I still like the cliche name of Renaissance Blvd. or Renaissance Parkway. As cheesy as it sounds the "Renaissance" is what ia fueling OKC's rebirth.

Fronting the Central park, Renaissance Parkway seems natural to me. I like it a lot the more I think about it.

Fronting the Central park, Renaissance Parkway seems natural to me. I like it a lot the more I think about it.

I could live with Renaissance Parkway.

Saved the best for last: Buckle o' the Bible Beltway.

Sid, it was a while back (maybe last summer?). Am sure Steve could give a closer date approximation.

on edit:


Cables cut for planned Skydance Bridge (Oklahoman, 10/28/10)


City council members voted Tuesday to change the pedestrian bridge's design after its estimated construction cost more than doubled. The new design will change the bridge from a cable-stay structure to a truss bridge.

City officials originally said the bridge would keep its cables, but they would be decorative rather than load-bearing. Assistant City Manager Jim Thompson said Wednesday that will not be the case.
....
Mayor Mick Cornett said he'd prefer to push the project back to give the city time to find more money for the original design, but that isn't an option.

"You can't push back the construction because you can't start construction after the interstate is finished," Cornett said.

full story here
http://newsok.com/cables-cut-for-planned-skydance-bridge/article/3508772#

Who is Energy Ave named after? However, that is just one suggestion. I also like Avenue of the West, Avenue of the Southwest, and Avenue of the Plains. Atlanta has Peachtree. It got that name because Peach is the state tree and for a while was the state's number one crop. It is what they are know for. Oklahoma City is known for energy.

All of these lack subtlety. Not classy.

There is an Ellison Avenue for a few blocks off and on just west of Western. It was probably named for a different Ellison. Should probably change the name of THAT one to _____ Ellison Street, to free up Ellison Avenue for the new boulevard. I agree with TaoMass that Ellison Avenue does sound really good, and it's not one of those names that over-do it like Great Plains Boulevard or Energy Boulevard.

There is also an Ellison Ave in Bricktown. It is in The Hill. I don't want the name to be sutle. That is the whole point. If we wanted that we would just call it SW 3rd St and be done with it.

It may be too late for that as the Council has already approved the cost cutting measures and they are proceeding with the scaled back design...think construction will be beginning shortly as it needs to be completed before the relocated I-40 is open to traffic.

In almost everything I have heard implies it will not be started until after traffic is diverted to the new i40 alignment, and the boulevard will not be finishing with until a year or two after i40 is complete.

In almost everything I have heard implies it will not be started until after traffic is diverted to the new i40 alignment, and the boulevard will not be finishing with until a year or two after i40 is complete.

Youv'e heard correctly, the new boulevard is going in the same place/alignment as the existing I-40, so construction can't start until the new I-40 is open.

In almost everything I have heard implies it will not be started until after traffic is diverted to the new i40 alignment, and the boulevard will not be finishing with until a year or two after i40 is complete.

Thats the Boulevard. You are correct. They can't tear down the old Crosstown and start the Boulevard until the realigned I-40 is open to traffic.

What we were talking about was the Skydance Bridge that will be spanning the new I-40. They want to get it completed before it is open to traffic underneath.

Here are my thoughts (and reasons):

1) Renaissance Drive (OKC is the Renaissance City of the 21st Century, so this has nothing to do with Marriott Renaissance Hotels. Chose Drive instead of Parkway since PKWYs are usually not in urban settings whereas Drives are in both - significant nod to Chicago's Lakeshore Drive, which skirts downtown. Although one could argue that it does skirt Central Park, but I think Drive/Street/or Boulevard is better suited for downtown. Renaissance Avenue might work too, but in OKC Ave's run N-S.).

1a) Renaissance Boulevard (my original choice, until I thought of Lakeshore Drive in Chicago, which is also a Business route with a catchy ring, adding OKC/Renaissance City to it).

