SW 15th and Meridian

[traxx]

I don't know what they're building as I haven't been down that way in a while, but I'm always surprised by what they can build on a seemingly small lot.

I just hate that South Meridian is all some business travelers see of OKC. The hotel is a hop, skip, and a jump from the airport. They have meetings in a conference room at the hotel. And they don't have to travel far for a restaurant. But that whole area is so industrial, it's a poor representation of the city.

[Pete]

It's a 5-story Holiday Inn Express.

Architect is RBA so it should be a bit sharper than most the stuff on Meridian.

[etsuco05]

I wonder what this will mean for the Holiday Inn Express at Meridian & Highline. My guess is it will be converted to another brand.

[ChrisHayes]

I guess I was wrong about the foundation size. If I remember correctly, it looks like they're going to squeeze this hotel on the lot so that it's diagonally facing on the lot rather than facing either Meridian or 15th. I'd love to see a master plan of sorts developed for 15th from Meridian to MacArthur. Plenty of real estate available fore development. Would just need to get rid of that rock pit or whatever it is down towards MacArthur.

[ljbab728]

I just hate that South Meridian is all some business travelers see of OKC. The hotel is a hop, skip, and a jump from the airport. They have meetings in a conference room at the hotel. And they don't have to travel far for a restaurant. But that whole area is so industrial, it's a poor representation of the city.

This is not unusual. Many hotels around DFW are in industrial or office parks. That happens in many places.

[stile99]

Could probably merge this thread with www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42112

[traxx]

This is not unusual. Many hotels around DFW are in industrial or office parks. That happens in many places.

Yeah, but in a place like DFW people know there's other stuff to do and see in the area. In OKC we're still trying to change the idea that OKC is ugly and there's nothing to do here. We need all the help we can get to put our best foot and face forward.

[ljbab728]

Yeah, but in a place like DFW people know there's other stuff to do and see in the area. In OKC we're still trying to change the idea that OKC is ugly and there's nothing to do here. We need all the help we can get to put our best foot and face forward.

Possibly, but that area of hotels and restaurants is not going anywhere. Many love it for the convenience from the airport. There just needs to be coordination with the hotels to promote other attractions in OKC. The river cruises from that area to downtown are one step in the right direction.

[traxx]

Possibly, but that area of hotels and restaurants is not going anywhere. Many love it for the convenience from the airport. There just needs to be coordination with the hotels to promote other attractions in OKC. The river cruises from that area to downtown are one step in the right direction.

I don't think it needs to go away. I'd just like to see it spruced up and not look so industrial.

[ljbab728]

I don't think it needs to go away. I'd just like to see it spruced up and not look so industrial.

OK, that didn't seem to be the main focus of your original comment.

[rfjeep12]

Been driving past this every day. The structure started going up and it really doesn't look big enough to be a holiday inn. any updates?

[Pete]

Took this a couple of weeks ago:

[Pete]

Been driving past this every day. The structure started going up and it really doesn't look big enough to be a holiday inn. any updates?

I posted the rendering above.

[rfjeep12]

yeah i saw it a few days ago. just was looking at it and then at the actual structure. was just curious. Thanks Pete. Loving these drone shots

[Pete]

I'm sure the plan is to share the parking at the adjacent hotels, as the two to the west have way more than they need.

[Pete]

[BLJR]

Pete, your getting good with the drone. Nice shots!!!

[Pete]

Here are some shots of this area from yesterday.

The Holiday Inn Express is now open.

2nd photo is of the far east hotels (Hampton Inn and Home 2 Suites) and Meridian Landing for the river boats.

[Martin]

what is the major draw for all these motels in that area? is it mostly faa related? or is it just the proximity to I-40 that's driving demand?

[catch22]

what is the major draw for all these motels in that area? is it mostly faa related? or is it just the proximity to I-40 that's driving demand?

Airport. Most of these hotels are marketed as “Airport” when booking.

[Bellaboo]

what is the major draw for all these motels in that area? is it mostly faa related? or is it just the proximity to I-40 that's driving demand?

A lot of horse show folks stay in these hotels.

[Rover]

Lots of manufacturing and distribution in the area. Suppliers and customers come in all the time. In the immediate area is Hobby Lobby who itself has many, many visitors.

[Pete]

Bunch of new hotels new I-40 and Meridian as well.

I'm surprised someone hasn't bought the old Shepler's and sea of parking (lower right) and put hotels there.

[shawnw]

I'm curious as to if there's ever been a time where that much parking was necessary at Shepplers. I mean, it appears to have more than the office tower across the street! (didn't count though)

[ChrisHayes]

I'd like to see the old Sheplers and the huge parking area demolished and some other kind of development put int. Preferably not a hotel. The same goes for the vacant lot west of Meridian on the south side of 40.