SandRidge Energy Plans Makeover for Part of Downtown

SandRidge Energy's plans for its downtown Oklahoma City headquarters are drawing opposition from a historical preservation group.

Thursday, April 29th 2010, 10:22 pm

By: News 9


By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- There's growing opposition for a new look in downtown Oklahoma City.

Last year the SandRidge Energy company announced it was giving its headquarters at the former Kerr-McGee building a makeover. Company leaders said plans are also underway to dramatically change the look of the area it's in.

"One of the things we are focusing on is opening up the city block we own and surrounding properties for the public to enjoy," said Marsha Wooden, vice president of administration.

The multi-million dollar project called the Sandridge Commons will create more open space in the area on Robert S. Kerr Drive between Robinson and Broadway avenues. Plans also call for significant improvements to Kerr Park, but before any of this happens several of the nearby buildings will have to come down.

SandRidge Commons

Preservation Oklahoma, a historical advocacy group, doesn't agree with the plans and feels SandRidge should embrace the historical significance of the buildings.

"When we erase every old building, we lose that sense of where we come from and the sense of identity for the city," said Preservation Oklahoma Executive Director Katie Friddle.

The plans by SandRidge were first approved by the Downtown Design Review Committee. Preservation Oklahoma has filed an appeal with the city's Board of Adjustment. The board will meet on May 20 to review the appeal. After that, both sides will have another opportunity to take the issue to a district court for a second appeal.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

April 29th, 2010

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024

March 29th, 2024