Steve may have been hyperbolic in what he said. Or he could've been saying that just to make a point or show how big of a deal it would be. But since we have no idea what it is, all we have to go on are the words that Steve said. In a situation like this, we just have to take Steve at his word. We may find out later that he was completely off on that statement, but right now we have no way of knowing that.

This basically sounds like Branson Landing, which I would not be opposed to.

Something like Branson Landing is what should've been built where Randy Hogan's chaos Lower Bricktown is now located. Lower Bricktown is a complete embarrassment.

Something like Branson Landing is what should've been built where Randy Hogan's chaos Lower Bricktown is now located. Lower Bricktown is a complete embarrassment.

Comparing lower Bricktown to the newer developments in places like Deep Deuce and Midtown is a great way to see how the standards and expectations in OKC have improved over the past decade. Just compare the Residence Inn with the new aLoft. The worst part about Lower Bricktown is that it was done by public subsidization on the most prime real estate in all of OKC. If not for that it would be easier to give a pass because after all it was the first wave of downtown development and is pretty nice compared to pre-MAPS OKC.

Fortunately, I think the days of OKC developers promising the moon and then scaling their developments back to mediocrity (at best) are coming to an end.

yes, the end to Bait-And-Disappoint.

This is veering off-topic, but I think you can expect to see Lower Bricktown revisited soon. I've always maintained that it is a few strategic infill projects away from being a much-improved development.

This is veering off-topic, but I think you can expect to see Lower Bricktown revisited soon. I've always maintained that it is a few strategic infill projects away from being a much-improved development.

That is a "Steve" level of a teaser!! :cool:

haha, yep. But it would make LB much better even if there were more infill with structured parking.

my latest guess, since Steve alluded that downtown would have a grocery store within 4 years IIRC and that the development would be entertainment related, I suspect we might see an urban supermarket connected to a venue of some sort. We have a few of these up here but nothing that you all would recognize so I can't give a name.

Making Dallas jealous is certainly throwing a monkey wrench in the guesses (KC not so much), but I would think Dallas would be jealous if OKC got an LA Live type of complex in Bricktown or downtown near the arena. Because of this I'm going with that or OKC's version of LA Live. It's the only thing that I don't think Dallas/KC has that if OKC got would be a HUGE game changer (and is entertainment related).

I'm having a hard time imagining Dallas NOT having an urban supermarket entertainment complex.

These are my thoughts:

Recently Steve finally came around to the lumberyard project becoming a reality. Now, we all know the lumberyard location isn't exactly what we'd call prime. What would make it prime? A game changing, jealousy inducing, entertainment development right across the street. This makes me believe the project has to be located in the parking lot west of the uhaul building near the railroad.

What could it? I'm imaging an outdoor/indoor BIG SCREEN(s) viewatheatre. Complete with bars/food and the like. Remember how popular Thunder alley was during the playoffs a few years back? Yes, I know Dallas has Victory Park. But imagine something even bigger & something that was actually designed to bring in crowds, not necessarily just an entrance to the American Airlines arena. This would be like Buffalo Wild Wings on steroids, and BWW is one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in America.

These are my thoughts:

Recently Steve finally came around to the lumberyard project becoming a reality. Now, we all know the lumberyard location isn't exactly what we'd call prime. What would make it prime? A game changing, jealousy inducing, entertainment development right across the street. This makes me believe the project has to be located in the parking lot west of the uhaul building near the railroad.

What could it? I'm imaging an outdoor/indoor BIG SCREEN(s) viewatheatre. Complete with bars/food and the like. Remember how popular Thunder alley was during the playoffs a few years back? Yes, I know Dallas has Victory Park. But imagine something even bigger & something that was actually designed to bring in crowds, not necessarily just an entrance to the American Airlines arena. This would be like Buffalo Wild Wings on steroids, and BWW is one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in America.

That sounds a lot like The Rustic, which coincidentally, is out of Dallas.

I have tried looking for the tweet that Steve did years ago, but it takes so long to go back since he's had so many. He tweeted just before the announcement of Project 180 something that made us all go bonkers. I don't remember the exact wording, but it was something like, "Imagine everything you ever wanted to have downtown..." and there were a ton of replies, none of which were correct. I am curious if this is something we can't even fathom; something so out of the rhelm of possibilites that no one can even come up with it?

First, Steve has pretty much admitted his comment was hyperbole. Having said that, how about an Urban Target as part of a mixed use development? I don't think that's likely as Steve has indicated that the first urban grocery store might be on the Bleu Garten site in a few years. Worth a shot though.