1b) Renaissance Street

2) Avenue of the West (catchy BUT Aves run N-S in OKC so probably couldn't work. But we could violate the grid and dont use directions, and it could very well work. Ford Center, 888 Avenue of the West, Oklahoma City).

3) Central Boulevard (that IS what it is, and sounds quite good too).

4) Capital Boulevard (again, sounds good and would be appropriate with the state funding it).

5) Ralph Ellison Boulevard (I think the full name is most appropriate, and exclusive sounding. I agree, that it should probably be the ONLY person whom should be considered for naming (for free). Maybe this would be the ONLY street in the city to violate the grid naming convention, adopting the Street/Boulevard then direction: Ford Center, 180 Ralph Ellison Boulevard West , Oklahoma City. or no direction at all, with 0 starting at the I-235/I-35/I-40 interchange then going west. Ford Center, 888 Ralph Ellison Boulevard, OKC....).

6) Energy Street (something about the sound of it, just makes me want to go visit. ..... 101 West Energy Street. 10 E Energy Street. hmmm, maybe this should be higher than 6...)

7) Center Boulevard (or Centre Boulevard) (Hmm, that also sounds nice and has a level of simple exclusivity to it. Center/Centre Street might work too.)

There is also an Ellison Ave in Bricktown. It is in The Hill. I don't want the name to be sutle. That is the whole point. If we wanted that we would just call it SW 3rd St and be done with it.

Kerry--the opposite of subtlety is tackiness. All of these name suggestions are dripping with it.

It makes me want to second the Mayor's proposal. Oklahoma City Boulevard.

Well you're in luck Spartan - it isn't up to me.

BTW: the opposite of subtlety is NOT tackiness. The opposite is 'obvious'.

Or me.

If we're looking for something that is totally obvious and tacky and lacks subtlety, here is my suggestion: Greatest City in the Universe Boulevard.

Just think, who wouldn't want the address 1200 Greatest City in the Universe Boulevard??

Avenue of the West (Southwest, Plains, Great Plains) is no more tacky than Avenue of the Americas. It might be pretentious, but OKC could use a little of that.

Sid, definitely NW and not NE. Must put our best foot forward for that.


Avenue of the West (Southwest, Plains, Great Plains) is no more tacky than Avenue of the Americas. It might be pretentious, but OKC could use a little of that.

Southwest, Plains, and Great Plains = pretentious? Okay...I am having trouble even understanding that. The thing that I think is holding myself and others back from fully endorsing this idea is that the Great Plains is a non-region. The Plains is a non-region. OKC is on the edge of this non-region. "Avenue of the Southwest" or "Avenue of the South" would be better, but the problem with Avenue of the Southwest is that most people do not agree that OKC is part of the Southwest. There is debate as to where OKC actually is, most say either the South or the Midwest.

The reason Avenue of the Americas works is because that is both a region, and a name which exudes international importance. It is a name that invokes imagery other than dusty, backwards, ignorant, and flat.

So for these reasons, unless we decide on Avenue of the Americas (which might be a stretch for OKC), this city will not be a good place for an Avenue of the [insert name here].

Southwest, Plains, and Great Plains = pretentious? Okay...I am having trouble even understanding that. The thing that I think is holding myself and others back from fully endorsing this idea is that the Great Plains is a non-region. The Plains is a non-region. OKC is on the edge of this non-region. "Avenue of the Southwest" or "Avenue of the South" would be better, but the problem with Avenue of the Southwest is that most people do not agree that OKC is part of the Southwest. There is debate as to where OKC actually is, most say either the South or the Midwest.

That is because Oklahoma lets other people define it. A signature boulevard with a bold name would let Oklahoma define Oklahoma.

No, I don't think we're going to change the perception of dusty and backwards Great Plains. We don't have to because OKC isn't really Great Plains, it could just as easily be Midwestern or Southern. Why are you wanting to help Guymon or Amarillo with their image problem? Those are cities that I don't think mind having a less-than-international reputation, actually.

