Thanks for posting, mentions that from here on, it will begin to taper inwards....not sure if that's accurate or not but will be interesting to watch!

Did anyone notice again how the TV station tries to slip in that the tower will be just OVER 900 feet tall just a couple minutes after the construction worker just told him that it was going to be 850 feet?

Good grief, these reporters...

The project manager says it will top out at 850 feet above the street, then the reporter later says "just over 900 feet".

Good grief, these reporters...

The project manager says it will top out at 850 feet above the street, then the reporter later says "just over 900 feet".

Its the Mike Morgan effect. They are all affected into exaggerating almost everything. Unless they got the inside scoop on something and was only allowed to "hint" on it.

I'm sure the reporter in this case pulled erroneous date off the Internet or a previous report and already had his commentary written before the filming, then didn't bother to listen to the people he was interviewing.

Several times the media has reported the 908 feet height; it's a self-perpetuating mistake.

I'm sure the reporter in this case pulled erroneous date off the Internet or a previous report and already had his commentary written before the filming, then didn't bother to listen to the people he was interviewing.

Several times the media has reported the 908 feet height; it's a self-perpetuating mistake.

Its sad, really. They still lack the knowledge that OKC Talk still exist. Maybe you can direct them to here and have them go thru 224 pages. :-D

Best in 1080p.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0V5PhT7YfQ

Some of you need to pay better attention. The reporter said from the ground up, as opposed to street level. Ground up would include from the basement as there is no ground between the basement and the street level.

He said just before the 2:00 mark on that video, "A little more than 900 feet above ground level".

Some of you need to pay better attention. The reporter said from the ground up, as opposed to street level. Ground up would include from the basement as there is no ground between the basement and the street level.

I have never ever heard ground level described as starting at a basement level. I seriously doubt that the reporter even thought deeply enough to consider that. It was just a careless statement.

That is a good debate right there. Is the basement a part of the building? I think it is. Since that is the case, in my opinion, then it should be counted toward the building's total height size. Why stop at the ground? What is in the basement? Parking only? Still, it is connected to the building as a whole. How deep is the basement?

Does anyone know if there will be a pole at the top?

Also, I am curious about something for the very top of the building. Will there be required blinking red lights? How will that impact the tower's night appearance?

That is a good debate right there. Is the basement a part of the building? I think it is. Since that is the case, in my opinion, then it should be counted toward the building's total height size. Why stop at the ground? What is in the basement? Parking only? Still, it is connected to the building as a whole. How deep is the basement?

Does anyone know if there will be a pole at the top?

Also, I am curious about something for the very top of the building. Will there be required blinking red lights? How will that impact the tower's night appearance?

Thunder, of course the basement is part of the building but you won't find any legitimate source that counts the basement as part of a building's height. It's not much of a debate. It would be counted as part of the building's square footage however.

It's sort of like the Mauna Kea Vocano in Hawaii. It is 13,796 feet above sea level and is way down the list of highest mountains. If you start at the ocean floor, it is over 33,000 feet and would be the tallest on earth. No one counts that way though.

The reporter does not state the 900 plus feet will be from street level. He is stating the 900 plus feet is from ground level. The building does not start out at street level, it starts on the ground upon which the base is poured. The reporter clearly states from ground level. He does not state that it is 900 feet plus from street level. This is based on what he said, not what he was thinking. How can any one know what he was thinking?

Popsy, most reporters only know how to read from a TelePrompTer,just like our President.

He is stating the 900 plus feet is from ground level. The building does not start out at street level, it starts on the ground upon which the base is poured. The reporter clearly states from ground level. He does not state that it is 900 feet plus from street level.

This is arguing completely against common sense.

Everyone on the planet knows what "ground level" means.

Almost everyone.

Here's a new banner I made a few days ago.

http://http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/okctalkbannerlargesmall.jpg

http://bit.ly/eJ3cex

Pete

I am not trying to argue anything. Just trying to state a fact that could explain what the reporter meant when he said 900 plus feet. That fact is that the building started out in a pit that appeared to be fifty to sixty feet below street level, which would make the length of the building from ground level 900 plus feet. Another fact is that the heighth from street level will be 850 feet. Choose whatever you believe to be true about the reporter's statement, as it makes no difference to me. I guess it is more fun and in keeping with the forum's negativity to put down the reporter for his statement, so I do understand the thought process.

Very nice job. Pete, go upload the new banner. :-)

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/okctalkbannerlargesmall.jpg

Hey these are good posts, thx for making me laugh...reminds me of the time several years ago I was at the OKC National Memorial when a TV crew from Japan was there taping a segment. The reporter asked me to explain the 9:01 and 9:03 gates and I tried for the next couple of minutes. She had difficulty with the concept and decided I meant that people are allowed only 2 minutes to visit the memorial. I think she said, "oh so you have only 2 minute to see it." I said yes, that's it exactly.

