Word from my friend who does demolition work is that Boston Avenue Methodist Church bought the Blue Cross Building and is going to implode it for another surface parking lot. I don't know if there is anything we can do to prevent it but we do NOT need another surface lot in that area.
Quote from: dsjeffries on May 08, 2011, 06:04:48 PM
Word from my friend who does demolition work is that Boston Avenue Methodist Church bought the Blue Cross Building and is going to implode it for another surface parking lot. I don't know if there is anything we can do to prevent it but we do NOT need another surface lot in that area.
Hire a bunch of homeless people to protest them?
Say what?
Quote from: dsjeffries on May 08, 2011, 06:04:48 PM
Word from my friend who does demolition work is that Boston Avenue Methodist Church bought the Blue Cross Building and is going to implode it for another surface parking lot. I don't know if there is anything we can do to prevent it but we do NOT need another surface lot in that area.
Another surface lot, another waste of space instead of a revevolpment. Is there no thought by the city and developers? I showed the view from google earth to friends and coworkers here, and the question has always been, "Why so much surface parking crap? Are the people buying the space intent on creating surface crap?" My $.02, unless COT has some balls, you will wind up with crap. Downtown will become a collection of buildings, surrounded by surface parking, and everything that so many of the TNF people that want change and progressive redevelopment, will go away. Why can't Tulsa quit blowing up stuff, and making DT a giant parking lot?
That building would be perfect for condos. Great views of downtown from the upper floors.
That would be a shame if it was torn down. Boston Ave has plenty of parking. ARK Wrecking IS working on the current BCBS HQ at 14th & Boston doing interior demolition work for a big renovation there, maybe that's what they meant?
There is entirely too much surface parking downtown. And while there has been a lot of new development there have been very few surface lots developed. There needs to be more but I'm not holding my breath.
This building is already surrounded by surface parking and there is a parking structure nearby.
Quote from: carltonplace on May 09, 2011, 08:43:58 AM
This building is already surrounded by surface parking and there is a parking structure nearby.
It wouldn't even be that close to the church. I think they were either referring to the BCBS building on Boston (which is under construction) or impending interior demolition work at this building on Boulder.
Some excerpts from an article when they moved out last year:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma plans to consolidate its downtown Tulsa employees into one building, vacating its original, iconic headquarters.
Plans for that 56-year-old, 12-story tower at 1215 S. Boulder Ave. remain under review.
"I think they would like to see this building retrofitted for another owner in a very positive way," said Lee Anne Zeigler, executive director and chief executive of the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. "I was on the 12th floor looking around. The views are phenomenal. Structurally the building has a lot of integrity."
Blue Cross will join its 225 workers now at 1215 S. Boulder with the 250 working at its seven-story, 138,000-square-foot tower at 1400 S. Boston.
...
Since its 1954 construction and 1969 expansion, the 1215 S. Boston tower designed by Tulsa architect Joseph Koberling represented a modern architecture landmark along U.S. Route 66 and the Broken Arrow Expressway. A rotating 24-foot by 24-foot sign atop a 34-foot pylon secured its notoriety.
"It's a lovely building and it has such a strong identity for them, I know it must be very difficult," Zeigler said of the planned move. "They've made a management decision to streamline their organization. I can't argue with them about that."
Zeigler said the structure offers a wide range of potential adaptive uses, from office needs to hospitality or housing.
"I think their interest is genuine and sincere that we find another use for that building," she said. "The couple of floors I was on, they're partitioned in such a way you could really create whatever kind of usage you wanted to. I don't think it will be difficult to find."
Like SXSW, I was aware of demolition for the renovations taking place, but not a whole building coming down. I've not seen anything on the construction news for this anyhow.
I thought I had heard that building was one strong wind gust away from being a parking lot anyway.
Quote from: sgrizzle on May 09, 2011, 09:21:36 PM
I thought I had heard that building was one strong wind gust away from being a parking lot anyway.
