On March 26, 2015, the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority (OCURA) voted to adopt a set of standards for residential architectural design in Northeast Oklahoma City. The guide, prepared by Lord Aeck Sargent for OCURA and the Alliance for Economic Development of OKC, outlines design and site planning objectives for the area's developers and neighborhood planners.

 

The standards represent OCURA's commitment to providing architecturally compatible, affordable and appealing housing for Northeast OKC's residents. Historically, OCURA has required design review for all of its projects. For residential standards, there has been various design guidelines adopted over the years. The new guide updates existing design standards and introduces higher levels of neighborhood planning and infill development.

 

OCURA is dedicated to collaborating with developers, builders and existing property owners to promote housing that fits evolving architectural design. These standards will bring new residents to Northeast OKC and increase property values for the area's current residents.

 

The guide includes six architecture categories for residential standards and an outline of the design review process for redevelopers. The guide packet can be downloaded here.

 

The Embassy Suites Downtown/Medical Center recently opened its doors to patrons, visitors and conference attendees. The hotel, which received tax increment finance (TIF) funding through the Biosciences TIF District, is located at 741 N. Phillips Ave.

 

The $25 million hotel offers 195 suites as well as 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space. E.S. Founders, the hotel's on-site American cuisine restaurant, is open daily for dinner and offers a full bar.

 

The six-story hotel is centrally located near major institutions, attractions and venues, including the Oklahoma State Capitol, University of Oklahoma Research Park, Cox Convention Center, Oklahoma History Museum, Stephenson Cancer Center, Chesapeake Energy Arena and Bricktown.

 

The hotel is currently taking guest reservations and will host a Grand Opening Reception on April 9. 

 

The newly renovated Hotel Marion will open its doors to new apartment tenants on April 1st.

The 111-year old building saw extensive repairs to maintain its historic integrity. MidTown Renaissance developer Chris Fleming worked over 10 years to renovate the structure with the help of TIF funding, city assistance on parking and the support of the community.