BOK Park Plaza

[Pete]

Will there be any parts of this open to the public? (besides the bank branch?)

Yes, there will be a restaurant on the second level that will overlook the lobby and have an outdoor terrace.

[OKCRT]

Should have bet him a nice steak dinner

Nah that would be stealing. But like Anon said above. Many people around have no idea how tall it will be and when it will be done. Most don't even know the name of it.

[HOT ROD]

sorry but have to interject - tall office buildings indicate a thriving business district/city. Arguably, one of the reasons people like Seattle and its skyline is because it has quite a number of tall office buildings relatively close together with a variety of architecture and height - no supertalls but given the geography; it looks great and thriving.

This is why I personally wish BOK PP was taller - OKC may not have many more chances to build tall/taller office towers. OKC is not blessed with geography (and downtown is actually in a floodplain lower than the surrounding - so buildings look shorter). ..

Also, I don't think anyone is advocating downtown OKC will ONLY build tall buildings and nothing else; nor is anyone in their right mind likely concluding that anything more than a handful of towers greater than 20 floors will even be built in our lifetime. For this reason and the aformentioned, it is reasonable to 'want' this one (shot) to be a tall one for the skyline because it is much easier/quicker to build the infill around it (and that IS expected) which will make the street level lively.

[Architect2010]

sotvrry but have to interject - tall office buildings indicate a thriving business district/city. Arguably, one of the reasons people like Seattle and its skyline is because it has quite a number of tall office buildings relatively close together with a variety of architecture and height - no supertalls but given the geography; it looks great and thriving.

This is why I personally wish BOK PP was taller - OKC may not have many more chances to build tall/taller office towers. OKC is not blessed with geography (and downtown is actually in a floodplain lower than the surrounding - so buildings look shorter). ..

Also, I don't think anyone is advocating downtown OKC will ONLY build tall buildings and nothing else; nor is anyone in their right mind likely concluding that anything more than a handful of towers greater than 20 floors will even be built in our lifetime. For this reason and the aformentioned, it is reasonable to 'want' this one (shot) to be a tall one for the skyline because it is much easier/quicker to build the infill around it (and that IS expected) which will make the street level lively.

This is getting so old. I'm 24. I've seen Devon, The Renaissance hotel, and now the BOK Plaza take shape. We have a couple 15+ floor proposals with Times Square and our CC hotel. All within my young lifetime. As Oklahoma City grows, and it will, I believe we will see plenty of opportunity for taller buildings.

I also know for a fact that we are not Seattle. We are not Dallas or Houston. We are not LA. We are not comparable to these large metropolises, and I really don't understand for the life of me how one can compare our towers and skyline with those of the "upper echelon". OKC will never be as economically important or successful as these cities, barring major disasters or decline; it is also completely unrealistic to look at them as models for OKC's growth.

Just my 2 cents.

[ABCOKC]

This is getting so old. I'm 24. I've seen Devon, The Renaissance hotel, and now the BOK Plaza take shape. We have a couple 15+ floor proposals with Times Square and our CC hotel. All within my young lifetime. As Oklahoma City grows, and it will, I believe we will see plenty of opportunity for taller buildings.

I also know for a fact that we are not Seattle. We are not Dallas or Houston. We are not LA. We are not comparable to these large metropolises, and I really don't understand for the life of me how one can compare our towers and skyline with those of the "upper echelon". OKC will never be as economically important or successful as these cities, barring major disasters or decline; it is also completely unrealistic to look at them as models for OKC's growth.

Just my 2 cents.

^^^^^Thank you^^^^^

It feels like people's expectations for OKC skyscrapers have become completely absurd ever since the Devon Tower topped out.

And don't get me wrong, that building has been fantastic for raising the profile of the city, giving the skyline a beautiful identifiable feature, and is a true testament to the success of Devon and our state's largest industry. But honestly given the population of OKC a tower of that height is seriously out of place, and our expectations for future towers shouldn't be based on the fact that we have a single ridiculously tall building.

