M A R C H 2 02 1
The Home Issue LI F E + C U LTU R E DOWN TOWN SHINES WI T H NE W CONVENTION CENTER & HOTEL A GLIMP SE OF OKL AHOMA T HROUGH T HE ART OF ED RUSCHA HOME + DESIGN RE ASONS TO HIRE A H O M E S TA G E R
BUY
SELL
RENT
PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT
O: 405.768.3468
L AUREN TOPPINS B r o ke r
2
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
C: 405.821.4061
4 5 0 1 N o r t h We s te r n Av e n u e | O k l a h o m a C i t y cherr y woodre.com @ to p t h a t r e a l e s t a te @ t h e c h e r r y w o o d r e
LIFESTYLE LETTER
MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER
Bryan Hallman | bryan.hallman@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Springin' Into March WITH THE COLDEST MONTHS BEHIND US, SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
Heide Brandes | heide.brandes@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER
Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER
Dana Rudolph
With spring comes spring cleaning, and this month's OKC Lifestyle has some great tips on updating your home and life. We've talked with local experts on topics like homebuying, upgraded kitchens, how to stage your home for a sale and more. We're also so excited to share Oklahoma City's news about the new downtown convention center. This state-of-the-art facility is sure to bring our wonderful city into the national and international spotlight, so we are thrilled to give you a look at this new center. The convention center's adjoining Hotel Omni is also a gem in the downtown area. Be sure to check out the review and travel article about the Omni in this issue. We've got another beautiful home by Brent Gibson to highlight, and if you're looking for Oklahoma inspiration, look no further than the Ed Ruscha exhibit by Oklahoma Contemporary.
CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
Happy Spring, my friends. As always, thank you for supporting OKC Lifestyle Magazine.
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Bryan Hallman, Publisher
514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO
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ON THE COVER A Brent Gibson home features marble-tiled bathroom
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 4
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
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Proverbs 3:5-6 OKC Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the OKC area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in OKC Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
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INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021 FEATURES 12 Reasons to Hire a Home Stager Staging Your Home Can Make a Big Difference to Buyers
16 Marvelous Make Overs To Make Your House Sparkle Joe Meacham of Urban Kitchens Shares Her Best Tips For Updating
18 Ed Ruscha: Oklahoma Oklahoma Contemporary presents work by Oklahoma-raised, worldrenowned artist Ed Ruscha.
22 Oklahoma City's New Omni Hotel With thoughtful touches, Omni
22 18
Oklahoma City Hotel serves the city’s revitalized downtown area.
12
16 DEPARTMENTS 4
Lifestyle Letter
8
Around Town
12
Artist’s Palette
16
Local Limelight
30 DIY 32 Renovate & Refine
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AROUND TOWN
OKLAHOMA'S NATIONAL PARKS GENERATE $22 MILLION IN REVENUE
Green Shoe programs are designed to help people embrace and heal the past, restore healthy pat-
Visiting national parks can be a COVID-safe vaca-
terns, create space to be themselves and discover
tion option, and many parks have remained open
joy. York's contribution will help the organization,
during the pandemic. Researchers at Outdoorsy
which recently surpassed its 200th retreat, provide
ranked states based on the number of NPS-
additional opportunities for retreat participants.
managed parks that are partially or fully contained
Individuals pay just $475 to reserve their spot, and at
within the state. They also assessed the annual vis-
the completion of the week, the money is returned.
its to the NPS parks in each state, a measure of the
To learn more about Green Shoe Foundation,
economic benefit from NPS park tourism, and the
visit https://www.greenshoe.org.
name of the most visited park in each state. In
Oklahoma,
1,431,731
people
visit
LOCAL TEACHERS HONORED AS PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE FINALISTS
the
three national parks annually, which generates $22,000,000 in revenue for the state per year. The
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
analysis found that in Oklahoma, 1,431,731 people
Joy Hofmeister announced six state-level final-
visit the three national parks annually.
