Ford Center Renovation Plan Altered Due To Budget Constraints

Oklahoma City City Council Votes To Make Changes To Ford Center Designs

Budget constraints are causing Oklahoma City to "re-think the last phase of Ford Center renovations funded by" a $0.01 sales tax approved in '08, according to Byran Dean of the DAILY OKLAHOMAN. The city council yesterday voted to pay architect Sink Combs Dethlefs "$100,000 to make changes to the designs for the project, including eliminating a $6[M] warm-up court and making other cosmetic changes." The 15-month sales tax that began January 1, 2009, was "estimated to bring in $121[M]," but Oklahoma City Special Projects Manager Tom Anderson said that the economic downturn "caused sales tax collections to fall." The tax, which ends March 31, is "now expected to bring in" $102M. Anderson said that the changes "will allow for some 'bells and whistles' the [Thunder] and city wanted after the original plans were approved." A big screen "will now be included on the Ford Center's exterior." Anderson said that the changes are "mostly in areas fans won't notice." A special entrance and changing area for arena employees is "being eliminated and office space for Thunder staff is being redesigned" (DAILY OKLAHOMAN, 3/17).