Major downtown projects still moving forward
The Oklahoman's Steve Lackmeyer fielded reader questions Friday during his weekly OKC Central Live Chat. You can join Steve online most Fridays at 9:30 a.m. to add your comments and questions about downtown development.
Q: What is the status of the Urban Renewal request for development proposals for the corner of NW 4 and Broadway?
A: It looks like we may have a real deal this time around for the Urban Renewal land at NW 4 and Broadway, which previously was the subject of proposals that included traditional apartments, an office building and garage, and at one point, a proposed new Greater Oklahoma City Chamber headquarters.
Rose Rock was one of two respondents to the last request for proposals issued by Urban Renewal.
Their plan is a pretty unique complex that includes 198 apartments, a percentage to be affordable housing, a mix of retail, structured parking and generous public space. The development agreement was finalized last month and construction is scheduled to start in May 2021.
Q: I would like to know more about the convention center, First National, etc. and the progress toward completion. Updated photos would be great. Thank you and know that many look forward to Fridays and this forum.
A: Thanks. The convention center is well on its way to completion with interior finish now underway and furnishings to follow soon after. The convention center is set to open later this year with the Omni to open in early 2021. Construction continues on the apartments inside First National
and restoration work is set to start soon in the Great Banking Hall.
What else can I share? Construction continues on the 10-story Bricktown Renaissance at Sheridan and Oklahoma Avenues. Installation of the new blue-tinted glass facade continues at BancFirst Tower as the bank prepares to move into its new headquarters in January.
Downtown housing is the one area that seems to be doing well with the pandemic. Construction just started on the Sentinel apartments which will complete the block in Midtown that is already home to the Guardian Lofts and Monarch office building. Construction also continues with the townhomes at the old Villa Teresa campus. And the Boulevard building across the street is looking great and will soon be home to a Hal Smith restaurant, Neighborhood Jam.
The Heartland Building at NW 6 and Broadway just opened and employees are moving in this week.
Hotel developments, however, are getting hit hard. I have a story on that this weekend.
Q: I was finally able to get back downtown after a three-month hiatus and drove the Oklahoma City Boulevard from the Omni back to I-40 westbound. I am pleased with the center median tree planting and can envision what the median will look like 5 to ten years down the road.
But I am seeing quite a bit of heat stress beginning at the top of all of the trees. Is the City cutting back on water to save money? Are we going to let these trees die out and spend more money to replace them; or worse yet not replace them at all?
A: I noticed that too earlier this week. It's unfortunate because you can see other plantings done at the same time, notably Scissortail Park, that are doing well and not in distress. These medians are irrigated. The city reports the landscaping on the boulevard is still under construction and has not been turned over to the city yet. Any trees that die will be covered under a warranty and replaced until the city takes over.
Q: I went to the Oklahoma City National Memorial this weekend, and even after 20 years, that place is still inspiring. But sadly, I have never been to the Museum. What is some place in OKC that you have embarrassingly never been to as a 30-year citizen?
A: Hey there! I've lived in Oklahoma City for 43 years! I've worked at The Oklahoman for 30 years. Quick answer: the Will Rogers Gardens at Will Rogers Park. Shame on me. It's on my list.