Project 180 to Transform Downtown Oklahoma City

By Gan Matthews, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Downtown Oklahoma City has changed a lot in recent years, and is about to get another big makeover starting next year.

The project has nothing to do with the latest MAPS initiative, but it has something to do the construction of the new Devon Energy building downtown and some recent bond issues.

Project 180 is the name of a downtown makeover covering 180 blocks. The Myriad Gardens will undergo some of the biggest changes.

For openers, the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory will be re-glazed. New, clear panels will replace the acrylic one. The Gardens will be closed for a year for other improvements, too.

"I believe that over here in the east garden where our Christmas tree is at we're having a restaurant and then on the other side of that we're getting an ice skating rink and stuff, so yeah, it's gonna be awesome," Linda Hanley with the Myriad Gardens Security said.

And that's just the beginning. Project 180 will makeover everything you stand on in downtown, from streets to sidewalks.

"You'll see that we're going to have landscaping, they'll see new parking meters, they'll see even plug-ins for electric cars," Kristy Yager with the city of Oklahoma City said.

Complementing the decision by Devon Energy to build its new headquarters downtown, Project 180 will aim to attract more businesses and economic development into the area.

The improvements will be paid for through Tax Increment Financing from construction of the Devon Tower and the bonds passed in the 2007.

City leaders are hosting several public meetings concerning Project 180 to hear from citizens. The four remaining meeting will be held in the City Hall Council Chamber, 200 N Walker (3rd floor) on Dec. 29 at Noon & 6 p.m. and on Jan. 12 at Noon and 6 p.m. All meetings will cover the same information.

Find out more information about Project 180.