Oil monument in OKC proposed (Oklahoma City, Tulsa: how much, restaurant, cost)

[happytown]

Looks interesting.

"Apparently, a state lawmaker is seriously considering bringing a proposal to the table that will give OKC a internationally known monument that will rival the Eiffel Tower and the Space Needle in Seattle. The proposal calls for a huge oil derrick that will stand over 1100 feet tall with an observation deck and restaurant."

"It will supposedly be named "Energy Tower." The location is supposed to be near downtown on the Oklahoma River."

www.okhorizon.com Oklahoma Horizon Show Archives


YouTube - Oklahoma creating an icon to rival the Eiffel Tower??

[Synopsis]

Hmmm. I like the idea of some sort of tall structure, but an 1100 foot tall oil derrick? Oil derricks aren't the most beautiful things there are, unless you're the owner of one. Then, they are beautiful.

[TU 'cane]

Yea, I agree. Maybe a 500 footer? But 1100 feet? That's ridiculous. Anyway, Tulsa or OKC needs something. Especially since the "American" statue has officailly been cancelled. I would really like to see OKC get something like this though. It could be a hot tourist destination, i'm all for it.

[Synopsis]

I'd love to see OkC build some kind of tall iconic structure. The only thing I wonder about is who is paying for this; is it going to be the state or a private institution? Sorry, I have yet to look at the youtube video.

[colleeng47]

The U tube video is very interesting. The man being interviewed (forget his name) was certainly enthusiastic about the idea.

[TU 'cane]

I think with Devon and Chesapeake, between the two of them they could possibly fund it.

[happytown]

Remember that the French hated the Eiffel Tower when it was built. You have to also consider that the Eiffel basically looks like a derrick with curves. This could be a big time project that pays homage to the history of oil/energy that the state is well known for. I am happy the American was not funded. It would have looked like an eyesore poking out of the hills around Tulsa. I had some friends complain about the idea a while back. OKC is basically flat and could use a super tall structure like this energy tower. If done right it could be a huge attraction for the state. Im sure the designs will change and maybe even shorten it, but it will be great if it is even built. I doubt it will happen, but you never know. OKC will have two tall 'new' iconic structures including the Devon tower, which has high expectations considering it will cost up to 400 million + and sq. ft. of 1.2 mil.

[Nameless]

I'm very torn on this. It would be amazing to have an iconic monument like that, topping the Eiffel Tower.

But, do we need to spend that much money on a monument? This is a thing that is reserved for top world class cities. I love how Oklahoma City is a forward thinking city, but we aren't even close to the class of Paris, New York, Chicago, Tokyo, etc, etc.

This ferris wheel coming to town will be cool. I suppose I would say when push comes to shove I would build it and take a chance. Sometimes I just think OKC may think a tad too big (if that's even possible).

[Bigoktx]

I don't know if a giant oil Monument is what OKC needs. Let's keep it classy and modern. Don't think everyone needs a reminder how much they're paying for gas. lol. I'd like to see more art and entertainment in the downtown OKC area. Not a giant oil derrick I moved to Dallas 20 yrs ago but my heart belongs in OKC! I'm so proud to see the city actually advancing!!

[n8tiv_okie]

wow. yet another "privately funded" project the taxpayers will end up paying for. Reminds me of the dome and the native american statue fiasco for the state capital.
Meh...there are better things to spend money on..... like a clear bubble to encapsulate the state to keep it 72-degrees year-round. Now THAT would earn some tourist dollars.