Model Close-Ups
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Look carefully at these close-up photos of the I.M. Pei model. You may be surprised by what you will discover. Contrary to popular belief, the model shows Pei did not call for the Biltmore Hotel to be torn down. The model also shows Pei’s initial recommendation was to keep Main Street open and crossing through the planned downtown shopping Galleria. The model shows Pei wanted the YWCA to remain as well. What else can we learn from this snapshot in time?
12 Responses to “Model Close-Ups”
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Thanks for stopping in! This is a really exciting project for Oklahoma City. The scheduled date for unveiling is May 3rd, and will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the northeast lobby of the Cox Convention Center.
Speakers will include Mayor Mick Cornett and state historian Dr. Bob Blackburn. In addition to the model, the display will include new information panels about the history of downtown and the urban renewal era, and original paintings that were produced almost 40 years ago in conjunction with the introduction of the Pei Plan.
History
Renowned international architect I.M. Pei was contracted in 1964 by the Urban Action Foundation, a non-profit formed to help launch an urban renewal program for downtown Oklahoma City. His work included a creating a 10- by 12-foot model showing how downtown might look in 1989 after the program's completion. The model was part of an ambitious public relations effort aimed at gaining support for tearing down hundreds of old buildings...Read More
Media
Check out the various Photo Galleries and Video Collections of the Model and it's history.More to come soon!
Moving The ModelHistoric ImagesModel Close-UpsConstructing the Base
A Tale of Two Cities FilmI.M. Pei DocumentaryPartners
“History is rewritten today.” Steve Lackmeyer, Feb. 19th, 2010 !!
OK, if I said that, just realize, I get pretty excited (in a very geeky way) about these things.
To add context, my comment was to reflect the surprises in the model – complete contradictions to the history we’ve been told again and again about what Pei did and didn’t plan.
We now know Pei didn’t originally call for the closing of Main Street.
“history is written by the victors…”
Larry, it’s interesting you should say that. I’d like to hear more about your thoughts on the Pei Plan and how it impacted downtown. Someone recently asked me if we’re celebrating the I.M. Pei Plan. And I’m not sure that’s what we’re doing. Instead, we’re bringing out a time capsule. A very important time capsule that marks the start of what is now a 50-year transformation of Oklahoma City’s urban core. It’s not to say everything done was good. And it’s not to say everything done was all bad. But it’s our history. And it’s the start of what has been, by most account, a pretty incredible story.
Makes me wonder who was really behind the “redevelopment”. Cheap land in the suburbs was purchased by the power brokers. It was in their best interest to isolate downtown and develop their investment. I suspect they are the same players who came back twenty years later and picked up the “condemned” lots for cheap and promoted the MAPS. OKC politics and money…have not changed for a long time.
The very phrase “urban renewal” has left such a sour taste with me, seeing (in photos) how our city was changed. I was so proud when the gold dome was saved a few years back from being torn down for a Walgreens. From the images I’ve seen Pei was actually including sites like the Biltmore and the Y. (The Y had nothing to do with back that far – but demoing that for a parking lot was not right) I can’t wait to see the model! One of the coolest things I found out about the past years (during the urban renewal) was when Century Center opened under the Sheraton, it had an FAO Schwarz. I wish stuff like that would come back and proudly call OKC home!
lol several of the feedback many people post crack me up, in some cases i contemplate whether they in fact read the weblog posts and items before placing a comment or if perhaps they take a moment to skim the subject of the post and compose the very first thing that pops into their brain. regardless, it’s pleasant to look over smart commentary now and then rather than the same, traditional oppinion vomit that i generally notice on the internet
Pei was pretty ambitious thinking that people would flock back to downtown after everyone had started leaving. Pei imagined OKC 80 years into the future and did pick up on current themes, i.e, OKC is a car based city and will be for the foreseeable future. Some great designs and a few missteps. Love the model photos!
I did make it down to view the model. A guard there was very helpful in taking me to it.
It is very impressive. I am in the process of producing an 8.5 X 9 feet architechtural model, so it was a learning experience for me.
I was particularly impressed with the curved two piece plexiglas dome. That’s the only one i’ve seen, especially since the model is 10 feet X 12 feet. Is there any information on who produced the dome? If so, I’d be interested in knowing who it was.
Thanks!
This model is awesome! I also think it’s eery how Pei planned for a reflecting pool near where the current one is today at the OKC Memorial. Pei is my favorite architect, I love his work and ideas.
This model is awesome! I also think it’s eery how Pei planned for a reflecting pool near where the current one is today at the OKC Memorial. Pei is my favorite architect, I love his work and ideas.