Re-inventing downtown Enid

Garfield County 2011

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Workers demolish a building in Enid as part of the Renaissance Project. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)
The site plan for the project is at www.enid.org. (Site plan by Convergence Design / News & Eagle illustration)

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March 19, 2011

Re-inventing downtown Enid

$20 million event center project is ongoing

By Robert Barron, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle The Enid News and Eagle Sat Mar 19, 2011, 04:26 PM CDT

ENID — The architectural firm chosen to design the $20 million Enid Renaissance project recently showed updated drawings to Enid city commissioners.

The plan to reinvent downtown Enid as a destination area includes building a new event center and renovating Convention Hall.

David Greusel, architect with Convergence Design, presented the updated drawings. The event center’s upper level will be a mezzanine walkway including concessions, restrooms and a VIP suite. A removable basketball court will be on the main level of the building. The center will become the home arena for Enid High School basketball teams.

The event center also could host other athletic events and trade shows.

EHS basketball teams once played at Convention Hall, but the historic building was closed about two years ago since it does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Under the Enid Renaissance project, Convention Hall will be reborn not as an athletic facility but as a facility to host other events. The stage will remain for performances, and the building will include a large ballroom with chandeliers and a link to the event center. The second through fourth floors in Convention Hall will be remodeled into meeting space, with restroom areas.

“This will give the city a full-fledged convention center,” Greusel said.

Plans include removing part of the lower-level seating to create additional ballroom space. The area will be divisible into three spaces for smaller events. He plans a plaza in front of Convention Hall with plantings and paved areas around it for various outdoor events.

The Convention Hall entry will be restored to its original condition with an art deco design and chandeliers in the ballroom.

There also are three options for a hotel developer to consider. The hotel is not part of the Renaissance project, but officials hope a hotel will open in the area. Any hotel would be funded with private money.

The guaranteed maximum cost of the Renaissance project will be in place by April 25 and design work will be finished by July, Greusel said.

Buildings are expected to be finished for both to open in October 2012.

Also as part of the Enid Renaissance project, the city has been buying and demolishing older buildings south of downtown to make the area more attractive.

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Garfield County 2011

Garfield County 2011
One of the attributes of living in Enid and Northwest Oklahoma is the abundant pride residents have in its people, land and businesses. The 2011 News & Eagle Progress edition highlights these areas and pays tribute to all of those who make our region shine 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

March 19, 2011 1 Photo
Bottom line: Business is up
The airport has seen increased fuel sales and construction in the past year, and there is more to come, according to Dan Ohnesorge, airport director.

March 19, 2011 2 Photos
Monuments stand to honor Enid’s past
Errol Wofford, tour guide for Chisholm Trail Coalition, talks to visitors each month from April to October about the statues and other places of historical significance around downtown Enid as part of the organization’s walking tour.

March 19, 2011 3 Photos
Construction zone
For all practical purposes, construction at what is now Vance Air Force Base never has stopped.

March 19, 2011 3 Photos
Pushing the envelope
“We have really quality employees. We give unparalleled service. Our tag line is, ‘Our customers know the difference.’ — John Berg, president and CEO of Triangle Insurance

March 19, 2011 2 Photos
Re-inventing downtown Enid
The plan to reinvent downtown Enid as a destination area includes building a new event center and renovating Convention Hall.

March 19, 2011 2 Photos
Sharing the vision

“Enid has too much to offer to not have an arts district.” — Julie Baird, executive director of Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse and a member of Enid Arts Council

March 19, 2011 1 Photo
Expo Center makes an impact

“The Expo Center has a great economic impact on the area.” — Steve Barnes, Expo Center general manager

March 19, 2011 4 Photos
‘Pride in their community’
Over the past year or so, Waukomis has developed several projects to improve the aesthetic look of the town of 1,286 residents.

March 19, 2011 3 Photos
Census brings good news and bad
Nine cities and towns in Garfield County saw growth, while four saw declining population in the past decade.

March 19, 2011 1 Photo
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Re-inventing downtown Enid

$20 million event center project is ongoing

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