ists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in
GREEN SHOE FOUNDATION RECEIVES $2 MILLION GIFT Paycom's
Chief
Sales
Officer
Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). This year’s K-6 math finalists are: Jeffrey
+ Jennifer Donwerth, Centennial Elementary,
York
announced his commitment to donate $2 million to the
Edmond Public Schools + Hollie Fuller, Homer Elementary,
nonprofit Green Shoe Foundation. York is a passionate supporter of mental health initiatives, and Green Shoe
Byng Public Schools + Bridgette Shelton, Elk City Elementary,
is an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit organization that offers confidential, affordable retreats to support heal-
Elk City Public Schools
ing and health for adults across the U.S. “We are so grateful for Mr. York's charitable
This year’s K-6 science finalists are: + Lisa Pitts, Oakdale Middle School,
support of Green Shoe, which will help support our retreats that focus on personal growth, self-ac-
Oakdale Public School + Keri Thompson, Bryant Elementary,
tualization and self-realization,” said Stephany Cochran, executive director at Green Shoe
Moore Public Schools + Karla White, Earl Harris Elementary,
Foundation. “My hope is this donation will remind individuals to check in on their own — and their
Bethany Public Schools
loved ones’ — mental health.”
a
CONTINUED >
great
next spring
starts now
schedule lawn treatments now
to be
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in 2021!
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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
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9
AROUND TOWN "These exceptional teachers are models of excellence in education in Oklahoma," Hofmeister said. "Their talent and creativity in providing effective ways to connect children with real-world learning are paving the way for students to succeed in college and in their careers. I congratulate them on receiving this well-deserved recognition.”
EDMOND CELEBRATES ART WITH ART IN PUBLIC PLACES TOUR With more than 230 murals, sculptures and installations, Edmond is exploding with incredible public art worth experiencing For just $15 a person, visitors can explore the city’s Art in Public Places Tour. The guided tour has both walking and driving portions that provide a look and lesson behind the art that makes Edmond special. The walking portion covers most of downtown while the driving portion spans to the east including a stop for lunch at Pop’s on historic Route 66. Transportation is provided by Edmond Parks and Recreation using a 15-passenger van. The second way to experience the city’s art is by mapping it out for yourself. Visit Edmond provides an interactive map on their website that shows visitors the location of every public art installation.
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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
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11
ARTIST’S PALETTE
REASONS to Hire a
HOME Stager
STAGING YOUR HOME CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO BUYERS
ARTICLE ELYSE HATCHER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
12
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
You want potential buyers to see themselves living in the home.
Designing a home to sell takes creativity.
Staging your home can also help make it sell faster.
Home stagers do all the work so you can relax after navigating the real estate market.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
13
ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)
A stager has the experience to show off unique elements in a pleasing way.
HOME STAGING CAN BE AN EXCELLENT WAY TO
for a long time. Not only will you be selling the place
SHOW OFF A HOME TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS.
faster, but you will also be selling it much better.
It creates a mood, a feeling and allows the buyers to actually see themselves in the home.
THEY HAVE A NETWORK
Home staging is meant to highlight your homes’
To stage a property, you need furniture, paint, new
most impressive assets and helps buyers imagine
lighting, and other jobs to get the place looking fabu-
themselves living there.
lous. All of this can add up and cost a small fortune.
Staging your property effectively can make a world
Home stagers work with contractors, painters and
of difference in its selling process. On the other hand, if
more on a regular basis, and they can have a network
you don’t do it correctly, the whole thing can backfire.
they can get special deals from.
That’s why you should consider working with a professional home stager. Here are a few reasons why hiring a home stager is a great idea.
THEY’RE EXPERIENCED A home stager has the necessary experience to get your property to stand out in the market. This is valu-
THEY’LL HAVE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE You may love or hate the property you’re selling. Your perspective on it is attached to the feelings you
able, since the real estate industry can be tricky to get through, and you’ll need an expert who can help you navigate it in a successful manner.
have about it, and you may be unable to be objective. Working with a home stager will bring a new pair of eyes, and their objectivity will allow them to work on staging the property in a more effective manner.
