Conncourse Renovation

[jbrown84]

Has anyone seen the "Underground" logo. If you go to downtownokc.com and go to the Underground map, it's on there. I like it. You'll have to download the pdf and the logo is on the left.

[metro]

Yeah and the Glass entryway with multicolor lighting looks sweet too.

[Karried]

I know where I'll be when the next F5 comes roaring through town -

Actually, if it is done correctly, it will be Sweet!!!

I think it is a great plan for inclement weather - I hope they post some security down there though, it is kinda creepy.

I think the kids on field trips would get a kick out of the tour - I know I will when it's finished.

[BDP]

When I worked downtown, it was handy but the BID seems pretty dead most the time and funneling people underground makes it feel more that way.

You have a point. A lot of the energy of downtown is sucked underground by the concourse and makes it looked deserted during cold weather. It would be nice to see it linked to the streets more, so there is more mixing of traffic. When I got to lunch with friends downtown sometimes we'll be walking through the concourse and I'll wonder why when it is so nice outside. But they're so used to it and that's where access to the food is, they don't even thinking of taking the streets and I actually wonder if they'd know how to get anywhere at street level.

So, I think more street access would improve it, so that you could still access the concourse businesses without really walking through the concourse if you don't want to.

[metro]

I'm sure these are are valid concerns that were addressed in the re-design

[metro]

And here you go fellow citizens:

Council advances Conncourse renovation

By Bryan Dean
The Oklahoman

Final plans are being drawn for a $1.9 million project to renovate downtown Oklahoma City's Conncourse tunnels.
The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to move forward with the project. Downtown Oklahoma City Inc., oversees the business improvement district that pays to operate the tunnels.

The group wants to create a special assessment district to pay for the renovations. If 51 percent of the 76 property owners along the tunnel agree to a special assessment district, the property owners will all pay a share for the project.

Alison Oshel, vice president of operations for Downtown Oklahoma City Inc., said just less than 50 percent of property owners have agreed so far, and written approvals are expected from many more.

"We've got verbal approval from more than two-thirds," Oshel said. "We've been at this process for three years, so I think people are just glad there is some forward momentum going."

City officials hope to begin renovations in March.

The project will be more than just a fresh coat of paint, city officials said. New carpet, improved lighting, heating and air conditioning and the creation of historic photo galleries are all part of the plan.

The plan also includes new signs and a glass "grand entry" at the northwest plaza of Chase Tower at Broadway and Park Place.

Mayor Mick Cornett said he hopes the renovated Conncourse tunnels will be another downtown venue to attract visitors.

"What we have now is functional, but it's not something we necessarily are proud of or market," Cornett said. "I think what we're going to have is something that's going to be really cool. It's either an asset or it's not, and we're going to make it an asset."

[Patrick]

For years now, businesses that are served by the conncourse have fussed over who should be responsible for paying for renovations and maintenance. That's part of the reason the conncourse has deteriorated over the past few years. There needs to be a clearer sense of ownership to the conncourse.

[metro]

Patrick, seems to me there is a clear sense of ownership and who is responsible. Especially since the BID district has already been approved by the city council and the majority of the businesses have agreed to it. Now all they have to do is take the final vote and begin collecting. Seems like a non-issue other than finalizing and implementing

[Patrick]

Good to hear! Thanks for the info.

[metro]

Here's the latest, good news and bad news. The good news is the district was approved and will be moving forward, the bad news is we may not get the nice grand entry because of Cotter Tower. Sounds like we need to get their information and get an email campaign going!


[QUOTE]Most businesses sign up for The Underground

By Steve Lackmeyer
The Oklahoman

A petition to create a special assessment district to overhaul downtown Oklahoma City’s Conncourse tunnels has been signed by 81 percent of property owners - more than enough to let the work proceed.
But a rejection by owners of Chase Tower could force the abandonment of a new grand entryway, said Dave Lopez, president of Downtown Oklahoma City Inc.

Cotter Tower Oklahoma, which owns the building, was one of only three property owners to decline the assessment. Representatives could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Lopez said he is uncertain whether the owners will permit the entry on their plaza at Broadway and Park Avenue.

Designs by project architect Rand Elliott call for a glass-encased, lighted entry for tunnels that will be renamed The Underground.

“The expectation we had was that the improvement would certainly enhance the property, and it would give great visibility to The Underground,” Lopez said.

The $1.9 million renovation is expected to begin by spring and will include art galleries, new carpeting, lighting, air conditioning and fire-safety systems.

Others saying “no” to the special assessment were Cheek Properties, owner of the Law Center Building, 311 N Harvey, and TAParchitecture, 415 N Broadway.

In a letter to Downtown Oklahoma City Inc., John Cheek complained he wasn’t seeing any improvements by the building and that the city should “get the job done” without increasing the tax burden for a small segment of property owners.

Lopez said TAParchitecture opposed the assessment because they disagreed with maintaining the underground tunnels and want to promote activity at street level.

[/QUOTE

[Pete]

Lopez said TAParchitecture opposed the assessment because they disagreed with maintaining the underground tunnels and want to promote activity at street level.

I thought this was interesting, since McDermid & Co. are so actively involved in developing and promoting downtown.

But it's a similar point to the one I made earlier in this thread... The Underground greatly detracts from street level activity which is sorely missing in downtown OKC.

[HOT ROD]

That is true, but i dont see why OKC cant have both. Especially if the Underground is less retail oriented for a while, get the street level retail going - then add in retail underground.

i totally hope they can renovate/improve the Underground in a way that does not deter streetside pedestrian activity. From what i read in their plans, it does appear they will hold off on retail development of the Underground - Im hoping so that streetside will develop.