Bricktown SpringHill Suites

[Pete]

An application has been submitted to the Bricktown Design Review Committee to construct a 5-story, 126 room SpringHill Suites on the southeast corner of Sheridan and Byers in eastern Bricktown.

This is the same owner and architect that last year proposed the controversial Deep Deuce SpringHill Suites (follow link) that was proposed just a few blocks away. That application was ultimately withdrawn due to concerns by neighbors and the design review committee.

This project will be brick on the first four levels and synthetic stucco on the top, 5th level. It will also feature an bar, breakfast area, indoor pool, fitness area and meeting rooms. While it's a bit difficult to discern from the renderings below, above the 1st floor the structure will be a u-shape facing north along Sheridan Avenue.

The applicant also owns the parcel directly east of this and has stated he hopes to construct another hotel on that site as well. The project site is directly south of the proposed Steelyard apartment complex, which will also feature some retail and a Hyatt Place hotel.

Along with the other recently completed and proposed hotels in the downtown area, this new facility would bring the total room count to 3,666 in 18 separate properties. See our Downtown Hotel Summary for complete details and links.

Brickopolis * Bricktown Events Center * Bricktown Towers * Bricktown Shakeup (under contract) * Candy Factory * Hilton Garden Inn * Holiday Inn Express * Hyatt Place * Karchmer Garage * Kd's Restaurant * Mideke Building * The Plow * Staybridge Suites * Steelyard

[DoctorTaco]

I don't understand why they always put stucco on the top floor. Why not brick all the way up?

[lasomeday]

This guy must hire the cheapest architect money can buy. These renderings will not pass design review. This is pathetic. Just because its brick he thinks it is good.

[Pete]

I don't understand why they always put stucco on the top floor. Why not brick all the way up?

Holiday Inn Express used brick to the top.

I believe the BT design standards require a certain percentage of brick; developers often use only the percent required because EIFS is cheaper.

[LakeEffect]

Holiday Inn Express used brick to the top.

I believe the BT design standards require a certain percentage of brick; developers often use only the percent required because EIFS is cheaper.

Actually, the BT design standards have NO minimum brick requirement. Odd, eh? http://www.okc.gov/planning/planning...205%202013.pdf See pages 24 and 25 for the guidelines...

K. Design Guidelines for Certificates of Approval for BC Zoned Properties
The following design guidelines are advisory and serve as a reference for all parties involved in the design review process. They do not constitute regulations. The Bricktown Urban Design Committee shall be guided by these guidelines:
(1) The setbacks for new buildings and additions to buildings should be in keeping with other buildings on the block. Normally, new buildings should be located on the front and side property lines. Where new buildings are not situated on the front and/or side property lines, the setback area should be designed and landscaped so as to complement the existing facilities within the core area. The historic character and texture of the area is best served through the observance of platted building property lines.
(2) Brick building facades, preferably varying shades of red brick, are an established and a critical characteristic of the district’s core. New and renovated facades should enhance or complement this characteristic. Innovative design and creative use of building materials, such as glass, concrete and architectural metals are encouraged. Mirrored glass and vinyl siding are discouraged.
(3) Buildings should have the appearance of a flat roof from the ground, and pitched roofs should be hidden by parapets. Roofs with other appearances should be closely reviewed for the district’s architectural improvement and for design impact on the district and adjacent structures.
(4) Window alignment and type should be compatible with adjacent buildings.
...

I don't not like it. Without more detail, I can see that it generally fits the historical pattern of an old brick warehouse district. This area was never ornamental; it was an industrial and warehouse area. This could be considered in keeping with the historical appearance of the area, excepting the bowed section in the middle. And, since historic preservationists prefer differentiation, the bowed section could be considered appropriate because it presents a visible clue that this is new.

I do, however, agree that the EIFS is silly if you're already bricking 4/5 floors. Just do it all.

[Urbanized]

I don't understand why they always put stucco on the top floor. Why not brick all the way up?

Originally this building technique utilized a higher-grade material like limestone. When brick gets over a certain number of stories using ONLY brick can make a building look very heavy and monolithic. So architects added the cast stone to lighten things visually. Here is an example from right here at home:



And here is what a building can look like without it (NYC):



However, somewhere along the way, builders discovered that substituting EIFS for the cast stone or brick actually saved a bunch of money too, so they fully embrace the design for economic reasons, though it began for aesthetic ones.

