Tulsa City Hall Bidder Plans Hotel, Office Project

By Emory Bryan, The News on 6

TULSA, OK -- Another potential buyer of Tulsa's former City Hall plans to keep the structure of the building intact for use as a hotel, restaurant and office space. Omega Alpha Development is one of at least two developers hoping to buy the building and redevelop it.

Omega Alpha's President, Jonathan Graber, said his company's concept for the building would include a major brand restaurant, some hotel space, and offices. Their plan does not include removing the plaza around the building.

Omega Alpha Development has offered $1.1 million for the building, which has been for sale for 2 years. Omega Alpha redeveloped the old Albertson's site at Pine and Peoria.

Another developer, Brickhugger LLC, has offered the city $1 million for the building, and also plans a mixed use development that includes a restaurant and hotel. Brickhugger previously redeveloped the Mayo Hotel.

The City Council plans to vote Tuesday on transferring the building to the Tulsa Development Authority, which will negotiate the deal.

5/7/2010 Related Story: City of Tulsa Gets Second Offer For Old City Hall

City Economic Development Director Mike Bunney said a bidding process is being developed to compare the offers, and any new ones that come in.

Once the TDA selects developer, the City Council has asked to review the project to make sure it fits with what the City intended when it put the building on the market in 2008. It was abandoned after city government moved to One Technology Center.

Joel Slaughter, an architect for Brickhugger, said his idea for the building would redevelop the area into a new anchor for the area around the Tulsa Convention Center. He said Brickhugger would like to see 5th Street extended to a circular drive in front of the building and an upgraded entrance to the Convention Center on the east side.

"We think it's a prime project for the City of Tulsa, and we're ready to go" said Slaughter.

He said Brickhugger architects were studying the plaza around the building, with plans to "correct and modify the plaza structure."

Graber, of Omega Alpha, said his company was prepared to move quickly as well.

"We are completely self funded, and would more than happy to sign a contract tomorrow and close next week for cash," Graber told City Councilors Monday night.

 The City of Tulsa is currently spending $50,000 each month on utilities and security for the old building and council chambers.