Oklahoma City is in the process of approving a zoning proposal for a new skyscraper called “The Boardwalk at Bricktown,” which would be the tallest tower in the country at 1,907 feet. The project, led by developer Scot Matteson, is planned to be built in the Bricktown neighborhood of downtown Oklahoma City and consists of three towers spanning around 5 million square feet. Some city officials raised concerns about the size and scope of the tower, particularly regarding the large electronic signage proposed for the development.
During a planning meeting, Oklahoma City resident Cynthia Ciancarelli expressed concerns about the electronic signage on the building, calling it “tacky” and potentially harmful to those with sensory issues. The planning commission recommended a zoning proposal for the new tower, but some commissioners were apprehensive about the size of the signage, comparing it to that of the current tallest building in Oklahoma City, the Devon Energy Center. However, the commission ultimately decided to revise the zoning request to set a maximum size for the signs, requiring additional approval from the commission and city council for any signage.
Developers of The Boardwalk at Bricktown plan to begin construction on the first two towers—Ruby and Emerald—later this summer, with an estimated completion time of 24 to 30 months. The new development will feature retail, hotel, and residential spaces, as well as a public observatory and restaurant at the top of the tallest structure, the Legends Tower. Oklahoma City, with nearly 700,000 residents, is also undergoing other construction projects, including a $71 million multipurpose stadium and a new stadium for the NBA team, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The city’s Public Information Director, Kristy Yager, stated that Oklahoma City is accustomed to construction projects and is experiencing significant growth and transformation. Developer Scot Matteson believes that The Boardwalk at Bricktown will become an iconic destination for the city, driving economic expansion, investment, and job growth. The project is part of Oklahoma City’s efforts to support large-scale developments amidst a period of growth, with residents voting to approve funding for various initiatives, including new stadiums and infrastructure improvements. Overall, the city is embracing change and development as it continues to evolve in the coming years.