No, I don't think we're going to change the perception of dusty and backwards Great Plains. We don't have to because OKC isn't really Great Plains,...

How about Crosstimbers Avenue?

http://www.usao.edu/crosstimbers/


In the cross timbers region the hardwood forest merges with the Great Plains.

And old-time New Yorkers still sniff at "Avenue of the Americas": "You mean Sixth Avenue?"

Renaissance Avenue might work too, but in OKC Ave's run N-S.).

I like Renaissance Ave. No big deal if it runs E-W. So does Park Ave.

I got it.

Crossroads of America. There doesn't need to be a mention of Avenue, Boulevard, Street/Road, Pkwy or Direction; just simply 'XYZ Crossroads of America' with 0 starting at the I-235/I-35/I-40 junction.

Not only does this totally betray OKC's grid (which I think we need a grand street to do so) but it is a BOLD statement that OKC has arrived and IS (and wants to be MORE) cosmopolitan. AND, OKC ISSS the Crossroads of America - so why not name the Grand New Boulevard as that. ....

Ford Center, 888 Crossroads of America, Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

Thoughts?


..

my 2nd choice would be Renaissance (Renaissance BLVD, Renaissance AVE, Renaissance WAY)

How about Crosstimbers Avenue?

http://www.usao.edu/crosstimbers/

Crosstimbers Ave? What are we in suburbia? That has Edmond all over it.

As the original poster to suggest Renaissance Blvd. I still think it's the most fitting for the transformation OKC has undergone and continues to go through.

Hot Rod I think you're onto something with Crossroads of America. Would Crossroad of America not be more appropriate?

I got it.

Crossroads of America. ...Thoughts?
..
my 2nd choice would be Renaissance (Renaissance BLVD, Renaissance AVE, Renaissance WAY)

NO. Not as long as what remains of Crossroads Mall is down the road (confuses people) Like places that have Bricktown in their name that aren't in Bricktown.

Renaissance Whatever sounds like it fits more in Norman with their annual Renaissance Fair

How about Crosstimbers Avenue?

http://www.usao.edu/crosstimbers/

Only if we can spend some of the streetscape funds on a big inflatable lumberjack (preferably very bright and garishly-dressed) to greet people to downtown OKC.

Only if we can spend some of the streetscape funds on a big inflatable lumberjack (preferably very bright and garishly-dressed) to greet people to downtown OKC.

Nah, with the car lot leaving downtown, it would seem even more out of place. But, iffin you know where we can finds a 300' tall purple ape, that could be fun

While you guys might not like Crosstimbers - it is the eco-region that covers part of OKC.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Timbers



The term Cross Timbers is used to describe a strip of land in the United States (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States) that runs from southeastern Kansas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas) across Central Oklahoma (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Oklahoma) to Central Texas.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Timbers#cite_note-0) Made up of a mix of prairie (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prairie), savanna (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savanna), and woodland (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodland),[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Timbers#cite_note-oklamap-1)[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Timbers#cite_note-texasmap-2) it forms part of the boundary between the more heavily forested eastern part of the country and the almost treeless Great Plains (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Plains),[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Timbers#cite_note-oklamap-1)[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Timbers#cite_note-texasmap-2)[4] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Timbers#cite_note-kansasmap-3) and also marks the western habitat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habitat) limit of many mammals (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mammal) and insects (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insect).[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Timbers#cite_note-oklamap-1)

Renaissance Whatever sounds like it fits more in Norman with their annual Renaissance Fair

That never crossed my mind. Lots of places have renaissance fairs, it's not unique to OKC.

That never crossed my mind. Lots of places have renaissance fairs, it's not unique to OKC.

With a large new park coming on-line maybe OKC could have one.

NO. Not as long as what remains of Crossroads Mall is down the road (confuses people) Like places that have Bricktown in their name that aren't in Bricktown.

