Urban Renewal gives OK for Development

2003-07-17

By Steve Lackmeyer
The Oklahoman

Several high-profile projects got a thumbs- up from the Urban Renewal Authority on Wednesday, including approval of a development team to buy and renovate the Skirvin Hotel. Hilton-Skirvin, a Dallas-based development team, was selected earlier this month by a mayoral committee. The team proposes spending $42.1 million to reopen the Skirvin as a 238-room full-service conference hotel.

Wednesday's vote by Urban Renewal commissioners allows director JoeVan Bullard to begin negotiations with the developer.

Also Wednesday:

Development contracts were approved with Central Urban Development Inc. and HGL Construction to build new homes in the John F. Kennedy neighborhood east of downtown;

A $1 million sale contract with developer Mike Henderson was approved for land the agency owns immediately east of downtown's Sycmamore Square at Robert S. Kerr and Walker. Henderson is planning to build a $26 million apartment complex, with the downtown Tax Increment Financing District set to pay $1.9 million for a parking garage;

Commissioners pledged they are ready and willing to assist St. Anthony Hospital on any potential redevelopment plan that would keep the hospital at its MidTown location.

Archives: More information on this topic from The Oklahoman. Subscribe to The Oklahoman.