Can Norman develop new CBD?

[G.Walker]

After doing some driving around Norman, and doing research. It woud be only evident that Norman should make its current downtown into a "Historic Downtown District" and start a new cenral business district in Norman. The current downtown Norman has no room for expansion and redevelopment, and with proposed projects of office buildings going up in University North Park Corporate Centre, that should be the new ideal place? Agree?

[Dar405301]

G., i've wondered about that myself. would university north park be a suitable CBD? it does have good access to I-35. it's about time that oklahoma's third largest city get some more high profile office buildings. of not UNP, then where though?

[G.Walker]

I think it will be an ideal place, there is really no place in current downtown Norman for expansion or urban renewal, its too congested, and I don't think Norman residents will agree to demolish the old historic buildings. University North Park already has designated 96 acres for Class A office space, for 15 buildings 30,000 sqft a piece. So this would be good place to start, and people traveling on I-35 will get good view of skyline.

[king183]

That's a very interesting proposal. Will the airport being so close have any negative affects on the design of the office buildings? I think UNP definitely has potential for CBD.

[G.Walker]

That's a very interesting proposal. Will the airport being so close have any negative affects on the design of the office buildings? I think UNP definitely has potential for CBD.

yes, that is the only problem, I know buildings can only be so tall close to the airport. Embassy Suites is only 14 stories, but I am not sure what the limit will be.

[G.Walker]

I am not suggesting that we have skyscrapers, which will prob never happen, but medium sized office buildings, ranging from 100 - 200ft in height, giving Norman a unique, but realistic CBD.

[ljbab728]

I am not suggesting that we have skyscrapers, which will prob never happen, but medium sized office buildings, ranging from 100 - 200ft in height, giving Norman a unique, but realistic CBD.

In my opinion a city can only have one true CBD. There can be multiple UBD (Urban Business Districts), however. Look at the LBJ free way area in Dallas.

[Soonerus]

The whole 24th ave NW corridor is location for all businesses...

[BG918]

The area of west downtown along Main between Flood and University is not historic and could be razed for new commercial buildings with streetfront retail/restaurant space. It doesn't have I-35 frontage but it's close to OU and more centrally located to all parts of the city.