Devon Energy Center


The Devon Energy Center is a 50-story corporate skyscraper in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and is tied with Park Tower in Chicago as the 62nd tallest building in the United States. Construction began October 6, 2009, and was completed in October 2012. The tower is located next to the historic Colcord Hotel, which Devon currently owns, on Sheridan Avenue between Hudson and Robinson Avenues.
The office tower, a six-story rotunda, and a six-story podium structure comprise more than and was initially estimated to cost $750 million; however, the first formal appraisal of the tower and complex came in at "only" $707.9 million. It serves as the northern anchor of Oklahoma City's aggressive Core to Shore downtown redevelopment project.

History

Devon World Headquarters LLC, a subsidiary of Oklahoma City-based Devon Energy Corporation, built the new skyscraper to replace their existing corporate office, which was located inside Mid America Tower, as well as other space the company were leasing in a number of office buildings in the central business district.
The Devon Energy Center was originally planned to be 54 stories and tall. However, subsequent space planning revisions—including a decision to locate the data center to a separate facility for security reasons—resulted in a reduced height to, including 50 stories.
Site preparation and demolition began October 6, 2009. The Holder Construction Company served as primary general contractor, and Flintco, Inc. the minority partner in the joint venture.

Construction

Construction started on October 6, 2009. On February 25, 2010 the first crane was installed. The second crane was installed on June 25, 2010.
In July 2010 construction had reached above street level.
In September 2010 construction topped the 10th floor. In November, workers started installing glass on the bottom levels of the tower.
In December 2010 the building reached the 22nd floor.
In March 2011 the Devon Energy Center reached the 34th floor.
In June 2011 the building reached the 46th floor.
On July 5, 2011 the building reached the 46th floor while the glass reached the 36th floor.
The building marked its topping out at 50 stories on September 21, 2011.

Tenants

Devon Energy Center surpassed Chase Tower as the tallest building in Oklahoma City on March 10, 2011.
On May 17, 2011 the Devon Energy Center became the tallest building in Oklahoma, rising above Tulsa's BOK Tower.
A topping-out ceremony was held on September 21, 2011, as the Devon Energy Center reached its final height.
On October 23, 2012, the building marked its opening ceremony. It was confirmed by Devon Energy CEO, J. Larry Nichols that there would not be an observation deck; however, a restaurant named "Vast" on the 49th and 50th floors would be open to the general public. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett attended the opening ceremony and stated, "The visual impact it has on the city is so striking and so identifiable. It took just over three years to complete the building that has quickly become a staple in our city's skyline."