Downtown Oklahoma City is getting a makeover. A massive renovation project of more than 180 acres in downtown Oklahoma City has begun.

The initiative, named Project 180, is a three year, $140 million redesign of downtown streets, sidewalks, parks and plazas to improve appearance and make the central core more pedestrian friendly.

“Project 180 is one of the most ambitious downtown transformations in the country,” said project engineer Laura Story. “When it is completed, Downtown will be more visitor friendly and better poised for economic growth.”

Plans call for the addition of landscaping, public art, marked bike lanes, decorative street lighting, and additional on-street parking spaces.

The first phase of streetscape construction for Project 180 is slated to begin along Reno in late August 2010.  "As we refine plans and adjust the construction schedule accordingly, businesses and properties impacted by construction will be notified and access concerns will be addressed," said Andrea French, Project 180 Public Affairs Liaison. 

Also included in the first phase of Project 180, and currently underway, is the dramatic transformation of the Myriad Botanical Gardens.  Current plans call for changes throughout the garden, including the addition of a grand performance lawn, a children’s discovery garden and play area, water features, an ice skating rink, a restaurant and café, a dog release area and the addition of a new grand entrance to the Crystal Bridge Conservatory.

One of the biggest changes will be the reglazing of the 22 year-old Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. After a paint job, the Conservatory’s aging acrylic panels will be replaced with new more durable clear panels. The Myriad Gardens and Crystal Bridge closed for construction beginning April 26, 2010, immediately following the 2010 Festival of the Arts. The Gardens are projected to be closed for one year.

Phase two will begin in 2011 and is slated to include construction on East Main Street, Sheridan, Hudson, Park Avenue, Broadway and EK Gaylord. Also included will be renovation of the grand lawn at City Hall.

The last phase is slated for 2012 and includes NW 4th Street, Robert S. Kerr, West Main Street, Broadway, Harvey and North Walker. This phase will include the renovation of Bicentennial Park, located in front of the Civic Center Music Hall.

“Each phase of construction will bring with it traffic challenges,” French said. “We understand the importance of constant communication and we will work earnestly to communicate street closures and detours to people traveling downtown and business owners through signage, a Web site, public meetings, presentations and newsletters.”

Construction is slated to be completed by January 2014. The improvements are being paid for through Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from construction of the Devon Tower ($115 million) and General Obligation Bonds passed in the 2007 bond election ($24,585,000).