First National Center

[Urbanized]

^^^^^^
He also mentioned Marriott's Autograph Collection as a likely flag.

[HangryHippo]

^^^^^^
He also mentioned Marriott's Autograph Collectiin as a likely flag.

That would be awesome. We'd get an OMNI with the convention center and a Marriott.

[Pete]

Marriott Autograph is a collection of boutique hotels.

The Ambassador is already part of that affiliation, which is also a Khoury hotel (as was the Colcord before being bought out by Devon).

[Urbanized]

I understand. But it could have been another flag, still operated by Khoury. I'm sure it will have a unique brand, but it will be under the Autograph Collection flag.

[jbrown84]

I'm torn on the flag. Since we already have an Autograph hotel in the Ambassador, I'd rather have something different. JW Marriott maybe? Coury hotels always have impeccable interior design, but I've never been super impressed with their branding. The Ambassador logo is okay but nothing special.

[Pete]

The Autograph thing isn't really a flag... it's a collection that uses a common booking platform.

I have never seen anything at that hotel that says Marriott -- at least not in a way that is obvious.

This will be a Coury hotel first and foremost, with a booking affiliation.

[jbrown84]

True, but many people (particularly members of Marriott Rewards and soon-to-be-merged Starwood Preferred Guest) will search for properties by the brand/flag and I would rather see OKC coming up under an additional brand such as The Luxury Collection which is now part of Marriott. It was Starwood's collection of independent properties and is considered a step up from Autograph in Marriott's new category tiers. Many Luxury Collection properties are historic, such as San Francisco's Palace Hotel and The Nines in Portland.

[Celebrator]

So what about the name of the hotel? I wish the Ambassador had been called the Osler, but that's me, I like nods to history. Hard to think of a name taking a quick look at this building's history. Can't name it after the president of First National at the time (look it up) but what about after the (according to the Wikipedia page on the building) construction supervisor who was from OKC...a gentleman called Beaumont. It has a nice upscale ring to it...The Beaumont. Name games...always fun.

[HangryHippo]

Can't name it after the president of First National at the time (look it up)

You wouldn't approve of The Johnson?

[Celebrator]

You wouldn't approve of The Johnson?

Ehh, I think we should probably keep looking...

[HangryHippo]

Ehh, I think we should probably keep looking...

I do like your idea of The Beaumont...

[OKCRT]

I do like your idea of The Beaumont...

How about simply "The National"

BTW,how many rooms will this hotel have? Has anyone announced or speculated on room count?

[Celebrator]

How about simply "The National"

BTW,how many rooms will this hotel have? Has anyone announced or speculated on room count?

Love it...The National!

[HangryHippo]

How about simply "The National"

BTW,how many rooms will this hotel have? Has anyone announced or speculated on room count?

Very nice!

I haven't seen any speculation on room count.

[RodH]

How about simply "The National"

BTW,how many rooms will this hotel have? Has anyone announced or speculated on room count?

by Cathy O'Connor, via The Journal Record: October 26, 2016*
As plans for downtown Oklahoma City’s First National Center continue to develop, there is increased excitement about the final product. At a recent chamber event, local developer Gary Brooks shared his team’s vision for the iconic building.
The First National Center will be a mix of a 149-room hotel, 210 apartments, two restaurants and 35,000 square feet of retail, commercial and event space. Residents will enjoy spectacular amenities such as a concierge, rooftop pool and dog-park, outdoor kitchens and a theater. The Great Hall on the second floor will be restored to its former elegance and open for public use, a hotel lobby and a museum.

[Pete]

The hotel will be called The First:

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42809&p=975947

[Celebrator]

The hotel will be called The First:

http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=42809&p=975947

Meh, I like our suggestions for a name better. The First. It's okay. But who really cares because the efforts and results will be GREAT!

[GoldFire]

Can't wait to see this finally starting to take shape! I always loved wandering around in the banking hall, will be great to have it fully restored/renovated.

[Pete]

It's really the last remaining big puzzle piece in the CBD.

Both in a symbolic and real way.

[Pete]

They are on schedule to close on January 11th.

[edcrunk]

I work for Paul Coury since he manages The Colcord. I hope to transfer to that property when it opens. I can't wait.

[LocoAko]

http://www.oklahoman.com/article/553...b69803da731acc

[Dr Beard Face]

I love the renderings! This project is my favorite for the city. I can't wait to see it all finished.

[David]

Oh man, what a great project. I just hope nothing goes wrong that would derail it. My favorite bit:

The National Park Service, which oversees the historic tax credit program, ruled the building as a contributing part of the historic tower and couldn't be torn down. So plans now call for retaining the facade, while the east 1972 annex will be gutted to add in an entrance and ramps for the garage still planned in the center of the block.

A retail “gallery” will span the first two floors along Park Avenue. Visitors will see a two-story mural of historic photos of First National, which was the city's leading bank until it failed during the 1980s oil bust.

“We want retail facing Park Avenue,” Brooks said. “Our goal is to activate Park Avenue, and having a complete frontage along Park is important to us.”

---

The east end of the banking hall, closed off for more than a quarter century, will be opened to connect to the two-story Gallery that will extend all along Park Avenue. Below the Gallery, the bank vaults that were protected by massive steel doors will be converted into an Italian restaurant and bar.

[gman11695]

On the rendering of the pool, there's those big palm trees. I LOVE palms, but I didn't think OKC's climate allowed palms like that to be planted here. Are those just for rendering purposes, or are those palms actually going to be in any plans to be included in the final landscaping? I'd love if they did! Would give it a very tropical vibe haha