OG&E Tower

[dmoor82]

^^^^^yes, let's hope for that scenario.

[kevinpate]

Since it is coming down, I'll be glad once it does.
Some of y'all need a new hobby.

[LuccaBrasi]

I think they are using Clayco as their architects but don't want to be pinned down for some reason.

I'm sure the only reason their name even came up in the interview is that we found out about their involvement a while ago.


Why would they use ADG for conceptual plans, Clacyo as a "consultant", then hire someone completely different to be architects and contractors? It's not like they are facing some unique A&E issues. This looks to be a very straight-forward project on a flat, square parcel.

Good question. I would be surprised of they did hire someone else other than Clayco, unless, they get sideways with them, which I doubt. There could be many scenarios. Rainey may have brought ADG on board to do the conceptual rendering leading up to the demo being approved, and that was the extent of their agreement. ADG does not have a portfolio of doing this kind of project, so it may have been Rainey and his sphere of influencers sought out someone who did once it was approved to move forward. A firm like ADG is capable of doing a mid-rise, but in todays world, clients want you have to have an expert on board, that's why most firms have to team when doing even pretty straight forward jobs like high schools and police stations. ADG could also end up being a local partner to Clayco, but I doubt it.

[HOT ROD]

I am thinking the same thing as anonymous, I'm trying my best to see this in a half full prospective. ...

Perhaps the 'design' that Clayco submitted for a 16-storey 'tower' on top of a huge monolithic garage podium didn't make the cut (even though it was released to the public). Perhaps better minds at OGE want better and therefore a new architect is being sought. RW said they wanted world class, clearly the Clayco submittal was NOT and there must have been some sort of backlash and a 'request' to start from scratch. This is the ONLY way I could even remotely have hope for this situation that has otherwise been handled like the shady-backward backroom dealings we see from the state legislature (re AICC fiasco).

I don't know how/why the city let the demolition of Stage Centre be approved without concrete plans/financing in place and released for the new tower. Didn't Devon even have to get approval for their tower before the Galleria parking lot was approved for demolition? ??... Good ole boy, I suppose.

[UnFrSaKn]

Steve's business chat:

11:51
Comment From Guest
Can you give a "ballpark" time frame on when final renderings for the Stage center/OGE tower will be released. I'm still optimistic about this project but the way it has been approached so far is making me nervous.

We should know more once the architect is hired.
11:51

[Pete]

An application was filed today with the Downtown Design Review Committee to put up a construction fence.

Remember, they already have the demo permit so the Stage Center will likely start to come down soon:

Erect temporary demolition/construction fencing around the site using black vinyl coated chain link with black mesh privacy screen.

[Plutonic Panda]

Going to be really sad to see this come down

[macfoucin]

Going to be really sad to see this come down

For some, yes. For many, like myself, not a sad day at all.

[BrettM2]

For some, yes. For many, like myself, not a sad day at all.

My feelings as well.

[OKCisOK4me]

Going to be really sad to see this come down

If it was a 29 lane highway, you'd be overjoyed!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

[Bellaboo]

For some, yes. For many, like myself, not a sad day at all.

Mine too. But I hope we get a pleasant surprise with the replacement though.

[Plutonic Panda]

If it was a 29 lane highway, you'd be overjoyed!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

I know. Sadly, it's not a 29 Lane Highway :"(

[OKCisOK4me]

I know. Sadly, it's not a 29 Lane Highway :"(

haha

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

[Spartan]

Destroying a historic architecturally significant buidling before we even see the final plans for OG&E. How backwards does that sound?

This would not happen in most urban cities. Our review processes need to reevaluation.

[drinner-okc]

Holes bored & posts placed for perimeter fencing as of noon 6/17

[gopokes88]

Destroying a historic architecturally significant buidling before we even see the final plans for OG&E. How backwards does that sound?

That's not even an extremest or preachy save the art position. Seems perfectly reasonable.

[UnFrSaKn]

Will Stage Center be Demolished This Next Month? | News OK

[LakeEffect]

This would not happen in most urban cities. Our review processes need to reevaluation.

Really? How many urban cities have a design review process that requires both?

[Spartan]

Any city where the historic review board takes precedence over the permitting board (usually a planning commission). In Cleveland the Landmarks Commission has both review over demo or mods to historic bldgs as well as any construction in a historic district. It's the city bldg code pincer (dual pronged).

It's no secret that OKC's design review processes aren't as good as other cities. We need the ability to review design and demo simultaneously. Other cities don't issue demo permits without knowing what the replacement is.

Thanks for bearing w my typo in the post you quoted. Haven't posted on OKC Talk on a desktop in a long time. Great exercise in brevity, accuracy not so much.

[Plutonic Panda]

haha

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S5

I was being serious

[OKC74]

Twice on Channel 5 news today, in reporting about the demolition of Stage Center, they have stated "a more than 20-story tower will take its place"....I haven't been on the thread in awhile, but I'm sure I would've seen if the height had gone up? Anybody know?

[ljbab728]

Historical landmark ?Stage Center? nears demolition | KFOR.com

[Pete]

Twice on Channel 5 news today, in reporting about the demolition of Stage Center, they have stated "a more than 20-story tower will take its place"....I haven't been on the thread in awhile, but I'm sure I would've seen if the height had gone up? Anybody know?

No, no new info has been released about the proposed tower since the original renderings were made public.

I'm sure they were just a bit confused.

[Pete]

I have to saw now that this is close to happening I'm getting a bit of a sick feeling about it.

I've never been passionate about the structure but I respect that many people are and how hard this will be.

I also know that for better or worse it's unique and we don't have much of that in OKC.

[RadicalModerate]

Maybe they could treat the remains of that eyesore like the Berlin Wall and sell pieces of it to people for homemade artwork and museums for public display of relics?

It would, perhaps, be akin to Steampunk or something like it? Except to the next level?

I wouldn't be surprised if Wayne Coyne might have or have not an interest here.
His Art Gallery over by the Iguana Lounge seems to need a . . . whatever.

btw: I am frankly surprised that OG&E couldn't do better than the rendering of the proposed addition to the OKC skyline.
(not that it really matters.)