Oklahoma and Sheridan Hotel

[Anonymous.]

I posted this on June 13th:



I had heard a Marriott boutique concept but either my source got Marriott/Hilton confused or the buyer decided to go with this new brand.

Flipping this lot to a hotel developer was always part of the deal where Burnett & Co. bought several Bricktown properties at once.

Right, I meant the brand/level of hotel. Great work!

[Steve]

I know, right?

Yep. Said it once in a chat a year ago. Can't believe the line has built up such a legend. Folks have built up such a heightened expectation that when this deal does happen, or I end up revealing what it was and why it fell apart (I think it will happen), some folks will be immediately disappointed if it's nothing short than 10 high rises, a Dallas Galleria style shopping mall with an ESPN Zone and Nordstroms, and the relocated headquarters for Google.

[Bellaboo]

Yep. Said it once in a chat a year ago. Can't believe the line has built up such a legend. Folks have built up such a heightened expectation that when this deal does happen, or I end up revealing what it was and why it fell apart (I think it will happen), some folks will be immediately disappointed if it's nothing short than 10 high rises, a Dallas Galleria style shopping mall with an ESPN Zone and Nordstroms, and the relocated headquarters for Google.

^^^like^^^

[AP]

Yep. Said it once in a chat a year ago. Can't believe the line has built up such a legend. Folks have built up such a heightened expectation that when this deal does happen, or I end up revealing what it was and why it fell apart (I think it will happen), some folks will be immediately disappointed if it's nothing short than 10 high rises, a Dallas Galleria style shopping mall with an ESPN Zone and Nordstroms, and the relocated headquarters for Google.

I just think it's ridiculous that people try to analyze every little thing you say. It's so weird.

[Steve]

I just think it's ridiculous that people try to analyze every little thing you say. It's so weird.

It's partially my fault. A lot of what is coming out now I was tracking about a year ago, and it was all pretty amazing to me. The live chats are especially challenging for me ... you may or may not notice I'm being a bit more conservative these days in what I say in the chat.

[mugofbeer]

Why is everyone so obsessed with that line?

Because its so implausible much of anything could fullfill the line. Plus its funny to watch the denials scramble. Sorry...wont do it again until someone says that was "it."

[bchris02]

Because its so implausible much of anything could fullfill the line. Plus its funny to watch the denials scramble. Sorry...wont do it again until someone says that was "it."

Actually this is the first announcement that I thought to myself that this could possibly be it. Somebody throws the line out there whenever any development is announced but this hotel is a big deal and for OKC to be first along with the other cities that are getting one is something that could invoke envy.

[ljbab728]

For those who can't see the video in Steve's encrypted article.

OKC Central blog player

[ShadowStrings]

It's starting to get off-topic, I know, but I thought it was established that the "jealous" development was entertainment-related. Maybe I'm remembering wrong.

Back on topic, I think this is a great project and will be a great asset for OKC to have.

[Jake]

Disappointed. Was really hoping for a Holiday Inn.

[ljbab728]

Disappointed. Was really hoping for a Holiday Inn.

Me too. I was going for Motel 6.

[LakeEffect]

Remember, the Hampton Inn, Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Express have all been developed without dedicated parking.


But your point is still valid; big step forward for density, especially the other lot directly west will also soon go vertical.

That's not 100% accurate though - all three have dedicated spaces inside the garage to the west, owned by the family that did the original development of those Hilton properties...

[jccouger]

Possibly start a thread for the "Make KC & Dallas jealous" gossip? I always have ideas, but its never appropriate to bring it up in ANY thread. Not even the mystery tower because I doubt this thing is a tower.

Back to this hotel. Great Development, but above all it shows how much interest is in OKC right now. This is a big time company with big time analytics that proves we have an increasing demand for not only hotel rooms, but for high quality niche hotel rooms. With a splash this big the ripple effect is gonna make tidal waves down the line.

[warreng88]

Steve, Pete, any idea when we will get details? I know this is very preliminary, but possibly by the end of the year?

[sooner88]

Here are two different articles talking about the new Canopy brand. My favorite part of the WSJ article is they only mention 4 of the 11 cities.... One being OKC.

Hilton introduces new lifestyle brand

Hilton Readies a Boutique Reboot - WSJ

[Mike_M]

I'm pretty excited by this new brand. I stuck with Hilton when I traveled for business, mostly because I find that when I cash in my points for vacations, Hilton generally has prime real estate and more swanky hotels amenities. However I've always found Hilton hotels to be a bit stuffy. The few times I've been at a Marriott or IHG has been totally different. Much more modern and comfortable. This is a great catch for OKC if it's done right.

[bchris02]

Here is what was originally said on January 10, 2014.

Steve Lackmeyer 11:25 a.m. I do see more entertainment venues being added to the mix. There is possibly one development that could really change the game and even be something that would make Dallas and Kansas City jealous. How's that for a teaser?

[gopokes88]

It's partially my fault. A lot of what is coming out now I was tracking about a year ago, and it was all pretty amazing to me. The live chats are especially challenging for me ... you may or may not notice I'm being a bit more conservative these days in what I say in the chat.

It's a tough balancing act being a reporter in a blogger world. People demand a ton of content daily but you as a reporter need those things to be actually, you know, true. You are doing a great job.

[bombermwc]

OK i'll be the lone opinion that thinks the Flint one is damned ugly, but I'll take it. LOL

[Pete]

Steve, Pete, any idea when we will get details? I know this is very preliminary, but possibly by the end of the year?

The next step would be design review.

I suspect they are pretty far along because I know they were working on getting financing for the hotel several months ago. And Patel has already built a bunch of them.

I don't think it will be long before we see some renderings.

[bradh]

is it a requirement to have the last name Patel to own a hotel?

[soonerguru]

What a great location! This is very cool.

[adaniel]

is it a requirement to have the last name Patel to own a hotel?

An interesting read if you ever get a chance:

A Patel Motel Cartel? - NYTimes.com

Long story short, Patels in Indian Caste Society are considered to be very business savvy. And a lot of new Indian immigrants began buying up hotels for cheap during the downturn in the 1970s and its stuck ever since.

[soonerguru]

My guess is this is what will make Dallas and Kansas City jealous. It makes sense being that OKC is in the lineup with much higher tiered cities and Dallas and KC aren't included. Thoughts?

This is cool but hardly something that would make Dallas jealous.

[warreng88]

I remember hearing they would change their last name to Patel once they got in the hotel business. We have a ton of Patels as customers at our bank and some who are changing their names once they buy their own. There are a lot of hotel groups where the hotels/motels are owned by many people (I have seen as many as 20 at once), some only owning 5-10% and that is not uncommon. That is a way for a younger person to the industry to get in on the hotel without having to front all the money. They partner with a Champ or Suman (major hotel owners in OKC) and the new person lives at the hotels, manages it (24 hours a day, seven days a week, oftentimes for months without time off) and get a small cut of the profits. Then, when they save up enough money, they go in on a hotel with some of the same group of people buying a larger share in the new hotel but not having to live on-site and manage it.