OKC City Council Passes Convention Center Conceptual Design

The new MAPS 3 convention center has cleared another design hurtle.

Architects are revealing their latest renderings which got the OK from city council.

“What we are seeing right now is blocking and stacking," said architect Adam Paulitsch with the design firm Populous out of Kansas City.

Paulitsch envisions a synergy between the MAPS 3 convention center and the MAPS 3 park.

“It's one of kind,” said the architect about the proximity to the park.

Plans call for an elevated ballroom which architects hope to transform into the city's most marquee event venues.

Meeting space will also be turned into something distinctly Oklahoma City.

The building itself will be around eight feet shorter than Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Since the convention center faces west, designers will use special windows and shades to protect against the sun.

“If anything, it’s going to be more interesting,” Paulitsch said.

He added that more detailed design drawings are expected in the fall.

Architects pointed to other major conventions centers around the country and world as a guide to what will ultimately be on Robinson Avenue between SW 4 and SW 7.

Architects say so far, the $287 million project is under budget.