Vote: Move Forward with Civic Center Park Makeover or Redesign?
A Close Look at the Civic Center Spinner Tower
One of the features of the proposed makeover is a series of “spinner towers” that would be funded through private donations. It just so happens that one of these towers is on display outside of architect Rand Elliott’s offices at 6th and Harrison. I hope this photo helps.
I’ve also been asked to reprint Blair Humphreys’ full remarks concerning this project. I will also note that I’ve asked Elliott if he wants to comment on this matter – so far he has politely declined to do so.
Humphreys is no stranger to long-time readers of OKC Central. He is Executive Director of the Institute for Quality Communities and Asst Professor in the College of Architecture. He has a Masters in City Planning and Urban Design degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a BBA in Entrepreneurship from the University of Oklahoma. He is a founding member of ULI Oklahoma, currently serving as the Vice-Chair for Mission Advancement of the statewide organization.
Humphreys teaches graduate-level Urban Design Theory, and has previously taught in the Urban Design Studio. In 2011, Blair served as the faculty advisor of OU’s award winning Hines/ULI Urban Design Competition team. He also has acted as a consultant in development efforts along Automobile Alley and in MidTown.
Humphreys’ comments to Downtown Design Review Committee on the Civic Center Park redesign:
The new Myriad Gardens is special.
It is a captivating mix of spaces and attractions that seem to offer something for everyone on every day, all year long. It gets right everything that the old Myriad Gardens got wrong, while being careful to retain everything that the old Myriad Gardens got right.”In fact, the shift from rigid to flexible is something of a theme with a park now appropriately offering “myriad” attractions for a range of users. A restaurant will sit on the edge of a fun-natured plaza sure to host laughing children year-round. The plaza features a splash fountain during the summer that converts to a skating rink during the winter.
As famed urbanist William Whyte pointed, “What attracts people most, it would appear, is other people.” The new Myriad Gardens gets this: It is a public space for people. Hopefully, it is just the beginning of our transformation into a city for people — a city worth staying in.
Simply put, the new Myriad Gardens and all Project 180 improvements to date have made our city a better place for people. The new Bicentennial park design does not.
I expressed similar concerns to the project manager about the direction of this park at informational meeting about Project 180 over two years ago when I was told that this park would be focused on passive observation. I am not aware of a single successful public park created for passive observation. Citygarden in St. Louis, the best new sculpture garden in the world, is the opposite, encouraging interaction with the art and among the adults and children that flock to it.
I have been waiting these two years for a public forum in which to offer my input both as a passionate promoter of great public spaces and a native citizen of Oklahoma City. I am not aware of any public meeting I missed, but apologize that these criticisms have not been offered until today.
When compared to the existing Bicentennial park, the new design is:
less walkable
less flexible
less respectful of our city’s history
less safe
and far less appropriate for such an important civic site.What makes the Myriad Gardens special is that it was carefully crafted for the people of our city, whether workers downtown, residents from surrounding neighborhoods, or children enjoying a sunny Saturday afternoon. It may not win an architectural design award or be praised by the critics in New York and Chicago, but it is already cherished by the people of our city and will be for many decades to come.
In the case of the new Bicentennial Park, with polished steel, fresh landscaping and an abundance of beautiful granite it will definitely have some initial appeal. But ultimately, the inherent flaws of the design as a usable public space for people will lead to the parks demise. While we will be able to rectify this mistake with further design and additional investment, we will not be able to retrieve the history lost or return the money wasted.
I don’t support a continuance, rather I recommend denial of this item to provide for a complete redesign that includes the input of the community and the expertise of a proven public space professional. I would encourage the city to design a park (not to meet the 75th anniversary gala deadline next fall, but) that will still be cherished when the Civic Center’s 100 year anniversary gala takes place.
Care to Weigh In? Time is Running Out
In the past week since the Downtown Design Review Committee, Planning Department and Public Works clashed on the proposed makeover of the Civic Center park, I’ve heard only negative comments about the designs by Rand Elliott and Tulsa-based PDG Inc., which call for the removal of all trees (some of the biggest trees to be found downtown), sculptures, monuments and other landscaping. Read the full story on that debate here.
