First day of Cox Convention Center demolition marks major change to downtown OKC
The north wall and the pedestrian skybridge are currently scheduled for removal during the week of June 9-13, leading to lane closures on Sheridan Avenue.
The demolition process is expected to last through the rest of the year. There haven't been any delays because the work has been all interior so far, said Kristen Torkelson, arena communications liaison.
The work is being done as the city prepares to present renderings for the new NBA arena that will be built in the footprint of the old convention center. The renderings are expected to be shown during Mayor David Holt's State of the City address on June 16, Torkelson said.
More: Exclusive: OKCThunder Films pays homage to OKC icon in new film premiering at deadCenter
Sheridan Avenue, from Robinson Avenue to E.K. Gaylord Boulevard, is closed. The Century Center parking garage can be accessed by the southbound lane on N. Broadway Avenue, and one westbound lane on Sheridan Avenue is open.
People staying at the Wyndham Grand Hotel can access it by making a U-turn at the end of N. Broadway Avenue.
The OKC Streetcar is temporarily shut down, but Embark will operate a dedicated shuttle bus along a modified downtown loop. Riders should allow for extra travel time as real-time tracking won't be available.
The city said in a news release most of the sidewalk around the center remains open, with some portions closed, but accessible ramps are open at all four corners.
More: Cox Convention Center demolition to start by April; memories to be preserved
As the process keeps going, Midwest Wrecking, the demolition company contracted by the city, is working to remove debris from inside the building and tearing down steel from the walls to recycle it, Torkelson said.
After the north wall and the sky bridge is down, work will start on dismantling the east and west walls and then work toward the center of the building.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Cox Convention Center demolition begins with sky bridge
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