Seriously, just looked on wikipedia, and of the fifty-seven 800 ft. buildings in America:
52 are located in the 15 largest MSAs
1 each is located in OKC (41st), Pittsburgh (26th), Indianapolis (34th), Charlotte (22nd), and Cleveland (31st)

Meaning the smallest other metro with a comparably-sized tower is Indy, with approximately 50% more people than we have. I say all this not to rag on the Devon Tower or put OKC down, but to try and bring people's expectations for the skyline back down to earth, because right now these outrageous expectations seem to be keeping people from being excited about 4th and EKG, BOKPP, the CC Omni, and potential mid-rise residential around Central Park.

If you want to compare our skyline to other cities, pick actual, legitimate comps like KC, SLC, Tulsa, Indy, Nashville, Louisville, etc. We have neither the population nor the Fortune 1000 companies to justify throwing up skyscrapers everywhere or just randomly adding 300 feet to this perfectly fine building.

Personally, I've found that a city's skyline has virtually nothing to do with how much I actually enjoy a place, or even my opinion of it. But as long as we're talking about towers, let's please not have totally unrealistic expectations like "I want another supertall to balance it out!!", and instead just enjoy the projects that are happening, even in the middle of an oil bust.

[ChrisHayes]

While I'd love to see more 500+ foot high rises built, I'm perfectly happy with BOKPP. It's nice addition to the skyline from every angle but from the west and from a number of angles it pulls the skyline outward a bit. To be honest, the project I'm most excited about is Residences at 21C. That will be such a nice addition to downtown and it seems unappreciated. Any infill projects we get around downtown, midtown, or uptown, I look forward to. Fill in a couple hundred vacant lots, and remodel/redo a number of old buildings. That's more important than another 500 foot building. IMO at least

[hoya]

For some perspective, Devon Tower would be tied for 17th place in New York City. We are incredibly lucky to have a tower that size here.

[gopokes88]

sorry but have to interject - tall office buildings indicate a thriving business district/city. Arguably, one of the reasons people like Seattle and its skyline is because it has quite a number of tall office buildings relatively close together with a variety of architecture and height - no supertalls but given the geography; it looks great and thriving.

This is why I personally wish BOK PP was taller - OKC may not have many more chances to build tall/taller office towers. OKC is not blessed with geography (and downtown is actually in a floodplain lower than the surrounding - so buildings look shorter). ..

Also, I don't think anyone is advocating downtown OKC will ONLY build tall buildings and nothing else; nor is anyone in their right mind likely concluding that anything more than a handful of towers greater than 20 floors will even be built in our lifetime. For this reason and the aformentioned, it is reasonable to 'want' this one (shot) to be a tall one for the skyline because it is much easier/quicker to build the infill around it (and that IS expected) which will make the street level lively.

Well pony up the $$$ and take the risk if you want a tall building.

[dcsooner]

sorry but have to interject - tall office buildings indicate a thriving business district/city. Arguably, one of the reasons people like Seattle and its skyline is because it has quite a number of tall office buildings relatively close together with a variety of architecture and height - no supertalls but given the geography; it looks great and thriving.

This is why I personally wish BOK PP was taller - OKC may not have many more chances to build tall/taller office towers. OKC is not blessed with geography (and downtown is actually in a floodplain lower than the surrounding - so buildings look shorter). ..

Also, I don't think anyone is advocating downtown OKC will ONLY build tall buildings and nothing else; nor is anyone in their right mind likely concluding that anything more than a handful of towers greater than 20 floors will even be built in our lifetime. For this reason and the aformentioned, it is reasonable to 'want' this one (shot) to be a tall one for the skyline because it is much easier/quicker to build the infill around it (and that IS expected) which will make the street level lively.

+1

[dcsooner]

This is getting so old. I'm 24. I've seen Devon, The Renaissance hotel, and now the BOK Plaza take shape. We have a couple 15+ floor proposals with Times Square and our CC hotel. All within my young lifetime. As Oklahoma City grows, and it will, I believe we will see plenty of opportunity for taller buildings.

