Kerr McGee Fountain Shutting Down

[The Old Downtown Guy]

The semi-circular fountain on the south side of the Kerr McGee Corporate Tower at 123 Robert S. Kerr is in the process of being converted into a planter. It seems that the fountain has developed several leaks and has other problems that Kerr McGee has deemed too expensive to correct. Their solution; fill it with dirt and plant shrubs. This is a major loss to the street-scape on Robert S. Kerr, and not the best solution for downtown OKC's vastly improving pedestrian environment.

I think that a little public pressure might be sufficient to get Kerr McGee to rethink this decision and a few phone calls to Luke Corbet at 405.270.1313 or, better yet, a snail-mail letter to him at 123 Robert S. Kerr, OKC 73102 might turn the tide in favor of repairing their beautiful fountain rather than filling it with dirt. There is also a "contact" link on their website for e-mail at http://www.kerr-mcgee.com/resources/contactkmg.htm

[Patrick]

I personally don't think it's such a bad idea converting it into a planter. Everytime I drove by there the fountain was never on anyways. And when it was on, it never seemed to work right....there was always water out in the street. We'll still have all of the fountains over in Kerr Park. Personally, I think the south side of Kerr McGee tower needs some color. It looks pretty dull. I think some plush landscaping will really color up the main entrance to the tower.

Other opinions?

[Luke]

Speaking of fountains not working properly... Patrick, being in contact with Penn Square Mall, have you addressed their broken fountain? Only 4 or 5 spouts work. It's still pretty cool watching it, but it would be better if all the spouts worked.

Sorry to get off topic sort of.

[Patrick]

Speaking of fountains not working properly... Patrick, being in contact with Penn Square Mall, have you addressed their broken fountain? Only 4 or 5 spouts work. It's still pretty cool watching it, but it would be better if all the spouts worked.

Sorry to get off topic sort of.

In the next few months, they're going to have a company come in and completely revamp that fountain. The problem with the fountain lies with the design.

I suggested to them that maybe they go with a set up similar to the one in Bricktown that would allow people to throw coins in the fountain. One of the main problems with the fountain now is that it wasn't designed for coins to be thrown into it, but people do it regardless. It clogs the system.

I'll contact them and see what the proposed timetable is on getting it revamped.

[Patrick]

Here's the email I received Nov. 2005 on the issue at Penn Square. I'll contact them again.

"I have $50,000 budgeted next year to re-design the pump system for the fountain. Tim Johnson Engineers designed the fountain near the theater in Bricktown. The problem with the existing system is that it is controlled by high pressure air. Tim's design uses constant water pressure with diverter valves which still gives the effect, but without the "pop" caused by the air controls. The existing shooters actually pull the rebar mounts out of the concrete."

[The Old Downtown Guy]

I personally don't think it's such a bad idea converting it into a planter. Everytime I drove by there the fountain was never on anyways. And when it was on, it never seemed to work right....there was always water out in the street. We'll still have all of the fountains over in Kerr Park. Personally, I think the south side of Kerr McGee tower needs some color. It looks pretty dull. I think some plush landscaping will really color up the main entrance to the tower.

Other opinions?

I can't say that I agree with anything you say Patrick. As with every water feature in OKC, this one is winterized and shut down when freezing temps are likely. For the past few years, I jog through there three days a week and have never seen the fountain shut down "in-season" except for an occasional repair and have never observed water running into the street. I also don't think that landscaping compares in any way to the effect provided by the fountain.

[Patrick]

I can't say that I agree with anything you say Patrick. As with every water feature in OKC, this one is winterized and shut down when freezing temps are likely. For the past few years, I jog through there three days a week and have never seen the fountain shut down "in-season" except for an occasional repair and have never observed water running into the street. I also don't think that landscaping compares in any way to the effect provided by the fountain.

You know, the more I've thought about this, the more I think you're right. The fountain (or should I say fountains?) was incredibly unique. Landscaping wouldn't be unique. It would simply be like any other landscaping.

