC (and OK) doesn't already have. ..

I think you're severely underestimating the group that is managing the F&B program. How many restaurants do we have with Michelin-starred chefs? I'm not aware of any off the top of my head in OKC, and all of Oklahoma for that matter. I'll take a unique, high level, restaurant over a chain 10/10 times.

You don't know how Michelin ratings work, do you? Only like, 4 cities in America have them.

I think you're severely underestimating the group that is managing the F&B program. How many restaurants do we have with Michelin-starred chefs? I'm not aware of any off the top of my head in OKC, and all of Oklahoma for that matter. I'll take a unique, high level, restaurant over a chain 10/10 times.

ok, I am hoping guys. :) I think we all agree!

I think you're severely underestimating the group that is managing the F&B program. How many restaurants do we have with Michelin-starred chefs? I'm not aware of any off the top of my head in OKC, and all of Oklahoma for that matter. I'll take a unique, high level, restaurant over a chain 10/10 times.

Here is a menu from Jonathan Benno's previous restaurant (Bar Benno) in NYC that won him his first Michelin star. While I would be surprised if the menu is similar, this gives you an idea of what we've got coming.

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One of the recommendations for Gary is that he usually DOES get an apartment in one of his properties, at least early on, and purposefully spends peak times there (weekends especially) to see for himself what the resident experience is like. He once told me a story about The Edge, where after staying there a few weeks he had his contractor return and replace all of the hollow metal front doors with solid ones, just so that residents wouldn't have to hear footfalls and conversations in the corridor. Understand, this was AFTER the project was "finished." That was a major expense he was under no obligation to take on, other than that he wanted the resident experience to be better than it initially was. First National is just a next-level expression of this ethos.
That is so freakin cool. If only more developers were like this.

Urbanized, I never said I wanted a Ruth's Chris there - that was what was previously promised and I was OK with it since OKC doesn't have any national prime chains (until Bob's). No, I'm talking more about what Panda is saying -

Couldn't have said you quote better Panda. OKC needs more upscale national restaurant chains at prime locations. OKC should get some prime seafood, italian, and fine dining continental options for First National and other KEY PRIME locations in the CBD. We have plenty of local elsewhere but it's the CBD that we want to show off or at least keep up with other major cities (the Jones's) especially as you noted national prime upscale eateries in downtown likely would be the only location in the state.

I fear what's being proposed for 1st National is just going to be another Good-Egg and/or Fusion this/that - don't get me wrong but the location in the CBD beggs for higher (and IMO - national).
I also wouldn’t be upset if a nice authentic Russian restaurant was built.

Regarding Apicii the company that is managing food and beverage for FNC, they already have one of the concepts operating elsewhere.

Library of Distilled Spirits, which will be going into the old bank vault space, is operating in New York:

https://www.apicii.com/library-of-distilled-spirits

I also wouldn’t be upset if a nice authentic Russian restaurant was built.

Maybe not the best timing for that.

Maybe not the best timing for that.
Yeah that’s definitely true.