IT GIVES YOU AN EDGE Do you know how many properties are on the market? Do you know how many are looking to buy real estate? Needles to say, it is a highly competitive market.
THEY’LL EXPLORE THE PROPERTY’S POTENTIAL
For that reason, you should do what’s in your power to
The home stager will be able to see your property
get a leg up on the other places that are up for sale.
for what it is and what it has to offer. Since they have
A home stager can provide that edge for you, as they
experience, they know what will work for it, and they will
know exactly how to present your place to make it as
arrange everything in a way that will allow you to show
appealing as possible.
off the property’s potential and its best features.
After all of the stress that comes with putting a property up for sale, it is a good idea to let someone else do the job
IT WILL HELP SELL YOUR PLACE FAST Having a house sit “on-sale” can be dangerous.
for once. Plus, you’ll be able to rest assured that they have the expertise to help your place sell better and faster.
Many suitors see a property with a long selling his-
14
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LOCAL LIMELIGHT
Even a laundry room can become bright and appealing with a few touch ups.
Adding white accent around a fireplace gives it new life.
THE HOUSING INVENTORY IN OKLAHOMA CITY HASN’T BEEN THIS LOW IN YEARS AND BIDDING WARS ARE COMMON. If you can’t find a house you love or can afford, remodeling your existing home may be the answer! Even if you plan to sell your home, there are renovations you can enjoy that also make your home more attractive to buyers in the future. 1. Minor kitchen remodels have the largest payback when it comes to selling your home. Consider new countertops, a gorgeous new backsplash, a large single sink and a beautiful new faucet. 2. Minor bathroom renovations also can add to the value of the home. A new tile floor, painted vanities, new countertops and lighting can help sell your home later. 16
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
ARTICLE JO MEACHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Before: A dated kitchen can look dim.
3. Curb appeal! Paint your existing door a bright yellow, a matte black or a deep green. Your house takes on a new life.
HOME UPGR ADES
After: Replacing the cabinetry and adding white accents brightens up the kitchen.
JOE MEACHAM OF URBAN KITCHENS SHARES HER BEST TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR HOUSE SPARKLE
LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT -
care about your home. By spending only a few dollars on hooks and baskets you will be surprised how satisfying organizing can be.
Add some porch furniture, an outdoor rug and some plants.
While we would all like the kitchen of our dreams, the house we
4. Top Secret Reno Project! Check out your garage
currently live in might not be the ONE! In the meantime, figure out
doors. Are they in good condition? This is one project that
some smaller projects that can make you happy while you wait for
will definitely pay for itself when you sell.
the right house.
5. FREE! At no cost, you can do some deleting. Organizing is very popular (think Marie Kondo!) and an organized house will be a big positive when potential buyers come through
Urban Kitchens has been designing and building kitchens and baths in
your home. If your closets are tidy the buyer will know you
the OKC area since 1999. See our completed projects on HOUZZ.com. CityLifestyle.com/OKC
17
Ed Ruscha: Oklahoma
ARTICLE LORI BROOKS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY PRESENTS WORK BY OKLAHOMA-RAISED, WORLD-RENOWNED ARTIST ED RUSCHA.
OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY UNVEILED ITS NEW ED
Stations and Chocolate Room alongside newer, lesser-known
RUSCHA: OKLA, THE FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION OF
bodies of work, including two recent Drum Skins paintings.
WORK BY ED RUSCHA IN THE ARTIST’S HOME STATE
The exhibition will include 70+ works across media,
AND HOME TOWN, AND THE SECOND MAJOR EXHIBI-
ranging from paintings and a large-scale installation
TION IN OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY’S NEW BUILD-
to drawings, prints, books, photos and film. Ed Ruscha:
ING. The exhibition will run through July 5, 2021.
OKLA is both the first solo exhibition of the artist’s work
Featuring objects spanning the artist’s 60+ year career
presented in the city of his childhood, and the first to
that explore his relationship to Oklahoma, Ed Ruscha:
explore the influence Oklahoma has had in forming the
OKLA will present iconic pieces such as Twentysix Gasoline
artist’s aesthetic sensibility.
