The "this has nothing to do with Tulsa" mega-post

[Tulsasooner78]

Not going to argue.  There were discussions as far back as 2017 and they inquired about a site in DT OKC.  Apparently, another inquiry was made mid summer in North OKC at Chisholm Creek.  I never said it was for sure happening.  I simply confirmed they have been sniffing around.   Additionally, site selection can take a long time.  See the original Costco location in OKC 6 years ago.  I simply know they have inquired.  Fact.   Also, what if they shift away from a retail site to a centrally located distribution facility in OKC.  Possibly to facilitate the shift to e-commerce?  Possibly to support the 5 locations in Texas? Hmmm. I know a city with a recent Fed Ex expansion and Amazon expansion near an airport and major highways with a city and airport trust eagerly awaiting to incentivize new industrial development.   Hint.   Lariat Landing OKC.

[Tulsasooner78]

http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/554086-ikeas-us-expansion-plans-shift/

[Tulsasooner78]

The rumor is not false.  Inquiries were made.

[SXSW]

It's always interesting to me when people from other states, especially coastal ones, think there's nothing going on here. I work for a company with a fairly large "temporary" office in Tulsa, where the majority of employees are from the Northeast. Most of them are completely surprised at how nice it is here and how it's really not that different form any larger city they're used to. If anything they comment how nice everyone is, how there's very little traffic, how it's a great place to raise their kids, and how they can still have plenty of entertainment and things to do like they would back home. Several of them have volunteered to stay when a permanent office is eventually built.

It's all part of the stereotypes and national narratives about "flyover country". Unfortunately, whether it's true or not, it keeps people uninterested in the city, state, and region. That's why I think there needs to be a constant effort to market the city to both people and companies and to push for things that bring consistent national attention to change the above mindset.

At the same time this perception keeps growth in check and limits huge real estate price escalations like you see in the coastal and "hot" inland markets.  When once-sleepy inland cities like Austin and Nashville start becoming hot it's only a matter of time before we see the same thing happen in Tulsa. So enjoy it while it's still affordable and easy to get around. 

[Laramie]

Softball Hall of Fame Stadium to begin $21 million expansion:  https://kfor.com/2018/04/10/softball-hall-of-fame-stadium-to-begin-21-million-expansion/








Pics via OKCTalk Forum Sports Thread, Softball Hall of Fame.

Construction has started on the expansion to Don E. Porter ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in the Oklahoma City Adventure District.

OKC Adventure District includes:   USA Softball Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City Zoo, Remington Park Racino, Science Museum Oklahoma, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and Oklahoma State Firefighters' Museum.

[Laramie]

Here's some info on the new DT convention center:  MAPS 3 convention center to create a new skyline south of downtown OKC (2016-08-24): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtOx6hHaSZw

New convention center bid comes in $20 million below budget: https://freepressokc.com/new-convention-center-bid-comes-in-20-million-below-budget/index.html

"Once we get started with the Omni Hotel and the Convention Center there will be about $500 million of construction going on between those two projects, the new garage, the new park and the streetcar that comes right there at that corner," Todd said.

Technology consulting company Booz Allen Hamilton is set to add 130 new jobs at its downtown Oklahoma City operation and at Tinker Air Force Base. [The Oklahoman archives]

The jobs come with an average $85,000 annual wage and an estimated economic impact of $116.7 million over the first seven years of the agreement. The estimated local sales and property taxes are expected to top $509,414 over the first five years and $173,558 annually from the sixth year forward.

Defense contractor set to add 130 jobs: https://www.oklahoman.com/defense-contractor-set-to-add-130-jobs-downtown-at-tinker-air-force-base/article/5614903

[Laramie]

New arena proposed for Oklahoma City State Fair Park to replace the Jim Norick State Fair Arena: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=165&v=E7Jr2RKq4OY

Fairgrounds of the future includes plan for new arena:  https://newsok.com/article/5516413/fairgrounds-of-the-future-includes-plan-for-new-arena

[swake]

New arena proposed for Oklahoma City State Fair Park to replace the Jim Norick State Fair Arena: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=165&v=E7Jr2RKq4OY

Why? What purpose will this arena serve? What problem does it solve that the current arena and Chesapeake can't?

[AngieB]

Why? What purpose will this arena serve? What problem does it solve that the current arena and Chesapeake can't?

My question is WHY are will STILL talking about OKC? They have their own forum at http://www.okctalk.com

[heironymouspasparagus]

My question is WHY are will STILL talking about OKC? They have their own forum at http://www.okctalk.com

It's our "little brother" obsession...always trying to outdo bigger brother....

[SXSW]

My question is WHY are will STILL talking about OKC? They have their own forum at http://www.okctalk.com

I'm okay with having an OKC development thread but not in the Development & New Business forum which should be about Tulsa.  Maybe call The Burbs subforum The Region and it can go in there.  Similar to how the Tulsa thread works on OKCTalk: http://www.okctalk.com/forumdisplay.php?f=109

[Laramie]

Why? What purpose will this arena serve? What problem does it solve that the current arena and Chesapeake can't?

It will replace the aging State Fair Arena built in 1965.  There are some 15-20 horse events & shows are held annually; also the High School basketball playoffs (all classes except 6A), & state wrestling events are held.



Many new facilities to accommodate the horse show events and the new Bennett Events Center were constructed in the last few years.

[PhiAlpha]

My question is WHY are will STILL talking about OKC? They have their own forum at http://www.okctalk.com

We also have a Tulsa Development thread on OKCTalk.

[BKDotCom]

convenient parking!

[BKDotCom]

We also have a Tulsa Development thread on OKCTalk.

Perhaps we could create an area for OKC?
It'd serve a better purpose than our national politics forum