What about First National Center? With the announcement that it will be converted into a mixed-use development with a hotel and residential with possible bars/restaurants, could that be what this is?

A 40 foot bronze statue to the legendary OKC band:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417VK4B4WEL.jpg

What about First National Center? With the announcement that it will be converted into a mixed-use development with a hotel and residential with possible bars/restaurants, could that be what this is?

Steve specifically said it would be in Bricktown, so I don't think this is it.

I'm back with the 1500 foot oil derrick replica and observation tower with a restaurant on top

I'm thinking the OKC Grand Prix but with the Tudor Series.

Is there a thread for the velodrome an OU student proposed? That would make me jealous if I lived in Dallas or KCMO

Does Houston have a Velodrome? At one point Steve said the project would make Dallas jealous but not Houston. Whatever it is it is something Houston has but Dallas doesn't.

Houston has the downtown aquarium restaurant with rides. Would be a great addition to Lower BT.

A downtown aquarium would be fantastic. I would love that.

Does Houston have a Velodrome? At one point Steve said the project would make Dallas jealous but not Houston. Whatever it is it is something Houston has but Dallas doesn't.

Yes they do, but it's out on the far west side towards Katy, used to play softball right next to that place.

So could it be an acquarium? Does Dallas or KC have one downtown?

Tulsa has one, is it downtown?

Dallas's aquarium is downtown. Tulsa's is out in Jenks, I believe.

Pardon my ignorance, but are there any Aquariums besides places like Sea World that were private investments? I would think the city would be the one build it, but maybe not.

The aquarium complex is downtown Houston is a restaurant with other attractions. I believe Landry's was the developer and is owner and runs the restaurant.
Aquarium Restaurants (http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com). There is one in Denver and Nashville too.

From Steve's chat today:

Justin - 11:40 a.m. Any ideas what will be done with the 600 block of California (parking lot in front of The Chevy)? Paying $46/sft for the land they have to be underwriting a big development there, I'd imagine.

Steve Lackmeyer - 11:40 a.m. Something ambitious.

I still have a feeling this is where the jealousy project will happen.

I finally figured out what this is about, and it's definitely going to happen.

Should be able to share more soon.

Sorry to be a tease but that's all I can say right now. And I can't get drawn into a guessing game... Just be happy that something very cool is coming and likely soon.

I finally figured out what this is about, and it's definitely going to happen.

Should be able to share more soon.

Sorry to be a tease but that's all I can say right now. And I can't get drawn into a guessing game... Just be happy that something very cool is coming and likely soon.

That's great but now the real burning question... On a scale of one to infinity, how jealous will this make Dallas and KC???????? :tongue:

^^^^^ Yes, exactly. That really is the crux of the matter.

I finally figured out what this is about, and it's definitely going to happen.

Should be able to share more soon.

Sorry to be a tease but that's all I can say right now. And I can't get drawn into a guessing game... Just be happy that something very cool is coming and likely soon.
I know you said not to get into a guessing game, but did o get any of it right in my original post?

How soon is soon? Soon like the pizza guy is getting here soon, end of the year soon, or PluPan going on a date soon?

How soon is soon? Soon like the pizza guy is getting here soon, end of the year soon, or PluPan going on a date soon?
I turn 21 on the 29th. I will then be allowed into the Friends bar which I've heard has a special customer base ;)

I would expect an announcement in the next couple of months; maybe before the end of the year.

I would expect an announcement in the next couple of months; maybe before the end of the year.
Are tpyouy going to be able to say anything before then?

Are tpy going to be able to say anything before then?

Sciit tiyr ruggt gabd iver ibe riw ib tge jetbiard,

I shouldn't have come back into this thread.

Sciit tiyr ruggt gabd iver ibe riw ib tge jetbiard,I fixed it. I meant to say 'you', but my phone was in a stupid zone.

I shouldn't have come back into this thread.Yeah but you did and that's why we love ya

Nevermind how jealous it will make Dallas and KC. How "cool" is this development? Is it entertainment oriented? Is it slated for the surface lot in front of the Bricktown Events Center?

Not going to play a guessing game at this point.

Will post more when I can; hopefully soon.

Not going to play a guessing game at this point.

Will post more when I can; hopefully soon.

Even though you can't share any details, I (and everyone else) really appreciate your skill at sniffing out this stuff and being able to confirm it.

