Grant Humphreys is a busy guy these days, and there’s no shortage of topics to question him on. Consider that he’s expected to start construction soon on the Flatiron, a project that as designed would dramatically alter the east entryway to downtown. Or look toward the Downtown Airpark or Lake Eufaula where he and his dad Kirk (former mayor, Flashpoint host, OKC Schools chair, busy guy himself) are preparing to launch some pretty sophisticated developments.
So what is Grant having to talk about almost daily? You guessed it - the Ferris Wheel.
Where is it going?
Grant is still not saying. But he’s out to correct the latest assumption being discussed in certain circles - that he bought the Ferris Wheel from the Santa Monica Pier to be included in the Lake Eufaula development. Nope, not true, he says. He did not buy the Ferris Wheel intending it to go to Lake Eufaula. Does that mean it’s not going to the lake? Nope. But he’s also not saying if it’s destined for the old Downtown Airpark or somewhere else.
Will he share this secret with Steve Lackmeyer, who promises not to share with anyone but maybe the couple hundred thousand people who read The Oklahoman? Nope, won’t do that either.
We won’t be left waiting forever, however. Grant says to expect an answere sometime next spring.
So, that having been said and knowing Grant is a reader of this blog, let’s manipulate him a bit and share our own ideas as to what to do with his really cool new toy.
Share your ideas with comments below, and we’ll conduct a poll on Monday.
-Steve
July 20th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I think it should go along the river somewhere. Make it a destination. I think getting on the wheel and being able to overlook the river, the cruises going up and dowm, and also get a glimpse of downtown and the anticipated Devon construction would be a great experience.
July 20th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I wonder if speculation about its possibly being placed in the mixed-use development at 36th is playing a factor in the resistance he’s seeing from the neighbors?
July 20th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Jeff, what a hoot! The neighborhoods would just LOVE that!
July 20th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I agree with the river theme. I think with the NBA and the relo of I40 that area will really start to open up and develop. That could be a very cool destination to add down there. When the river boat races and regattas and any other future river events, that could be really fun.
July 20th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
You call that busy? I hear that they’re having their 5th kiddo - now that’s what I call busy!
I agree that the Ferris Wheel would go great on the river - lights reflecting off the water - how romantic! There needs to be some draw to bring people across the river from downtown. But don’t just plop the wheel on the edge of a rip-rap wall. Make it a nice waterfront park and add some fun cafes and shopping. All of that - AND the Ferris Wheel? Now we’re talking! Go Grant!
July 21st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
It’s blatantly obvious that it will be on the river, even if he won’t come out and admit it. Think about it.
a.) put it at the flatiron (umm where is the room for it and it would look awkward, not enough foot traffic)
b.) Block 42 (again no room and would look out of place, not enough foot traffic).
c.) NW 36th/Crosstown Expressway (not much room and doesn’t fit in with the area
d.) Downtown OKC Airpark. (ding ding ding) we have a winnerj (he wants a mixed use development right on the Oklahoma River and has publically stated he may want to get permission to have a water inlet to his development. It’s a no brainer he will have a mixed use residential/retail/hotel/restaurant boardwalk development here. Just announce it already.
e.) Lake Eufala (again, this is really moreso his father’s project, not his) and why the heck would he put the ferris wheel there.
Sorry folks, but I’m going with D.
July 21st, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I have spend time a the charrette at the National Memorial Museum and at this stage in the development a Ferris Wheel is NOT going to be part of this community.
And yes, this is quite Kirk’s project vs Grant’s.
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I don’t think that anything is “blatantly obvious,” Steven. While that may be what most of us would prefer (me included) from the choices we think might be available, Mr. Humphreys has many more irons in the fire than any of us know.
It may well be that some other item is in the works that we do NOT know about which would be equally, or even more, spectacular … I have no clue, but perhaps something on the Oklahoma River which is closer to downtown, such as Wiley Post Park or near the I-35/I-40 junction, perhaps a “gift” to the city?
Now, wouldn’t THAT be a hoot?!
Maybe it would be good for Grant to view the great old movie, “Bells of St. Mary’s” (Bing Crosby & Ingrid Bergman) and recall what happened to Mr. Boagardis’ property! [hint hint]
In the final analysis, though, whatever Mr. Humphreys does with the wheel is his business. I don’t recall that anyone else chipped in on the purchase price.
July 22nd, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Doug has an interesting point - what don’t we know? We didn’t know about Lake Eufaula just a few weeks ago, that’s for sure.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:16 am
Doug, you raise some valid points. But keep in mind, some of us are on the “inside”. We can’t take that lightly either. Humphrey’s also stated that he will use it in one of his developments. So IMO, although the Wiley Post Park would be more practical in location and timeframe, I don’t think we’ll see this as a “gift” donated to the city. He’s talked about boardwalk development for his Downtown Airpark, so the logical choice would be there. In my searchings and conversations, I haven’t found him to own any other significant land in the Core To Shore area, so unless he plans on swooping up some land in the next few months before the announcement, my chips are still on the Downtown Airpark.
July 23rd, 2008 at 8:17 am
oh and again, Lake Eufala is his father’s project, not his.
July 24th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Someone from Boston voted for the Oklahoma River … hmmm… wonder who that could be?
