Design Review?
Palo Duro is an architectural jewel in MidTown, and by all accounts it is a well run special needs home that is an asset to the community. So one can imagine that area residents were quite happy when they were told the Neighborhood Services Organization was going to build a complimentary special needs home on an ugly, empty lot next door – a building that would like this:
The rendering initially shown to residents before going to Downtown Design Review.
Imagine how residents feel today now construction has started and they’ve learned the design has been changed to look like this:
What's actually being built - a modified design APPROVED by the Downtown Design Review Committee.
Yeah, neighbors are not happy. But the same Downtown Design Review Committee that approved the chamber headquarters design and demolition of buildings along NW 10 to make way for surface parking, also gave its blessing to this design that neighbors say looks like a cheap motel.
Yep. It’s a done deal.
Members of the Downtown Design Review Committee are: Chair Betsy Brunsteter, Anthony McDermid, Chuck Ainsworth, Jim Loftis, Dick Tanenbaum, GiGi Faulkner and Mark Grubbs. They are appointed by Mayor Mick Cornett.
In my next post I’ll delve into how this committee interprets its responsibility compared to the older, more established Bricktown Urban Design Committee.
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Comments
I don’t know how long the Palo Duro has been there. Maybe 70 years? At any rate, you see how it looks after 70 years. It has aged well– it is classy, sturdy, well-kept. What do you think the new building will look like after 70 years (if it even stands that long)?
Why does nearly every piece of new construction have to be on the cheap? Have we forgotten how to build things that last?
That’s really a great and unique design that ties into the aesthetic and historic sensibilities of the neighborhood. I’m sure that it will stand the test of time, and will be much loved by all those in midtown.
Just one quibble. I really think a big, red neon sign advertising rates for $189/week, and perhaps a Golden Corral across the street would really tie the whole thing together nicely.
Let’s see… The Legacy, the OKC Chamber building, Palo Duro II. Hey, that’s three strikes! They’re out! Bump the committee out on their behinds and start over.
And Kris, the answer is yes: with very few exceptions this country has turned it’s back on lasting, meaningful construction and architecture, and has opted for the down-and-dirty, make-a-buck-right-now, short-sighted mindset. Just look at all of those cheap suburban shopping buildings in every city in every state across this great land. Jeez!
Disappointing, to say the least. MidTown is great, and still has lots of potential to become even better. Palo Duro II is definitely a step backwards.
Maybe even a dead sprint backwards.
That’s amazing. I wish I could say that I am shocked that design was approved.
Honestly, I am not really impressed with the first design either. Mirroring what was done in the past is not design. A better solution to what they have now, but not great.
Standards downtown have to change. Not just forcing material standards but I think you can’t just let any developer work downtown. If they want to “value engineer” their design, then build out Mustang Road and I-40, not downtown.
I think the next Downtown Design Review meeting is February 18. Might be good for some of us folks to show up and let our voice be known, especially with regard to the SandRidge proposal.
Ran by this last night, it is almost 50% done being built. For some reason I thought that it had just been approved.
Good point AJ.
@Reggie: You’re mixing up OCURA (Urban Renewal Authority) and the Downtown Design Committee. OCURA is to blame for Legacy, “The Hill at Bricktown”, Overholser Green, and of course, the PEI Plan. Downtown Design had oversight on this project as well as the disappointing Chamber project (which could still be fixed). Hopefully they won’t fail us when it comes to Sandridge.
Wow… that is beyond awful. What in the world could they have been thinking— truly, it’s hard to imagine anything worse.
it pains me that i have to drive by this everyday…i wish HUD had stricter design guidelines on the lending side in an attempt to actually improve neighborhoods.
its so sad to see that they allowed this cheap looking addition to such a well kept older building…. such a pity!