I also know for a fact that we are not Seattle. We are not Dallas or Houston. We are not LA. We are not comparable to these large metropolises, and I really don't understand for the life of me how one can compare our towers and skyline with those of the "upper echelon". OKC will never be as economically important or successful as these cities, barring major disasters or decline; it is also completely unrealistic to look at them as models for OKC's growth.

Just my 2 cents.

Des Moines and Louisville and Omaha, Richmond VA have nicer more vibrant downtown's than OKC

[catch22]

Des Moines and Louisville and Omaha, Richmond VA have nicer more vibrant downtown's than OKC

In your opinion.

[dcsooner]

In your opinion.

Correct��

[HOT ROD]

DC . .. that's the point, it appears nobody on this forum wants to HEAR to the opinion of expats.

Nobody said OKC was another Seattle nor did anybody expect OKC should have the same skyline. What I DID say was that it BOKPP might be the LAST and only time OKC will add another skyscraper of significant height, too bad it isn't above 500 ft. .. This is reality, because as everyone on here mentions - OKC is not Seattle (where we are adding multiples already as we speak), so likely there wont be another 500 ft tower because it is not needed (or speculated, since it is such a bad thing for OKC... ).

Hmm, .. My conclusion on this are (after I don't know, so many times trying to state/restate my opinion offering constructive criticism) - Ill now chose to refrain from my enthusiasm for OKC on this board because - I see that despite OKC being a much better city than when I grew up (including people now proud of and even defending OKC), the city/people still has a defeatist, 2nd-rate attitude. The "well, better than nothing" is still prevalent and if somebody says otherwise then it's not taken constructively but instead ridiculed/even attacked. Truth is, you'll never compete against Tier II markets if you don't think big, take a chance.

Too bad, because I actually am about to close on a house in OKC and was looking forward to being part of the community - again. GoPokes - I actually had an idea to actively promote the idea of opening an OKC office for my company (a major IT player, btw) however, Ill shelve that as I don't think people in my industry would fit. ... No wonder the potential relocation from San Fran (and elsewhere. ..) never even got traction - just look at this forum and you get an idea of OKC's culture.

Given the reaction to my posts; rather than lending a constructive, big city prospective I'll now focus my attention elsewhere and wont waste my time posting on here. I suppose OKC getting the NBA was 'good enough'. ..

I think Steve L might have been right after-all. ... Signing out!

Last Post on OKCTalk. 4,476

[_Kyle]

DC . .. that's the point, it appears nobody on this forum wants to HEAR to the opinion of expats.

Nobody said OKC was another Seattle nor did anybody expect OKC should have the same skyline. What I DID say was that it BOKPP might be the LAST and only time OKC will add another skyscraper of significant height, too bad it isn't above 500 ft. .. This is reality, because as everyone on here mentions - OKC is not Seattle (where we are adding multiples already as we speak), so likely there wont be another 500 ft tower because it is not needed (or speculated, since it is such a bad thing for OKC... ).

Hmm, .. My conclusion on this are (after I don't know, so many times trying to state/restate my opinion offering constructive criticism) - Ill now chose to refrain from my enthusiasm for OKC on this board because - I see that despite OKC being a much better city than when I grew up (including people now proud of and even defending OKC), the city/people still has a defeatist, 2nd-rate attitude. The "well, better than nothing" is still prevalent and if somebody says otherwise then it's not taken constructively but instead ridiculed/even attacked. Truth is, you'll never compete against Tier II markets if you don't think big, take a chance.

Too bad, because I actually am about to close on a house in OKC and was looking forward to being part of the community - again. GoPokes - I actually had an idea to actively promote the idea of opening an OKC office for my company (a major IT player, btw) however, Ill shelve that as I don't think people in my industry would fit. ... No wonder the potential relocation from San Fran (and elsewhere. ..) never even got traction - just look at this forum and you get an idea of OKC's culture.

Given the reaction to my posts; rather than lending a constructive, big city prospective I'll now focus my attention elsewhere and wont waste my time posting on here. I suppose OKC getting the NBA was 'good enough'. ..

I think Steve L might have been right after-all. ... Signing out!

