New Arena (formerly Prairie Surf)

[Anonymous.]

Changing skyline = 1 hotel at minimum, which was already pretty obvious considering modern NBA arenas are moving to mixed destination plazas instead of stand-alone structures you drive to, attend, then leave.

[Laramie]

Changing skyline = 1 hotel at minimum, which was already pretty obvious considering modern NBA arenas are moving to mixed destination plazas instead of stand-alone structures you drive to, attend, then leave.

Got the impression from the transcript (Didn't watch the actual address) BoulderSooner posted that the new arena itself would change the skyline. Investing $900 million to $1 billion in a state-of-the-art arena should raise the bar for NBA arenas. Inflation will eat a good amount of the billion dollar investment, maybe inflation will cool by the time we put bids out for construction.

Since OKC already owns the land, it's a matter of demolition of the PSM (old Myriad) site; construction of a new arena on the existing 4-square block site. Obviously, those blocks will allow more than ample space to build a new arena and add exhibition space if needed.

Don't want to get to excited b/c whatever design is proposed, there will be posters who will not like the design and be critical of the new arena regardless of what the architects reveal.

[bison34]

I still have my reservations any the quality and scope of the developments to surround the new arena. We said that Scissortail would increase development in that area near the park and we have *checks notes* nothing. We have given away, as a city, pretty expensive parking lots and undeveloped plots of land in that area. But no development.

The city has so much prime, undeveloped land with no plans at all for developing them. Why should we believe this will be different?

I hope it is, but like I said, I have some reservations. This area needs private developments all around it, just like Scissortail does.

[warreng88]

I still have my reservations any the quality and scope of the developments to surround the new arena. We said that Scissortail would increase development in that area near the park and we have *checks notes* nothing. We have given away, as a city, pretty expensive parking lots and undeveloped plots of land in that area. But no development.

The city has so much prime, undeveloped land with no plans at all for developing them. Why should we believe this will be different?

I hope it is, but like I said, I have some reservations. This area needs private developments all around it, just like Scissortail does.

Once the arena starts to move, I would guess we would start to hear something on the REHCO lot between the parks. Once that is working, I think we will start to see development move to the west side of the park.

Keep in mind that Scissortail park opened six months before a global pandemic threw everything out of wack. Companies are working to get projects going, but the increased cost of goods and services made it pretty difficult. I think with that being the new normal, we will see more movement over there, but would rather it take time and get it right versus being fast tracked and be awful. Just look at OAK. Originally, someone bought that to put a starbucks and a few other fast food places.

[Rover]

I still have my reservations any the quality and scope of the developments to surround the new arena. We said that Scissortail would increase development in that area near the park and we have *checks notes* nothing. We have given away, as a city, pretty expensive parking lots and undeveloped plots of land in that area. But no development.

The city has so much prime, undeveloped land with no plans at all for developing them. Why should we believe this will be different?

I hope it is, but like I said, I have some reservations. This area needs private developments all around it, just like Scissortail does.

Go back and look at OKC downtown (or everywhere) 15 yrs ago, 10 yrs ago, 5 yrs ago, now, and with the future plans and see if you maintain your negative viewpoint of the development of this city. Many OKCitians, like you (I assume you live here), have outdated notions of what is happening in our city, and overinflated visions of what happens in other cities. OKC had a huge amount of ground to make up and they are doing that nicely. With everything in context, OKC is blossoming.

[Pete]

Big, quality development takes time. And it also takes time for the market to absorb anything (retail, office, residential) of significance.

Strawberry Fields continues to be a mess and will probably need someone to come in and buy them out, but the REHCO property between the two parks will eventually be something great.

Between the new arena and the Olympics, I bet we see lots more smaller downtown projects in the next few years. And if we get anything at all on the proposed Boardwalk site, that will be a win.

[jn1780]

If the arena development is done right, we should see new life in west Bricktown, along with the Paycom site and hopefully REHCO site. Also, If I were News 9 or any other tenant. I wouldn't get too attached to the Century Center. Seems like that could is a good candidate to be redeveloped sometime in the distant future.

[Pete]

^

Channel 9 bought that entire property (less the hotel and parking garage) and just put millions into it.

[Rover]

If the arena development is done right, we should see new life in west Bricktown, along with the Paycom site and hopefully REHCO site. Also, If I were News 9 or any other tenant. I wouldn't get too attached to the Century Center. Seems like that could is a good candidate to be redeveloped sometime in the distant future.

There are many more undeveloped adjacent and nearby lots I would try to develop before worrying about Channel 9's property.

[Pete]

There are really six big commercial opportunities downtown:

1. Strawberry Fields (ugh, I know)
2. REHCO property between the parks
3. Stage Center site and entire block west of MBG
4. The current site of Paycom Center
5. Bricktown and adjacent
6. Producers Coop

That's a ton of under-utilized property and it's going to take decades to digest it all.

[bison34]

Like I said, I just have reservations. Not that quality development won't happen, by any means. The vacant land in that area has so much potential, and I just hope it gets developed well. Not quickly. I am not wanting the first plan to be the only one, if that makes sense. But that Goodwill lot is an example of what I fear can happen. Mazaheri had a deadline to develop it, and the city let him get away with doing nothing.

I just hope that gets curtailed. Better to sit vacant than owned by someone with no ambitions or desire to develop it, aside from turning it into a parking lot.

