This image, worked on over 7 years ago, has a mind of its own in regards to where it appears. I’m hoping it’s getting people to say “what if,” because initially it was a simple idea about reusing the existing Santa Fe rail station and the elevated infrastructure to stimulate investment, interest and excitement.

Oklahoma City Santa Fe Station Concept

It basically evolved because I got tired of hearing about “remember when” regarding downtown Oklahoma City. While Oklahoma City didn’t have a chance to develop a historical core prior to the explosion of automobile usage (in the east coast NYC/Boston/Philly sense), Oklahoma City’s development history was uniquely shaped by intersections of a river and national rail lines. This infrastructure shaped our past growth and the sketch is a result of wondering why couldn’t our rails and right-of-ways still be utilized to shape our future and program the way the city would continue to develop?

The city currently funds the South Oklahoma City Chamber, the Hispanic Chamber and the Capitol Chamber. Those chambers collectively receive about $300,000 from the city budget, Assistant City Manager Cathy O’Connor said.
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber’s contract was not part of the PUMA review, O’Connor said, nor was the $1 million dedicated to the Economic Development Foundation and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.