Mocha Standard Edition, 1969. Courtesy of the artist and the collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and Family Foundation
18
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
“The mythos of Ed Ruscha is tied to Americana and the open road, both of which are rooted in his childhood here,” said Artistic Director Jeremiah Matthew Davis. “We’re excited to share this landmark exhibition with our visitors, and hope the programs created by our incredible educational and
The exhibition will be structured around five themes that are central to Ruscha’s life and work, and signify his connection to Oklahoma.
curatorial teams can leverage Ruscha’s work to inspire the next
Ed Ruscha: OKLA is co-curated by Alexandra Schwartz, a New
generation of artists in Oklahoma. Hopefully, Ed Ruscha: OKLA will
York-based independent curator who has written extensively
help to broaden the public’s awareness of Oklahoma’s significant
about Ruscha's work, in coordination with the team at Oklahoma
influence on Ruscha’s work throughout his storied career.”
Contemporary and the artist and his studio.
Oklahoma looms large in Ruscha’s work, as a source of inspiration
“Ed Ruscha: OKLA is the first exhibition to examine Ruscha’s work
and as a foundation on which his unique perspective on America
within the context of his formative years in Oklahoma,” Schwartz said.
was first formed. In 1956, he embarked on the first of many road trips
“While historically his work has always been closely associated with
— to which he would frequently make reference in his art — from
Los Angeles, his artistic sensibility was shaped by his midwestern
Oklahoma to Los Angeles to begin his artistic career.
upbringing. This exhibition traces the roots of his art in Oklahoma
Ed Ruscha: OKLA is the first exhibition to examine the ways in
and the American heartland.”
which the visual culture and language of his upbringing provided ongoing inspiration throughout his artistic career.
For more information, visit okcontemp.org.
Ed Ruscha Figure It On Out, 2007 Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 60 in. © Ed Ruscha Courtesy of Ed Ruscha Studio
Hey, 1969. Courtesy of the artist and and Gagosian.
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
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oklahoma city's new omni hotel WITH THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES, OMNI OKLAHOMA CITY HOTEL SERVES THE CITY’S REVITALIZED DOWNTOWN AREA.
22
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
ARTICLE JERRI CULPEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY KRYSTYN
RICHARDSON & LENNON BRAMLETT
Room views, especi ally from t he t aller floors, allow for breat h t aking panoramic views of eit her Downtown OK C or Scissort ail Park, depending on which side of t he hotel your room is situated. The Omni Hotel
CONSIDERING
A
STAYCATION
THIS
OTHER HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
SUMMER? Or maybe you’ve got out-of-
+ The hotel houses four food and
town family or friends coming for a visit who
beverage outlets: Basin Bar, OKC Tap
are looking for a fun place to stay?
House, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, and
You now have a brand-new option in the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel.
Park Grounds. T Seltzer’s Modern Diner, Catbird Seat (the poolside bar) and Double
Located in Downtown OKC at 100 W.
Double Burger Bar will open soon. Park
Oklahoma City Blvd., the 17-floor hotel fea-
Grounds, a “neighborhood espresso bar,
tures 605 guest rooms, including 29 suites,
ice cream shop, bakery and deli," features
with well-appointed furnishings, regional
micro-roasted artisanal coffee drinks and
influences and dramatic views of Scissortail
locally sourced ice cream to fork-and-plate
Park and the downtown skyline.
pastries and savory sandwiches. Stance
Upon first entering the hotel during a recent visit sponsored by Omni, I was struck
Coffee, points out Keenan, is the hotel’s own, responsibly sourced brand.
by the size of the lobby, the gas fireplace that
+ A full-service Mokara Spa, open by
stretches the length of the lobby, and the
appointment to both hotel and non-guests,
plentiful and comfortable small-group seat-
provides a tranquil relaxation lounge fea-
ing options, as well as the attention to detail.
turing head-to-toe treatments, a revitalizing
Steve Keenan, Omni OKC Hotel general
sauna and pampering nail services.
