First National Center

[HangryHippo]

I realize that you're trying to be sarcastic and funny, but it's starting to fall flat. At least this aging landmark is actually still being used actively, practically and continually—unlike some of the other dilapidating, "unique" landmarks that hardcore preservationists lamented their doom (without doing anything substantive to rectify the "injustice" of it all).

This.

[Urbanized]

Yeah, not trying to be funny at all. The idea of public/private partnership was raised, and for some that is the litmus test for whether or not a building should survive. You can't have it both ways. Or, apparently you can.

[Urbanized]

I realize that you're being sarcastic and trying to be funny, but it's starting to fall flat. At least this aging landmark is actually still being used actively, practically and continually—unlike some of the other dilapidating, "unique" landmarks that hardcore preservationists lamented their doom (without doing anything substantive to rectify the "injustice" of it all).

By the way, aren't you the person who chases me into unrelated threads and trolls me on this subject? Yeah, I thought so.

[Of Sound Mind]

By the way, aren't you the person who chases me into unrelated threads and trolls me on this subject? Yeah, I thought so.

I don't chase you anywhere. In fact, I don't chase anyone. However, if I'm reading a thread and see another inane comment, I'm not going to avoid responding to it simply because you are paranoid—which you incorrectly and baselessly ascribe as "trolling."

[Of Sound Mind]

Yeah, not trying to be funny at all. The idea of public/private partnership was raised, and for some that is the litmus test for whether or not a building should survive. You can't have it both ways. Or, apparently you can.

How am I trying to have it both ways?

[Urbanized]

Excuse me, my post was relevant to the topic at hand, and I will continue to post as I see fit. If you want to follow me around just to criticize or attempt to incite me you are welcome to do so.

[Urbanized]

How am I trying to have it both ways?

I meant "you" in the general sense.

[Of Sound Mind]

I meant "you" in the general sense.

Fair enough.

[Spartan]

Devon comes close to being landmark status. Usually it happens these days when it is shareholder money at stake, and not an individual's. A company like Devon had several business justifications....one being increasing their visibility and creating the impression that they are in the best position to recruit the best talent. The company did not have to finance the building, so banking wasn't an issue.

Any businessman that makes decisions to spend lavishly without proper financial constraints, and does so purely out of ego won't have their money for long. It works in Dubai because of the status of the Khalifas, but show me elsewhere where in a competitive business city that landmarks are built by individuals just because they can.

I was comparing different times, not different places. I'm not bchris...

[hoya]

People are testy today.

[Pete]

First National Center is up for sale with brokers urging potential buyers to look at it as a redevelopment opportunity.
By Steve Lackmeyer Published: March 26, 2014


The sale was posted this week by the Oklahoma City office of CBRE and is being represented by Amy Dunn. The listing does not include an asking price, though a separate office at CBRE appraised the property at $8.5 million during bankruptcy proceedings in 2012.

[BillyOcean]

I realize that you're being sarcastic and trying to be funny, but it's starting to fall flat. At least this aging landmark is actually still being used actively, practically and continually—unlike some of the other dilapidating, "unique" landmarks that hardcore preservationists lamented their doom (without doing anything substantive to rectify the "injustice" of it all).

Agreed 100%

[AP]

I realize that you're being sarcastic and trying to be funny, but it's starting to fall flat. At least this aging landmark is actually still being used actively, practically and continually—unlike some of the other dilapidating, "unique" landmarks that hardcore preservationists lamented their doom (without doing anything substantive to rectify the "injustice" of it all).

+++++++11111111111

[Pete]

The fact it is officially listed for sale is cause for celebration, although I'd feel better it there was a stated price.

The good news is the current owners can't continue to carry a 75% vacant property, especially since they don't seem to have the assets and/or interest to improve it.

It will likely take a group of locals that have a passion for both OKC and the structure and someone with deep enough pockets to conduct major surgery.

