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Commission recommends setback variance for proposed downtown arena, cites crowd circulation needs
Summary
The Downtown Design Commission recommended approval to the Board of Adjustment for setback variances on a proposed arena and adjacent parking structure, finding the project—s large‑crowd circulation needs warrant departures from the 10‑foot street setback in places.
The Downtown Design Commission on Sept. 18 voted to recommend that the Board of Adjustment grant setback variances for a proposed new arena and parking structure in downtown Oklahoma City, concluding that the arena—s large‑crowd circulation and safety requirements justify departures from the Downtown Design District—s standard 10‑foot maximum setback.
Planning staff explained that the 10‑foot maximum setback applies to the first two floors of new construction but that the arena program requires larger gathering spaces outside multiple entries to safely accommodate crowds. "Strictly enforcing the 10 foot setback requirement on all frontages would severely limit the ability to provide adequate pedestrian circulation," staff said in the presentation.
Design representatives said the arena is a circular building with transparent exterior glazing that will activate views into the building; the project team described an on‑grade public space called "Thunder Alley" and multiple entry points to spread arrivals. Jonathan Henry of TBS Design said the design places event levels 12 feet below grade with pedestrian concourses and stairs configured to handle circulation. Purvi Patel of Wallace Design Collective added that the team plans separate permitting for the arena and parking structure and provided specific setback distances the applicant seeks for each frontage.
Commissioners said the site and program are unique and that the arena—s functional demands make a unique solution reasonable. A commissioner moved "to provide a recommendation of approval to the Board of Adjustment on the basis that the request complies with the intent of the Downtown Design District zoning ordinance as referenced in section C of the staff report." The motion passed.
Staff noted the Board of Adjustment hearing was scheduled the same afternoon and that the commission—s recommendation would accompany the variance request. The commission also emphasized pedestrian realm improvements accompanying the proposal.