manager, notes that the lobby, food and
+ The hotel also offers a 24-hour, state-
drink establishments, other common areas
of-the-art fitness center. The center, which
and guest rooms draw inspiration from
is complimentary to hotel guests, features
Oklahoma’s pastoral landscape, including
Peloton exercise bikes and views of the city.
earth and sky. Rustic, earthy tones predom-
+ In season, guests will be able to relax
inate, representing the prairie and sunset.
poolside while taking in the scenic views
Common areas, guest rooms, ballrooms
of Scissortail Park from the hotel’s expan-
and spa also embrace textured walls and
sive rooftop pool deck terrace, located
components of wood, metal and chevron
on the third floor. Private cabanas are
patterns that pay homage to the local indus-
available for rent. As the sun sets, unwind
try; Oklahoma’s state bird, the Scissor-tailed
to the dancing flames and relaxing vibe
flycatcher; and the economy of the city and
of the poolside fireplace. The pool bar,
its surroundings. Several paintings showing
Catbird Seat, features an inventive menu
the state’s wide-open spaces with striking
of refreshing craft cocktails and food
clouds by local artist David Holland adorn
selections, while sliding glass doors allow
the guest room corridors.
for year-round enjoyment.
CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
23
NEW OMNI HOTEL (CONTINUED)
Room views, especially from the taller floors, allow for breathtaking panThe bedrooms at the Omni include well-appointed furnishings and dramatic views.
oramic views of either Downtown OKC or Scissortail Park, depending on which side of the hotel your room is situated. During our recent stay, we were ensconced in a room on the 17th floor overlooking the downtown—and the view, especially at night—was, indeed, beautiful. Keenan noted that Omni Hotels & Resorts (a family-owned chain of convention, downtown and resort hotels located throughout North America and based in Dallas) maintains a philosophy that includes treating staff as family, encouraging mentorship and advancement. Omni Oklahoma City Hotel adheres to the Omni Hotels & Resorts’ Safe & Clean program, an initiative that includes extensive cleaning guidelines, processes and procedures to ensure the health, safety and comfort of all. Situated between the new convention center and Chesapeake Energy Arena, Omni Oklahoma City Hotel serves the city’s revitalized downtown area. Omni Oklahoma City Hotel is expected to become a nationwide destination for meetings and events. With 76,000 square feet of meeting space, Omni has an outdoor event lawn on the third floor and an exclusive boardroom located on the 17th floor. The hotel boasts a 20,500-square-foot Oklahoma Station Ballroom and 10,222-square-foot Five Moons Ballroom, as well as 12 additional breakout rooms.
The lobby draws inspiration from Oklahoma’s pastoral landscape, including earth and sky.
Rustic, earthy tones predominate the common spaces in the hotel.
24
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
Color and fun make the Omni a modern, exciting hotel to visit. CityLifestyle.com/OKC
25
ARTICLE OKLAHOMA CITY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
oma Cit h a l y r n k o v C e e nt O t ion Cen The Oklahoma City Convention Center.
THE STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY ELEVATES THE OKC’S CAPACITY FOR HOSTING MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS
CONSTRUCTION OF MAPS 3’S $288 MILLION
“The Convention Center is the largest single MAPS
OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION CENTER IS COM-
project ever and promises to bring a long-term economic
PLETE AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF PLANNING.
impact worthy of that investment,” said Mayor David Holt.
The state-of-the-art facility is debt-free and elevates the
“It’s the linchpin to what is now the finest meeting
OKC’s capacity for hosting meetings and conventions.
The synergy is unparalleled between the Convention
bittersweet,” said MAPS program manager David Todd.
Center, Scissortail Park, the Omni Oklahoma City
“We hoped to celebrate the building with a ribbon-cut-
Hotel, Chesapeake Energy Arena and the OKC
ting and public tours, but to keep people safe we are
Streetcar that links it all. When we’re past COVID-19,
waiting until the pandemic subsides in 2021.”
this will draw interest to OKC we’ve never seen before."
The center will provide a boost to Oklahoma City’s economy and serve as a venue for local events. 26
destination in the country, at least for a city our size.
