OKC-Not world class

[writerranger]

No, I'm not basing Houston's status on appearance. I think it's a monstrosity. But there's no question it's not on the level of the obvious cities -- DC, NYC, LA, Chicago.

I have to disagree here. DC? Great city? I think Houston whips DC butt as a "city"....I thing greater Houston is actually underrated. LA? It's just another city made up of a collection of suburbs, nothing special about it - used to be, but not anymore. Ugh, what really gets me is to see DC on any list of "great cities."

[HOT ROD]

Tulsa has a specific and unique history to it that few cities it's size and age can match. And a skyline that is far beyond it's size. Far beyond OKC's too. That's true in quality of historic buildings, sizes and height of buildings in downtown.

That's debatable! You know, Tulsa just doesn't have the rocks it once did. Better try picking on cities in your league, like Omaha, Little Rock, Wichita, etc.

[swake]

Washington is an incredible city. Both DC, which is small and has maybe half a million people, and then the greater Washington/Baltimore area with well over seven million. To compare Washington to Houston is crazy.

[HOT ROD]

Washington is an incredible city. Both DC, which is small and has maybe half a million people, and then the greater Washington/Baltimore area with well over seven million. To compare Washington to Houston is crazy.

Definitely agreed SWAKE. Houston can not hold a candle to DC, neither World Class(ness) nor population/significance/etc.

Houston is a great South Central city and is pretty First Class but by no means does Oil Capital translate into World Class!

[floater]

It's not what a city looks like, it's what a city does. LA is the manufacturer of pop culture - that's why it's a world class city. And DC, well it should speak for itself, only the most powerful city in the world (at least politically) -- and as Hot Rod and swake said, a pretty dandy town.

I still think world class is based on significance. Just because you're older doesn't mean you're more important. It's like saying you have to start five guys on a team just because they're all seniors. Athens is older than NYC, and although its earlier generations have had a tremendous impact on the world, doesn't mean present-day Athens is more important.

[Patrick]

I don't really see what makes Houston world class. I mean, I can't think of anything significant there. I know I'm not an expert about different cities, but seems like if Houston was so world class, I could name at least one world renown structure from that city.

DC has the White House, all of the monuments, Smithsonian, US Capitol, etc. How can you say it's not a world class city? It's the capital of the United States for crying out loud. Look at all of the history in that city.

New York: Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Subways, WTC, Statue of Liberty. Once the largest city in the world. Center of American economy. Wall Street. Stock exchange.

LA: Hollywood.....enough all by itself.

[floater]

I don't know, Patrick. I couldn't tell you of any building about LA, but most of us think it's world class. As far as Houston, well I just followed Wikipedia. It's a butt ugly city, but I don't think you can deny dozens of Fortune 500 companies (second only to NYC). I don't know. Oil and NASA mean something to me. But if you ask a foreigner about some western city, they'd probably mention Dallas sooner, thanks to the power of TV.

[fromdust]

we are not world class. we are not even a jewel of a city for the states, im saying this and i love it here. NO is not world class either. nyc, dc, beijing, tokyo, london. you get the pic.

[Urban Pioneer]

I think that a "world class city" markets itself. I just bought a book about the Seattle Space Needle. Very few people before the Worlds Fair new anything about Seattle. It was important in that region of the states; but it was not world class. It was a hard political road to build it, but when they did, they had an icon that set their city apart. I hate the Indian idea. It's terrible. The Space Needle had nothing to do with Seattle or its history. It was just different. Do we always have to build things that reflect our heritage? Lets be progressive and set ourselves apart by building something that no one else has thought of. Our Arch, our Empire State Building--- We have enough oil money to do it right now anyway.

[HOT ROD]

Seattle is not world class. Nor is Houston or Dallas. Or OKC.

Now, all of those cities have World Class amenities and are First Class cities.

But the ONLY world class cities in this country are New York, Chicago, San Fran, with LA bringing up the rear.

And Floater, I think Chicago would have something to say regarding the Fortune 500 2nd City claim as they are behind New York. Perhaps Houston moved up because of the inflated oil revenues but in reality, Chicago is and always will be America's 2nd Big City!

[HOT ROD]

I think that a "world class city" markets itself. I just bought a book about the Seattle Space Needle. Very few people before the Worlds Fair new anything about Seattle. It was important in that region of the states; but it was not world class. It was a hard political road to build it, but when they did, they had an icon that set their city apart. I hate the Indian idea. It's terrible. The Space Needle had nothing to do with Seattle or its history. It was just different. Do we always have to build things that reflect our heritage? Lets be progressive and set ourselves apart by building something that no one else has thought of. Our Arch, our Empire State Building--- We have enough oil money to do it right now anyway.

