I've included this article from today's Oklahoman. I will access it in a reply below.

"Developers compete for Bricktown location


By Steve Lackmeyer
The Oklahoman

A ballpark parking lot once on the fringe of Bricktown is a new hot spot in the downtown entertainment district, with three developers pitching ideas to Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma RedHawks.
John Q. Hammons owns land on the south side of Reno Avenue, between Bass Pro Shops and the Sonic headquarters, where he plans to build a 235-room, 10-story Embassy Suites and conference center.

Construction of the $35 million hotel is to begin next year with an expectation by Hammons that he can build a garage on the city-owned ballpark lot across the street.

"For his concept of a 235-room Embassy Suites with convention space, the area does not accommodate that and parking," City Manager Jim Couch said. "It will accommodate a smaller hotel, which was what was being proposed (as part of an earlier development plan) with the Holiday Inn."

Mixed use proposed
Hammons has at least two competitors for the parking lot, which is under control of the Oklahoma RedHawks as part of their long-term lease of the SBC Bricktown Ballpark.

"One is a developer in Dallas talking about doing a mixed use of housing, parking and retail," Couch said. "The RedHawks also are entertaining a Chicago developer on a similar concept."

If the RedHawks choose a development that does not allow for Hammons' garage, he might have to change his plans, Couch said.

Couch said Bricktown has been eyed by numerous developers whose ideas never became reality. Failed dreams include a Planet Hollywood, Dick Clark's American Bandstand Cafe, IMAX theater and a Sega Gameworks.

The area east of the ballpark, however, is changing.

When the parking lot was built five years ago, it was on the eastern edge of Bricktown, with industrial properties to the east and the ballpark to the west. The site is near the Coca-Cola Bricktown Event Center, Bass Pro Shops, Sonic and a 16-screen theater and handful of restaurants scheduled to open by October.

Couch said the RedHawks will have first say over what happens with the lot, though any plan will need approval by the Oklahoma City Council.

Hammons could not be reached for comment.

Development ideas studied
RedHawks owner Scott Pruitt confirmed a study is under way on how to best develop the parking lot. He said he has yet to hear a proposal from Hammons, though the hotel developer has publicly discussed his plans to build a parking garage on the lot.

Pruitt, who along with Bob Funk bought the baseball team this year, said he's quickly realizing they've also bought into development of the district itself.

"I can't say we fully grasped the implications of having the ability to add value to the area," Pruitt said. "There is nothing definite yet, but we are in the exploration phase."

Pruitt said development could include the 7½-acre suite holders lot and a 3½-acre lot adjacent to the ballpark. One concept, he said, could involve condos or apartments overlooking the ballpark.

"We're very excited," Pruitt said. "Parking will always be a part of the area. But the intent and hope is it may also someday be residential and retail as well."