Last Post on OKCTalk. 4,476

Excuse my language but what tf are you talking about? OKC is growing at a rapid rate and there will be plenty of new highrises built For ALL of us to see in our lifetime.They were trying to explain to you this but apparently your brain isn`t developed enough to comprehend that.

[ABCOKC]

Excuse my language but what tf are you talking about?

+1

Got to say something about the last sentence of your post though, man. Kind of validating Hot Rod's point that he's being attacked (even though he hadn't been at the time he made that post).

[Plutonic Panda]

For some perspective, Devon Tower would be tied for 17th place in New York City. We are incredibly lucky to have a tower that size here.

its stupid because it was supposed to be a super tall and it was downgraded. Unbelievable. OKC's shot at a super tall gone. I'm furious about it.

[_Kyle]

I only said that because of the way he wrote his last post.I Dont like to argue but that hit a nerve

[_Kyle]

lets just get back to talking about the BOK Park Plaza. I don`t come here to argue i come here to talk about my favorite city Oklahoma City!

[hoya]

DC . .. that's the point, it appears nobody on this forum wants to HEAR to the opinion of expats.

Nobody said OKC was another Seattle nor did anybody expect OKC should have the same skyline. What I DID say was that it BOKPP might be the LAST and only time OKC will add another skyscraper of significant height, too bad it isn't above 500 ft. .. This is reality, because as everyone on here mentions - OKC is not Seattle (where we are adding multiples already as we speak), so likely there wont be another 500 ft tower because it is not needed (or speculated, since it is such a bad thing for OKC... ).

Hmm, .. My conclusion on this are (after I don't know, so many times trying to state/restate my opinion offering constructive criticism) - Ill now chose to refrain from my enthusiasm for OKC on this board because - I see that despite OKC being a much better city than when I grew up (including people now proud of and even defending OKC), the city/people still has a defeatist, 2nd-rate attitude. The "well, better than nothing" is still prevalent and if somebody says otherwise then it's not taken constructively but instead ridiculed/even attacked. Truth is, you'll never compete against Tier II markets if you don't think big, take a chance.

Too bad, because I actually am about to close on a house in OKC and was looking forward to being part of the community - again. GoPokes - I actually had an idea to actively promote the idea of opening an OKC office for my company (a major IT player, btw) however, Ill shelve that as I don't think people in my industry would fit. ... No wonder the potential relocation from San Fran (and elsewhere. ..) never even got traction - just look at this forum and you get an idea of OKC's culture.

Given the reaction to my posts; rather than lending a constructive, big city prospective I'll now focus my attention elsewhere and wont waste my time posting on here. I suppose OKC getting the NBA was 'good enough'. ..

I think Steve L might have been right after-all. ... Signing out!

Last Post on OKCTalk. 4,476

Now this is some grade-A butthurt right here.

"Some people on the internet said I was making too big a deal over a private company not building their tower higher, and I was going to move a branch of my company here but now I'm not because screw those guys."

[Shooter McGavin]

DC . .. that's the point, it appears nobody on this forum wants to HEAR to the opinion of expats.

Nobody said OKC was another Seattle nor did anybody expect OKC should have the same skyline. What I DID say was that it BOKPP might be the LAST and only time OKC will add another skyscraper of significant height, too bad it isn't above 500 ft. .. This is reality, because as everyone on here mentions - OKC is not Seattle (where we are adding multiples already as we speak), so likely there wont be another 500 ft tower because it is not needed (or speculated, since it is such a bad thing for OKC... ).

Hmm, .. My conclusion on this are (after I don't know, so many times trying to state/restate my opinion offering constructive criticism) - Ill now chose to refrain from my enthusiasm for OKC on this board because - I see that despite OKC being a much better city than when I grew up (including people now proud of and even defending OKC), the city/people still has a defeatist, 2nd-rate attitude. The "well, better than nothing" is still prevalent and if somebody says otherwise then it's not taken constructively but instead ridiculed/even attacked. Truth is, you'll never compete against Tier II markets if you don't think big, take a chance.