Actually Seattle has a rich "indian" (or better terminology) aboriginal heritage, moreso than Okladoke! I mean, remember - the land bridge from Asia to Alaska then they settled in this region (as we are pretty close).

Space Needle is Seattle's icon. It does not make Seattle world class by any means, BUT it is a World Class icon! It is THE basis for many future such monuments in cities around the world and is one of the few recognized landmarks in this country.

I just thought I'd throw in my two cents, as Seattle has rich "indian" heritage and the Space Needle (teepee design) is totally appropriate for the region!

[Urban Pioneer]

Have you ever been to Seattle? Believe me... it is now world class. Frank Gerhy's Music Experience building, one of the worlds largest ports/fish markets, Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, and pure beauty. People respect Seattle.

[Urban Pioneer]

It is not a teepee design. Remember... I bought the book. It is based off of "space age" flying saucer imagery. Quite relevant in 60's. Not indians. Maybe people later realized it might look like a teepee on a stick. Lots of people thought Eero Saarinen's TWA airport terminal looked like a bird. Make since... But he never designed it with that inspiration.

[floater]

And Floater, I think Chicago would have something to say regarding the Fortune 500 2nd City claim as they are behind New York. Perhaps Houston moved up because of the inflated oil revenues but in reality, Chicago is and always will be America's 2nd Big City!

Case closed. I guess that's what happens when you read Wikipedia. I really am not a fan of Houston. I've been to Chicago and loved it except for the traffic on the Dan Ryan; I agree one hundred percent that it is the Second City; and I am such a fan of Tina Fey...

[HOT ROD]

Have you ever been to Seattle? Believe me... it is now world class. Frank Gerhy's Music Experience building, one of the worlds largest ports/fish markets, Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, and pure beauty. People respect Seattle.

I Live here (Seattle)!

Its not world class. Believe me!

It has world class amenities, and so does OKC. But Seattle aint at the same level as New York, Chicago, San Fran. And Seattle aint world class.

We dont even have Boeing anymore, not that companies make you world class. Not sure if people "respect" Seattle moreso than they think it is cool (like you).

[HOT ROD]

It is not a teepee design. Remember... I bought the book. It is based off of "space age" flying saucer imagery. Quite relevant in 60's. Not indians. Maybe people later realized it might look like a teepee on a stick. Lots of people thought Eero Saarinen's TWA airport terminal looked like a bird. Make since... But he never designed it with that inspiration.

Actually, it is a space saucer on a teepee design. Honestly, I dont really care about the design of the space needle. Im not going to go into debate about such a worthless landmark, that it is.

But I am from Seattle so I thought I'd clarify that none of the cooky buildings or companies we have/had here make Seattle world class. It just is not at the same level and probably never will be.

A cool city, YES. But definitely not world class.

(and our port IS NOT the largest nor is it one of the largest. Heck, Tacoma's port is larger than Seattle's).

[Urban Pioneer]

Oh well thats your opinion. I have traveled extensively and will concede that there are far more world class cities than Seattle. However, I think that most people think that Seattle is world class. Yes, it has its problems. But its "worthless" landmark as you put it. However it exemplifies "progressive" thinking that is the halmark of the city. Very few cities can compete with the incredible people there. I think that much of they're architecture exemplifies it. What makes a city world class? I contend that it is a city that knows how to market itself and has the people, the architecture, and the atmosphere to back it up. However, you are right about Houston and cities do evolve. Cities have been historically significant can die, and cities that are insiginificant can rise. Just look at American history. Seattle to me is a world class city. Perhaphs as a resident, you just happen to know all its flaws.

[HOT ROD]

Oh well thats your opinion. I have traveled extensively and will concede that there are far more world class cities than Seattle. However, I think that most people think that Seattle is world class. Yes, it has its problems. But its "worthless" landmark as you put it. However it exemplifies "progressive" thinking that is the halmark of the city. Very few cities can compete with the incredible people there. I think that much of they're architecture exemplifies it. What makes a city world class? I contend that it is a city that knows how to market itself and has the people, the architecture, and the atmosphere to back it up. However, you are right about Houston and cities do evolve. Cities have been historically significant can die, and cities that are insiginificant can rise. Just look at American history. Seattle to me is a world class city. Perhaphs as a resident, you just happen to know all its flaws.

