Let’s take columns of varying heights, arrange them in a pleasing manner on this block, and then invite proposals from local artists. These could be muralists, sculptors, even light artists.

Location? I suggest one of two sites. First, between Gaylord and Robinson, to connect the Convention Center with Ford Center. The second possible site would be between Hudson and Harvey, to connect the Myriad Gardens with the C2S Central Park.

The block would have greenspace, along with walking and bicycle paths. Each pillar would have a plaque describing the art and a photo showing where the pillar was located as part of I-40.

One final suggestion, topping the pillars with OKC history; like nostalgic signs (Liberty Tower Weather Beacon, Hollies Drive-In, Kerr-McGee), or faces of world-famous OKCityans. Or, maybe a lighted outdoor sculpture that could become our Golden Gate Bridge, Space Needle, or Gateway Arch, drawing tourists from everywhere.

The latest traffic figures for 2008 showed that less than 10,000 cars travel on that section of E.K. Gaylord each day. Here in Boston, Massachusetts Avenue – a 4 lane street – accommodates well over 30,000 cars per day. Will there be more congestion – may. But there will definitely be more pedestrians.

Also, another great idea, we should look at creating a pedestrian connection through the rail dam on the axis of California. This would certainly be cheaper than a canal extension and more effective at creating a pedestrian connection. Plus, it would create a stunning entrance to the upper Bricktown Canal.

Just to be clear, I am not in anyway campaigning against the canal extension. I just think we should be clear about what the objectives are and how those objectives can best be achieved. If we put the convention center south of the Ford Center, the location is bad for the park and bad for Bricktown. The best site for the new convention center is the Cotton Mill site. This decision on the convention center’s location is much more crucial to the future of Bricktown than whether or not a canal extension is implemented.

I really don’t have a vision for the OKC aqueduct ruins, but I’m sure something very cool would be generated by a bunch of local artists competing for the commission.

Pedestrian grade crossings over a canal would add interest, not barriers to the street level pedestrians. I agree with you that a canal might not encourage new storefronts, but I like the idea of being able to stroll from the convention/hotel district to Bricktown without crossing ANY streets… If Gaylord Boulevard remains a 6-lane roadway, and the railroad pedestrian dam isn’t punctured, how can pedestrian access best be improved?

I would be interesting in hearing (and seeing) more of what you have in mind for the I-40/boulevard columns. Sounds really cool. There is certainly enough right of way to do something special in the way of a linear park / urban art piece, while still meeting the (real or perceived) demands of traffic.

“Seamless pedestrian access”…I like the way you calibrated your words there. I think a lot of this can be solved by reducing the portion of the public realm designated car-only and by being thoughtful with the selection of the new convention site. A canal extension may be many things, even many good things, but I don’t think it is the best solution to pedestrian connectivity. Ultimately the depressed right-of-way does not activate storefronts, rather it takes people off of the first-floor plane and actually creates a new barrier for pedestrians traveling tangentially to the canal’s path. I think a canal extension is a good idea, but the connection is more psychological and novel than it is pedestrian.

Anyhow, well done on the post. I really enjoyed your thoughts and ideas. I hope there is an opportunity for you to give us a better picture of what the I-40 ruins could become.