OIPA Headquarters

[mcca7596]

If they just put the building on the corner and moved the parking lot closer to the freeway, it would be a huge improvement. And make the iconic signature architecture element (the glass stair tower) face the intersection where people will see it; instead of facing the interstate where people will go by at 70 mph. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I can't take it anymore!

I guess it will at least create a more dense impression of downtown to visitors.

[Kerry]

I guess it will at least create a more dense impression of downtown to visitors.

How? It will be on the other side of an elevated interstate. You won't be able to see it from downtown unless you are above the 10th floor and then it will be so far away it will just blend in with the ground.

[mcca7596]

I mean when you are on 235, specifically going north. I guess you are talking about the CBD; to me the health sciences area is an immediate extension of "downtown".

[BG918]

I didn't know that Shangri-La closed, we used to go up there for a golf tournament almost every year when I was growing up.

They are closed because they are in the process of updating the golf course and club house.

[Larry OKC]

Think it went thru bankruptcy and was sold wasn't it?

[Rover]

Why does everyone keep bringing up resorts on THIS thread?

[Kerry]

Why does everyone keep bringing up resorts on THIS thread?

It spiraled out of control starting with post 7.

[Pete]

[Rover]

Looks very sub-urban and average at that. Seems like they would want a higher image, even if they weren't concerned about urban design issues. Bad is bad, regardless of where it is.

Looks like something I would make with free downloaded software. LOL

Who is the architectural firm/architect?

[SkyWestOKC]

^^ Agree with Rover.

Hopefully this is one of those things that look better in person than on paper.

[G.Walker]

Maybe this is just a "conceptual design"? The final draft of renderings can be totally different. Look at the initial Aloft conceptual design, we all thought it would end up looking like that, but it is totally different, and more urban, lets hope this is the case for OIPA. If you drive by the future site of OIPA, they have a sign on the site, with rendering, which looks way more urban.

[Kerry]

My issue with project is based on the layout of the site. They could build the coolest building in the world but if they set it back 100 feet from the corner it will still be a failure to me.

[BG918]

My issue with project is based on the layout of the site. They could build the coolest building in the world but if they set it back 100 feet from the corner it will still be a failure to me.

Agree. Too bad most developers or city zoning codes don't share this opinion though. I am more interested in how a building interacts with the sidewalk/street and that parking is behind/underground than I am the actual design especially in urban areas.

[Spartan]

Looks very sub-urban and average at that. Seems like they would want a higher image, even if they weren't concerned about urban design issues. Bad is bad, regardless of where it is.

Looks like something I would make with free downloaded software. LOL

Who is the architectural firm/architect?

Rover, are you actually criticizing a downtown development project? What about the free market at work? There are real, tangible, market reasons for everything that goes on in OKC...status quo.

Just joking. I'm proud of you.

[Rover]

Rover, are you actually criticizing a downtown development project? What about the free market at work? There are real, tangible, market reasons for everything that goes on in OKC...status quo.

Just joking. I'm proud of you.

Shoot, some things are so obvious even I get it.

[Spartan]

Yeah. I guess this is one of those, "Wow, it's really THAT bad," situations.

[Pete]

$4.9 million building permit just issued for this project.

[Steve]

Still not seeing any constructions started

[RodH]

I saw what appears to be a construction trailer on the site yesterday.

[Skyline]

Job trailer is on site and excavation has begun. Tractors, dump trucks, and contractors busy today. This project is full throttle now.

I really hope that project rendering above is only a bad angle. This location could be something special architecturally if desired. With Lincoln Blvd on one side and 235 Broadway Ext on the other.

I always imagined a monumental type building would be built on this parcel of land. Some amazing views of could be had from such a location as this.

[Spartan]

It's not that great of a site. Incredible visibility, but ironically, horrible access.

[Rover]

But, on the NE corner is a tremendous development site. And, with the OIPA building being so short, an unobstructed view of downtown is available. IMHO, best site for a residential high rise and/or hotel in the area. Would be highly visible for a commercial site, but fabulous views of downtown and river activity for the residential. In a way, the OIPA small building may be the best thing to happen to that corner.

[Spartan]

Well, it will be serviced by streetcar fairly soon. Perhaps that will make a difference with Lincoln..

[MDot]

FWIW, I drove by here today leaving OU Medical Center going to Bricktown and they haven't done much but look as if they're fixing to start the plumbing. I assume they will have the building going up in a few weeks and done with the structure itself in a couple of months, but don't take my word for it cause that's just a guesstimation.

[Spartan]

That building might not take longer than a week to rise. Ok just kidding, but still..