The "this has nothing to do with Tulsa" mega-post

[Laramie]

Plans to redevelop 16 plus acres near The Penn Square Mall area at Penn Avenue & N.W. Highway:

Tulsa developer Ryan McNeill has big plans ($15 million investment) for Penn Central: http://www.news9.com/story/38791234/retail-project-to-transform-nw-okc-neighborhood

Pics via OKCTalk forum

[Laramie]

Progress on the 605 room Omni Hotel on the new OKC Convention Center Complex south of The Peake across Oklahoma City Boulevard.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City Ideas 4 MAPS are being submitted:

Oklahoma City Energy FC fans want to elevate to Major League Soccer (MLS.)  IMHO Tulsa would be a much better market for eventual MLS b/c OKC fans would make the 91 mile Turnpike travel as many of us did in the 70s-80s for NASL Roughneck games.

Soccer specific & American football venue could also attract pro football XFL, AAF, FFL - Freedom Football League (Oklahoma City listed as starter market); stadium is being pushed for the south side of the Oklahoma River. A stadium on the south side of the Oklahoma River would be a major boost to the Capitol Hill & Stockyard City area of OKC.

Analysis: Plotting a new course for MAPS 4:  https://www.oklahoman.com/analysis-plotting-a-new-course-for-maps-4/article/5620675

The new Oklahoma City convention center & 605-room Omni Hotel (4-star hotel) and the 133 room Fairfield Inn & Suites will make 738 rooms available on the convention center site for OKC convention goers.  Plans are currently being made to book future conventions for the city.

Other ideas being submitted include:  Streetcar expansion to OU Health Science Center (Northeast from downtown)...  ...also to Capitol Hill area south and the Asian & Paseo District's north.



... Bricktown Canal extension toward west Lower Bricktown to the Steelyard area.

MAPS III initiative expires April 1, 2020; therefore an extension vote would occur in September 2019 or February-March 2020.   Mayor David Holt is soliciting Ideas 4 MAPS extension.
OKC will not be able to use the current Cox Convention Center (formerly Myriad Convention Center) b/c of the agreement with the Omni--Cox CC can no longer be used for conventions.  There will be plans to demolish the CC--salvage the underground parking and possible bring the 4 square blocks back to the original street grid if feasible.

[Laramie]

.

Never seen any structure this close to an expressway in Oklahoma City with the exception of the U-Haul structure off I-40 old crosstown.

Staybridge Suites
Five floors,  131 rooms

[Laramie]

Pic via OKCTalk forum

An Ideas for MAPS 4 one & a half-mile Bricktown Canal extension thru the Coop Mill parcel to the convention center complex would allow for more development along the canal and enhance the convention center complex.

An extension of the canal is a project that could be considered for MAPS 4 Ideas. It would probably cost twice as much to add one & a half miles to expand the canal. OKC spent $13 million for the current mile long Bricktown Canal. We could build some residential high rise and mix-use office along this portion of the canal thru the Coop Mill to the new convention center complex.

Note: The area along the Rock Climbing Silo underneath the elevated portion of the Shields Bypass toward the new convention center complex where the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott have topped out a 5 stories.

An extension would have to go under the current Shield's Boulevard Bypass wind back north thru Scissortail Park to the new convention center complex.

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City's Iconic Skydance Bridge

 

Oklahoma City's monstrosity SkyDance Bridge towers 200 feet high, built at a cost of $6 million, the structure provides a pedestrian link crossing I-40 between the north and south areas of the city.  Its steel structure represents the state bird, Scissortail Flycatcher. It illuminates in all colors; sometimes seasonal, St. Patrick's Day green, Thunder Blue & Gold & Christmas variety colors.

Skydance Bridge Light Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jWveaTBY5U



Skydance Bridge at Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hQPrU8Admg
Skydance Bridge's steel bird towers above the new 10 lane I-40 Crosstown Expressway thru the core of the city.

