Devon Energy Center

[metro]

Yeah when I look at downtowns, I want to make sure they are "proportional", LOL. Who cares, and as others have said construction spurs more construction, look Devon is OKC's best shot at ever getting a supertall within our lifetime and probably our grandkids. We all can see the possibility of us probably getting a few more mid and even high rises. Let Devon build a supertall if they want, who cares about proportion really anyways, there are other cities in the same boat, it's bragging rights if nothing else. More than likely OKC will get infill over time, but we probably won't get another supertall, a large homegrown company is our best chance at a supertall.

[Kerry]

I am still suspicious that there are more surprises down the road for this project. For a lot of reasons. I still want to be the one who predicted this and hopefully I will win the door prize at the opening--that it WILL exceed 1,000 feet by at least 10 feet. Not an inkling I would like to defend or try to to explain...just call it a "word of knowledge" from "on high"...as the bouffant-white-haired guys who preach on TV would say! I would only ask this--of you out there who are engineers or architects--is there any REASON why this design and choice of construction would prevent this? Is it not within the realm of possibility, whether by design or mid-project change of plan?

The Chrysler Building had a 125' spire secretly built inside and was lifted into place just before the building was finished.

[jmarkross]

Yeah when I look at downtowns, I want to make sure they are "proportional", LOL. Who cares, and as others have said construction spurs more construction, look Devon is OKC's best shot at ever getting a supertall within our lifetime and probably our grandkids. We all can see the possibility of us probably getting a few more mid and even high rises. Let Devon build a supertall if they want, who cares about proportion really anyways, there are other cities in the same boat, it's bragging rights if nothing else. More than likely OKC will get infill over time, but we probably won't get another supertall, a large homegrown company is our best chance at a supertall.

Much like Tulsa was once the "Oil Capital of the World" (now Houston)...I think it is the natural gas industry that will drive the OKC economy in the near future. When serious moves are made into CNG-powered cars (I was in Vancouver in 1986 for Expo '86 and all the taxis were run on CNG and the cabbies swore by it--ultra clean--very low maintenance) and since Oklahoma has vast reserves of gas...I think Devon is headed that way. It IS the power source of choice for the near future and OKC could own that concentration with the companies that are already operating here. It is also time to put an end to those types who think if everyone does not jump through a hoop for a company--it will just move--or not come here. If you don't want to be here...take your pencils and GTFO! No company ever went anywhere out of the 'kindness' of their heart. OKC is a mid-sized city with a lot going for it. Now is the time. The iron is hot.

[jmarkross]

Those of you who design things--might start thinking about some nice "pointy" thing to go atop this new building and come up with some designs...if they don't add more floors...something has to stick up real high to attach a beacon to. I still think the Chrysler Bldg. is a beaut...I love being atop the Empire State Building (observation deck--86th floor) and looking over at it while eating one of those Polish dogs they sell up there...it has a unique shape and lighting. The top of the Devon Tower just begs for some sort of top-knot...

[soonerwilliam]

How do I get to the new updated website?

[OKCisOK4me]

Those of you who design things--might start thinking about some nice "pointy" thing to go atop this new building and come up with some designs...if they don't add more floors...something has to stick up real high to attach a beacon to. I still think the Chrysler Bldg. is a beaut...I love being atop the Empire State Building (observation deck--86th floor) and looking over at it while eating one of those Polish dogs they sell up there...it has a unique shape and lighting. The top of the Devon Tower just begs for some sort of top-knot...

That won't happen. Unlike Manhattan, there's wide open space here in OKC and we have the antenna farm. NYC has no place so they put their transmitter towers on top of the skyscrapers. Remember the top of WTC 1 or 2? It had an array of antennas plus the mega spire.

[JLCinOKC]

I hope for some secret surprise at the end, but I'm not going to hold my breath. The curtain walls at the top could be extended or some sort of First National-esque feature would add some cohesion to the skyline. I've always thought the design of the tower was a little abrupt (for lack of a better word) at the top.

[GoThunder]

That won't happen. Unlike Manhattan, there's wide open space here in OKC and we have the antenna farm. NYC has no place so they put their transmitter towers on top of the skyscrapers. Remember the top of WTC 1 or 2? It had an array of antennas plus the mega spire.

Plus, when the Chrysler building was being built it was competing to be the tallest building in the world. The added height of the spire put them over the edge for this title. The Devon tower doesn't need anything like this for antenna or height purposes so it won't happen. Personally I think a polished top will look better than something sticking out of the roof.

[jmarkross]

I hope for some secret surprise at the end, but I'm not going to hold my breath. The curtain walls at the top could be extended or some sort of First National-esque feature would add some cohesion to the skyline. I've always thought the design of the tower was a little abrupt (for lack of a better word) at the top.

I agree--and--"abrupt" is a good description. This is the tallest building ever built in Oklahoma by a long shot...there will be more surprises--as there should be. The clue was the announcing of 925'--then lower it to 850'...with a really silly reason given, after all. They are playing with us, which is kind of fun and keeps focus on them--good PR of the classic sense--Creel Commission kind of intrigue. All benign, and well intentioned. Like Santa Claus delivering the goods to the kids...I think a design that is triangular offers many prospects. Pointed 'devices' like the tall buildings in Philadelphia would be attractive...something one can see at a great distance in this locale, if lighted well. How about a big windmill! (haha)

[jn1780]

I think adding a spire is a lame way to increase height unless its fully integrated into the building.