Too bad, because I actually am about to close on a house in OKC and was looking forward to being part of the community - again. GoPokes - I actually had an idea to actively promote the idea of opening an OKC office for my company (a major IT player, btw) however, Ill shelve that as I don't think people in my industry would fit. ... No wonder the potential relocation from San Fran (and elsewhere. ..) never even got traction - just look at this forum and you get an idea of OKC's culture.

Given the reaction to my posts; rather than lending a constructive, big city prospective I'll now focus my attention elsewhere and wont waste my time posting on here. I suppose OKC getting the NBA was 'good enough'. ..

I think Steve L might have been right after-all. ... Signing out!

Last Post on OKCTalk. 4,476

So you just made the desicion to cancel plans to purchase a home and to open a business in OKC based on a message board post? #doubtful #IcallBS

[dcsooner]

DC . .. that's the point, it appears nobody on this forum wants to HEAR to the opinion of expats.

Nobody said OKC was another Seattle nor did anybody expect OKC should have the same skyline. What I DID say was that it BOKPP might be the LAST and only time OKC will add another skyscraper of significant height, too bad it isn't above 500 ft. .. This is reality, because as everyone on here mentions - OKC is not Seattle (where we are adding multiples already as we speak), so likely there wont be another 500 ft tower because it is not needed (or speculated, since it is such a bad thing for OKC... ).

Hmm, .. My conclusion on this are (after I don't know, so many times trying to state/restate my opinion offering constructive criticism) - Ill now chose to refrain from my enthusiasm for OKC on this board because - I see that despite OKC being a much better city than when I grew up (including people now proud of and even defending OKC), the city/people still has a defeatist, 2nd-rate attitude. The "well, better than nothing" is still prevalent and if somebody says otherwise then it's not taken constructively but instead ridiculed/even attacked. Truth is, you'll never compete against Tier II markets if you don't think big, take a chance.

Too bad, because I actually am about to close on a house in OKC and was looking forward to being part of the community - again. GoPokes - I actually had an idea to actively promote the idea of opening an OKC office for my company (a major IT player, btw) however, Ill shelve that as I don't think people in my industry would fit. ... No wonder the potential relocation from San Fran (and elsewhere. ..) never even got traction - just look at this forum and you get an idea of OKC's culture.

Given the reaction to my posts; rather than lending a constructive, big city prospective I'll now focus my attention elsewhere and wont waste my time posting on here. I suppose OKC getting the NBA was 'good enough'. ..

I think Steve L might have been right after-all. ... Signing out!

Last Post on OKCTalk. 4,476

+1 +1

Tinker short about 1000 engineers can not get from OK universities or young people wanting to move to OKC, geez wonder why😪

[jn1780]

+1 +1

Tinker short about 1000 engineers can not get from OK universities or young people wanting to move to OKC, geez wonder why

Tall buildings are a sign a progress, they don't bring the progress. That's like a poor person buying a huge house but struggling to live because they are in so much debt.

If we focus on education, mass transit, and entertainment the people will come which will bring in the companies along with the tall buildings.

The whole argument above was about a building being taller. Well, I wish we had better education in Oklahoma. I wish we had better Mass Transit in Oklahoma. I wish we had better Politicians in Oklahoma. There are a lot of things I wish for before wishing for a taller building.

[dcsooner]

DC . .. that's the point, it appears nobody on this forum wants to HEAR to the opinion of expats.

Nobody said OKC was another Seattle nor did anybody expect OKC should have the same skyline. What I DID say was that it BOKPP might be the LAST and only time OKC will add another skyscraper of significant height, too bad it isn't above 500 ft. .. This is reality, because as everyone on here mentions - OKC is not Seattle (where we are adding multiples already as we speak), so likely there wont be another 500 ft tower because it is not needed (or speculated, since it is such a bad thing for OKC... ).

Hmm, .. My conclusion on this are (after I don't know, so many times trying to state/restate my opinion offering constructive criticism) - Ill now chose to refrain from my enthusiasm for OKC on this board because - I see that despite OKC being a much better city than when I grew up (including people now proud of and even defending OKC), the city/people still has a defeatist, 2nd-rate attitude. The "well, better than nothing" is still prevalent and if somebody says otherwise then it's not taken constructively but instead ridiculed/even attacked. Truth is, you'll never compete against Tier II markets if you don't think big, take a chance.