Rand Elliott doesn’t think small – I think it’s safe to say everyone would agree he always attempts to hit a home-run – he aspires to create great, eye-catching architecture and design. And I think his biggest fans and even his greatest critics would agree that the city is better off with his imprint. But what if one of those high-flying balls ends up being a foul? Will anyone tell the slugger when his latest hit didn’t go so well?
That’s the question ahead ahead for those who see this hit as a foul ball rather than a home run. I’m hearing that any differences between city planners and engineers is being ironed out behind the scenes and that the rare display of disagreement will disappear with a reapplication of the designs that skip over, for now, questions about the proposed archway, spinning towers and City Hall fountain.
Of course, that still leaves a lot of questions unresolved. I’ve been asked by more than a dozen different readers what they need to do to voice their opposition to these designs. They say these designs were not fully vetted, and some also are questioning whether the committee that reviewed this work consisted of too many people hand-selected by the design team.
This project HAS NOT been approved by the mayor and council. It must get five or more votes to move forward. So to those asking how they can voice their disapproval – or approval – now is the time to contact the mayor and council.
Contacts:
Ward 1 Councilman Gary Marrs: ward1@okc.gov
Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid: ward2@okc.gov
Ward 3 Councilman Larry McAtee: ward3@okc.gov
Ward 4 Councilman Pete White: ward4@okc.gov
Ward 5 Councilman David Greenwell: ward5@okc.gov
Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer: ward6@okc.gov
Ward 7 Councilman Skip Kelly: ward7@okc.gov
Ward 8 Councilman Pat Ryan: ward8@okc.gov
Mayor Mick Cornett: mayor@okc.gov
Sunday Flashback: Dreams of a Downtown Arts District
Cooperation Urged For Cultural District Downtown Target of Study
By Mary Jo Nelson
Friday, December 6, 1991
The same cooperative effort that came close to winning a $1 billion airline center for central Oklahoma is needed to complete a downtown cultural district, an Oklahoma City official said Thursday.
Ward 8 City Councilwoman Jackie Carey, speaking at Thursday’s meeting of Second Century Inc., called for a combined effort from municipal and county officials, private corporations and labor to complete an arts district that has been slowly developing in the central city for most of a decade.
Directors of Second Century, a public/private board responsible for redeveloping downtown, are preparing recommendations for officials on elements not yet completed in the cultural zone.
“I would like to see the same enthusiasm from Oklahoma County, the city and business directed toward funding the cultural center,” said Carey, who also sits on the Second Century board. The councilwoman was referring to a two-year cooperative effort by the legislature, governor’s office, county commissioners, municipal officials, city council, business and industry, and labor unions to attract a United Airline maintenance facility.
Fred Hall, a Second Century director appointed to head a Mayors Cultural Facilities study, said the group will complete its recommendations by April.
Hall said the committee is conducting hearings with cultural agencies in central Oklahoma that want to locate downtown.
“We’ll spend late February and early March determining how the funding might be met, and by the end of March, will have recommendations made. ” Hall said a report will then go to Second Century directors and the city council.
Structures discussed include a new downtown library/learning center, a performance hall for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra and Ballet Oklahoma and an art museum. All were scheduled in the original urban renewal plan for downtown.
Second Century chief executive Tiana Douglas said officials from the University of Oklahoma have expressed an interest in participating in a central city museum.
Since the early 1980s, the Oklahoma City Arts Council has led an effort to transform a depressed area of downtown into a cultural district. It has evolved slowly through a series of pay-as-you-go projects at a fraction of the cost of new construction, primarily through restoration of existing structures.
Completed so far are the Oklahoma City Art Council headquarters and McAlpine Center, both reused buildings from the old central fire station, and a sprawling plaza used for the annual spring Festival of the Arts. After a $700,000 renovation, McAlpine shelters about a dozen agencies that direct and plan central Oklahoma’s top cultural events each year.
The next step is reopening the old Mummers Theater, retitled Stage Center, adjacent to the fire station buildings, next February, Douglas said.
The rehabilitation includes making the building accessible to handicapped people, adding elevators, enclosing open walkways, extensive indoor and outdoor lighting, mechanical improvements, and addition of gallery spaces around the two theaters.