Not according to this article...though the upper floors do vibrate which could be an issue if turned into condos: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20100311/ai_n52484864/ (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20100311/ai_n52484864/)
"Especially if you're on one of those upper floors, if a pretty heavy truck crosses the overpass, it vibrates the building enough that they can feel it," said Berry. "We've had structural engineers review that on at least three different occasions. Each and every time the structural engineers have come back with a report that there's no concerns with any kind of erosion or damage that may be taking place with the foundation or structure of the building. It's a pretty solid building. It's just one of those anomalies."
Quote from: SXSW on May 10, 2011, 09:05:50 AM
Not according to this article...though the upper floors do vibrate which could be an issue if turned into condos: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20100311/ai_n52484864/ (http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20100311/ai_n52484864/)
"Especially if you're on one of those upper floors, if a pretty heavy truck crosses the overpass, it vibrates the building enough that they can feel it," said Berry. "We've had structural engineers review that on at least three different occasions. Each and every time the structural engineers have come back with a report that there's no concerns with any kind of erosion or damage that may be taking place with the foundation or structure of the building. It's a pretty solid building. It's just one of those anomalies."
We get that here at my office several times a day. There's a concrete plant down the block plus there's all sorts of heavy loads coming and going from the industrial park. I basically get to experience a low magnitude quake ;)
First United Methodist Church buying the building. Hopefully they don't tear it down. :-\
First United Methodist is still evaluating what to do with the building, though R. Wade Paschal Jr., pastor and senior minister of the church, said the growing congregation allows the church to expand their physical facilities into the building.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20110602_32_0_Bursnl51693 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20110602_32_0_Bursnl51693)
Quote from: SXSW on June 02, 2011, 03:59:09 PM
First United Methodist is still evaluating what to do with the building,
That sounds un-great.
They get a brand new street outside the front door and plenty of parking around it (both surface and structured).
Quote from: SXSW on June 02, 2011, 03:59:09 PM
First United Methodist Church buying the building. Hopefully they don't tear it down. :-\
First United Methodist is still evaluating what to do with the building, though R. Wade Paschal Jr., pastor and senior minister of the church, said the growing congregation allows the church to expand their physical facilities into the building.
http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20110602_32_0_Bursnl51693 (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20110602_32_0_Bursnl51693)
Let me guess, the lot across the street only holds 200 cars and it's not enough parking spaces.
Quote from: Townsend on June 02, 2011, 04:12:26 PM
That sounds un-great.
Them downtown churches sure are getting bigger.
It's coming down all over the place.....
It could be a wise move buying the building and not tearing it down (before someone else does). That church has some deep pockets (just like First Pres. and Boston Ave.) and they can put the money into the building to renovate it for their church uses and to possibly lease the other areas, like the upper floors, for offices or residential. We'll see...
IF the methodist have a tenant, the building will stand. If not, down goes Blue Cross....
Quote from: Teatownclown on June 02, 2011, 05:04:35 PM
IF the methodist have a tenant, the building will stand. If not, down goes Blue Cross....
So there's a methodist to this madness?
Quote from: Conan71 on June 02, 2011, 07:03:40 PM
So there's a methodist to this madness?
Probably several :D
Quote from: dbacks fan on June 02, 2011, 04:21:34 PM
Let me guess, the lot across the street only holds 200 cars and it's not enough parking spaces.
Here is a quote from the Tulsa World Article:
QuoteNicole Amend, a spokesperson for the insurance company, said Blue Cross and Blue Shield already allowed the church to use the building's parking lot for years.
Maybe, they just wanted the existing lot. I know First Presbyterian/a members foundation were looking at buying a building downtown and converting it to housing, retail & parking. Maybe they are the same?
Would make a good seniors complex. I know many think seniors are low income and lack the YP consumerist attitude they think downtown needs, but really, they have high disposable income and are more likely to enhance a downtown. The church has a stake in the estates of these rapidly aging seniors and it makes a nice transition for them both.