Renaissance Whatever sounds like it fits more in Norman with their annual Renaissance Fair

It seems as each month passes Crossroads Mall is less and less likely to continue operations, Renaissance is thrown around so much with all cities it is hardly distinctive to anywhere outside of Europe.

Comparing the name of Normans renaissance fair to potential name of boulevard is laughable, almost no one would compare those.

Sorry Metro, I lived in both places so that is probably why I make the connection. If OKC was known for a Renaissance Fair, then I could see it. But along those lines, why not name it for an annual event OKC IS known for (like Festival of the Arts). Someone had suggested Festival Park for the MAPS 3 Park name a while back. Instead of Renaissance, how about (Forward) Momentum Blvd?

I am not against the Energy Blvd. suggestion either, given Devon, Chesapeake (but not D.T.), SandRidge and now Continental Resources. Plus the generic "Energy" can apply to more than just oil and gas.

That said, I am still partial to historic names suggested by others. Or even something named after one of our numerous state symbols. Think Kerry mentioned Atlanta and Peach something or another. Why not Redbud Blvd. (with the annual marathon along the course)?

OKC is known for its civic and downtown renaissance, hence the name Renaissance City (or 'Renaissance City of the 21st Century' to be exact).

Renaissance City = MAPS I, II, II.5, III, .....

Hot Rod, I hate to keep dashing your dreams like this, but OKC is not known as the "Renaissance City." Uh sorry..


Nah, with the car lot leaving downtown, it would seem even more out of place. But, iffin you know where we can finds a 300' tall purple ape, that could be fun

Yeah! Those things don't just vanish into thin air, you know. It has to be hiding somewhere in the metro...

Here's my newest and greatest name suggestion: Let's name it Memorial Road. Oooh ahh... I like that name.

... Renaissance Whatever sounds like it fits more in Norman with their annual Renaissance Fair

Blew right past this the first time. Probably because most of us down here don't call it by Renaissance. It's simply The Medieval Fair. Oh, and by the by, it's rather enjoyable, and coming again in 2011 on April 1-3. See http://www.medievalfair.org/ for more info.

As for the someday former Crosstown, I'm now looking forward to the day it can be known as the Ding Dong the Bridge is Gone Parkway

Here's my newest and greatest name suggestion: Let's name it Memorial Road. Oooh ahh... I like that name.
You planning on renaming the existing Memorial Rd?

I could go for Redbud Avenue.

New Orleans is known for Bourbon Street, so we might as well go for Firewater Street. Or Moonshine Ave.
Maybe a different way would be to just call it "The" That way it could be "The Blvd".

With that approach, let's just call it Santa Monica Boulevard or Ocean Drive.

Bible Belt Blvd.

None of these are doing it for me yet. The closest was "Skyline Boulevard". "Skyline Drive" sounds better, but could be confused with the one in Shenandoah NP.

None of these are doing it for me yet. The closest was "Skyline Boulevard". "Skyline Drive" sounds better, but could be confused with the one in Shenandoah NP.

There is also a Skyline Drive in the hills above the San Francisco west bay. Usually 'Skyline' drives reference the view from the road, not what it is traveling through. I think there is a Skyline Drive in SE Oklahoma as well.

I could go for Redbud Avenue.
Not bad. Would be my 2nd choice.

I like both Redbud and Skyline. Still think it should be Ellison.

Redbud Avenue is really growing n me the more time goes by. It's iconic, simple, clean and has a local flair, similar to ATL and Peachtree.

To answer Kerry, there is the Talimena National Scenic Byway in SE Oklahoma, running across the mountaintops in SE OK.
See http://www.travelok.com/listings/view.profile/id.7644 and http://www.talimenascenicdrive.com/

Locally though, I find it odd to lower the roadway to grade level and then refer to it as a Skyline anything. That would of been a better designation while it was still elevated, at least to me it would.