Second Century demolished a full block of aging buildings, along Sheridan west of Walker, to make room for new construction in the arts district. In addition, Douglas said the board wants to see part of the four-block site formerly reserved for a downtown Galleria to be included in the cultural district.
Carolyn Hill: Goodbye Dear Friend
Let’s face it: on an average day my top collar is unbuttoned, my tie is loose, my shirt can always use a good ironing. Carolyn Hill, meanwhile, was dripping with class. She never looked down her nose at me, even though she could have. She was always ready for warm embrace and happy greeting. She loved Oklahoma City and her mere presence was inspiring.
Hill was at the top of her game in NYC when in the early 1990s she came back to her hometown to care for her aging mom.
She was at an age where she could have retired. But instead, she took on what I consider to be the masterpiece of her life by taking the reins of the Oklahoma City Museum of Art and leading it to greatness.
Hill, of course, would dismiss such talk. She’d give the credit to her board, to the museum’s backers, including the Kirkpatrick family. And of course they too did a lot of lifting. But have no doubt – Hill leaves behind an incredible legacy. She gave our city a museum we can be proud of – one that I enjoy taking my son to at least once every three to four months.
Hill was accessible to everybody. She loved seeing kids come through the museum’s entrance, and while she was a demanding perfectionist, there was no condescension with Carolyn, no attitude that she was somehow better than everybody else. She accomplished so much in her life, and yet she didn’t brag or try to bring attention to her record. She had to be pushed to tell her own story.
Carolyn died late Wednesday night. And the overcast skies above reflect the colors I see today – a world that’s just a bit less vibrant without Carolyn to bring it to life. God, you’ve got some great artists up there – now you’re about to get one incredible curator.
Oklahoma City Ballet: Where Cool Things Happen
Over and over again, the new folks at the Oklahoma City Ballet are proving to be some of the coolest people around. After years of stagnation, this performance company is capturing the city’s heart and showing ballet is still a wonderful, integral part of our arts community. I’ve taken my son to an impromptu downtown performance, and it’s my hope to take my family during the next holiday show.
The New OKC Ballet Rocks
The Headless Horseman rides again downtown.
I arrived late for a noon lunch appointment downtown today. I’m glad I did (and thanks to Kim Searls and Jessica Gonzalez for helping me get some photos of the wonderful chaos we encountered!)
This isn't your grandmother's ballet troupe.
So what’s this all about? It’s about the reorganized Oklahoma City Ballet, which first captured our attention a couple months ago with a great performance outside City Hall. Today the ballet folks paraded down Park Avenue to promote their latest production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Great stuff guys.
The Oklahoma City Ballet will hold three performances of old pumpkinhead at 7 p.m. Oct. 30, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
Here’s the rundown of the show:
Based on Washington Irving’s spooky tale of schoolmaster Ichabod Crane, Bram Bones and of course the unforgettable Headless Horseman, this full length ballet is sure to be a new Halloween favorite for the entire family. We’re promised the show will boast beautiful sets, costumes and an original score composed by Emmy award winning composer Lanny Meyers played live by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
The $35 Million Myriad Gardens Makeover – UPDATED 6 P.M. FRIDAY
Photo by J.D. Merryweather/www.merryweatherphoto.com
This rendering shows a completed Myriad Gardens and Devon headquarters.
New south entry to the Crystal Bridge Botanical Tube.
Ice rink to be built outside new Myriad Gardens restaurant.
The ice skating rink will be converted into a shallow pool and plaza during warmer months.
A cafe, fountain and children's play area will be built near the water stage.
Interior view of proposed cafe.
Movable tables and chairs, similar to those provided at New York City's Bryant Park, will be added in a shaded area facing Hudson Avenue.
A grand lawn and amphitheater will be added just south of Sheridan Avenue with the future Devon tower in the background.
An amphitheater designed to be iconic, with a grand lawn for up to 5,000 people, will be added just south of Sheridan Avenue.