[escan]

Speaking of fountains......has anyone seen the (formerly) beautiful old fountain at Memorial Park? It barely runs now and just isn't working properly. For at least a year, it lay dormant, then when OKC Beautiful moved in, it was "fixed", but I assume not correctly. Anyone have insight on this? I'm sure it will be fixed in the park revitalization, but sure wish it would happen before then.

[Patrick]

Speaking of fountains......has anyone seen the (formerly) beautiful old fountain at Memorial Park? It barely runs now and just isn't working properly. For at least a year, it lay dormant, then when OKC Beautiful moved in, it was "fixed", but I assume not correctly. Anyone have insight on this? I'm sure it will be fixed in the park revitalization, but sure wish it would happen before then.

My mind is lacking today.....where is Memorial Park? Is that the one off Classen and 36th?

[escan]

That's it! I also heard they'll put a median down 36th Street to hopefully make it two lanes....that would be great with all of the kids who use it.

[Patrick]

Here are pics of the circular fountain OTG was referring to.

[writerranger]

Thanks for the pix, Patrick.
Kerr-McGee isn't lacking for money - just fix the fountain already.

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[The Old Downtown Guy]

Thanks for the excellent pics Patrick. Glad you think differently about these fabulous fountains after taking a look. When these fountains are spraying full blast, they create a wonderful dense sound and the sun reflecting off of the water provides lots of rainbow effect color. They are a major asset to the street-scape.

I hope that some of you will join me in contacting Luke Corbet at 405.270.1313 or, better yet, a snail-mail letter to him at 123 Robert S. Kerr, OKC 73102 might turn the tide in favor of repairing their beautiful fountain rather than filling it with dirt. There is also a "contact" link on their website for e-mail at http://www.kerr-mcgee.com/resources/contactkmg.htm

Regarding the vintage fountain in Memorial Park; I believe that a car hopped the curb into the park and collided with the control box. The City is either having trouble obtaining the necessary parts or schedulingthe work, I'm not sure which, but I believe that OKC Beautiful Exec. Director, Jannie Dupree is bird-dogging these repairs. I will drop her an e-mail and inquire as to the status.

[zuluwarrior0760]

One problem I heard approximately a year ago
regarding the fountains at KMG was that all the lighting
had fallen into disrepair (as most fountain lighting does),
but the cost to repair it was well over 25K to do it right....
plus a lot of electrical labor to boot....
and it was during that meeting I had with KMG's people that the comment was thrown out that they were considering filling it with dirt....I thought it was a joke, now I know it wasn't....

I had a fountain project in Ponca City where the entire fountain in front of city hall had sat broken, both in terms of lighting and the pumps for nearly a decade, and a man by the name of Forrest Mertz basically adopted the fountain and took a hundred grand out of his own pocket to renovate this fountain that was donated to the city by the Daughters of the American Revolution back in 1925. He outfitted it with unlimited Color LED lighting, vegas style and also put in pumps and electronics
that would last a long time......
Without his generosity, it would be a walking surface today.....
Whether the city itself couldn't have, or wouldn't have is irrelavent, the point is, someone stepped up!!and this is what they have now:



Fountains are expensive! Maintaining them costs a lot of money and lighting them costs a lot of money, but that is where I think "someone" needs to bring it to KMG's attention that in the first place, we care about it.

They are in a business that has afforded them some recent blessings that can and should be invested in their streetscape in a good and proper fashion.....I vote for the fountain to remain....

[Patrick]

Skip the lighting. I don't think it's necesary anyways. It's just neat to look at during the daytime.

[writerranger]

They are in a business that has afforded them some recent blessings that can and should be invested in their streetscape in a good and proper fashion.....I vote for the fountain to remain....

Absolutely. I like the lighting too. I remember the lights adding a "big city" feel at night. Things like a dark fountain say we've rolled up for the night.

Also, if someone at KM was concerned at the 25k cost, all I can say is WOW. That is basically an extension of a building that cost a lot of money to build and maintain. To allow part of the building (and by extension its exterior) to fall into disrepair over 25k is ludicrous.