Hey these are good posts, thx for making me laugh...reminds me of the time several years ago I was at the OKC National Memorial when a TV crew from Japan was there taping a segment. The reporter asked me to explain the 9:01 and 9:02 and I tried for the next couple of minutes. She had difficulty with the concept and decided I meant that people are allowed only 1 minute to visit the memorial. I think she said, "oh so you have only 1 minute to see it." I said yes, that's it exactly.

And 9:03. My guess is that they were all unsure what time it actually happened since all the clocks inside the doomed building registered differently.

I guess it is more fun and in keeping with the forum's negativity to put down the reporter for his statement, so I do understand the thought process.

The reporter was wrong and this mistake has been repeated in the press previously.

Pointing that out isn't negative -- it's fact and serves to keep the information straight.

What is negative is a poster telling others to "pay better attention" after mis-quoting the sound bite themselves, then trying to argue a point that defies all common sense.

omg, who cares about whether the reporter got the height correct or not. ....

Let's move on

Yes, quite right, Hot Rod.

So I was also surprised to hear in the video that the tower will begin to taper inwards now. It's roughly 2/3rds complete. I don't recall any of the renderings making this tapering effect noticeable. I suppose it will give the tower a less boxy and more organic shape. I wonder what the architects had in mind and whether it will be noticeable from ground (or street) level.

The taper has always been shown in renderings and schematics, but it's slight.

The original schematic (when the building was set for 55 floors) showed the taper starting with the 37th floor. Wasn't sure where it would start with the reduced height but I guess now we know.

And 9:03. My guess is that they were all unsure what time it actually happened since all the clocks inside the doomed building registered differently.

TOTALLY off the topic, but Thunder, they know exactly...to the millisecond...what time the bombing occurred. From the official OKC National Memorial site:

Gates of Time

These monumental twin gates frame the moment of destruction – 9:02 a.m. – and mark the formal entrances to the Memorial. The East Gate represents 9:01 a.m. on April 19, and the innocence of the city before the attack. The West Gate represents 9:03 a.m., the moment we were changed forever, and the hope that came from the horror in the moments and days following the bombing.
http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/secondary.php?section=2&catid=30

TOTALLY off the topic, but Thunder, they know exactly...to the millisecond...what time the bombing occurred. From the official OKC National Memorial site:

Gates of Time

These monumental twin gates frame the moment of destruction – 9:02 a.m. – and mark the formal entrances to the Memorial. The East Gate represents 9:01 a.m. on April 19, and the innocence of the city before the attack. The West Gate represents 9:03 a.m., the moment we were changed forever, and the hope that came from the horror in the moments and days following the bombing.
http://www.oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/secondary.php?section=2&catid=30

Now I know what those different times stand for after so many years.

For those that are interested with the current progress details, the top surface of the completed 33rd floor puts Devon right at 516 feet....making it a tie at 3rd tallest in the state with the 516-foot First Place Tower in Tulsa. That 3rd-place tie will [of course] be broken with the completion of the 34th floor. KEEP SOARING, DEVON!!!

Looking into it, I didn't know this guy owned most (or a lot) of downtown Tulsa.

http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/socialdiary/2006/08_25_06/images/goyard/165-Maurice-Kanbar-of-NYUs-.jpg
Maurice Kanbar (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice_Kanbar)

http://www.kanbarproperties.com/

Yes, quite right, Hot Rod.

So I was also surprised to hear in the video that the tower will begin to taper inwards now. It's roughly 2/3rds complete. I don't recall any of the renderings making this tapering effect noticeable. I suppose it will give the tower a less boxy and more organic shape. I wonder what the architects had in mind and whether it will be noticeable from ground (or street) level.

It may just be to offset the optical illusion that makes tall objects look like they budge out as they go up.

http://imaginativeamerica.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/devon_12_southelevation.jpg

Noticed the webcam is stuck.

snipped image for space

I can't read the fine type for each story. Is this the current 50-story plan that I see topping out at 925 from ground [street] level?

I can't read the fine type for each story. Is this the current 50-story plan that I see topping out at 925 from ground [street] level?

I think this was an original depiction when the tower was first proposed and before the height was reduced. That diagram shows the taper starting at the 37th floor. Check out post number 5388. That gives a more accurate current dipiction of what will be built.

I was wondering when he would post an updated photo. I know that is a better diagram.

From Bryanosaurus
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5017/5449230023_6c37a0ecac_z.jpg

Webcam is still stuck!

Here is one that the completed floors are marked.
This image has been downsized to 850ft.
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5256/5512691932_fe49c66224_z.jpg

...as seen from Lake Hefner today (09 March 2011):

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/cameron405/okctalk/_DSC8688.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/cameron405/okctalk/_DSC8660.jpg

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/cameron405/okctalk/_DSC8669.jpg

Lake Hefner is going low on the water supply. OKC may go on water rationing soon.

Lake Hefner is going low on the water supply. OKC may go on water rationing soon.

What? No it's not. It's barely below the normal level. If it were low you would see dry dirt beaches along the edges.

What? No it's not. It's barely below the normal level. If it were low you would see dry dirt beaches along the edges.

