There are tons of possible sites on the southside but Funk obviously has his mind set and for some reason the big projects just have to be downtown.
Site #1: In the Wheeler District area. Wheeler is focused on the first phase without any real plans for the second phase east of Western and a new plan around a soccer stadium could be had. This is my least favorite option but it is there.
Site #2: Closest to Capitol Hill with the most influence(due to proximity). Requires buying a few properties and demoing none of which are historically significant or architectural interesting and they are arguably blighted. This is probably my favorite spot. It would require the densest and most compact stadium(footprint) but seems like a MLS level stadium could exist. The blighted 25th St. serves as an industrial area and arguably the city should have more compacted industrial parks. It could stand to loose a few and the businesses relocate to existing ones.
Site #3: A chance to turn an industrial street into a mixed-use with several great buildings that could be restored. The remaining metal buildings are cheap and easy demo with land costs likely not too high. Great catalysts for a new urban area outside of downtown and giving life into a stagnant part of town.
Site #4: Former Crossroads Mall. Complete tear down of the buildings in the area and a huge potential for a new urban district with a possible commuter rail stop and working with OkDOT for better access under the adjacent interstate to interstate interchange rebuild gives a great location. Has the means to be a huge boost and great infill not contributing to urban sprawl. Other deals could be worked to develop millions of SF of retail(a bigger Oak), another regional draw(Medieval Times/world class aquarium, etc.), thousands of new residential units, etc.
Downtown already has momentum and this stadium could also be a great real estate tool in addition to bringing soccer for the fans. It gives something an undeserved part of the city can truly be proud of and brings more money to it. The Strawberry Fields and Lumberyard site will develop just fine without this stadium, albeit likely taking longer but not nearly as long as it will for these sites.
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