Have to give some props to Arnett on this one:
http://www.tulsatoday.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1725&Itemid=2
Redoing all of first place tower plaza? Excellent. Anyone got any renders on it?
My favorite line from the article,
Downtown Tulsa is growing - just don't tell the critics, its more fun without them. I think they are talking about some of the posters on this website.
quote:
Originally posted by joiei
My favorite line from the article,
Downtown Tulsa is growing - just don't tell the critics, its more fun without them. I think they are talking about some of the posters on this website.
This is great news!! This is a prime space for creating a new gathering area that was lost due to the Bartlett Square tear out. Sure beats the soul-less concrete crap that is there now
I'm wondering if they are expanding/reducing/eliminating the sunken area or otherwise better addressing it.
Great news. The article doesn't say whether part of the new plaza will include any green space.
It's nice to see a real estate investment group in Tulsa with foresight. These type of investments benefit the general area around the property, and often result in mutual benefit for the investors and the general region of Downtown. One of the keys to developing a specific region such as Downtown is getting real estate owners to realize that they benefit from these type of mutually beneficial enhancements (i.e. see beyond just their own property lines).
quote:
Originally posted by carltonplace
Great news. The article doesn't say whether part of the new plaza will include any green space.
Says it will include some trees so thats an improvement right there. Will be interesting to see how it turns out. Sounds like it will be a much more useable and friendly space to hang out in.
Some more info: http://www.journalrecord.com/article.cfm?recid=92476
quote:
New outdoor stage broadens downtown Tulsa venue options
September 26, 2008
TULSA – A powered outdoor stage in the shadow of Oklahoma's third-tallest skyscraper promises new entertainment opportunities for downtown Tulsa – and potential twists for Mayfest and other mainstay events.
"It opens up all kinds of possibilities for all kinds of things," said Suzann Stewart, senior vice president of the Tulsa Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Even just little events at noon."
The stage comes courtesy of Kanbar Properties, which owns First Place Tower, the adjacent plaza, and 14 other downtown structures. Contractor Concrete Placement Services of Tulsa has started a $500,000 project to replace the plaza's worn street-level concrete with brushed concrete.
While Kanbar's efforts will add new tables, chairs and benches among the sunken fountains and trees, the centerpiece promises to be a new elevated stage, complete with power outlets. Director of Leasing Victor R. Wandres said it will provide a shady place for Tulsans to catch a concert or speech, enjoy the plaza's free wireless Internet service, or just catch some rays.
Kanbar will host the first celebration of this amenity to First Place tenants and guests.
"We're planning a finishing party, which we're scheduled to be complete in about six weeks," said Wandres. "We have no date set yet, but they'll be probably a band, concessions, things to do."
With downtown's many outdoor festivities, Stewart expects several organizations to soon put the new powered stage to good use.
"We don't have too many venues ready for concerts outside," she said.
Since the First Place stage frees events from a great deal of cable and rigging, Stewart expects it to draw immediate demand. The facility also presents new venue options for established downtown events, such as Mayfest.
"It's certainly a possibility," said Jim Norton, president of Mayfest sponsor Downtown Tulsa Unlimited.
Wandres agreed.
"That is something we'd be interesting in speaking with them about," he said.
In the past that art festival has effectively cordoned off most access to First Place Tower Plaza with its art and vendor booths. Stewart and others thought the new stage could spur a change.
Downtown Tulsa Unlimited also presents free weekly concerts in June, July, September and October from a temporary stage at Bartlett Square, just around the corner from the plaza at Fifth and Main streets.
"When you've got a trapped audience of 30,000 in a downtown area, you want to keep them there as much as possible," said Stewart.
Such concert series and events help encourage that, improving the quality of life and attracting visitors.
"It's just another opportunity for staying downtown and spending more time there," he said.
The First Place stage is just one new park opportunity available for Mayfest or Downtown Tulsa to adapt and exploit. Two blocks south of the plaza, at Sixth and Main, stands the new Centennial Walk park fountains and amphitheater, just waiting for an event like the arts festival.
"We're going to look at everything and try and make some decisions, but they won't be made for several months," said Norton. "The board will have to decide that."
Not only does Kanbar intend to hold occasional events at the First Place stage, it also offers an in-house amplification system that tenants may use on the site.
"It's expanding the living space and the working place at First Place Tower," said Wandres, noting the 40-story tower has boosted its occupancy rate from a year ago. "We're experiencing nothing but more and more interest about people wanting to lease space in the offices."
Glad to hear that they want to improve one of downtown's under-utilized spaces. It could be a fantastic public space.
Funny. I think there used to be a stage at that same location...
(http://www.tulsalibrary.org/JPG/C1899.jpg)