Preftakes Block

[Plutonic Panda]

Irrelevant to this project.

A whole new ordinance would have to be written and passed and that isn't even being discussed right now as far as I'm aware.


Let's please leave the conceptual Urbanism discussion to the thread below. It gets really old to drag those issues up in every single development thread. It's the same points over and over again.

http://www.okctalk.com/general-real-...velopment.html

you know, it would be really nice to just have threads for updates on the development or perhaps a way to separate or filter posts from someone's opinion and actual updates pertaining to the development

[Pete]

you know, it would be really nice to just have threads for updates on the development or perhaps a way to separate or filter posts from someone's opinion and actual updates pertaining to the development

That's why we have the articles at the top of the page and the News section.

[Plutonic Panda]

That's why we have the articles at the top of the page and the News section.

So every little update goes to the article section? I see a lot of updates and post by others who don't add to the article but provide valuable information towards the project. I don't have a problem with people's opinions, but when it gets toto be page after page of the same crap in almost every thread, it gets old. I'm not perfect in that regard and I try to watch that, but this thread is a prime example.

[TheTravellers]

Bank of Oklahoma didn't need to be bailed out and refused the money.

[Dubya61]

... the public keeps supporting block-size parking garages.

Do you think there are any public outcries (not quite the right word, but ...) for more parking? or for block-size parking garages?
It seems that people are OK with a parking garage being distant from the airport (with a reliable shuttle, etc.), but not with relying on a dependable mass transit option that they might not even have to park somewhere to use. Why do we have that expectation (of nearby and cheap parking in situations where we probably don't have to carry anything, but are OK with distant parking and a shuttle when we are carrying a couple of pieces of luggage? or am I way off base?

[BoulderSooner]

Do you think there are any public outcries (not quite the right word, but ...) for more parking? or for block-size parking garages?
It seems that people are OK with a parking garage being distant from the airport (with a reliable shuttle, etc.), but not with relying on a dependable mass transit option that they might not even have to park somewhere to use. Why do we have that expectation (of nearby and cheap parking in situations where we probably don't have to carry anything, but are OK with distant parking and a shuttle when we are carrying a couple of pieces of luggage? or am I way off base?

No one at the airport is "ok" with it. They just don't have a choice.

[soondoc]

If these historical buildings get demolished, this new tower better be at least 35 stories and hoping for close to 40. That would be a 600-680 foot tower. That would look great and I would think that Devon would need the extra space so they won't be having to go through the process of looking for more space in the near future. Pete, what is your prediction on how tall this thing will be and when it will be built?

[BrettM2]

If these historical buildings get demolished, this new tower better be at least 35 stories and hoping for close to 40. That would be a 600-680 foot tower. That would look great and I would think that Devon would need the extra space so they won't be having to go through the process of looking for more space in the near future. Pete, what is your prediction on how tall this thing will be and when it will be built?

Please don't turn this thread into another gripe fest about height...

[Pete]

It will be 20-25 stories and they will be starting as soon as they get all the approvals.

Will happen faster than the Clayco stuff.

[shawnw]

How long to move-in, 18 months? 24?

[Bellaboo]

Please don't turn this thread into another gripe fest about height...

Dang it ! I was wanting at least 33 stories............................j/k

[Pete]

How long to move-in, 18 months? 24?

2 years would be pushing it but I know they want to get everything done ASAP.

[Motley]

Do you think the design will mirror the Devon closely, or do you think they will do something that complements yet distinguishes itself from the Devon?

[Pete]

Pretty much all of Pickard Chilton's designs are glass curtain wall like Devon with clean, geometric shapes.

I would expect it to use similar materials to the Devon Energy Center but have it's own unique identity in terms of shape.

[Motley]

When it goes to city planning, would the architects use something like the Golden Ratio to put the height of this tower in proportion to Devon, or is that totally not considered and you build what the investor says to?

If you use the Golden Ratio, the height for a 20-25 story building across from the Devon tower would be around 325ft. I'm curious what an architect/designer would consider when creating a design.

[Spartan]

Please don't turn this thread into another gripe fest about height...

The height gripe is interesting because I think most of the people are grappling with an idea that they aren't expressing accurately, which is that if you're going to use any public subsidy to tear down our best single city block of urban history, the design had better be phenomenal and involve public input.

We will see how this turns out, but if people aren't exactly overjoyed there might be a few good reasons for that, maybe even worth discussing in a thread about said project.

[OkieMike]

I know that I'm beating a dead horse by saying this but I thought I'd share my 2 cents.

It's pretty disappointing that this will more than likely be in the 20-25 story range. If there is only one new building on this block, having it be around 35 floors would be better for the city and to downtown.

To do all of that demo and investment for just 20-25 floors?!

Also, is this enough space for Devon AND Bank of Oklahoma?

[soondoc]

I know that I'm beating a dead horse by saying this but I thought I'd share my 2 cents.

It's pretty disappointing that this will more than likely be in the 20-25 story range. If there is only one new building on this block, having it be around 35 floors would be better for the city and to downtown.

To do all of that demo and investment for just 20-25 floors?!

Also, is this enough space for Devon AND Bank of Oklahoma?

No offense, but this is a joke if it's only 20-25 floors. To demolish some historic stuff on this block for another mid rise is ridiculous. Why can't we have a least a few buildings that can at least be as tall or taller than the Cotter Ranch Tower? Heck, even Tulsa has pulled this off several times over. I really dislike this small time mentality when it comes to these projects. We really need to be able to erect something to get us out of the "one tower' downtown that everyone calls us. I would rather this block stay the same as it is then build another mid rise that won't even be visible when they go to commericals for Thunder games. Don't you think these owners would enjoy the free publicity?

[Urbanized]

Good grief. Your incessant blather on this height topic is mind-numbing.

[OKCisOK4me]

Pretty much all of Pickard Chilton's designs are glass curtain wall like Devon with clean, geometric shapes.

I would expect it to use similar materials to the Devon Energy Center but have it's own unique identity in terms of shape.

If it's like Peachtree in Atlanta, then I'll be happy.

[RickOKC]

It will be 20-25 stories and they will be starting as soon as they get all the approvals.

Will happen faster than the Clayco stuff.

Do you know for sure on the height, Pete? I know it has quite a few people worked up. As recently as a month ago, we were still under the strong persuasion this would be north of 30 stories.

[soondoc]

Good grief. Your incessant blather on this height topic is mind-numbing.

I could say the same for you if that really bothers you. Come on and grow a pair pal, we have had a page or two talking about freaking parking garages but I didn't feel the need to complain because I didn't like what people were posting. Just scroll on to the next post if you just can't bear it, I haven't posted anything like that in a while. This project absolutely deserves something taller if they plan on demolishing some historical buildings for a mid rise. So you can cry me a river, but I think others will agree that this really does warrant some discussion or frustration when they plan on doing something without replacing it with something we can be proud of.

[Just the facts]

To do all of that demo and investment for just 20-25 floors?!

All that demo is for the parking garage. The tower itself will fit on a fraction of the block. If you want to be disappointed about something be disappointed about that.

[Spartan]

What Kerry said.

We need to frame this issue with the necessity of only subsidizing the most important developments. As it is now we are establishing the precedent of offering public subsidy for almost all significant developments, and without requiring improved design standards. If this trend continues not only will public subsidy lose its effectiveness, but we will also lose any control the public has over public development financing.

[ljbab728]

Yup, this is OKC Talk. Everyone is criticizing a project before we even know for sure what it's going to be. LOL