I agree to concede also. Many people up here like to pretend they are world class and such - and ride the bandwagon that you and others PLACE Seattle on top of. But this isnt reality. Can't hold a candle to Chicago - hence why our LARGEST employer moved there!

(and funny thing is, we dont pay income tax here in WA, IL does - but they still moved the top brass of Boeing to Chicago, that screams world class!)

Dont get me wrong, Seattle is a great city. I chose to live here. There are many cities better than Seattle, but I like the bohemian progressive spirit that IS the true Seattle.

I also understand and appreciate your opinion as well. To me, it sounds just like the tourism authority programmed your brain (ha ha ha) but hey, if it works - why not (now why can't OKC copy that strategy???)

I do agree wholeheartedly that Seattle is a progressive city. There is not much that one can't get away with in this place (US standards). Im not really sure I agree with the architectural observations (as I think they are one sided toward Post Modern and Futuristic, not enough balance at all) nor the companies (as SF bay area has way more progressive companies than we do, hence one of the reasons SF is world class).

Now that being said, I chose to live here - it aint world class. and that's ok. Honestly, that is the message that OKC needs to hear - its OK not to be world class - but have world class attractions/amenities and offer a First Class city for your residents and visitors. Now I definitely think Seattle does that (except with the transportation issues) and I think if OKC wanted to model from Seattle - take the positives that Urban Pioneer mentions and not the negatives!

Continue the Renaissance!

[Kerry]

Nice list Hod Rod but very North American centric. I think a real list of World Class would be as follows

New York
Paris
London
Tokyo
Hong Kong
Singapore
Sydney
Rome
Berlin

Each of these cities drive the commerce, art and culture of not just their own country, but the whole world. These are true teir 1 cities. Places like Chicago, Houston, Moscow, Madrid, Rio,and San Francisco have influence at the country level but don't play on the world stage like the top ones. I would consider OKC and NO to be marginal tier 3 cities - important to the region but not much impact outside of that.

[HOT ROD]

Nice list Hod Rod but very North American centric.

Very true Kerry. I did say "on this continent" and "NA world class cities".

I do agree with your worldwide list, and I could add more!

[BG918]

OKC is very much a regional power center, being the capital of Oklahoma and its largest city with a variety of industries and a metro population of 1.2 million. I don't see this changing in the near future just like I don't see cities like Omaha, Birmingham, Little Rock, Des Moines, Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Louisville, etc. becoming nothing more than regional centers. National power centers include Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, St. Louis, Cleveland, Minneapolis, etc. with cities on the fringe being places like Austin, Nashville, Tampa, Indianapolis, and San Diego. OKC should aspire to be like one of these cities on the fringe in the next decade or so.

[BDP]

OKC should aspire to be like one of these cities on the fringe in the next decade or so.

Good points. Personally, as long as OKC continues to upgrade it's inner city and add quality attractions and services, I'm good. IMO, there's nothing wrong with operating on a smaller scale, as long as it's quality and attempts to be unique.

[BDP]

like Chicago, Houston, Moscow, Madrid, Rio,and San Francisco have influence at the country level but don't play on the world stage like the top ones.

I would hesitate to say these cities don't play a part in the world stage, economically or creatively. Maybe not as consistently, and maybe they that's the caveat you're trying to make.

[BFizzy]

All of these "World Class Cities", "First Class Cities", and even "Cities on the Fringe" seem to have one thing in common that drives their economies and generate tax revenues to pay for all of their attractions... huge, powerful companies.

Maybe we should talk more about how we can attract those type of companies. Maybe we already are talking about that in another thread and I just don't know.

It's ironic that these "progressive" cities are driven by huge corporations.

[OKCNDN]

Not to mention New Orlenas has about 300 years of development on us.

Not anymore!!!! It's was all underwater for awhile.

Right-to-work does not make a city a world-class city.

Building that Native American History center would definitely help. It would be THE single major tourist destination in the state, when completed. People would come from all over to see that thing and in the process see the rest of OKC. Completing it would be the single biggest step OKC could take to improve tourism.

Expanded gaming and gaming downtown would help. Allen Iverson was at a casino when he was in town. People definitely visit casinos when they travel.

The river has so much potential, when it has water in it anyway.

Having professional sports teams helps to make a city.

Buck-naked strip clubs would help. Seriously, that is one question people ask when they get to a city and they are going to go to a club, "do they get naked". Buck-naked strip clubs would make OKC memorable.

Legalize marijuana. It sure helped amsterdam.