Century Center

[Pete]

The first step is to perform reinforcement for the new parking levels above.

They haven't even sought design approval for any of this project yet.

[OKCisOK4me]

Steve said in his chat today there is a construction fence around this building and that interior demolition has begun.

This would be a good weekend for me to take a few pics. Not on a Will Scale but just a few.

[shawnw]

2014 has been the stated completion goal of this effort, but I'm having an increasingly difficult time believing that will be possible because I thought they had to have the extra parking before this would be feasible for them. Even if not, seems like you wouldn't redo the facade without the parking addition being done lest you damage the new facade during construction of the parking... but probably they can completely redo the interior while the parking is being added and then do the facade last (theoretically with people occupying the building before the facade is done). I guess it might still be possible, but based on the pace of the main street parking garage construction it doesn't seem like it.

[Pete]

I believe they have to demo the interior to do the foundation and structural reinforcement.

Once they have done this and added the parking levels, I believe they will just remove all the exterior walls and then replace them with glass.

Then, they would start work on finishing out the interior.

[shawnw]

Makes sense. I didn't actually realize reinforcement was necessary. I was under the impression it was designed to hold two more levels as is.

[Pete]

The only thing that has officially happened on this project thus far (other than the announcement) was a building permit for the necessary reinforcement.

They can't even start the parking addition without design approval, and they have yet to submit an application.

[UnFrSaKn]

November 8 2013

[LuccaBrasi]

I've been told the 2 levels of parking are no longer in the works.....

[Lazio85]

I just had a nice conversation with the lady at Subway and it appears this fence has been up for the last two plus weeks. Additionally, that Subway will be gettting a remodel in the next few months, and she mentioned that The Oklahoman was no longer moving into the building. If someone can substantiate her remarks that would be helpful to know if this is the truth.


Century Center by lazio85, on Flickr

[HangryHippo]

Well, it appears this project has already turned into a cluster. Nice.

[soonerguru]

I just had a nice conversation with the lady at Subway and it appears this fence has been up for the last two plus weeks. Additionally, that Subway will be gettting a remodel in the next few months, and she mentioned that The Oklahoman was no longer moving into the building. If someone can substantiate her remarks that would be helpful to know if this is the truth.


Century Center by lazio85, on Flickr

This does not sound credible.

[Pete]

I am pretty darn sure the Oklahoman is still moving there, especially since the design still calls for the large video screen on the SW corner.

Also, what may have changed with the parking is adding just one level instead of two.


I should have the full scoop no later than Monday.

[Steve]

I have no reason to doubt The Oklahoman will be moving into Century Center. There were design and cost issues with the garage expansion that caused delays. The Subway lady is wrong.

[Spartan]

If the structure's massing isn't being expanded, it really should just be torn down or else remain an underutilized site.

[mugofbeer]

If the structure's massing isn't being expanded, it really should just be torn down or else remain an underutilized site.

Is there NOTHING you can agree with??? Really?

[Plutonic Panda]

If the structure's massing isn't being expanded, it really should just be torn down or else remain an underutilized site.

I agree with you. This project just isn't doing it for me. It seems they could of made it better, taller, and WOW!

[ljbab728]

I have no reason to doubt The Oklahoman will be moving into Century Center. There were design and cost issues with the garage expansion that caused delays. The Subway lady is wrong.

Subway ladies always know what they are talking about, Steve.

[urbanCOWBOY]

Guys, I can second this. I went in FedEx Print Center and the copy machine man (who was very nice) confirmed that Subway lady was indeed correct. He also added that the building will be completely demolished and that IM Pei designed a three story McDonald's for this lot!

[Pete]

It now looks like they will not be adding any parking to the top of this structure.

However, the remainder of the proposed design -- removing existing exterior and replacing with glass and metal mesh -- will be pretty much as originally rendered.

Also, there are still plans for the large video screen on the SW corner.


The plan was to add 400 additional parking spots so now without that, the downtown parking crunch gets even more acute, especially once this building is full.

[Praedura]

It now looks like they will not be adding any parking to the top of this structure.

However, the remainder of the proposed design -- removing existing exterior and replacing with glass and metal mesh -- will be pretty much as originally rendered.

Also, there are still plans for the large video screen on the SW corner.


The plan was to add 400 additional parking spots so now without that, the downtown parking crunch gets even more acute, especially once this building is full.

What a joke.

I wish some company or individual with deep pockets would come in, demolish the whole fugly thing, and build something new and beautiful in its place.

This is one of the most high profile areas, right in the heart of a revitalized downtown, and it's being given the complete low-rent treatment.

[Pete]

The silver lining is that without adding the parking, this project could proceed pretty quickly, which is probably why they are already performing interior demolition.

With the new exterior, the video screen, OPUBCO and likely Mahogany (and probably others) moving in, this still represents a huge leap forward for this corner of downtown.

And frankly, after 30+ years of hideous emptiness, I'm excited to see the transformation and corresponding energy and life.


With Mahogany and Park House opening soon, along with Flint and Vast that corner will be quite a nice concentration of fine dining options.

And of course you also have Nebu, the Devon coffee/gelato/pastry shop and the Ice House in the warmer months.


I bet the new Stage Center Tower and the renovation of One North Hudson will bring new restaurants as well, making the park quite the drinking/dining hub.

[OKCisOK4me]

Just imagine that lot to the south if they ever bulldoze it and divide it up! Downtown would have life like never before. Pedestrian interaction on several streetwalls!

[Praedura]

I appreciate your optimism Pete, but I am not so sanguine.

I agree that this corner is really coming alive, but all the things that you mentioned (except Mahogany) are already there. It's precisely because this area is becoming so important that a low-rent, cheapo renovation by a financially strapped company (OPUBCO) has me concerned. I don't forsee great things for this project.

And you could remove the graphic at the top of this thread since, without the extra floors, the final result will obviously not look like that.

[Pete]

Just to be clear, OPUBCO is not behind the renovation -- the will just be tenants.

[Steve]

It now looks like they will not be adding any parking to the top of this structure.

However, the remainder of the proposed design -- removing existing exterior and replacing with glass and metal mesh -- will be pretty much as originally rendered.

Also, there are still plans for the large video screen on the SW corner.


The plan was to add 400 additional parking spots so now without that, the downtown parking crunch gets even more acute, especially once this building is full.

Pete, there are alternate plans that should not add more stress on the parking system until additional garages are built. When everything is known, I think most folks will be very, very happy.