Shabby- Bank of Oklahoma Autobank , 2nd and Denver

[mobboss]

has anyone else wondered why BOK would put forth the effort and pride in the new arena, but leave the eyesore autobank standing across the street? i have several accounts with BOK and when i have to use that downtown facility it is such a bad experience. the lanes and layout of the flow are awkward and the use of land space is irresponsible. i wonder why they didn't improve or at least modify/update the place, it is the first thing many people see when they leave the arena with a positive image of Tulsa-BOK's community involvement. maybe they wont put anything else into it because the planis for it to 'go away' sometime soon? anyone know the plans for that block?

BUT, when i was a kid it was a pretty good place to skateboard. those banked walls and tons of rails!

[SXSW]

I don't think there are any plans for it right now but its location next to the arena definitely makes it desirable for future development.  My dream plan for the area would be to build a new federal building on that block allowing the govt. to demolish Page Belcher and replace that block with a new park/landscaped plaza in front of the arena.  The block between 2nd and 3rd along Denver would become mixed-use with residential and retail/restaurants along Denver and 3rd, and the small lot at the SE corner of 3rd & Denver could be a multi-level sports bar/restaurant overlooking the park and BOK Center.  Also build a new library in another part of downtown and use that site at 4th & Denver for a highrise convention hotel that could connect to an expansion of the convention center to the east with big windows overlooking the park.  The blank wall of the conv. center parking garage could be reclad to make it more attractive and could be used to project movies in the summer or for bands during outdoor concerts. 

[TheArtist]

There have been various plans for that site. One of them was indeed for an updated bank facility. I wish I could find the renderings, for it was was quite stunning and contemporary, and had a park around it.

I think they are probably waiting to see what is going to happen nearby. It may be needed for a larger development, or a complimentary development to whatever goes next door. I am sure they would be willing to sell if an offer came along. Plus,,, I have heard rumors of an iconic bridge going from that area catywhompus, not straight across but at an angle, over to the Brady Arts district.

The deal with all of these "dreams" and possibilities is that stuff has been changing so much downtown lately. The new ballpark has now shifted a lot of focus over in that direction. Plus, no matter how much money Mr Kaiser or BOK has, they will only spend so many millions for this and that per year, tax and investment reasons.  The River Parks Trails is underway. Development of the Ballpark and stuff around that. They are still trying to raise money for the Matthews Warehouse remodel and thats several years off till the trucking thing in front of that moves. Kaiser is also doing other things "under the radar" around the city. I know I too wish he would hurry up lol. But geeze even he cant do everything. Takes money to make money, and the more money he can make now (by reinvesting it and not spending it), the more he can spend later.  There are a lot of things to consider, and just as you have one vision or picture of downtown, a bunch of things change and you realize you might want to focus more attention elsewhere.  Who would have guessed that city hall would have moved and opened that area up as a site they would want to redevelop, for instance?

So, limited funds per year, downtown and other areas still in flow, focuses shifting, downtown plans and ideas morphing as other players make their moves, etc. lots of projects needing attention= a continual balancing of priorities and a need for patience. Frustrating as that may be.

[SXSW]

Completely agree Artist.  I've just always liked the idea of taking downtown, which is rather large compared to most downtowns of similar or even larger-sized cities, and splitting it into districts/neighborhoods, or "nodes" of development.  Surrounding a focal point such as a green space, park, or plaza with public buildings and private businesses is the best way to attract new development.  So in the west end of downtown you have the park/plaza in front of the BOK Center surrounded by mixed-use along Denver, the downtown transit center, a new hotel, and the convention center.  In the south end of downtown you have Centennial Green surrounded by office buildings and the possibly the Cathedral Square idea surrounded by mixed-use residential.  And in the east end you have Blue Dome which could have a park of its own at the block between Cincinnati and Detroit, 3rd and 2nd.  John Hope Franklin Park in Brady could be a focal point in that part of downtown, Centennial Park in the Pearl, etc.

[sgrizzle]

From what I've heard the answer to the question "why is the autobank still there?" is "no-one has offered to buy it yet"

Kaiser did give money to the BOK Center but he is throwing most of his weight north of the tracks right now.

[Hoss]

The place worked out just fine for me during the hockey season; I was able to park for $5 there.

[mobboss]

that would be great to see that area redeveloped as mentioned above, i have that little bar space in the basement at 7th and elwood (cellar dweller) and the amount of customers i have from the areas small residential base is great. i would love to see more cafe's -bars and mixed use spaces around that west end of tulsa's downtown. lets hope the plans will mature someday soon and others will see a prosperity in the downtown scene