Last Updated on January 22, 2024, 8:35 PM | Published: January 22, 2024
OKLAHOMA CITY — Not satisfied to build the second-tallest structure in the United States, the Matteson Capitol real estate developers announced that they now want to build the tallest and in Oklahoma City.
The original application for SPUD zoning called for the main tower to be 1750 feet, which would be the tallest in Oklahoma and the second tallest in the U.S.
But, the California firm announced Monday that they intend to “submit a request for variance” to make the tallest among the four towers of the development to shift from its original 1750 feet to 1907 feet, which would make it the tallest in the United States and the fifth tallest in the world according to the statement.
“The symbolic height honors the year that Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th state of the United States,” reads the statement.
Free Press reported this project along with other large projects either under way or planned for Oklahoma City, an urban, suburban, and exurban city of around 600 square miles with a population that is nearing 700,000.
The ambitious plan for the seemingly small footprint calls for:
Spanning approximately 5 million square feet, the project is a mixed-use marvel, including a 480-key Dream Hotel by Hyatt with 85 residential serviced condominiums in the Dream Tower; an additional 350-key Hyatt hotel with 100 serviced condominiums in the Legends Tower; 1,776 residential units ranging from market rate to affordable workforce and luxury options; and a vibrant retail and restaurant scene with over 110,000 square feet of space designated for commercial use, food and beverage, and a workforce development center for the community at the street and second levels. The top floors of the supertall tower will consist of a public observatory, restaurant and bar where visitors will be able to enjoy the sweeping city views.
For native Cityans, the idea of putting such a large development on what they know to be a moderate-sized L-shaped parking lot in Bricktown may sound like sheer fantasy.
Not variance, but zoning change needed
But, writing press releases is an easier process than actually achieving the change.
According to Kristy Yager, Public Information officer of the City of Oklahoma City, a staff member of zoning said, “To clarify, they would need to rezone, not seek a variance. Their existing SPUD was specifically negotiated, including the building height (“Maximum height of any building shall be 300 feet with the exception that height will be limited to 80 feet within 20 feet of the northern SPUD boundary.”) We understand the applicant’s representative is preparing a new SPUD application, which would go to Planning Commission for a recommendation and City Council for a final decision.”
This is the original zoning plan submitted to the City:
SPUD-1326-MDSThe firms involved in this project are listed by the Matteson statement as being:
- Architectural firm AO
- Developer Matteson Capital
- ThinkBox and Legends Capital Management;
- Structural engineers, Thorton Tomasetti;
- Civil engineers, Johnson & Associates;
- Fire life safety and energy, Siemens;
- General contractor, Hensel Phelps;
- Hotel management companies, Hyatt and Dream;
- Finance team for the project includes BCREM Incorporated and Global Economic Strategies.
- The legal team is headed by Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Free Press will continue to monitor developments surrounding this project.
Founder, publisher, and editor of Oklahoma City Free Press. Brett continues to contribute reports and photography to this site as he runs the business.