I could live with Redbud Avenue, but a nod of some sort o the CBD or to the various sports available along or near its path, pro, semi-pro and everyday varieties, seems appropriate as well.

... It [OKLAHOMA CITY BOULEVARD] passed. Next stop, City Council.

How very sad.

If you're not happy, write your city councilman or woman. Since they have a small constituency, e-mails and letters get their attention. It may not otherwise occur to them to come up with a more inventive name.

Hot Rod, I hate to keep dashing your dreams like this, but OKC is not known as the "Renaissance City." Uh sorry..



...

Sparty, this is the 2nd consecutive post I've seen where you attacked me. Im curious to know what your agenda is? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and think - hm, let me find all of Hot Rod's posts and put him in his place. ...

Now, to defend myself - um, this IS a free country and site; right? You are entitled to your opinion and I to mine. I don't go dissing people and I hate when people like you constantly diss me and my opinion.

One more thing, Im not sure if you're having reading comprehension issues - but AGAIN you failed to read my post. I wrote that OKC is known for it's downtown Renaissance in the 21st Century. I, Patrick, Kerry, OKCPulse, Rob, and a few of the other 'OLD DOG' posters thought up 'continue the reniassance' and Renaissance City long before you graduated high school back in the beginning of this decade.

I have seen OKC's Renaissance referenced time and time again (including said phrase). All we'd need is for the mayor to flat out declair the city as the Renaissance City. I will suggest it to him - in the mean time, you can relax from 'dashing my dreams' and stick to your own studies.

I think you would HATE if I picked apart all of your posts, and I am quite sick of you doing that to me. Opinion is one thing, but you seem to be on a roll and I want it to stop.

I like Renaissance XXXX. There are already two building downtown with the name renaissance in them (Robinson Renaissance and the Renaissance Hotel).

You might find this video interesting:

Oklahoma City's Nat Gas Renaissance


http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?play=1&video=1398165503

I like Renaissance!

The down side of renaissance is it hardly unique to here.

Sparty, this is the 2nd consecutive post I've seen where you attacked me. Im curious to know what your agenda is? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, and think - hm, let me find all of Hot Rod's posts and put him in his place. ...

Now, to defend myself - um, this IS a free country and site; right? You are entitled to your opinion and I to mine. I don't go dissing people and I hate when people like you constantly diss me and my opinion.

One more thing, Im not sure if you're having reading comprehension issues - but AGAIN you failed to read my post. I wrote that OKC is known for it's downtown Renaissance in the 21st Century. I, Patrick, Kerry, OKCPulse, Rob, and a few of the other 'OLD DOG' posters thought up 'continue the reniassance' and Renaissance City long before you graduated high school back in the beginning of this decade.

I have seen OKC's Renaissance referenced time and time again (including said phrase). All we'd need is for the mayor to flat out declair the city as the Renaissance City. I will suggest it to him - in the mean time, you can relax from 'dashing my dreams' and stick to your own studies.

I think you would HATE if I picked apart all of your posts, and I am quite sick of you doing that to me. Opinion is one thing, but you seem to be on a roll and I want it to stop.

Tell me how you really feel, Hot Rod..

The down side of renaissance is it hardly unique to here.

Yeah, but "Del Rancho Steak Sandwich Supreme Blvd." won't fit on the sign.

^^^
I like!

Ellison, Energy, and Redbud are all really nice. We need a street that will cause buildings to just want to be known by their address- No one is going to name their building 10 OKC BLVD. Would really be a missed opportunity.

Ok, shane got me to thinking ... Ellison's Redbud Energy Drive



Hey, be nice. I'm still new to this thinking stuff.

Hmmm, naming sponsership $$$$$ Redbull Energy Drive

or locally...

Red Dog Blvd.
Wormy Dog Blvd.

Frontier. This is Frontier Country right?

Frontier Ave. That doesn't sound bad. Has anyone suggested Thunder Road yet?