[Laramie]

Pic via OKCTalk forum

An Ideas for MAPS 4 one & a half-mile Bricktown Canal extension thru the Coop Mill parcel to the convention center complex would allow for more development along the canal and enhance the convention center complex.

An extension of the canal is a project that could be considered for MAPS 4 Ideas. It would probably cost twice as much to add one & a half miles to expand the canal. OKC spent $13 million for the current mile long Bricktown Canal. We could build some residential high rise and mix-use office along this portion of the canal thru the Coop Mill to the new convention center complex.

Note: The area along the Rock Climbing Silo underneath the elevated portion of the Shields Bypass toward the new convention center complex where the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott have topped out a 5 stories.

An extension would have to go under the current Shield's Boulevard Bypass wind back north thru Scissortail Park to the new convention center complex.

Below is a conceptual plan prior to the new convention center complex to extend the Bricktown Canal: 

[Laramie]

 (Pic via Oklahoman 02-20-19)

Oklahoma City's ever changing weather.  Two Beautiful views of The Lighthouse on Lake Hefner following Tuesday's light snow flurries (above).  A jogger gets his workout despite the weather conditions. A scenic view (below) as the sun surrenders its tide on the calm waters of the lake.

[Laramie]

All Aboard: The Mayors of Six Cities Sign Historic Agreement Forming Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma
Del City ★ Edmond ★ Midwest City ★ Moore ★ Norman ★ Oklahoma City

Association of Central Oklahoma Governments | ACOG http://www.acogok.org/all-aboard-mayors-of-six-cities-sign-historic-agreement-forming-regional-transportation-authority-of-central-oklahoma/

Regional Transportation Authority of Central Oklahoma forms  https://okcfox.com/news/local/regional-transportation-authority-of-central-oklahoma-forms★

★Signing at Oklahoma City historic Santa Fe Station

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City booming with new core & area developments

Four developments planned via OKCTalk:

Automobile Alley

The area near the railroad tracks in Automobile Alley continues to boom, with yet another large-scale redevelopment in the works.
...Last week, local developer Jeremy Foraker closed on the buildings that currently house Java Dave's, on 9th Street just east of the tracks.

The property consists of 3 warehouses at 10 NE 9th, comprising 45,650 square feet on .9 acres. Sales price was $2.6 million.

Foraker is still finalizing plans but expects to completely renovate the structures to include future restaurant, retail and office space and possibly apartments on the 2nd floor. Design is by Common Works Architects.

Automobile Alley

Building permits were submitted for a $4 million renovation to the long-neglected building a 1 NW 12th, formerly home to Cain's Coffee...
...The 5-story building was purchased in 2016 by Midwest City contractor HGL Construction and the company has been marketing the space for lease for the last two years.

Plans call for a full renovation of the 1918 structure built in the Art Deco revival style. The white glazed brick and cast stone will be repaired, cleaned and sealed. The original steel windows will be restored with new insulated clear glass lights with repainted frames to be made operational.

Plaza District

The Good Egg Dining Group has started work on the former Empire Slice House space in the Plaza District...  ...
The group currently operates Cheever's Cafe, Iron Star, Red Primesteak, Republic, Tucker's Onion Burgers, Kitchen No. 324, The Drake and Barrios. Most of the restaurants are in the the urban core, but Mexican Radio will be their first venture in the popular Plaza area.

Paseo District

84 Hospitality Group, proprietors of Empire Slice House, Goro Ramen, Revolucion and Ponyboy, have released more information about their latest venture coming soon to the Paseo District.  Dubbed Gun, the group claims it will be the first of its kind in Oklahoma with a new wave approach to beverage and street food inspired by travel to Japan and other U.S. Cities...


OKCTalk latest news:  http://www.okctalk.com/content.php

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City: Stadium and entertainment project proposed for MAPS 4

                     

                     

                     

                     

OKCTalk reports:

****************
Group proposes connecting south OKC to downtown through cultural and sports district

OKLAHOMA CITY (February 28, 2019) - A growing alliance of Oklahoma City residents and organizations today announced support for a MAPS 4 proposal to connect south Oklahoma City to downtown through a cultural, entertainment and sports district anchored by a City-owned multi-purpose outdoor entertainment venue.

