Hornet's owner buys home in Nichols Hills

[Pete]

Even though he won't admit it directly, this is a good sign of the Hornets staying...



Hornets owner, wife purchase Nichols Hills home
By Tricia Pemberton
The Oklahoman

George Shinn is nesting.

The colorful owner of the Hornets and his wife, Denise, have purchased a home in Nichols Hills, a spokesman confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

Michael Thompson, director of corporate communications for the Hornets, said Shinn did not wish to release the address of the home and gave no further details about the house or the purchase price.

“He did say off-hand that he bought the smallest house in the biggest neighborhood. It’s certainly not palatial but will be comfortable for them while they are here,” Thompson said.

Marilyn Torbett, owner of Marilyn Torbett Co., sold the Shinns their 2,400-square-foot house in Nichols Hills. She described the home as a stone cottage that had been totally redone, with a large master bath and large closet space.

She could not disclose the price, she said, because the deal does not close until Friday. The Shinns plan to move into the home within a week after closing, she said.

“George and Denise really like Oklahoma City and the community here,” Torbett said. “They really felt they could have a better experience in the city and all it has to offer in a home instead of in a hotel.”

Thompson said Shinn wanted to make it clear that the move should not be misinterpreted as a sign that he was looking to permanently stay in Oklahoma.

“This just made the most sense financially,” he said.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, who was traveling Wednesday in Washington, said he was not surprised.

“George knows a good investment when he sees one, and he sees one in the Oklahoma City. I think it’s very positive that he’s investing in Oklahoma City,” Cornett said.

Marta McCubbin with First Source Real Estate said she’s been working with Hornets’ President Paul Mott and his wife to find a home to lease. Coach Byron Scott recently leased a home in Edmond, she said. She’s also had the opportunity to work with other Hornets management.

[venture]

If he was going to stay, wouldn't a franchise owner get something a bit bigger than 2500 sq ft?

People really need to get over the hopes of the Hornets staying, and just enjoy the team. The needs to remain to make the city look good for relocation or expansion in 2008.