International flights in OKC? Has Convergence lost its luster? Your questions answered
The Oklahoman’s Steve Lackmeyer fielded reader questions Friday during his weekly OKC Central Live Chat. You can join Steve most Fridays at 10 a.m. to add your comments and questions about downtown development.
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Below is an edited transcript of Friday’s discussion:
Is the MAPS transformation of OKC's public spaces fully appreciated?
Q: After an extended visit back in the fall to the DFW Metroplex and spending several days/nights in both downtown Dallas and Fort Worth I came back with a whole new appreciation for the quality of public spaces (large and small) in downtown Oklahoma City. We stack up well! Do you think most locals appreciate the transformative impact that MAPS has played on the aesthetics of the city core?
A: To some extent, yes. The north and south segments of Scissortail Park are drawing good crowds and families have absolutely discovered the park's hills as ideal sledding slopes on snow days. The Scissortail Park foundation has done a good job in programming the space and I think we will see even more opportunities ahead when Union Station is renovated. At the same time, I think Riversport along the Oklahoma River has yet to connect with as many people as I think it should considering the uniqueness of this 21st century recreational amusement park. Hopefully that will change once the Chickasaw Nation completes and opens its OKANA resort on the south shore of the river.
Which developers deserve mention for their work?
Q: Who are your top developers what you feel aren’t getting enough props for what they do? My vote would be for Nathan and Scarlet Cao.
A: I'm aware of Nathan and Scarlet Cao, and yet I must admit I've not really appreciated the work they've done to date at NW 27 and McKinley. When I first visited the Blue Door music venue some 20 years ago, I was struck by how isolated it was even though it was on the edge of the OCU campus. Such a great old building, so rich in history with music legends like Jimmy Webb as part of its DNA, and yet it stood alone. Now that area feels like a great old mixed-use neighborhood thanks to the Cao's work. They've added new homes with modern designs, and yet they fit well with the Blue Door and the surrounding neighborhood.
My candidate is Robert Holsey, who has been doing some great infill townhomes across from the historic Walcourt at NE 13 and Walnut and also with Robert Square to the east of City-State and the Parlour at NE 7 and Walnut.
Will a hotel ever return to Will Rogers World Airport?
Q: Looks like the old Quality Inn by the airport has been torn down. Do you think we will see a true airport hotel built any time in the future?
A: Probably not. When I wrote about it this year, I was looking into the overall model for airport hotels and found a very mixed bag. Sure, they're still in demand at major hub airports. But with the I-40/Meridian hotel corridor nearby, the demand may not exist to justify construction of a new hotel.
Will we see the world part of Will Rogers World Airport become a reality?
Q: When do you think we will hear about more direct flights for OKC? I have taken the LaGuardia direct flights a few times, as has family, and it has always been full. Any chance we can see that expand? Maybe something international?
A: Will Rogers saw brisk numbers prior to the pandemic and has recovered nicely as we've entered into the "new normal." I count 21 direct flight destinations that include New York with LaGuardia, Los Angeles, Nashville, Las Vegas, Denver, Austin, Charlotte, Houston, Minneapolis, Seattle, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Chicago and Reagan National in Washington, D.C. It's a pretty good list considering where we stood 20 years ago just wishing and praying for direct flights to LaGuardia and Reagan National.
As for international flights, we're certainly set up for them. The recently completed $68 million renovation and expansion of Will Rogers included new space for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to handle international flights. In addition to adding a new east concourse with four new gates, the airport has plans for six additional gates.
Convergence development no longer as exciting?
Q: What are your thoughts on the downsizing of the Convergence development in the Medical district?
A: It's not a shock considering the sharp increases in construction costs and interest rates. The original renderings were pretty amazing — a step up from anything we've seen to date. The revised plans show a good-looking, mixed-use development, but far from being edgy and innovative.
The stepped-up plazas and stairways were seen as frivolous features that may have added to creating a sense of place but were also questioned by the developers as to whether they would actually be used. They are also saving quite a bit of money by eliminating a large decorative architectural wing from the main office building.
What's most worrisome is the possibility we may see the hotel delayed to a future phase. Embassy Suites, the one hotel in the area, is doing well and from all I've heard, a second hotel would do well.
Staff writer Steve Lackmeyer started at The Oklahoman in 1990. He is a reporter, columnist and author who covers downtown Oklahoma City, related urban development and economics for The Oklahoman. Contact him at slackmeyer@oklahoman.com. Please support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Will the OKC airport ever get another hotel or international flights?
