Who is working at Chesapeake campus? What's next for I-240 area? 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:

Who is left working at the Chesapeake Energy campus?

Q: Is most of the Chesapeake campus empty? That would be a great spot to convert offices to condos, in my opinion.

A: Broker Travis Mason reports that 650,000 square feet is left to lease of the campus' 1.8 million square feet of office space. The state's Office of Management and Enterprise Services moved into building 4, leasing 45,000 square feet.

The late Chesapeake Energy CEO Aubrey McClendon built a sprawling campus of 26 buildings at NW 63 and Western Avenue in the late 1990s and early 2000s that was home to 8,000 employees until the company went into a down spiral that ended with thousands losing their jobs.

The campus includes four full-service restaurants, a 62,000-square-foot child development center, a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a Tier III data center, five parking garages screened by offices, multiple water features and even an athletic field that covers below-ground parking on the campus’ west side.

Why is it taking so long to open the trails bridge over Northwest Expressway?

Q: The new biker/hiker bridge over Northwest Expressway for the Hefner/Overholser Trail looks like it's ready, but there are still barricades at the entrances to the bridge. Any word from OKC Parks and Recreation about when it will open?

A: Public Works director Eric Wenger reports the bridge is still missing a few things for installation relating to safety and security. Those items have not arrived yet, but the contractor is optimistic they will arrive soon. We are seeing shipping and delivery delays on an array of construction projects as the lingering aftermath of the pandemic continues. The city is planning a celebration and ribbon cutting once the bridge opens. The bridge is an important addition to the city's trail system, and I believe the biggest span yet. Construction started in November, 2021. Read more about it here.

What is the development potential along I-240 and I-35?

Q: I-240 between I-35 east to Sooner Road, is undergoing vast developments. Apartments and a hospital along with a few other developments are making this an area of interest. Do you think this area can become another destination area for OKC? What are your thoughts on what else can make this area stand out?

A: I agree with you on this area's potential. I'm not sure this will become a destination in the traditional perception of what a destination might be, but I believe it is destined to become a very unique and powerful hub of industry. The OKC 577 development alone is ground-breaking in terms of amenities that aren't usually found at industrial developments. Read more here.

As an aside, federal reviews are ongoing for an application by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation to create an I-240 loop around Oklahoma City.

More:An I-240 loop? South OKC interstate may soon circle the city

Prairie Surf Studios part of new arena discussions

Q: When the initial concept of a replacement for Paycom Center was floated by Mayor David Holt, there were indications of pushback in various parts of the community. Have subsequent discussions cooled some of that pushback? In terms of Prairie Surf in the former Cox Center - the arrival of this very unique production facility in Oklahoma City has spawned a legitimate film and television industry in Oklahoma. If Cox center is ultimately consigned for demolition, the one-of-a-kind sound stage facility goes with it? What role would that play in future development plans?

A: I don't have much more to report on the discussion to build a new arena, but I'm hoping to have Mayor Holt on as a guest in the near future. I do know that discussions are very much underway for making sure Prairie Surf finds a new home that will prevent the city from losing momentum with its film industry.

Will AMTRAK ever make it to Tulsa?

Q: Has there been any more movement of extending passenger rail service to Tulsa or Wichita? I remember a few years ago there was a rail line evaluated for OKC-Tulsa service. Are you aware of any movement?

A: A line to Tulsa was actually a promise made but never fulfilled and we've yet to see any real movement made on this. About a decade ago, the Department of Transportation signed a deal with the Stillwater Central (WATCO) that would sell the company the old Soon Sub line for freight with a promise to also include passenger rail. It was to be called the Eastern Flyer and would have connected Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Stillwater Central ultimately chose to take on a $2.8 million penalty instead of launching the passenger rail service as part of its purchase of the 100-mile line. Read more here.

The Wichita connection, as far as I know, is still very much alive and was funded as part of the infrastructure deal struck by Congress and President Biden in 2021. Read more about it here.

Trail extensions continue along the Oklahoma River, pedestrian river bridge included

Q: I saw construction crews setting up a crane between I-40 and the Oklahoma river at Eastern, any update on the installation of the pedestrian bridges for the trail there?

A: Crews are continuing to extend the trails along the Oklahoma River. We're also about to see a trailhead stop at Riversport, which you can read about here.

An update at the upcoming Riverfront Redevelopment Authority includes a report on the Oklahoma River being drained later this year. The primary project will include a ferry service landing to the OKANA resort site and other projects including bank stabilization improvements and flowline cleaning to the Bricktown landing. At the same time, the city will begin preparation for a new pedestrian bridge. To learn more about OKANA and the pedestrian bridge, read this story.

When will the hotel be built along NE 23?

Q: Do you have any updates on the hotel that was planned on NE 23? If completed it can become a beacon to foster more developments in the area along NE 23 between the state capitol and I-35.

A: The 77-room, four-story Hamlin Hotel is a $26 million development set to be built across from the Market at Eastpoint at NE 23 and Rhode Island. Pivot Project CEO Jonathan Dodson reports construction is set to start this year. The project is awaiting news on whether it can include new market tax credits as part of its financing. Otherwise, everything is ready to start. Read more about this project here.

Scissortail Park expansion unlikely

Q: Do you see the southern part of Scissortail park being expanded to the west to be the same (width) with as the upper part? I think this would be a nice addition if it can be done.

A: Not likely. A portion of that land is owned by the Oklahoma Humane Society, which has plans to build a new pet foster and adoption center, shelter and education center.

The remainder of the land is pretty valuable now and is very likely to be developed. Read more about the Humane Society project here.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why is it taking so long to open trails bridge over NW Expressway?