I think Thunder is talking about the waterstain line on the rocks in the picture.

I'd better start sponge bathing now.

Those are beautiful Lake Hefner photos. I like how you could always see downtown from various northern parts of town, but now the Devon tower really makes it pop.

And, yes, there are various dirt beaches around the lake, but not like it was back in 2006 or 2007 (I forget when exactly) when the marina was completely exposed to the dirt, revealing 1970s beer cans and 1980s-type soda bottles, etc. Also, the intake tower is a bit "taller".

Canton has plenty of water to replenish Hefner if needed. The city always let it run down hoping for rain before they use Canton Lake.

Lake Hefner is going low on the water supply. OKC may go on water rationing soon.

That is down any is from they had the boathouse row's basin empty january - febuary for repairs and recently filled it. While OKC and other parts of state may be going through a local drought the river upstream is not having the same issues.

Steve, can you do something about the OKC Skyline Cam. It's really messed-up (has been for three or four days). Thanks!

OKC Skyline Cam is fixed! Great view of the top construction. Thanks.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/webcam/DevonConstructionCam.jpg

I still can't see it for so long. :-(

Have you checked the thread?

Here's a March preview of some video I did this morning.

1080p

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA0kTq2LEsQ

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Devon%20Tower/March%202011/DowntownOKCandDevonEnergyTowerConstructionMarch201 1-1.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Devon%20Tower/March%202011/DowntownOKCandDevonEnergyTowerConstructionMarch201 1-2.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Devon%20Tower/March%202011/DowntownOKCandDevonEnergyTowerConstructionMarch201 1-3.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Devon%20Tower/March%202011/DowntownOKCandDevonEnergyTowerConstructionMarch201 1-4.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Devon%20Tower/March%202011/DowntownOKCandDevonEnergyTowerConstructionMarch201 1-5.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Devon%20Tower/March%202011/DowntownOKCandDevonEnergyTowerConstructionMarch201 1-6.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Devon%20Tower/March%202011/DowntownOKCandDevonEnergyTowerConstructionMarch201 1-7.jpg

^^Ahh... The second pic down is from Reno and Air Depot!Great pics and thanks for posting!

Yeah, the much fabled shot that no one ever got.

Yeah, the much fabled shot that no one ever got.

^^Other than viewing the skyline from the NW part of town that Reno AirDepot view is great as well!Have you taken any pics of the skyline from I-235 North of the 44/235 interchange?That view is great too!

Thanks as always, William!

You can now see that the tower is not only going to be much taller than anything else on our skyline, it's also much thicker.

I'm beginning to worry that it's going to make the rest of the buildings look completely puny.

Thanks as always, William!

You can now see that the tower is not only going to be much taller than anything else on our skyline, it's also much thicker.

I'm beginning to worry that it's going to make the rest of the buildings look completely puny.

It makes the other building look like sticks (especially City Place).

I'm beginning to worry that it's going to make the rest of the buildings look completely puny.

I thought it already did, many months ago too.

Someone mentioned it awhile back, how the current downtown buildings need to be power washed and scrubbed clean, they all look dull and dingy compared to the Devon Tower. The old buildings look just that Old, and now that you mentioned it "puny" too.

This is where I hope Preftakes and Devon join up and develop a new high rise with his property. Add that with a new high rise convention center hotel and another high rise at the Downtown Ford site and Okc would has some very very serious downtown development, even more than we have now. This would be like what has been seen in cities that Okc has wishfully been compared to, cities like Charlotte and Austin.

It makes the other building look like sticks (especially City Place).

That is the narrow side of the building, but it's still tiny. I was just thinking the same thing when I drove past downtown on I-40. It's impossible to imagine downtown now without Devon Tower.

Thanks as always, William!

You can now see that the tower is not only going to be much taller than anything else on our skyline, it's also much thicker.

I'm beginning to worry that it's going to make the rest of the buildings look completely puny.

It does. Most of the skyline is outdated. Devon is sticking out way too much (not that its bad), its just that the balance is not there. I wonder if OKC can offer incentives to demolish some of the towers to completely rebuild taller and bring up the skyline to a much more modern appearance.

It does. Most of the skyline is outdated. Devon is sticking out way too much (not that its bad), its just that the balance is not there. I wonder if OKC can offer incentives to demolish some of the towers to completely rebuild taller and bring up the skyline to a much more modern appearance.

Given they are going to have their hands full trying to get development in core to shore (which they would most happily permit one be built their), tearing down what skyline we do have is not going to be a priority. If it brought in many new high paying jobs they would surely offer incentives for a new building as long as the plan was reasonable. However it is cheaper and faster not to tear down the existing structure, does not displace current businesses or loses a possible draw for further development in C2S.

Hey guys once the Devon Tower is completed, downtown skyline will look really good. I agree we need some more new buildings, but I'm proud of the way downtown is looking. Let's hope some more iconic high-rises go up in the near future. I also wish they would spruce up or do something with First National Building outside shell, facade, or whatever you call it (if that's possible).