Oklahoma City moving forward with convention center plans

In January, The Oklahoma City Council agreed to move forward with plans to build a luxury hotel and structured parking to accompany the MAPS 3 convention center. The convention center, which has an estimated cost of $287 million, will open debt-free thanks to the temporary MAPS 3 1-cent sales tax.

 

The next step is for the City to issue a request for proposal (RFP) asking developers to submit proposals for the convention center hotel and parking structure. One of the top priorities is to maintain connections between the Myriad Botanical Gardens to the north and the new MAPS 3 park to the south.

 

The project could potentially double the total investment in the convention center complex depending on the size of the hotel and funding mechanism.

 
Urban Renewal Plan approved for northeast community along 23rd street

The Oklahoma City Council voted to approve the Northeast Renaissance Urban Renewal Plan on December 30. This was the next step in the urban renewal process, following the designation of the area being determined blighted by City Council in July 2014. The NE Renaissance Plan primarily incorporates property along 23rd Street east of the Capitol to the Oklahoma River and extends north.

 

The Alliance has been increasingly active in engaging the community and ensuring that the community has a voice in the process and their needs have been, or will be, addressed.

 

"I've been told that no other project has had as much community engagement as we have done [for this one]," said Michael Owens, Community Development Director for The Alliance. "As you know, engagement is an ongoing process. It doesn't end here. We are really at the infant stages of redevelopment in the northeast community."

 
TIF Designation in northeast community

On January 13, the Oklahoma City Council approved a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district to help support the redevelopment along 23rd Street. This new TIF district will coincide with the Northeast Renaissance Urban Renewal Plan to benefit the northeast corridor, spurring new growth and development in the area.

 

Over the next 25 years, the additional ad valorem tax revenue raised in the area from development is estimated to be worth nearly $28 million and sales revenues will total about $30 million.

 
Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads mall grows into shopping destination during holidays
Photo courtesy of The Journal Record

It has been just over two years since renovation plans were announced at what has become known as Plaza Mayor at the Crossroads. Since then, Plaza Mayor has grown to be a regional shopping destination, drawing customers from over three hours away. Over the past two years, Plaza Mayor has seen its occupancy rate jump from 17 percent up to 42 percent. 

Plaza Mayor brought some holiday spirit to the shopping center with the addition of their North Pole Adventure. The attraction featured the North Pole Welcome Center, Santa's Post Office, Elf University, Mrs. Claus's Kitchen, Santa's Workshop and Elf Clubhouse and Bedroom, Reindeer Barn with live reindeer and of course, Santa's house.

The attraction helped stores exceed their goals for the holiday by attracting over 10,000 children and their families, and has even received praise from the South Oklahoma City Chamber as being a vital part of Oklahoma City.
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