“The timing of the Convention Center’s completion is
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
The building is east of Scissortail Park between SW 4th and SW 7th streets.
Exhibit space is ample in the new convention center.
“This venue is a vision realized for the Chamber, as we have been championing its construction for nearly 15 years. This is undoubtedly a game-changer for Oklahoma City as we emerge as a strong convention destination,” said Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Roy Williams. “We’re already seeing great interest and convention bookings from meeting planners who are excited that OKC provides the full attendee experience their groups expect.” The Oklahoma City Convention Center interior design and art reflect Oklahoma City’s culture and history while the soaring glass walls and spacious balconies show off remarkable sunsets and sweeping views of Scissortail Park. The massive 500,000-square-foot interior includes a 200,730-square-foot exhibit hall on the first floor, which is divisible into four halls. About 45,000 square feet of meeting spaces are on all levels of the building. The rooms can be configured to provide up to 27 meeting spaces. A
9,700-square-foot
junior
ballroom
is
located on the third floor and boasts sweeping views of Scissortail Park. The building’s fourth floor features a 30,000-square-foot ballroom along with pre-function space and a large balcony overlooking Scissortail Park. The Convention Center is next door to the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel as the 605-room headquarters hotel. A skywalk connects the Convention Center to a multi-story parking garage.
The Convention Center is next door to the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel. CONTINUED >
CityLifestyle.com/OKC
27
OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION CENTER (CONTINUED)
“The Oklahoma City Convention Center is a game-changer for the OKC destination and will attract new customers from the meetings industry,” said ASM Global/OKC Convention Center General Manager Al Rojas. “There are 16 national conventions on the books through 2026 that will contribute significant economic impact to the local economy.”
About 45,000 square feet of meeting spaces are on all levels of the building.
Visit okcconventioncenter.com. VIRTUAL SKY The convention center’s atriums are home to a public art experience called Virtual Sky. The sculptural artwork is an array of anodized titanium rods suspended on aircraft cable alternating with strands of LED lights. Each individual light is programmed for color, intensity, and duration, emitting light that is then reflected and enhanced by the titanium. The result is a matrix that can display three-dimensional forms moving through space much like clouds. The artwork was created by Los Angeles-based Narduli Studio and artist and architect Susan Narduli. At $1.5 million, Virtual Sky is one of the most valuable works in the City’s public art collection and was funded as a part of the City’s 1% for Art ordinance. The ordinance requires 1% of the construction budget for public projects to be spent on public art.
Soaring glass walls and spacious balconies show off our remarkable sunsets and sweeping views of Scissortail Park.
The Oklahoma City Convention Center interior design and art reflect Oklahoma City’s culture and history. 28
OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
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taber cares ARTICLE BY HEIDE BRANDES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
HOMES BY TABER OF OKLAHOMA MAY BE THE STATE'S LARGEST HOMEBUILDER, BUT IT COULD POSSIBLY THE STATE'S MOST GENEROUS AS WELL. Taber's tagline is "Proudly Overbuilt," due to its inclusion of upgrades as a standard option in every home. "We try to include more, and give customers what they want, without having to do upgrade after upgrade. This no smoke and mirrors type of approach customers have very much responded to," said Lindsay Haltom, marketing director. "We are officially the largest builder in Oklahoma, and continuing to grow because of that." Started by Taber and Julie LeBlanc, the homebuilder also has a heart for helping others. Taber Cares was started by Julie Tabor in 2015. For every single home sold, Homes by Taber donates $250 of the proceeds of the home to a local pre-selected charity each month. Employees also volunteer their time for that charity. "Nonprofits are hurting because of COVID restrictions and stuff, so the donations that they're getting from us might be the bulk of their donations for the year." Because of that, Homes by Taber upped their donations to two nonprofits a month, each getting $200 from every home sold. In January, Edmond Mobile Meals and Mended Little Hearts each received $20,800 through Taber Cares.
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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
Mended Little Hearts also received the charitable donation from Taber Homes in January.
