Forgive me for not posting the past couple days. But if you scan the headlines at www.newsok.com, you’ll notice what’s kept me so busy.
Today was one of those moments where I realize I’m truly priviledged to write the first draft of history. Devon Energy is moving forward with plans to build a skyscraper in downtown Oklahoma City - “iconic” - as CEO Larry Nichols describes it, and one that will top the city’s current tallest buildings.
Don’t get too hung up on the 37 stories. The height will almost certainly go even higher as design work commences, and don’t be too surprised if it tops 40 stories.
Interesting sidenote: today I also had to write about the next phase of improvements at First National Center - a story that likely would have made front page if not for my reporting on Devon Tower.
This obviously goes without saying, but Mayor Mick Cornett, who has been out evangelizing the masses about how Oklahoma City is on the verge of becoming a major league city, is a very, very happy mayor today.
So… any questions?
March 12th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Great news Steve! Thanks!
I can’t wait to see potential renderings. This will be huge for the image of OKC.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
There are no renderings yet. But the wait won’t be long. Expect the news to come fast and furious the next several weeks… the implications of the development are far reaching.
March 12th, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Steve,
I’m totally blown away by this. My brother works at Devon, and he said we could expect something along these lines in the next five to ten years - so I’m amazed it’s happening so quickly.
This is exceptionally GOOD NEWS for OKC - how exciting. It will be interesting to see what comes to pass economically moving forward once all these pieces fall into place.
Do you think the mayor has thought through all the implications and how to leverage it for the city’s further growth?
March 12th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Yes and no, Michael. They’ve thought a lot about this tower, no doubt, but until the announcement was made, you really can’t get a full grasp on the entire deal. As it is, there is a lot more to report on this that we still need to get out - be looking for more stories throughout the day.
March 13th, 2008 at 2:45 am
I read some article somewhere where a guy was buying up a lot of property just off of the NW corner of Hudson & Sheridan. Is this where the plans are for? Or will it be the next block to the east, directly north of the Myriad Gardens? That’s a lot of downtown parking to take out.
Then again, I can see it now. Parking in the underground Devon lots and walking to the X-O Lounge in the Colcord!
March 13th, 2008 at 8:33 am
I am wondering about exactly where the footprint would be, also … maybe I missed that in your articles, Steve, but I can’t find that. Help?
March 13th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
This is big time news. When our Country has so many negative things as it relates to the economy, OKC is moving forward. I am anxious to see what else is revealed about plans in downtown OKC and Bricktown. 2008 may go down as a huge year in terms of major announcements for the positive growth of our City.
I am also curious to see if any of the National papers pick up on your article, what do you think Steve?
March 13th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised if this makes the national financial wires and press, most notably the Wall Street Journal. I’ll keep my eye our. Doug, I think you figured out the location for the tower after seeing the map, right?
March 13th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Braden, it was Nicholas Preftakes buying up all the properties just west of the proposed Devon Tower site. I asked Larry Nichols about this and he had no response negative or positive as to any Devon ties… hmmm…. isn’t that interesting?
March 14th, 2008 at 2:45 am
Yep, got it figured out, Steve, and thanks for your great articles.