Too bad, because I actually am about to close on a house in OKC and was looking forward to being part of the community - again. GoPokes - I actually had an idea to actively promote the idea of opening an OKC office for my company (a major IT player, btw) however, Ill shelve that as I don't think people in my industry would fit. ... No wonder the potential relocation from San Fran (and elsewhere. ..) never even got traction - just look at this forum and you get an idea of OKC's culture.

Given the reaction to my posts; rather than lending a constructive, big city prospective I'll now focus my attention elsewhere and wont waste my time posting on here. I suppose OKC getting the NBA was 'good enough'. ..

I think Steve L might have been right after-all. ... Signing out!

Last Post on OKCTalk. 4,476

HOT ROD, I am sad to read that you are signing out from commenting here on OKC TALK, I, like you, love Oklahoma City and have a insatiable interest in seeing it grow and prosper into a truly vibrant and culturally relevant city. I have lived in many different cities in America and try to insert some "new" perspectives to those who reside in OKC, but I think the mindset of many OKC residents is to accept "anything" as progress and not "demand" or at least imagine greater. Why aren't people up in arms over a General at Tinker saying OK does not produce enough engineers? instead we talk about a new Quiktrip. gas station, Donut shop, whats happening in Dallas, Houston cities WAY out of our league etc. I could go on but I might get Steve Banned (Bannon) for speaking blue. Well if you sign out all the best Seattle is a GREAT city.

[dcsooner]

Tall buildings are a sign a progress, they don't bring the progress. That's like a poor person buying a huge house but struggling to live because they are in so much debt.

If we focus on education, mass transit, and entertainment the people will come which will bring in the companies along with the tall buildings.

The whole argument above was about a building being taller. Well, I wish we had better education in Oklahoma. I wish we had better Mass Transit in Oklahoma. I wish we had better Politicians in Oklahoma. There are a lot of things I wish for before wishing for a taller building.

+1

[traxx]

DC . .. that's the point, it appears nobody on this forum wants to HEAR to the opinion of expats.

Nobody said OKC was another Seattle nor did anybody expect OKC should have the same skyline. What I DID say was that it BOKPP might be the LAST and only time OKC will add another skyscraper of significant height, too bad it isn't above 500 ft. .. This is reality, because as everyone on here mentions - OKC is not Seattle (where we are adding multiples already as we speak), so likely there wont be another 500 ft tower because it is not needed (or speculated, since it is such a bad thing for OKC... ).

Hmm, .. My conclusion on this are (after I don't know, so many times trying to state/restate my opinion offering constructive criticism) - Ill now chose to refrain from my enthusiasm for OKC on this board because - I see that despite OKC being a much better city than when I grew up (including people now proud of and even defending OKC), the city/people still has a defeatist, 2nd-rate attitude. The "well, better than nothing" is still prevalent and if somebody says otherwise then it's not taken constructively but instead ridiculed/even attacked. Truth is, you'll never compete against Tier II markets if you don't think big, take a chance.

Too bad, because I actually am about to close on a house in OKC and was looking forward to being part of the community - again. GoPokes - I actually had an idea to actively promote the idea of opening an OKC office for my company (a major IT player, btw) however, Ill shelve that as I don't think people in my industry would fit. ... No wonder the potential relocation from San Fran (and elsewhere. ..) never even got traction - just look at this forum and you get an idea of OKC's culture.

Given the reaction to my posts; rather than lending a constructive, big city prospective I'll now focus my attention elsewhere and wont waste my time posting on here. I suppose OKC getting the NBA was 'good enough'. ..

I think Steve L might have been right after-all. ... Signing out!

Last Post on OKCTalk. 4,476

So wait...let me get this straight. Someone disagreed with you about building height and now you're not going to move to OKC or open an office in OKC based on what someone said to you on the internet? Why would you base such a large business decision on someone disagreeing with you on the internet. That reeks of hurt feelings and taken your ball and going home.

I mean, it's your decision, it doesn't bother me one way or another, but it seems like an overreaction.