October 2006, the City began developing a plan (Core to Shore) to encourage and guide redevelopment of an approximately 700 acre area between downtown and the Oklahoma River. The Core to Shore plan has been initiated in response to the new I-40 alignment, which is scheduled for completion in 2012. A new at-grade boulevard will be constructed on the old I-40 alignment between Walker and Oklahoma, and is anticipated to be completed in 2014.
The Core to Shore planning process is guided by a steering committee of 35 stakeholders and community leaders. Mayor Cornett is leading the steering committee with support from the Planning Department and a consultant team led by the URS Corporation.
The major goals of the Core to Shore study are to:
- Promote new economic development to continue and accelerate the existing downtown momentum
- Ensure a world class design for the new boulevard so that it serves as the City’s front door and a catalyst for development
- Ensure high quality in all new development, raise the bar on perceptions of Oklahoma City
- Create a strong physical connection from downtown to the river
- Ensure strong pedestrian connectivity throughout the study area
- Create a new urban district attractive and accessible to all City residents and visitors
- Mitigate traffic pattern changes caused by the realignment
- Plan for future needs, such as transit
- Create implementation strategies that are linked to viable funding mechanisms
A final Steering Committee meeting was held in late 2007 to conclude the initial planning phase and to kick-off implementation of the project. At that time, the consultant team delivered their final report and presented the committee with several key catalyst projects capable of guiding the earliest stages of implementation. The entire plan has a very long-term view and may take between 20-50 years to fully implement. Key ideas generated by the planning process include an expanded convention center, a new civic park for large events, a downtown retail district , and several new urban density residential neighborhoods.
To see a conceptual video of the project click here
To read more about the Core to Shore project click here