[Mr. Cotter]

Originally this building technique utilized a higher-grade material like limestone. When brick gets over a certain number of stories using ONLY brick can make a building look very heavy and monolithic. So architects added the cast stone to lighten things visually. Here is an example from right here at home:

Interesting. Did the Skirvin ever actually look like that? There are cast stone pediments running up the top few floors, and the "balcony" railing is in the same material, but brick runs all the way to the top as the predominant material.

[Ginkasa]

Originally this building technique utilized a higher-grade material like limestone. When brick gets over a certain number of stories using ONLY brick can make a building look very heavy and monolithic. So architects added the cast stone to lighten things visually. Here is an example from right here at home:



And here is what a building can look like without it (NYC):



However, somewhere along the way, builders discovered that substituting EIFS for the cast stone or brick actually saved a bunch of money too, so they fully embrace the design for economic reasons, though it began for aesthetic ones.

I don't have much to add except to say that I appreciate this post and the perspective it provides on building design. I'm quoting it in full to hopefully allow everyone to see it. I fear it may have gotten buried under the (unfortunate) drama that followed it.

[catch22]

I hope this doesn't pass review. There should be no U shape facing Sheridan. Needs to fully face that street.

[Just the facts]

Reading the project description and justification above has my wondering, how can forcing the building to be built all the way to the sidewalk cause the price to go up? Back when I was a City Planner it was the landscaping and parking requirements that prevented the project from being viable. Most developers wanted to use as much of their lot as possible for revenue generation. As for the EIFS, they spelled it out pretty well; not using it would be in conflict with the design character established by previous projects (i.e. the hotels next door).

Alas, I don't know why laying this stuff out on the ground is so darn hard so let me explain to the developer once again: street-tree-sidewalk-building. It is just that darn simple. Stop putting the landscape between the sidewalk and the building - THIS ISN'T SUBURBIA!

[Pete]

Another possible reason for using EIFS is to break up big, rectangular surfaces and provide some color and interest.

Certainly, signage stands out more against the lighter colors than it would on brick.

[Spartan]

Another possible reason for using EIFS is to break up big, rectangular surfaces and provide some color and interest.

Certainly, signage stands out more against the lighter colors than it would on brick.

So are we talking about brightly colored EIFS?

[Pete]

So are we talking about brightly colored EIFS?

I'm sure it will be beige-ish which is a lot better background for brightly-colored signs.

[Spartan]

I'm sure it will be beige-ish which is a lot better background for brightly-colored signs.

They should do a blade sign if they want to project class.

[Spartan]

Apologies everyone for the double post

[UnFrSaKn]

Springhill Suites Project Revived for Bricktown | News OK

[Pete]

^

Right on cue!

[DoctorTaco]

^

Right on cue!

...easy there...

[Steve]

^

Right on cue!

Yep. I'm able to see a permit ap, get info from the city on the same schedule you do. There's nothing special accomplished here Pete. You're scrapping the city's website. So am I.

[OkieNate]

Yep. I'm able to see a permit ap, get info from the city on the same schedule you do. There's nothing special accomplished here Pete. You're scrapping the city's website. So am I.

[Steve]

I agree. To quote Pete, his bit on me was "on cue."

[Pete]

Yep. I'm able to see a permit ap, get info from the city on the same schedule you do. There's nothing special accomplished here Pete. You're scrapping the city's website. So am I.

Except that application with renderings has not yet been posted to the City website.

And I happen to know you didn't send out an email request until after we posted the information here, even though the basic information (w/o renderings) for the project had been on the City's site for over a week.


Want to keep going with this?

[Steve]

Except that application with renderings has not yet been posted to the City website.

And I happen to know you didn't send out an email request until after we posted the information here, even though the basic information (w/o renderings) for the project had been on the City's site for over a week.


Want to keep going with this?

Yes. You are lying. I filed my open records request minutes before you posted this. Will was with me at Beatnix when I had sent off the email & he told me you had posted this. I saw the filing line at okc.gov on Friday but didn't have to file the request until today. from now on you leave me alone. an i will leave you alone

[Pete]

Yes. You are lying. I filed my open records request minutes before you posted this. Will was with me at Beatnix when I had sent off the email & he told me you had posted this. I saw the filing line at okc.gov on Friday but didn't have to file the request until today. from now on you leave me alone. an i will leave you alone

I love it when you put things in writing.

Thanks.

[Bellaboo]

Yes. You are lying. I filed my open records request minutes before you posted this. Will was with me at Beatnix when I had sent off the email & he told me you had posted this. I saw the filing line at okc.gov on Friday but didn't have to file the request until today. from now on you leave me alone. an i will leave you alone

You guys please stop, it's not like it matters that much who does what first. With both sites, we end up getting more comprehensive information.