Quote from: AquaMan on June 03, 2011, 09:13:58 AM
Would make a good seniors complex. I know many think seniors are low income and lack the YP consumerist attitude they think downtown needs, but really, they have high disposable income and are more likely to enhance a downtown. The church has a stake in the estates of these rapidly aging seniors and it makes a nice transition for them both.
Makes terrific sense and could be another revenue generator for the church.
I'm fine with senior or retirement housing assuming it is not rent controlled aka Hewgley Terrace.
Can we get some of the Montereau in Warren Woods folks downtown??
I knew my source was accurate... It's my hope that they keep the building, but whether they do or don't, there goes another 154,356 square feet of office space OFF the property tax rolls.
Quote from: dsjeffries on June 03, 2011, 09:32:17 AM
I knew my source was accurate... It's my hope that they keep the building, but whether they do or don't, there goes another 154,356 square feet of office space OFF the property tax rolls.
They got the Methodist part correct, but wrong congregation. Just kidding.
How does (and the proposed juvenile center discussed in another thread) affect the assessment for ONEOK Field.
FUMC has had right of first refusal on this building for years, with the idea of a senior housing conversion, but I don't know if that is going to happen. It depends on the members of the church who pushed this through. And the building is not going to be torn down. I don't know where you are hearing this. There are about 10 other buildings around there that are bigger candidates for the wrecking ball than this one.
Quote from: dsjeffries on June 03, 2011, 09:32:17 AM
I knew my source was accurate...
Dude. Your source was far from accurate. You started this thread with wrong building, wrong church.
Quote from: AngieBrumley on June 03, 2011, 09:50:32 AM
Dude. Your source was far from accurate. You started this thread with wrong building, wrong church.
I know, right?
Quote from: AngieBrumley on June 03, 2011, 09:50:32 AM
Dude. Your source was far from accurate. You started this thread with wrong building, wrong church.
Actually, it was started with "Blue Cross Blue Shield Building is being bought". Pretty sure that's the same one we're talking about now. I initially thought they were talking about the building on 14th, but that was my mistake. Yes, the church was wrong. Both were Methodist. I guess that's "far from accurate". ::)
I asked someone today who is a member there. He said the church will definitely not be tearing down the building and will instead renovate it. There will be a mix of church offices, classrooms, ministry space, etc. similar to what First Pres. did with the Masonic building across the street in the mid-90's. They are exploring the possibility of doing apartments on the upper floors but nothing is finalized yet. Anyone been to the top floors? I bet the views are great.
Quote from: SXSW on June 03, 2011, 11:10:56 AM
I asked someone today who is a member there. He said the church will definitely not be tearing down the building and will instead renovate it. There will be a mix of church offices, classrooms, ministry space, etc. similar to what First Pres. did with the Masonic building across the street in the mid-90's. They are exploring the possibility of doing apartments on the upper floors but nothing is finalized yet. Anyone been to the top floors? I bet the views are great.
I'm on the 6th floor right now and yes, there are great views all around.
Quote from: we vs us on June 02, 2011, 04:26:32 PM
Them downtown churches sure are getting bigger.
I think the fact the downtown churches in Tulsa are healthy is great. Many, many communities wish their downtown churches were as vibrant as Tulsa. Even the hallowed downtown OKC has churches that are fallow and even vacant.
Quote from: dsjeffries on June 03, 2011, 10:38:16 AM
Actually, it was started with "Blue Cross Blue Shield Building is being bought". Pretty sure that's the same one we're talking about now. I initially thought they were talking about the building on 14th, but that was my mistake. Yes, the church was wrong. Both were Methodist. I guess that's "far from accurate". ::)
I assumed you were talking about the one they bought since I knew it was for sale. I guess I missed the discussion on it being the building on 14th.
Quote from: SXSW on June 03, 2011, 11:10:56 AM
Anyone been to the top floors? I bet the views are great.
I have been on the top floor and it has excellent views of the downtown skyline.
I cannot find a picture from the top floor but here is one from the 4th floor:
Quote from: OpenYourEyesTulsa on June 03, 2011, 09:01:21 PM
I have been on the top floor and it has excellent views of the downtown skyline.
