Devon Energy Center

[Just the facts]

Before the Devon tower, my favorite builind in downtown was the Leadership Square building, always stood out to me

Still not a typical flat roof.

[Urbanized]

There are a number of places where the architects of the Devon Tower seem to have gone out of their way to play nice with the surroundings. Off the top of my head:

1. The aforementioned detail at the top, an obvious homage to FNC
2. Inviting an extension of MBG onto their property, not to mention the MBG and Project 180 TIFF
3. The garage/wellness center continues window lines south down Hudson from the pre-existing downtown library, making it seem as if they were developed together
4. If you drive west on Sheridan it becomes obvious that the setback of the tower is EXACTLY the same as the Colcord. No reason to do that other than to be respectful of the beautiful and iconic historic building next door to the new tower. I mean, this one in particular is a little mind-blowing if you think about it, and especially if you see it in person. I think few builders of office towers of this scale would pay much attention to the dinky little building next door. In fact, many would do everything in their power to demolish it for more visual impact.

Seriously, it is totally impressive how much the architects and Devon itself have tried to work within the pre-existing framework of downtown, and to improve and honor the feel and history of the neighborhood, rather than just imposing themselves on it. At least as far as this can be done while building an 850' building that towers over everything around it.

I think it exhibits confidence and humility at the same time, which seems to be a spot-on cultural match for the company itself.

[redrunner]

1. The aforementioned detail at the top, an obvious homage to FNC

What are you talking about?

[SoonerAce311]

uh Jesseda its called "raising the bar." Gotta start somewhere. And it looks great with the other buildings, we're just not used to a "badass" skyscraper being over 500 feet here.

[SoonerAce311]

Right on Urbanized!!!!

[BDK]

Before the Devon tower, my favorite builind in downtown was the Leadership Square building, always stood out to me

My favorite is definitely City Place, or it would be if they got that god-awful UMB covering off of it. I love the old pictures of that building. That said, I can't believe we're so close to the completion of the exterior of this building.

[BG918]

Aren't they topping out this week?

[Thunder]

Aren't they topping out this week?

Impossible. Drove by today and took two pictures. Not best quality cuz I zoomed in all the way. It will be quite a while for the top to be completed and covered.





I will go out there in September and this time, I will do pictures near sunset for different variety. I will do some with interesting colors with an Android (#1 defeating iCrap as always) app.

[Pete]

No, they have the equivalent of two more levels after they finish the present one.

The last parts of the structure seem to be taking more time than their typical one-per-week pace.

[Urbanized]

What are you talking about?

The upside-down triangle taking shape at the peak is basically a reverse-image of the top of the historic and iconic First National Bank building. If I'm not mistaken, Steve reported somewhere along the way that the architect volunteered this item to him in conversation or an interview.

[Urbanized]

No, they have the equivalent of two more levels after they finish the present one.

The last parts of the structure seem to be taking more time than their typical one-per-week pace.

No question. I'm guessing mechanicals are WAY more complex on this level. Possibly this is where the bulk of the elevators are topping out, for instance. It also seems to be where the facade elements start to separate from one another, if you look at a closeup of the conceptual.

But I also think there MUST be mechanical dampers in this building, especially when you consider the winds here. The dampers could be concrete or metal, but what might make the most sense is water tanks. If they're building/installing something like this it would surely account for much more time spent than on standard floors.

[redrunner]

The upside-down triangle taking shape at the peak is basically a reverse-image of the top of the historic and iconic First National Bank building. If I'm not mistaken, Steve reported somewhere along the way that the architect volunteered this item to him in conversation or an interview.

Hmm I don't see the connection. Steve can you elaborate on this alleged conversation you had with the architect?

[Urbanized]

Hmm I don't see the connection. Steve can you elaborate on this alleged conversation you had with the architect?

Seeing the finished top might help you with the visual connection:

[Urbanized]

Here's First National (the Devon roofline is obviously not a copy, just evocative of):

[sgfx]

I have always thought that the First national look like an attempt to build a taller building, only to be stopped part way up and then someone stuck an old house roof on it.
Liberty (Chase) was built back in the 70's and spawned new life into downtown, with more modern looking buildings being built afterwards. I hope the Devon will do the same for OKC.
As far as the Chase goes, it needs a face-lift like the “Founder’s tower” did a few years back. Its mismatched windows make it look horrific like an old tenement, and it has always looked like an attempt to imitate one of the twin towers.
Do not get me wrong! I love our downtown. It has always been "my downtown" I am just glad to see new things happening and that finely OKC may be on its way to being a world-class city.

[BDK]

Coincidentally, I was just at the Skirvin this weekend and had a room facing the Chase Tower. They really need to do something with that balcony/courtyard near the base. It looks terrible from above.

[Steve]

Hmm I don't see the connection. Steve can you elaborate on this alleged conversation you had with the architect?

Urbanized is correct. The architects took much of their inspiration from the surrounding skyline and the crown reflects (not strictly, of course) an inverted First National crown.

[redrunner]

Cool beans

[BG918]

No, they have the equivalent of two more levels after they finish the present one.

The last parts of the structure seem to be taking more time than their typical one-per-week pace.

I think it was the concrete that was topping out this week. That would mean the steel crown should begin soon, possibly by next week.

[SoonerBoy18]

Here's First National (the Devon roofline is obviously not a copy, just evocative of):

OMG Why cant Oklahoma City kep up with the condition of that buildng? I mean hardly no one works in that building so if you ask me I would demolish it, that picture is a turn off to the downtown area.. Im just saying

[dmoor82]

^^Demolish the FNC?Here comes a Firestorm 3.....2......1......

[BDK]

OMG Why cant Oklahoma City kep up with the condition of that buildng? I mean hardly no one works in that building so if you ask me I would demolish it, that picture is a turn off to the downtown area.. Im just saying

[OKCisOK4me]

OMG Why cant Oklahoma City kep up with the condition of that buildng? I mean hardly no one works in that building so if you ask me I would demolish it, that picture is a turn off to the downtown area.. Im just saying

WOW! You must be 18, huh? It may be empty but its a classic. Minus the fire escape stairs on the side of it, its like the Empire State Building's Mini Me.

[earlywinegareth]

FNC was one of the tallest buildings west of the Mississippi when it was built. I did a quick search of various cities and found only 4 structures taller at that time: LA City Hall, Smith Tower in Seattle, and 2 buildings in Kansas City. That's it.

As far as FNC being a great example of the set-back style, the best compliment is to copy it. Here is an '80s version of FNC in San Francisco, 100 First Plaza. The similarities are obvious and it's exactly the same height. http://www.emporis.com/building/1001...o-ca-usa?lng=3

But back to topic. I think the way Devon tapers towards the top echos the top of the Ramsey Tower.

[Just the facts]

As far as FNC being a great example of the set-back style, the best compliment is to copy it. Here is an '80s version of FNC in San Francisco, 100 First Plaza. The similarities are obvious and it's exactly the same height. http://www.emporis.com/building/1001...o-ca-usa?lng=3

But back to topic. I think the way Devon tapers towards the top echos the top of the Ramsey Tower.

Here is the Chicago Board of Trade - it was built just before FNC.