Oklahoma City is on track to construct the tallest skyscraper in the country, despite certain concerns raised by city officials regarding the building’s structure at a recent planning meeting.
Developers have their sights set on constructing “The Boardwalk at Bricktown,” a towering structure that would stand at an impressive 1,907 feet in Oklahoma’s capital. If this project comes to fruition, it would make the city the proud home of the sixth tallest building globally. Currently, the title for the tallest skyscraper in the United States belongs to the One World Trade Center in Manhattan, standing tall at 1,776 feet. Not only does it hold this distinction, but it also claims the honor of being the tallest building in the entire western hemisphere.
The Oklahoma City Planning Commission, in their meeting on Thursday, has recommended the approval of zoning for the structure. However, some commissioners expressed concerns regarding the size and scope of the tower, particularly the proposed installation of large LED signage on the development.
Developer Scot Matteson is leading a project in the Bricktown neighborhood of downtown Oklahoma City. The project aims to build three towers spanning approximately 5 million square feet.
Oklahoma City resident, Cynthia Ciancarelli, expressed her concerns during the public comments on Thursday regarding the use of electronic signage in the project’s renderings. She described the billboards as “a bit tacky for Oklahoma City.”
“We’re not trying to be like Las Vegas or Times Square,” she explained, as reported by The Oklahoman newspaper. “Excessive lighting can be overwhelming for individuals with sensory sensitivities.”
The Devon Energy Center, standing at 50 stories, currently holds the title of the tallest building in Oklahoma City. However, plans for a new building with a staggering 134 stories have been unveiled. Renderings of the upcoming structure reveal signage that seems to be of similar size to that of the Devon tower, as reported by The Oklahoman.
Camal Pennington, the chairman of the city’s planning commission, expressed his proximity to downtown Oklahoma City during a meeting with developers. According to The Oklahoman, Pennington emphasized the significance of the issue, stating, “I live very close to downtown Oklahoma City, and I can clearly see the Devon tower from my porch every day. Therefore, the current signage is something I cannot support.”
During the meeting, it was reported that another planning commissioner expressed their perspective on Oklahoma City, stating that it is not currently comparable to bustling cities like New York City or Las Vegas. However, this statement leaves room for the possibility of potential growth and development in the future.
The zoning request that aimed to establish a limit on the size of signage allowed on the building has undergone a language change as per the commission’s decision. Now, developers will be required to seek additional approval from both the planning commission and the Oklahoma City council before proceeding with the construction of signs at the designated site.
Developers shared with the City Planning Commission during Thursday’s meeting their plans to commence construction on the first two towers, namely Ruby and Emerald, later this summer. These towers will soar to a height of 23 stories. The developers anticipate completing the construction of the smaller towers within a timeframe of 24 to 30 months.
The upcoming project will encompass a variety of amenities, including retail shops, a hotel, residential units, and a parking facility on the ground level. Among the impressive structures within the development, the Legends Tower will stand tall, offering a combination of luxurious residences, hotel accommodations, and affordable income apartments. Additionally, there are exciting proposals to establish a public observatory and a restaurant at the pinnacle of the tower.
Oklahoma City, with its population of nearly 700,000 residents, has a number of exciting projects on the horizon. Among them is a multipurpose stadium worth $71 million, set to host a range of sporting events for high school, college, and professional teams. This stadium, as stated by Kristy Yager, the Public Information Director of the City of Oklahoma City, is being constructed in close proximity to the historic 1907 tower site.
According to Matteson, Oklahoma City is currently going through a period of remarkable growth and transformation, which puts it in a favorable position to support ambitious projects like The Boardwalk at Bricktown.
“We are confident that this development will become a landmark destination for the city, contributing to the growth and diversification of the thriving economy. It will attract investments, new businesses, and create job opportunities,” he emphasized.
