Northeast OKC
Donald W. Reynolds Foundation donated funds for a 17,000-square-foot facility to be the new home of Infant Crisis Services, a nonprofit organization providing the basic necessities of life to more than 10,000 babies and toddler in Central Oklahoma each year. The facility at 4224 N Lincoln Blvd. includes private family interview rooms, a resource room and a 6,000-square-foot warehouse to store supplies such as diapers, formula and additional donated goods. Smith and Pickel Construction built the new facility.

Downtown OKC
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s campus expansion is underway as construction began on its new research tower to be located directly north of OMRF’s main building, 825 NE 13. The facility, which will be partially powered through 24 20-foot-tall wind turbines, will become Oklahoma’s second gold-certified Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building. The new tower will add 185,000 square feet of laboratory, administrative and clinical research space to the area and is expected to house 300 new OMRF researchers, physicians, technicians and staff members.

The total project cost – including construction, equipment, furnishings and recruitment packages for 30 senior-level scientists – is $125 million. To date, $50 million has been raised, with a lead grant of $15 million from the Oklahoma Opportunity Fund.

When completed, the tower will house a state-of-the-art research clinic for patients suffering from multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. It will also be home to 34 new laboratories. The building is expected to be ready for occupancy by spring of 2011.

Chesapeake Energy Corporation recently unveiled plans to build a four-story Finish Line Tower to be built along the Oklahoma River as part of the growing boathouse sports district. The new Chesapeake Finish Line Tower, a $5 million gift to the city of Oklahoma City, was designed by architect Rand Elliott of Elliott + Associates. It is anticipated to become another icon along the river to accompany Chesapeake Boathouse and other boathouse projects that will be built in the next few years.  

The tower will stand 60 feet in height. The 7,500-square-foot building will consist of four levels: a regatta organization/technology level; finish-line jury/timing seats; commentary/media/race control; and a VIP penthouse and observation deck.

The tower will be clad in white architectural-grade panels with clear and translucent glass, providing panoramic views of the race course and the city.

Devon Energy and Oklahoma City University recently held a groundbreaking for Devon’s new boathouse facility on the Oklahoma River.
Devon’s $10 million, two-level boathouse, designed by Rand Elliott of Elliott + Associates, will total 33,000 square feet. The first level will consist of an event center and boat storage, while the second level will bring a high-performance training center. The boathouse is scheduled to open in 2010.

“The magnitude and scope of the Devon Boathouse has prompted plans for additional boathouses and other racing facilities along the river’s east end,” says Mike Knopp, OCU rowing coach and executive director of the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation.

He says the Oklahoma River is being considered for official designation as a U.S. Olympic training site.

The Devon Boathouse also will serve as an anchor for community activities and youth rowing programs. Meeting rooms, event spaces and workout facilities will be available to the general public.

Norman
Rainey Powell with Equity Commercial Realty in Norman says he’s ready to bring two new restaurants to Campus Corner in Norman.
The former Harold’s Outlet Barn, 575 S University Blvd., is under construction to make room for an Iron Starr Urban Bar-B-Q restaurant. Powell says the restaurant will take 6,281 square feet at the site, and is scheduled to open in August.

Also under renovation is Boomer Theater, 765 Asp, on Campus Corner.

Powell says the downstairs portion of the theater is being remodeled into two retail spaces and a 2,900-square-foot office area to be located in the back portion of the building.

Chipotle restaurant will take 2,685 square feet at the site, with a lease is being completed on office space in the back. A remaining 1,880 square feet of retail space is still available.

Powell says a small building, which is currently located between O’Connell’s and the Boomer, will soon go away to make room for outdoor seating and a pedestrian walkway.