"This gift will provide over 4,000 meals to Edmond's seniors in the coming months," said Cristi Twenter, executive director for Edmond Mobile Meals. "Community partnerships like this, with Julie and Taber, is so important to help take care of our community safely." Mended Little Hearts is a charity that provides care packages for families with children undergoing heart surgery. The increased donations will continue through 2021, say Haltom. For information, visit homesbytaber.com.
“This gift will provide over 4,000 meals to Edmond’s seniors in the coming months.” CityLifestyle.com/OKC
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RENOVATE & REFINE THIS HOME BY BRENT GIBSON HOMES SPARKLES WITH THOUGHTFUL BEAUTY, FUNCTIONALITY
ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Cozy up to an outdoor fireplace on one of the home's spacious and open balconies.
A Home With a View IT MAY BE THE PERFECT HOUSE. A Brent Gibson Homes home in the Stonemill Manor addition off of Coltrane and NE 122nd has it all when it comes to beauty, functionality and views. The 4,720 square feet, four-bedroom home boasts of two stories, three bathrooms, a half bath, a study, a formal dining room, a stunning kitchen, outdoor lounge spaces, a dining area and even a massive game room. Located at 12209 Grand Cedar Lane in Stonemill Manor, Gibson's design combined beauty, thoughtful elements and functionality for what he calls "one of his most beautiful designs." As you enter the home, cathedral ceiling with wood beams and the cast-stone fireplace immediately catches attention. A mirrored wall opens up the space, which has an open flow to the additional living areas, including an outdoor living area. Sliding doors - three of them, in fact - allow for luscious natural light from the tiled outdoor living area with its enclosed screens and fireplace. "This French home was designed to take in all the beautiful views of the nature park in Stonemill Manor," said Gibson. "The side porch is one of the unique features in the design of this home, allowing all the rooms to flow out onto an expansive porch with fireplace and phantom screen shades that lower to the floor."
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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021
Floor-to-ceiling marble tile compliment a soaking tub and walk-in shower.
The dining area is accented with an impressive crystal chandelier and a hand-painted focal wall that blend well with the columns and chevron wood floor. The entire house, including the living and dining areas, were designed to show off the verdant views of the park the house overlooks. The windows of the home, as well as the 600-squarefoot enclosed outdoor living space, offer soothing and relaxing views of the parks' waterfalls and streams and allow natural light to fill the home. The kitchen is the heart of any home. The Grand Cedar home is no exception. With floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and quartz exterior countertops, the kitchen also sparkles with a designer backsplash and built-in china hutch. A free-standing island and working pantry provide additional workspace and functionality without being cluttered by built-in appliances that disrupt the flow. The utility room is also to be admired and is far beyond a typical utility room. It includes a refrigerator space & wet bar/utility sink, a built-in floating desk with leathered granite top and a walk-in storage closet easily accessed off the outdoor patio. The fine details aren't neglected either, as the room boasts of quartz countertops, marble flooring and a swinging butler's door. "This home is great for entertaining small groups or large gatherings," said Gibson Two of the bedrooms are located on the ground floor, and two are located on the top floor. The master bedroom is a gem with a spacious sitting area, natural views from a large picture window and a door to outdoor living area. The room's master bath not only has a large walk-in
"When custom designing a home, I always take into consideration the curb appeal of the lot and the direction the home will face to design the perfect home," said Gibson.
shower and a soaking tub to ease away the stress of the day, but also floor-to-ceiling marble tile, herringbone marble tile floor and marble countertops. The massive walk-in closet was designed with pulldown hanging rods, designer lighting, and a floor-to-ceiling mirror with a hidden velvet-lined jewelry cabinet. In addition to a private study, the home also has a guest suite at the opposite end of the home from the master. The suite has white oak cabinetry, leathered counter and a vessel sink. Don't miss the floating staircase with hand-made, custom-designed, wrought-iron railing, which elegantly leads to the second-floor space. The home was built by developer David Yost and real estate agent and designer Joyce Brown.
12209 Grand Cedar is another stunning Brent Gibson designed home. CityLifestyle.com/OKC
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