Devon Energy Center

[HangryHippo]

I would expect they won't announce anything for at least 5 years. That doesn't mean they aren't planning something. If they continue to grow and add more employees, and they end up leasing out a lot of office space all over the place like they did before the new tower, then maybe we'll see them build again. But at the moment, sitting tight and riding out the Chesapeake/Sandridge fallout might be the best move. Devon is nothing if not cautious.

How long before the Chesapeake fallout pulls back? This SandRidge situation is much more precarious and who knows when we might see any resolution on that front.

[bluedogok]

I would expect they won't announce anything for at least 5 years. That doesn't mean they aren't planning something. If they continue to grow and add more employees, and they end up leasing out a lot of office space all over the place like they did before the new tower, then maybe we'll see them build again. But at the moment, sitting tight and riding out the Chesapeake/Sandridge fallout might be the best move. Devon is nothing if not cautious.

Once they have enough outside, leased space then it would be much easier to justify to shareholders/fund managers the need for a new building. By then the Chesapeake/Sandridge fallout should have blown over.

[Teo9969]

5 years seems like a long time before they announce anything.

If they are actually worried about PR, they'll find a way to make a new building something that doesn't appear to be lavish spending. They can announce a massive hiring, or make an acquisition.

It seems that they're just trying to assess the long-term picture a bit better before moving forward, but I can't see that taking 5 years. If things stay on track, they'll be mighty uncomfortable in that "small" building in 2020. I bet they're waiting so they can determine if they need another 500k or 1.5M square feet.

[adaniel]

Given what has happened with Chesapeake and SandRidge and the increased scrutiny of their real estate holdings, it doesn't surprise me that Devon is extra cautious announcing anything regarding their future plans. Heck, there's probably still Reuters reporters here in town ready to dig up dirt.

The people I know who work there say the building is all but full, not necessarily bursting at the seams, but definitely more crowded than what was planned at this time. I'm sure its just a matter of time before some sort of expansion is planned.

[metro]

Given what has happened with Chesapeake and SandRidge and the increased scrutiny of their real estate holdings, it doesn't surprise me that Devon is extra cautious announcing anything regarding their future plans. Heck, there's probably still Reuters reporters here in town ready to dig up dirt.

The people I know who work there say the building is all but full, not necessarily bursting at the seams, but definitely more crowded than what was planned at this time. I'm sure its just a matter of time before some sort of expansion is planned.

It's not full, I've toured it myself in the last few weeks and have seen plenty of empty offices and cubicles. Will they probably outgrow it if they stay on current growth rate without anything major unforeseen? Probably in the next 2-3 years but they're definitely not cramped in the short-term.

[Pete]

Remember, they still have employees to move from Houston.

Not sure where they stand on that but I doubt all of them have made the move or been replaced.

[hoya]

That's got to be part of it too.

In the end, 5 years isn't that long for an announcement. The last time Devon announced, they were ready to move. The building had been designed, they owned the land, every piece was in place. I'd think they will do the same thing with the next one.

But generally, if they're having to lease other space today and are planning on adding a lot of jobs, I don't see that they have any choice but to build another tower. The one they have is just not big enough. I'd anticipate a small medical center on the Preftakes block, where the 1 story buildings are on Main. Then perhaps an underground connection to the main complex, as well as a tower also on the Preftakes block where the Lunch Box and the bus station are.

[SharkSandwich]

Remember, they still have employees to move from Houston.

Not sure where they stand on that but I doubt all of them have made the move or been replaced.

I don't think this statement is accurate.

[HangryHippo]

I don't think this statement is accurate.

What part(s) do you think are inaccurate?

[UnFrSaKn]

[Urbanized]

Personally I think a little coffee/news stand in the lobby of that auditorium, open to the public (maybe just in the mornings), would be a great way to liven that corner and better engage with the street. And yes, I understand there is already a coffee shop in the building proper.

[Pete]

Personally I think a little coffee/news stand in the lobby of that auditorium, open to the public (maybe just in the mornings), would be a great way to liven that corner and better engage with the street. And yes, I understand there is already a coffee shop in the building proper.

There is plenty of room on that corner for some tables and chairs.

When the Mystery Tower is constructed and the Preftakes block built out, that will be a hot corner.

[catcherinthewry]

Wow, that looks like a rendering! With the people that don't look real and everything. Cool shot Will. Keep 'em coming!

That's what I thought too!

[TechArch]

I went to a tour of the Devon Tower and Myriad Gardens today that was put on by the AIA Central Oklahoma Chapter. Larry Nichols and Klay Kimker stopped in to say a few words. Someone in attendance asked Klay how full the building is right now. He said that they have room for around 500 more employees.

[UnFrSaKn]

Devon Energy Center (June 10 2013) - a set on Flickr

[CuatrodeMayo]

Boldly-Colored, Minimalist City Posters Featuring Iconic Urban Structures - DesignTAXI.com

[Buffalo Bill]

Thunder colors, to boot.

[Praedura]

Blue skies smiling at me...



Photo by Mike Mezeul II

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...6799355&type=1

In that pic, Devon Tower is one with the universe...

[ljbab728]

I haven't heard anything recently about the problem with the lights. Does anyone know if that's finally been taken care of?

[ErnestA]

Boldly-Colored, Minimalist City Posters Featuring Iconic Urban Structures - DesignTAXI.com

That's pretty neat we're featured in such company. Devon Energy Center strikes just as cool an outline as any of the others. The San Fran concept with fog covering the wires and the Dallas nighttime view with the actual greenlit building outline are inventive.

[Urbanized]

I haven't heard anything recently about the problem with the lights. Does anyone know if that's finally been taken care of?

Still very much a work in progress.

[UnFrSaKn]

Devon Energy Center Tour (July 13 2013) - a set on Flickr

[UnFrSaKn]

[UnFrSaKn]

Hopefully several years from now we will have another amazing company HQ like this just across the street. Imagine for a moment seeing another tower nearby and the whole atmosphere feeling different because of that. Maybe it's just me. It would feel even more urban to me.

[OKCisOK4me]

Anyone else see this?

Bustler: CTBUH Selects the 4 Best Tall Buildings for 2013

I had to double take on if that was or wasn't a NSFW link, lol. Surely, they could have discovered a way better picture than that. I know I've seen tons, including Will's shots!