Convention Center Parking garage renovations

[sgrizzle]

All of the metal "artistic" parts (the grids) have been removed and a new ramp is being installed on the north west side. I'm guessing by adding this ramp they can remove the cyclone on the east side.

[cannon_fodder]

It was a speed of exit decision as I understand it.  The cyclone caused much delay in clearing the ramp.  Though, I hope they don't remove it.  More exists aren't a bad thing.

Wait, I thought there wasn't any parking downtown?  []

[sgrizzle]

I would think they would remove it and put an elevator and pedestrian entrance there for traffic from the BOK Center.

[AVERAGE JOE]

grizz, is this the north side or the west side?

[sgrizzle]

North West. Convention center is off the right edge of the picture.

[Hoss]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

North. Convention center is off the right edge of the picture.

Actually, that's the west side of the parkade.

[SXSW]

Are they expanding the convention center during the renovation?  I've heard they need more exhibit hall and ballroom space to keep up with convention demands in similar-sized cities.  They have two options as I see it: the parking lot to the north (west of this garage) and where the soon-to-be vacant city hall is located to the east.  It would be nice to have another hotel around there that could connect to the convention center and be right by the arena.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by Hoss

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

North. Convention center is off the right edge of the picture.

Actually, that's the west side of the parkade.

Okay, you're right, I was turned around.

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by SXSW

Are they expanding the convention center during the renovation?  I've heard they need more exhibit hall and ballroom space to keep up with convention demands in similar-sized cities.  They have two options as I see it: the parking lot to the north (west of this garage) and where the soon-to-be vacant city hall is located to the east.  It would be nice to have another hotel around there that could connect to the convention center and be right by the arena.

The convention hall is expanding north all the way to the street. It will have the largest ballroom in the state and keep the existing arena.

[Hoss]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

quote:Originally posted by SXSW

Are they expanding the convention center during the renovation?  I've heard they need more exhibit hall and ballroom space to keep up with convention demands in similar-sized cities.  They have two options as I see it: the parking lot to the north (west of this garage) and where the soon-to-be vacant city hall is located to the east.  It would be nice to have another hotel around there that could connect to the convention center and be right by the arena.

The convention hall is expanding north all the way to the street. It will have the largest ballroom in the state and keep the existing arena.

Here's a Whirled view of the construction from back in May

[AVERAGE JOE]

quote:Originally posted by Hoss

Here's a Whirled view of the construction from back in May

Will be tight fit with new ramp and expanded ballroom. I assume main entrance moves up to 3rd Street.

[sgrizzle]

As much as I'm not a fan, I'd kinda like to see an elevated walkway or mini-tram connecting this to the bok center for real conventions.

[SXSW]

I didn't realize the convention center was expanding all the way to 3rd.  From that plan it looks as if there will be main entrances at 3rd and Guthrie (that will be used if coming/going to the BOK Center) and another at 3rd and Houston by the parking lots over that way.  Any renderings available??

[Hoss]

quote:Originally posted by sgrizzle

As much as I'm not a fan, I'd kinda like to see an elevated walkway or mini-tram connecting this to the bok center for real conventions.

As cool as that might be, it would also be a little difficult, given the distance from the closest point of the two buildings or properties, even.  That would be one long-donkey skybridge!

I had heard talk of possibly a tunnel connecting the two, but with rising costs and knowing how much it would cost to undertake such a venture, I doubt it's likely to happen anytime soon.