The proposal calls for the City to include the venue in the MAPS 4 program, on which residents are expected to vote later this year. Such a venue would allow Oklahoma City to compete for numerous outdoor events including professional soccer matches, rugby and lacrosse games, high school multi-sport rivalries including Oklahoma State Championship Football games, national performances and a host of outdoor concerts, events and exhibitions.

"We fully support Mayor Holt's vision to usher in a more diverse and inclusive Oklahoma City," said Bob Funk, Jr., owner & CEO of Prodigal, LLC which operates the Oklahoma City Energy FC and is major driver of the proposal. "Connecting south Oklahoma City to downtown through a cultural and sports district would be a powerful component of building unity and showcasing our diversity."

The outdoor venue would be sized in accordance with USL, MLS, U.S. Rugby, Major League Lacrosse as well as Oklahoma Secondary School Field regulations and seat between 8,500 – 10,000 people for sporting events and 16,500 to 18,000 for outdoor concerts. It would be designed to allow for renovation to expand capacity, much like the Ford Center which later became Chesapeake Arena.

The City-owned venue would also serve to anchor a walkable district of diverse, modern restaurants, housing and retail, functioning as the public element of a public -private partnership.

"By funding a City-owned, multi-purpose outdoor venue as part of MAPS 4, Oklahoma City will open the door to private investment to complement the public project," said Chuck Wiggin, an Oklahoma City-based developer with a 38-year track record of successful investment and development projects.

Wiggin further highlighted how Opportunity Zones, as a part of the site selection process, would heighten the appeal for a new category of private investors. These areas, created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2017, are designed to spur private investment in designated low-income areas. Much of the City's Central Business District and surrounding land to the south falls within Opportunity Zone areas.

"Designing connections and walkability around destination areas will also serve to strengthen continuity between Oklahoma City neighborhoods, Scissortail Park, The Convention Center, Wheeler Park, Lower Bricktown and the Boathouse District," Wiggin said.

The proposal also underscores that a centrally located venue with close proximity to existing downtown attractions would promote citywide accessibility for all residents. However, the submittal stopped short of specifying a location, opting instead to leave the site open-ended, recognizing the City would ultimately determine a location that best suits the proposal.

"We have a keen interest and support for the proposal as a way to connect south Oklahoma City to downtown," said Dr. Raul Font, president of the Latino Community Development Agency. "We envision this district as one that our community can utilize to showcase Oklahoma City's vibrant and growing Latino culture."

The group also proposes the City work with Fields and Futures – a nonprofit founded by OKC Energy FC Partner Tim McLaughlin, which is dedicated to keeping youth in school by refurbishing athletic programs and facilities in Oklahoma City public schools – to add up to 10 soccer fields to Wheeler Park to be uses for tournaments that attract visitors to our region, youth development, league play, and engagement events between professional athletes and the community.

"I've witnessed soccer fields transform communities by inspiring young athletes and bringing neighbors together over a common interest," McLaughlin said. "MAPS 4 is Oklahoma City's chance to do this on a major scale."

"We have seen firsthand how soccer can unite so many people," said Peter Evans, Executive Director of the Oklahoma City Police Athletic League and incoming chairman of the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, "Soccer is a sport a lot of kids play and has significant heritage in so many neighborhoods. As a favorite sport for many of our student-athletes and their families, sharing the game together becomes a relationship building tool for the police officers who serve as coaches and mentors through our program."

The group identified soccer, rugby and lacrosse as the fastest-growing sports in America, and pointed to a 2018 Nielsen study commissioned by the OKC Energy FC, in which 51 percent of Oklahoma City's direct market area are interested in or follow professional soccer.

The research further showed Energy FC's fan base is multicultural and millennial – largely part of the "MAPS generation."