This is very exciting stuff whatever it is. Here is something that I would LOVE to see here in OKC. It would be the ONLY place like it in this part of the country, How about a huge indoor ski resort? People would come from all over the place, attracting locals and tourists from all over this part of the country and beyond. It would be expensive, but an incredible place that would make OKC more of a destination type place. I tried to attach a photo from google images but I'm not to computer savvy. Maybe someone else could do this. You can even have businesses, shops, if not even hotel rooms overlooking the slopes! Is this something that OKC could ever make happen and put it down by the river with all the other things going on?

https://www.google.com/search?q=indoor+ski+resort&es_sm=93&tbm=isch&imgil=O1oSkdYo5LgaWM%253A%253BCDjuiwmep9FJ_M%253Bh ttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.gizmag.com%25252Findoo r-ski-resort%25252F19963%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=O1oSkdYo5LgaWM%253A%252CCDjuiwmep9FJ_M%252C_&usg=__8VrTNJ-5morksJDBSKEw_SbeANY%3D&biw=1366&bih=667&ved=0CCkQyjc&ei=hRNuVO-hMsOAygT2hoIQ#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=8RLX3zU-B4sVeM%253A%3BbruesspbFxgsSM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252F spiff.rit.edu%252Fclasses%252Fphys369%252Fworkshop s%252Fw5r%252Fdubai_slope_2.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%2 52Fspiff.rit.edu%252Fclasses%252Fphys369%252Fworks hops%252Fw5r%252Fski_dubai.html%3B1200%3B900

This is very exciting stuff whatever it is. Here is something that I would LOVE to see here in OKC. It would be the ONLY place like it in this part of the country, How about a huge indoor ski resort? People would come from all over the place, attracting locals and tourists from all over this part of the country and beyond. It would be expensive, but an incredible place that would make OKC more of a destination type place. I tried to attach a photo from google images but I'm not to computer savvy. Maybe someone else could do this. You can even have businesses, shops, if not even hotel rooms overlooking the slopes! Is this something that OKC could ever make happen and put it down by the river with all the other things going on?

Ski Dubai cost $400 million to build. That would be almost as big as the new convention center and The renovated Peake combined. Also, when we are just eight hours away from Colorado, I am not sure if it would do as well as some people think.

I'm going to post more on this later today.

It has to do with the property around 21c Museum Hotel owned by the Hall family.

Basically, they have very ambitious plans and the investment will be more than the $52 million budgeted for 21c.

Warren, I see your point but 8 hours from OKC is quite a distance. We could draw from millions of people- heck their is 7 million people just to the south in the DFW area. Their just are not a lot of ski options anywhere around here and OKC could provide this for them without having to drive in crazy conditions to get to Colorado or fly there. It could be a training center also perhaps.

Like I have said before, one thing OKC lacks is it has nothing to offer people as far as it being a destination place. It has local and regional draw but lacks the big time theme park or attraction that gets national exposure that would make people want to come here and be a part of. Something like this would be a game changer forever for OKC. Tourism sky rockets, hotels, restaurants, etc. all win huge as well as the city of OKC. More people coming here also increases the number of flights which further expands the airport. Many, many jobs are created in so many ways. Heck these convention folks would probably love to do a little skiing while here and what a great incentive to draw more conventions. We must be creative, innovative and think outside the box. OKC needs to become great and lose the state motto that Oklahoma is OK.

I can't imagine a indoor ski facility anywhere on anyones radar in OKC. 8 hour drive. less than hour flight for very cheap to great sking in colorado. HOWEVER. I am very excited to see what Pete has on the property around 21c. there is a lot of property owned by the Hall family there and after seeing that in the 21c thread I got excited about the possibilities.

Im not shunning the idea of a ski resort, but not in DT OKC.

I can see Winstar getting something like that. Add a water park too to make it a real destination resort. Close to Dallas and Texas $$$ but still keep that money in Oklahoma.

Im not shunning the idea of a ski resort, but not in DT OKC.

I can see Winstar getting something like that. Add a water park too to make it a real destination resort. Close to Dallas and Texas $$$ but still keep that money in Oklahoma.

Agreed. I don't see any one person/group of people wanting to shell out that amount of money for an indoor ski area, but a casino, in an effort to bring in more toursim dollars, especially one like Winstar, I could see doing it. Also, Ski Dubai's longest run is 0.25 miles. For comparison, Breckenridge's longest run is 3.5 miles, Wolf Creek's is two miles, Aspen's is three miles and Vail's is four miles.

Dallas (Grand Prairie) is already working on an indoor ski resort. They announced it last month, a $215M dollar project.

As for this project that Pete is referring to, I thought that it was rumored to be in Bricktown not downtown or Film Row?