Seems like the logical approach would be to take out some of the non-historical center and eastern sections and replace with parking, while retaining the arcade and ground-level retail.

Then, the tower could be converted to a hotel or housing and the remainder could be office.


This is really the last big piece of the downtown puzzle and it looks like we are headed in the right direction.

[Urbanized]

OMG, people. By all means, PLEASE put me on ignore.

[Of Sound Mind]

The fact it is officially listed for sale is cause for celebration, although I'd feel better it there was a stated price.

The good news is the current owners can't continue to carry a 75% vacant property, especially since they don't seem to have the assets and/or interest to improve it.

It will likely take a group of locals that have a passion for both OKC and the structure and someone with deep enough pockets to conduct major surgery.

Seems like the logical approach would be to take out some of the non-historical center and eastern sections and replace with parking, while retaining the arcade and ground-level retail.

Then, the tower could be converted to a hotel or housing and the remainder could be office.


This is really the last big piece of the downtown puzzle and it looks like we are headed in the right direction.

Well said and agree 100%

[Snowman]

The fact it is officially listed for sale is cause for celebration, although I'd feel better it there was a stated price.

The good news is the current owners can't continue to carry a 75% vacant property, especially since they don't seem to have the assets and/or interest to improve it.

It will likely take a group of locals that have a passion for both OKC and the structure and someone with deep enough pockets to conduct major surgery.

Seems like the logical approach would be to take out some of the non-historical center and eastern sections and replace with parking, while retaining the arcade and ground-level retail.

Then, the tower could be converted to a hotel or housing and the remainder could be office.


This is really the last big piece of the downtown puzzle and it looks like we are headed in the right direction.

It may be true but I hope somehow it could be worked out that we do not loose one of the few street walls downtown that was designed with retail on the ground floor and many levels above it

[Pete]

^

You wouldn't have to lose the streetwall... The parking about the retail could be built out in the same way.

In fact, it would almost have to be given the constraints of the property.

Most that office space above has been empty for a long time and looks pretty shabby.

[Pete]

Heard today that Gary Brooks may be the front-runner to buy this property.


Might explain why he decided to bow out of the LIFT development.

[Spartan]

That makes sense. This project will require a developer with experience working with diverse financing options including tax credits, TIF, etc.

[Pete]

I believe that Brooks and Don Karchmer are working together on some conceptual plans.

Don't believe the complex is under contract or that they've agreed to terms. Just trying to come up with something that will work.

[HOT ROD]

Watched the NBA Western Finals on Sunday, and while I was happy/impressed by the aerial shots that TnT did for Oklahoma City's ever expanding CBD *and I have to say TnT does OKC justice, ABC/Espn not so much*.

However, I was quite disappointed with the lighting of most of the towers; most particularly FNC. Why is it not lit up? It would have made a tremendous difference if FNC would be lit up (at least white, but Thunder blue would add a touch) for those shots/special events at least. Might even help justify the cost of the sale if folks could 'see' the building on TV.

[Urbanized]

On the off chance the building's owners were watching, I wonder if they even knew which building is the one they own. This building needs local ownership...YESTERDAY.

[jn1780]

Watched the NBA Western Finals on Sunday, and while I was happy/impressed by the aerial shots that TnT did for Oklahoma City's ever expanding CBD *and I have to say TnT does OKC justice, ABC/Espn not so much*.

However, I was quite disappointed with the lighting of most of the towers; most particularly FNC. Why is it not lit up? It would have made a tremendous difference if FNC would be lit up (at least white, but Thunder blue would add a touch) for those shots/special events at least. Might even help justify the cost of the sale if folks could 'see' the building on TV.

I think you know the answer to this if you read the last 10 pages of this thread. The owner is more interested in holding this building hostage than improving it or making any effort to make it look nice.

[Pete]

Small thing, but Cafe 7 is adding a small outdoor patio to the north of their restaurant, along Park Ave.

Should add some street life. And remember, the City just commissioned a big study in hopes of creating a retail corridor along Park.