[TaurusNYC]

Since the height of this building was reduced from 925 feet to 850 feet, I am wondering how this will affect its shape. Will the taper still begin at the height in the original plan, and simply taper less dramatically? Or will the taper begin at a lower floor to achieve the same shape? Has anyone seen any blueprints of the building since it was modified from its original height?

[kinggober]

Is looks like they have have shortened the inner forms on the northeast core. Unless it's an optical illusion. I know the floors are 5 feet shorter from here on out but I assumed they would only change the outer forms.

7.13.10


7.26.10

[kinggober]

I asked Culwulla from Skyscraper city to make a progress diagram. http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...690618&page=31

ive been asked to draw up a diagram of devon tower
hope this is ok.
please tell me if not.
i worked out 50 floors = 4.6m/15ft each floor?

[dmoor82]

^^Very nice Kinggober!Thanx for postin that!

[Spartan]

Those of you who design things--might start thinking about some nice "pointy" thing to go atop this new building and come up with some designs...if they don't add more floors...something has to stick up real high to attach a beacon to. I still think the Chrysler Bldg. is a beaut...I love being atop the Empire State Building (observation deck--86th floor) and looking over at it while eating one of those Polish dogs they sell up there...it has a unique shape and lighting. The top of the Devon Tower just begs for some sort of top-knot...

Interesting story about the Chrysler Bldg--it was in a height competition as most people know, but not with the Empire State Bldg, but with a bank tower that no longer exists. The architects lied on the heights in an attempt to advertise it at a lower height, and then fix the record after the competitor was built. They both did it, the bank one--but Chrysler hadn't yet added the peak, which was being assembled INSIDE the frame completely hidden. Then they pushed it through the top, and then they finally won. Most people don't know that.

[jn1780]

Is looks like they have have shortened the inner forms on the northeast core. Unless it's an optical illusion. I know the floors are 5 feet shorter from here on out but I assumed they would only change the outer forms.

They have to make the inner forms shorter so that there is no obstruction when they pour the hallway that goes through the center of the cores.

[Dustin]

Is looks like they have have shortened the inner forms on the northeast core. Unless it's an optical illusion. I know the floors are 5 feet shorter from here on out but I assumed they would only change the outer forms.

It hasn't shortened.. They've added a floor to the tower and the area next to the tower.. It makes it look like they've shortened it.

[Thundercitizen]

Guestimating that the Devon Tower would become the tallest building in OKC around this Valentine's Day...weather permitting, of course.
Should look very nice on national television during the NBA playoffs next year.



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[HOT ROD]

Much like Tulsa was once the "Oil Capital of the World" (now Houston)...I think it is the natural gas industry that will drive the OKC economy in the near future. When serious moves are made into CNG-powered cars (I was in Vancouver in 1986 for Expo '86 and all the taxis were run on CNG and the cabbies swore by it--ultra clean--very low maintenance) and since Oklahoma has vast reserves of gas...I think Devon is headed that way. It IS the power source of choice for the near future and OKC could own that concentration with the companies that are already operating here. It is also time to put an end to those types who think if everyone does not jump through a hoop for a company--it will just move--or not come here. If you don't want to be here...take your pencils and GTFO! No company ever went anywhere out of the 'kindness' of their heart. OKC is a mid-sized city with a lot going for it. Now is the time. The iron is hot.

just a side note, all taxis and transit busses (most every city) in China use CNG. ... In fact, China is a LONG way ahead of USA when it comes to renewable energy. .....

[jmarkross]

just a side note, all taxis and transit busses (most every city) in China use CNG. ... In fact, China is a LONG way ahead of USA when it comes to renewable energy. .....

One great advantage for China--and many other countries more recently developed--is they were not so deeply entrenched in gasoline-based transportation, they were able to jump into the fray with better visions of the future without the burden of a gigantic infrastructure dedicated and designed for 1950's-style technology--a distinct advantage. I am sure they will be marketing CNG vehicles into the USA soon--and should do very well. Detroit is still hopelessly behind on this--Ford being better positioned than GM. GM is a company which simply has *no chance* of survival--for many varied reasons. Chrysler is a boutique, the foreign car-makers located in the South are the future of the USA-auto industry.

[Architect2010]

just a side note, all taxis and transit busses (most every city) in China use CNG. ... In fact, China is a LONG way ahead of USA when it comes to renewable energy. .....

But that's only to be expected. That country is almost 5 times as populated as the United States and is the heaviest pollution-producing country in the world. They had better be ahead of us in the Green movement because they need it. ;P

[Thunder]

I thought the tower will be at least twice the height to the tallest one downtown? That picture just made it look shorter than 850... :-(

[hipsterdoofus]

NW Core has gone up.

[OKCisOK4me]

NW Core has gone up.

You mean, NE Core...

[hipsterdoofus]

You mean, NE Core...

Dangit...I made the same mistake in my head as I was walking in this morning...yes, NE