So You Say You Want to be a Major League City …
So to all of you who say you crave a Whole Foods market, to all of you who yearn to make Oklahoma City a major league city … how serious are you about doing your part to make all this a reality? Part of achieving these dreams is showing support for major league arts – like a hometown ballet. And now is your chance to get a glimpse at a resurgent Oklahoma City Ballet and its new director. From everything I’ve heard, this isn’t the ballet company we’ve seen drawing dwindling audiences the past several years – instead, it’s an innovative group of performers bringing new ideas to their craft.
I’ll see you there.
- Steve
Support the Arts
I’ll be expanding on this idea Tuesday, but I want to get things started today: IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT TONIGHT, GO SEE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK TONIGHT AT THE MYRIAD GARDENS!
I know, I know, it’s hot out there. But the performance starts at 8 p.m. and with the sun hitting the horizon it’s just another summer evening in Oklahoma. For $10 you get some great live theater and you’re doing your part to create a great downtown. The box office opens at 7 p.m. and the performance is on the Myriad Gardens Water Stage, which has seen significant improvements the past couple years thanks to donations by Devon Energy.
Folks, if you want a vibrant downtown, if you want to see the momentum continue, you can’t just say “that would be great to see someday …” – enjoy this performance today and show these folks some much earned love.
One more tidbit … you will see “Thunder” at tonight’s game… the voice of the NBA will be speaking the King’s English tonight.
For more about Shakespeare in the Park, visit http://www.oklahomashakespeare.com.
About tonight’s show:
OSP’s first show of the season is As You Like It. Rosalind, the daughter of a banished duke, falls in love with Orlando at a wrestling match. Her usurping uncle, jealous of her popularity, banishes her from court.
Duke Frederick has usurped the title and throne of his elder brother, Duke Senior. Duke Senior has taken up residence in the Forest of Arden with his band of loyal followers, leaving his daughter, Rosalind, behind at the court. Into this situation, enter Orlando and Oliver de Boys, two brothers divided by enmity. Orlando has long been mistreated by his brother; when Orlando enters a wrestling match sponsored by Duke Frederick, Oliver tells his opponent, Charles—a champion wrestler—that he wouldn’t care if Charles were to break Orlando’s neck.
To the surprise of all, Orlando wins the match. In doing so, he attracts the romantic attention of Rosalind and the ire of Oliver. Orlando and his servant, Adam, flee Oliver’s wrath into Arden. Duke Frederick decides to banish Rosalind to Arden as he did with her father. Celia, Frederick’s daughter and Rosalind’s best friend, declares that she will accompany her in exile. Rosalind disguises herself as a boy named Ganymede, while Celia assumes the part of “his” sister, Aliena. They are accompanied by the clown Touchstone.
Orlando eventually finds himself in the company of Duke Senior’s men, pining for his lost Rosalind. Rosalind, meanwhile, purchases a flock of sheep and a pasture, and sets out to lead a pastoral life. Before long, however, Orlando’s habit of carving Rosalind’s name in the trees and leaving love poems scattered about the forest tip her off to his presence. Still disguised as Ganymede, Rosalind seeks out Orlando to get a better sense of his feelings for her. She promises to cure Orlando’s heartache by letting him pour his feelings out to Ganymede as if “he” were Rosalind. Rosalind also attempts a match between Silvius and Phebe that goes awry when Phebe falls instead for Rosalind’s Ganymede. Meanwhile, Touchstone courts a country girl named Audrey, adding to the multiple romance plots.
The resolution begins when Oliver enters the camp. Orlando has saved him from an attack by a lion, and the two brothers have reconciled. Upon meeting Celia, now Oliver falls in love; Duke Senior promises to join them in wedlock the next day. Rosalind makes Phebe promise to marry Silvius if she can’t have Ganymede, then tells Orlando that Rosalind will marry him that day as well. When all have gathered for the wedding, Rosalind reveals herself as the erstwhile Ganymede. She and Orlando are happily reunited, and Phebe agrees to marry Silvius. Touchstone will also marry Audrey. As the pledges of love are exchanged, Orlando and Oliver’s brother enters the scene. Jaques brings news that Duke Frederick, upon meeting a holy man, has repented his ways and opted for a monastic life. Duke Senior is restored to his rightful position, and all live happily ever after.