The group also pointed to the many missed tourism and sporting event opportunities that Oklahoma City is currently unable to compete for due to its lack of an outdoor venue capable of hosting them. They cited Big 12, NCAA, NAIA and junior college soccer, U.S. Soccer Federation, U.S. Youth Soccer, college and club lacrosse, international and club rugby, NCAA Dll football games, e-sports and drone racing events Oklahoma City could pursue if such a facility is built as part of the MAPS 4 initiative.

Supporters include:

         Bob Funk, Jr., Partner, Energy FC, Owner and CEO, Prodigal LLC
         Tim McLaughlin, Partner, Energy FC, Founder, Fields and Futures
         Jake Edwards, President, United Soccer League (USL)
         Peter Evans, Executive Director, Police Athletic League and Chairman-elect,
         South OKC Chamber of Commerce
         Steve Hahn, President, AT&T Oklahoma
         Bob Ross, President and CEO, Inasmuch Foundation
         Dr. Raul Font, Latino Community Development Agency
         Chuck Wiggin, President, Wiggin Properties
         Adrian DeWendt, President and CEO, Special Olympics Oklahoma
         Scott Dedmon, Principal, ADG
         Alexander P. Brown, Commissioner, Major League Lacrosse
         John White, President, OKC Crusaders Rugby


Video animation: http://aplacetobringustogether.com/documents/Animated%20Video.mp4

Stadium is designed for future expansion to accommodate Major League Soccer and American football.

[SXSW]

Cool looking stadium but is there support for this in OKC?  I have a hard time believing there would be enough support for a similar project in Tulsa unless an MLS team was involved. 

[Laramie]

This will be a challenge. 

The USL has given a deadline for all USL teams to have a solid financed stadium plan submitted on or before 2020. 

Don't believe that many of the posters on OKCTalk message board realize the possibility that Oklahoma City Energy FC could be forced to sell the team if they are not committed to a soccer specific stadium.

[heironymouspasparagus]

Got to spend a couple days in OKC last week.  Nice visit except for the ice!   Did finally get to go to Trappers Fishcamp!   Nice.  Looked all through the menu right up to the point where it said Crawfish Etouffee.  That's where I stopped - no point going further...

[Laramie]

Oklahoma City to get Amazon Made-on-Demand Facility.

OKCTalk reports on 4th OKC Amazon facility

OKCTalk:  As Amazon is powering towards an opening later this year at its massive fulfillment center near Will Rogers Airport, the company has submitted plans to bring another large operation to Oklahoma City.

The on-line retail giant has leased 111,606 square feet of warehouse space located at 6101 SW 44th Street. The building was constructed by Industrial Developers of Oklahoma, the same Tulsa company that built Amazon's 300,000 square foot sortation operation at 1414 S. Council.

The new plant will produce made-on-demand items for Merch by Amazon, a service where content creators can upload their own artwork, have items printed (usually t-shirts and other clothing) and have it marketed on the Amazon website.

When a product is sold, it is delivered through the Amazon Prime service and a royalty is paid to the creator.

Currently, printing items through Amazon is by invitation only through an application process.

A similar plant was just opened in suburban Philadelphia which contains 48 industrial printers, 16 giant dryers as well as pollution control equipment and has the ability to operate around the clock. The company is expected to open many more made-on-demand plants in the coming years.

Last year, Amazon was awarded a patent for its new automated system that facilitates the rapid production of clothing, enabling Amazon to create and ship directly to the customers, bypassing middlemen and the huge oversees manufacturers who currently make most clothing in the U.S.

The move is seen as competition for silk-screeners who customize the same sort of items for various customers.

The number of employees is not presently known.

This would be the fourth Amazon facility within Oklahoma City: 2,560,00 square foot fulfillment center at 9201 S. Portland, the previously mentioned sortation facility, and 60,000 square foot delivery warehouse at 4401 E. Hefner.

It is estimated the fulfillment center alone will create 1,750 full-time jobs.