OG&E Tower

[ChrisHayes]

I don't really have a problem with the original design per se. I just wish the main tower of it would have been more encompassing of the base building, and it was at least a good 20 stories taller. But something of classic design would have the potential to be cool as long as it isn't a box.

[Urbanized]

I good 20 stories taller than what? Has a final floor count/height been made public? It's pretty apparent the original design was merely a placeholder.

[Pete]

Glad to hear some big boys are involved.

Interesting timing on the architect announcement; within a week of the building being completely scraped, although they clearly were selected some time ago since design plans are to be submitted soon.

Still unclear on the roles on the various players in all this. What is Willaims' role if Clayco is the developer? Is he merely flipping the land to them? Does OG&E now have an ownership interest in the development? What about the rest of the block (at least two other parcels were identified for development)?

We may never gave complete answers on the old Stage Center site but the parcel to the south is subject to a public process with total transparency.

[G.Walker]

Looking at RAMSA's portfolio, their office tower designs are not that impressive, and they only have a few at that. Comcast Center is by far their best office design. I still have my doubts about this project being 'word class'.

[bchris02]

I good 20 stories taller than what? Has a final floor count/height been made public? It's pretty apparent the original design was merely a placeholder.

The original speculation of around 14 stories give or take a few. That is what is shown in the conceptual rendering released last year.



Thankfully, it looks like with Clayco's involvement the project could end up much more impressive than originally expected.

[Urbanized]

Yes, I'm aware of the original rendering. It has been discussed ad nauseam in this thread. I'm just puzzled about why we're still obsessing on it - or even using it as much of a point of reference - in light of this new information.

[Rover]

Sterns does a lot of residential high rise, too.

This is an international firm. Good sign.

[Pete]

Sterns does a lot of residential high rise, too.

This is an international firm. Good sign.

Right, and people need to keep in mind that there may be much more to this development than just the OG&E building.

[hoya]

Yes, I'm aware of the original rendering. It has been discussed ad nauseam in this thread. I'm just puzzled about why we're still obsessing on it - or even using it as much of a point of reference - in light of this new information.

Because it's the only thing we've seen so far. Saying "it should be 20 stories taller" is pretty clear, because everybody knows he's referring to the original rendering. Even if that picture has nothing at all to do with the final design, it was crystal clear he was referring to it. No ambiguity in his statement.

[David]

So let me get this straight, the designer of the OG&E tower will be the same firm that designed this?



Works for me. Even with the "we leaned away from the ultra-modern buildings" comment that suggests we won't get Comcast Center v2, they clearly know what they are doing.

[Pete]

I've heard from good sources that Pickard Chilton has signed on for the Main & Hudson Tower, and most of their buildings are modern glass structures that are variations of what they did at Devon Tower.

So, we'll almost certainly see another glass tower just two blocks north, with Devon right across the street.

Might be nice to have a different approach here, especially since it's not likely to be in the 15 to 25 story category.

[bchris02]

Might be nice to have a different approach here, especially since it's not likely to be in the 15 to 25 story category.

You referring to the OG&E tower or the Main/Hudson tower? And by this, do you mean shorter than 15 stories or taller than 25?

[Pete]

You referring to the OG&E tower or the Main/Hudson tower? And by this, do you mean shorter than 15 stories or taller than 25?

OG&E.

15 to 25, as in somewhere in between.

[Urbanized]

Because it's the only thing we've seen so far. Saying "it should be 20 stories taller" is pretty clear, because everybody knows he's referring to the original rendering. Even if that picture has nothing at all to do with the final design, it was crystal clear he was referring to it. No ambiguity in his statement.

But those are not the words he used. He said "...I just wish the main tower of it would have been more encompassing of the base building, and it was at least a good 20 stories taller..." as if the train had somehow left the station or the original rendering were somehow still relevant, which apparently is no longer the case.

[Motley]

This firm does a lot of work for Disney and the U of Virginia and has designed some striking and classic buildings. They don't appear to specialize in modern, like a Frank Gehry, but their aesthetics will work beautifully in OKC. Based on the portfolio on their website, their work in residential towers seem to be a strength.

[G.Walker]

I don't know, I was hoping to see a ultra-modern glass tower, seems to be the trend, and would compliment Devon. But I will reserve my judgment until I see final design.

[Motley]

Glass towers are certainly the current trend, although I prefer ones like the Beekman Tower in Manhattan or the Aqua tower in Chicago that have elements to the skin instead of just a glass sheath. I'm just glad the developers are putting thought and effort in the project, and Robert A.M. Stern certainly has the depth of talent to create a strong statement. I love modern, but I also appreciate a building that looks strong and stately and classic with interesting elements. Many of the new glass towers look a bit faddish to me. When it comes to design, I prefer the Chrysler building over the new Freedom Tower.

[David]

In case anyone else is curious, here is the website and online portfolio of this new player: Robert A.M. Stern Architects

[Pete]

This is one of Stern's buildings in Boston and seems to be about the same size and scale of the OG&E project:

[catch22]

This is one of Stern's buildings in Boston and seems to be about the same size and scale of the OG&E project:

Pete, but it isn't 50 stories. This is complete crap.

In all seriousness, though, if we got a building with the architectural detail of that building, it would be a tremendous step forward for OKC. Size isnt everything.

[ChrisHayes]

By more encompassing of the base I meant taking up a bigger part of the base building. And by at least 20 stories taller, at least 30 plus stories. I know it was a rendering but still

[Teo9969]

Pete, but it isn't 50 stories. This is complete crap.

In all seriousness, though, if we got a building with the architectural detail of that building, it would be a tremendous step forward for OKC. Size isnt everything.

Plus, we could really use some red in the skyline!!!

[soonerguru]

Plus, we could really use some red in the skyline!!!

Boomer!

Wait, wrong thread.

[Plutonic Panda]

This is one of Stern's buildings in Boston and seems to be about the same size and scale of the OG&E project:

That's cool, but it would be better in Midtown or C2S. If it is a taller version, then yes. But I think it should be much taller than this.

[BDP]

Works for me. Even with the "we leaned away from the ultra-modern buildings" comment that suggests we won't get Comcast Center v2, they clearly know what they are doing.

Yeah, I think they pretty much figured out we don't want anything pushing the envelope or being too "out there". Something more familiar will be much more welcomed.