----

[zuluwarrior0760]

I agree.....skip the lighting...
let people eat their lunch there...and they
can barricade themselves in their houses with Friends
reruns after the sun goes down.....

OR

We could light it like a landmark, creating a gathering point downtown, a place for all the future condo dwellers to get together, look at some art, patronize some street vendors, peoplewatch etc.....

on second thought, they'll come out anyways....and it will be the dark, dirt filled shrub planter as the focal point that draws them.....

[writerranger]

I agree.....skip the lighting...
let people eat their lunch there...and they
can barricade themselves in their houses with Friends
reruns after the sun goes down.....

OR

We could light it like a landmark, creating a gathering point downtown, a place for all the future condo dwellers to get together, look at some art, patronize some street vendors, peoplewatch etc.....

on second thought, they'll come out anyways....and it will be the dark, dirt filled shrub planter as the focal point that draws them.....

[escan]

Thanks ODG! I'll look forward to hearing what Jannie says.

[The Old Downtown Guy]

No dirt yet. The main water line with the spray jets seen in the photos Partick posted has been removed from the center south facing, and largest, fountain, but no work was going on this morning. If you are planning to enjoy a little shopping at the Couch Park Farmers Market today, take a look at the sad empty fountains just to the north across Robert S. Kerr Avenue at Kerr McGee's tower, and if you are so inclined, give them a quick e-mail off of their website "contact" link.

http://www.kerr-mcgee.com/resources/contactkmg.htm

[Patrick]

Speaking of fountains not working properly... Patrick, being in contact with Penn Square Mall, have you addressed their broken fountain? Only 4 or 5 spouts work. It's still pretty cool watching it, but it would be better if all the spouts worked.

Sorry to get off topic sort of.

Luke, here's the reply I got:

"I just received the bid to renovate the fountain. Our "shoot from the hip" budget was $50,000 because we thought we could just change the controls and modify the shooters. The bid came in over $200,000. The complexity of all the pumps, plumbing and controls is amazing. It appears that we have to start over or continue to band-aid the current system. The fountain cost over $400,000 in 2000, and everything is already worn out. I'll try to keep you posted."

[John]

Luke, here's the reply I got:

"I just received the bid to renovate the fountain. Our "shoot from the hip" budget was $50,000 because we thought we could just change the controls and modify the shooters. The bid came in over $200,000. The complexity of all the pumps, plumbing and controls is amazing. It appears that we have to start over or continue to band-aid the current system. The fountain cost over $400,000 in 2000, and everything is already worn out. I'll try to keep you posted."

Hey, Mr. KerrMcGee, we see your quarterly reports. Things aren't exactly beans and toast over in the oil & gas industry right now.

As for a comparison, Devon spent what 6-8 Million on renovating the exterior of their main tower (which looks great, btw), but KerrMcGee won't drop $200,000 on the main element of their entryway?

:stars:

[AFCM]

Screw it, make a parking lot. We need more of those downtown.

[writerranger]

Hey, Mr. KerrMcGee, we see your quarterly reports. Things aren't exactly beans and toast over in the oil & gas industry right now.

As for a comparison, Devon spent what 6-8 Million on renovating the exterior of their main tower (which looks great, btw), but KerrMcGee won't drop $200,000 on the main element of their entryway?
:stars:

John.....Actually, I think Patrick was responding to Luke's question about the Penn Square fountain. I agree with your sentiments though. It seems silly to look at the dollars involved in maintaining what, to me at least, is basically an extension of the building.

[The Old Downtown Guy]

Thanks ODG! I'll look forward to hearing what Jannie says.

Since this has turned into the "all fountains" thread; here's the latest on the Memorial Park Fountain. The repairs have been made but the fountain still doesn't work properly. Janie Dupree of OKC Beautiful has been in touch with the OKC Parks Department advising them of the improper operation and encouraging them to get the contractor responsible for the repairs back to get the fountain operating properly. She will continue to follow up until it is completely repaired and working perfectly. I can assure you, from my personal experience, that it will get fixed.