Once again, DFW has insight that we lack. I will get back on topic but I thought this would be a game changer for OKC. I mean it's amazing, would draw so many people and add huge dollars to our economy. Obviously, the reasons you all stated for not having something like this don't hold much water if one is being planned in DFW. I can't tell you how badly OKC needs SOMETHING big to make it a DESTINATION of some sort nationally. Like I have said before, perception goes a long ways in regards to future growth. Austin is perceived extremely well nationally, but OKC is not. Why not change that by being great? Anyway, I am excited to hear about this project Pete. I get too caught up caring about making OKC over the top great and frustrated that too many people are fine with it be just OK.

Once again, DFW has insight that we lack. I will get back on topic but I thought this would be a game changer for OKC. I mean it's amazing, would draw so many people and add huge dollars to our economy. Obviously, the reasons you all stated for not having something like this don't hold much water if one is being planned in DFW. I can't tell you how badly OKC needs SOMETHING big to make it a DESTINATION of some sort nationally. Like I have said before, perception goes a long ways in regards to future growth. Austin is perceived extremely well nationally, but OKC is not. Why not change that by being great? Anyway, I am excited to hear about this project Pete. I get too caught up caring about making OKC over the top great and frustrated that too many people are fine with it be just OK.

I understand and appreciate your enthusiasm and as much as I would like to see something like that in OKC, I don't see it happening, especially now if there is one planned outside of Dallas. Also, Dallas has a lot more money than OKC and are using something I have never heard of: "Sherman Thurston, co-chairman of the Grand Alps Resort DFW Inc., said the development team has commitments for up to 80 percent of the initial project cost. That includes up to $100 million in funding through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which allows foreign investors to obtain visas by investing in projects that create jobs in targeted areas of the U.S." I think we are still overlooking a couple of things that when built to critical mass, could bring in more people as tourists such as the Whitewater rapids (The Oklahoma River as a whole), the Myriad Gardens when it is surrounded by all the other buildings proposed, Midtown, when it gets to critical mass and 23rd street. Those are areas that are different than a lot of cities and bring in more people and add more dollars to our economy. JMHO.

Warren, thank you. What about perhaps somebody like the Chickasaw Tribe doing something like this and have it near the white water rafting center.? It could be a huge ski resort and casino type place like what is going to be built in Tulsa. If you haven't seen it, it is very impressive. They have soooo much money and it would be a cool thing that they could afford.

ONly thing Chicksaws are worried about is building casinos and spending millions on advertising telling you how awesome they are. (Somewhat tongue in cheek)

I'm going to post more on this later today.

It has to do with the property around 21c Museum Hotel owned by the Hall family.

Basically, they have very ambitious plans and the investment will be more than the $52 million budgeted for 21c.

It's a roller coaster isn't it Pete, come on, fess up.......j/k

It's a roller coaster isn't it Pete, come on, fess up.......j/k

That highrise Roller coaster shopping mall I have been seeing circulate the interwebs and stuff I bet.. :)

ONly thing Chicksaws are worried about is building casinos and spending millions on advertising telling you how awesome they are. (Somewhat tongue in cheek)

That is so true. Lol.

Ski Dubai cost $400 million to build. That would be almost as big as the new convention center and The renovated Peake combined. Also, when we are just eight hours away from Colorado, I am not sure if it would do as well as some people think.

Indoor ski resorts are one of those things that are "easier said than done." There are very few of these in the world, and none in the Western Hemisphere. They require a ton of specialized engineering and use an ungodly amount of energy. By the time one factors in all the costs for an operation like this to break even into a ticket price, you are probably better off buying Southwest Fun Fares to CO or NM for the real thing.

The only one I know that is being built in the US is the Meadowlands Xanadu development in NJ, which is hideous if you want to look at it online. It was a victim of the 2008 bust and I don't believe they've started construction back but are trying. Even the press release for the Grand Prairie Hard Rock is riddled with caveats like construction coningent upon full financing. Which is business speak for look at our cool renderings, now please give us money!! I am putting this firmly into the "I'll believe it when I see it" category.

i am getting off on a tangent here, so I will just add it is likely NOT an indoor skiing resort. And if its involved with the 21c development I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

Back to topic,
Steve always hinted that this development would be in Bricktown. Now Pete is hinting that it may be in the 21c property.

Back to topic,
Steve always hinted that this development would be in Bricktown. Now Pete is hinting that it may be in the 21c property.

I don't think it's true Steve said anything about Bricktown.

I think that was discussed here.