Downtown Oklahoma City Inc. wins 2007 Downtown Achievement Award
(September 21, 2007) - Downtown Oklahoma City Inc. received a Special Achievement Award in Public Spaces for the Downtown tunnel system known as The Underground. The project was honored at the International Downtown Association IDA Downtown Achievement Awards Ceremony on September 17, 2007, as part of the 53rd Annual Conference & World Congress in New York City, New York.
The IDA also recognized individuals for their commitment, dedication and generosity to downtown revitalization. Included was the Honorable Ronald J. Norick, former Mayor of Oklahoma City who was recognized with the Individual Achievement Award for his tireless work in promoting downtown revitalization and the creation of the MAPS project.
“These two awards are particularly exciting because they exemplify downtown Oklahoma City’s success on an international stage,” said Mayor Mick Cornett. “Former Mayor Ron Norick received the achievement award because he had the insight to know the secret to being a world-class city is nurturing a strong, growing downtown. We are fortunate that he continues to advocate for the advancement of downtown through his work along the Oklahoma River.”
The Underground, formerly known as the Metro Conncourse (named after civic leader Jack T. Conn), is a system of tunnels and bridges connecting more than 30 buildings in the core of Downtown Oklahoma City. The first tunnel was constructed in 1931 with the majority of the Conncourse being built between 1972 and 1984. Virtually untouched since the 1970s, the Conncourse had fallen into disrepair with duct-taped carpet, peeling paint and dark, uninviting lighting.
Changing the name to The Underground was the first step in changing the perception by branding the space with a hip new name. Plans by internationally award winning architect Rand Elliot of Elliott + Associates Architects included the combination of dramatic colored lights to aid navigation, music, video, art and historic themed galleries that would make moving from point A to B a unique, enjoyable and educational.
User-friendly signage and way-finding elements play a crucial role in the success of the Underground. New brightly colored “Portals” and “Panels” mark tunnel intersections and incorporate signage to help users locate their destinations. Outdoor signage at 11 Underground entrances is consistent and easily seen from the street. The different “Light Galleries” feature colored lighting installations that provide users with the unique experience of walking through a permanent art installation.
The Underground has become a Downtown attraction, hosting art openings, cocktail parties and curious visitors. The Underground has received accolades from the local and international media and has been featured in numerous TV and print news stories and magazines including a ten-page-spread in this month’s Interior Design magazine.
For the 22nd year, the IDA honored exemplary projects in the field of downtown revitalization. A winning entry receives the “stamp of approval” from the world leader in downtown revitalization – IDA. The IDA Downtown Achievement Awards recognize the best that downtown revitalization and management have to offer.
Awards were also given to projects and programs in: Wilmington, North Carolina; New Orleans, Louisiana; Cleveland, Ohio; Long Beach, California; Washington, District of Columbia; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Dayton, Ohio; Sacramento, California; Greensboro, North Carolina; Gosnells, Western Australia; Mesa, Arizona; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The International Downtown Association recognized other individuals for their commitment, dedication and generosity to downtown revitalization. These included Neil Fraser, Partner, Neil Fraser and Associates; Lifetime Achievement Award; and David Lewis, Founding Partner, Urban Design Associates, President’s Award. Derek Bock, Head of Operations, Eurocape was also recognized with the Individual Achievement Award for his tireless work in promoting downtown revitalization.
Those attending the ceremony in New York included Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett; Former Mayor Ronald J. Norick and his wife Candy; Former Mayor James H. Norick and his wife Madeline; Brett Hamm, president of Downtown OKC Inc.; Kathy Ford-Wallis, operations director Downtown OKC Inc.; Kim Searls, marketing director Downtown OKC Inc.; Rand Elliot Rand Elliot, FAIA Elliott + Associates Architects; Michael Hoffner, AIA, Elliott + Associates; Jeannette Elliott, executive vice president/creative director Ackerman McQueen; and Jane Abraham, assistant to the City Manager City of OKC.
The Downtown Achievement Award is just one way the International Downtown Association serves towns and cities engaged in downtown revitalization. IDA is a world leader of and champion for vital and livable urban centers. Through its network of committed individuals, its rich body of knowledge and its unique capacity to nurture community-building partnerships, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well being of towns, cities and regions of the world.