I wasn't meaning any criticism, and I know these areas will take a lot of time to develop.

[warreng88]

There are really six big commercial opportunities downtown:

1. Strawberry Fields (ugh, I know)
2. REHCO property between the parks
3. Stage Center site and entire block west of MBG
4. The current site of Paycom Center
5. Bricktown and adjacent
6. Producers Coop

That's a ton of under-utilized property and it's going to take decades to digest it all.

If I remember correctly, SF doesn't own any of the land fronting the park, correct?

[Pete]

If I remember correctly, SF doesn't own any of the land fronting the park, correct?

They do through Fred Mazaheri who is part of that group.

[Urbanized]

^

Channel 9 bought that entire property (less the hotel and parking garage) and just put millions into it.

And at the end of the day that - even more so than a mixed use building - it’s a parking garage. A very BUSY parking garage. With a hotel attached. And - in the near future - a billion dollar arena across the street, surrounded by mixed use. That building isn’t going ANYWHERE.

[jn1780]

Well, I did a say distant future. Its going to be one the most valuable piece of properties in downtown. It wouldn't be completely crazy for them to sell 10,15,20 years down the road. Probably nothing at all will happen, but things do change.

[Pete]

The RFP for A&E services has been issued.

Finalist interviews in September; it will probably take until at least October to have a finalized agreement.

*******

Project Title: Project No AE-0002, Oklahoma City Arena, located within the area bounded by Robinson Ave, E.K. Gaylord Blvd, Sheridan Ave, and Reno Ave.

Total Project Budget: $900,000,000 Construction Budget: $750,000,000 (minimum)

Scope of Work: The general scope of work includes providing a full range of design, planning, architectural and engineering services in order to construct a first class, state of the art arena on behalf of the City of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma City Thunder Basketball Club ("Club"). A minimum of 750,000 square feet of arena is proposed and is outlined in the "Development Agreement" between the Club and the City. Included, will be the master planning of the entire block bounded by Robinson Ave, E.K. Gaylord Blvd, Sheridan Ave, and Reno Ave which will include Multi-use, transit use and connections to surrounding uses. The project will also include a parking garage located within this boundary with at least 650 spaces, demolition of an existing building on the proposed site, and all FF&E.


Proposal Schedule:
• Deadline for submitting Questions: July 17, 2024
• Answers Published: July 19, 2024
• Letter of interest submission deadline: July 25, 2024
• Notification of Short-Listed Firms: August 5, 2024
• Interviews: September 5, 2024. Meeting invites will be sent.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City leaders will select from a field of seven architecture firms to design the new home of the Oklahoma City Thunder:

https://www.newson6.com/story/66c01b...-for-new-arena

[bison34]

I would guess AECOM or Populous will end up getting it. Populous has a great relationship with Oklahoma sports, and AECOM has done amazing work elsewhere.

I hope the preliminary designs all get shared. Glad there were so many Bids (7 for a project of this scope is likely a good number).

[caaokc]

Would love it if AECOM got it - the Intuit Dome looks incredible.

[gopokes88]

Would love it if AECOM got it - the Intuit Dome looks incredible.

That would be cool but temper expectations just a tiny bit. That was a passion project for the world's 7th richest person. A true "spare no expense it will be perfect" project.

[caaokc]

That would be cool but temper expectations just a tiny bit. That was a passion project for the world's 7th richest person. A true "spare no expense it will be perfect" project.

True, but $1 bil will still go a long way in OKC

[Pete]

^

And, since this is based on tax collections over a fixed period, certainly more than $1 billion will end up in the budget; I'd guess more like $1.2-1.3 billion.

[Laramie]

Watching the DNC convention in the United Center, it gives me goose bumps--why not build something similar to Chicago's United Center.


Architect: Populous - NBA Basketball: 20,917 - 169 executive suites.

Start out with 70 suites. Minimum seating BB 18,500. Additional suites could be constructed upon demand.
Would truly make OKC's downtown arena 'Loud City.'

. . . More than $900 million budget; OKC can build a mammoth Tal Mahal style arena downtown--take advantage of the collegiate NCAA tournament playoffs and host some sweet 16 quarter finals.


.

[PhiAlpha]

Watching the DNC convention in the United Center, it gives me goose bumps--why not build something similar to Chicago's United Center.


Architect: Populous - NBA Basketball: 20,917 - 169 executive suites.

Start out with 70 suites. Minimum seating BB 18,500. Additional suites could be constructed upon demand.
Would truly make OKC's downtown arena 'Loud City.'

. . . More than $900 million budget; OKC can build a mammoth Tal Mahal style arena downtown--take advantage of the collegiate NCAA tournament playoffs and host some sweet 16 quarter finals.


.

Why base our brand new arena off a 30+ year old design?

[Laramie]

Why base our brand new arena off a 30+ year old design?

Grew up in those old 30 year old designs - Municipal Auditorium, Municipal Building & Museum of Art built around 1937. Give it that modern look adding more glass; it will bring back memories.





We've committed a billion for this project, let's build where we reward the taxpayers with great exterior design that blends with downtown and an interior capable of handling the NBA and collegiate sports (capacity 18,500) slightly larger than our current Paycom Center--the average capacity of NBA arenas is 18,790.

We should know in about a week what specs the city will release for the firms to bid on.