I cannot find a picture from the top floor but here is one from the 4th floor:
I like that picture. The only building I have been on the roof of and took pictures, I hope to find them and scan them, was TJC just after sun set, and I have some pictures looking north towards the Williams Tower, and the old Cathey's Furniture building taken in 1982 I believe.
Quote from: chengliu on June 04, 2011, 04:24:29 AM
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Wow! This is some of the highest quality spam I've seen.
Quote from: we vs us on June 04, 2011, 09:41:26 AM
Wow! This is some of the highest quality spam I've seen.
Watch it..the resident TNF AW will start calling you out as forum police! I must maintain my sole title!
Quote from: Hoss on June 04, 2011, 10:06:43 AM
Watch it..the resident TNF AW will start calling you out as forum police! I must maintain my sole title!
Afraid of a little competition?
Quote from: Red Arrow on June 04, 2011, 10:25:46 AM
Afraid of a little competition?
I must maintain a monopoly on my role as the Policer of the TNF!
Quote from: Hoss on June 04, 2011, 10:26:46 AM
I must maintain a monopoly on my role as the Policer of the TNF!
Are we going to have to use the Sherman Antitrust rules on you? Monopoly? Are you turning into a Republican?
;D
TW article:
Finishing touches put on Blue Cross, Blue Shield building
QuoteThe address is familiar to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma employees, but the office definitely isn't.
The Tulsa-based insurance provider, which has a 430-member workforce just south of downtown, is putting the finishing touches on a sweeping $13 million renovation of one of its two office buildings.
Mercedes Millberry, a company spokeswoman, said the seven-story office building at 1400 S. Boston Ave. was gutted and renovated to help cut overhead, as well as improve the work experience for employees.
On Friday, employees are moving out of the 12-story building at 1215 S. Boulder Ave., a facility the company has owned since 1956.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma had divided its downtown employees between the two buildings ever since 1990, when it purchased the structure at 1400 S. Boston. Although both buildings were half full immediately before the company consolidated its operations in the Boulder office in preparation for renovation, the remodeled building has the potential to house up to 604 employees.
With space totaling 135,523 square feet, the building has works of art from Oklahoma artists scattered throughout, including sculptures, paintings and artifacts from various Oklahoma Indian tribes.
But most obvious is the large mural drawn along one wall in the lobby - a long slice of downtown Tulsa that prominently features Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma's former office.
"We wanted to commemorate our 1215 building," Millberry said.
Other new features include a first-floor dining room that can seat 117 people, as well as outside seating for an additional 28, a fitness center with workout machines and multiple televisions, training rooms for new employees and continuing education and two videoconferencing rooms.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield has agreed to sell its building at 1215 S. Boulder to First United Methodist Church. A sale price has not yet been disclosed; the deal is expected to be completed Dec. 15.
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=32&articleid=20111111_32_E1_CUTLIN71114
Artist, did you get any work in this one?
Quote from: Conan71 on November 11, 2011, 01:38:04 PM
Artist, did you get any work in this one?
Does William do drywall & plaster work?
Quote from: BKDotCom on November 11, 2011, 02:28:51 PM
Does William do drywall & plaster work?
Funny you should say that, we've got a little drywall and plaster work to do in the new museum space. I was referring to this:
"But most obvious is the large mural drawn along one wall in the lobby - a long slice of downtown Tulsa that prominently features Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma's former office."
SO that's why some more small buildings got knocked down and replaced by a parking lot even though the building had a parking garage.
Nope, didn't know there was a mural in the building. Will have to go check it out. Drywall and plasterwork... don't to it for a living but can slop some mud around if I have too. Which indeed will have to do in the new museum space.
Quote from: TheArtist on November 11, 2011, 08:33:09 PM
Nope, didn't know there was a mural in the building. Will have to go check it out. Drywall and plasterwork... don't to it for a living but can slop some mud around if I have too. Which indeed will have to do in the new museum space.
Don't get too excited about the mural... :-\