Today, the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum announced a three-story expansion to the museum, with construction scheduled to start in the fall. It will be called Foreward, like those found in books.




Foreward will serve as a prequel for visitors learning about the history of the sacred spot.

Officials said they’ve been working on the project for more than a year and said it will set the scene, have more security, glass elevators and a new film studio.

The expansion will offer an expansive
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Memorial planning expansion
via OKC Talk

Plans are once again moving forward to completely renovate and transform the former National Guard Amory, this time into a live music venue.




Coop Aleworks had announced plans in June of 2022 after a deal was struck with the state to purchase the property on NE 23rd between I-235 and the Capitol complex. The plans at that time called for a hotel, brewery, and restaurants.

Shortly thereafter, Coop was sold to OKC-based Mark Fischer, and things went quiet as the new owner contemplated the best way to move forward.

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Historic Armory to become music venue
via OKC Talk

Another week, another massive Dove Charter School.



Dove is planning to convert the old AMC Theater just south of Crossroads Mall into a middle school and high school.

Just last week, OKCTalk reported their plans to convert the former Hertz headquarters on NW Expressway.

Dove currently operates an elementary school in the old Best Buy structure, very nearby.

Plans show they will maintain one of the theaters as an auditorium, another will be converted into a gym, and the remainder will
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Dove Schools to convert former theater
via OKC Talk

A groundbreaking ceremony has been held for a new outdoor multicultural plaza in historic Capitol Hill.




The new plaza will be built on Harvey Avenue between SW 24th Street and SW 25th Street and flanked by a historic church, Templo De Alabanza, and small businesses.

The plaza’s vibrant design, inspired by traditional outdoor gathering spaces across Latin American countries, will feature colorful art, Talavera tiles, an arched entry, a gazebo stage, trees, decorative lighting, seating, removable bollards and other amenities that reflect the
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Groundbreaking for Capitol Hill Plaza
via OKC Talk

Press release:


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Vecina is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its Oklahoma City location on Monday, January 13, 2025. Founded by Chef James Fox, Vecina has garnered significant acclaim since its inception in Phoenix, Arizona. Chef Fox, a James Beard Award nominee, is renowned for his creative approach to Latin American flavors, utilizing a variety of spices, chiles, and sourcing local ingredients to craft a consistently rotating seasonal menu. The Phoenix location has been praised for its inventive
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Vecina opens today on Memorial Road
via OKC Talk

Dove Charter Schools has plans to occupy the old Hertz complex at 5601 NW Expressway in Warr Acres.




Hertz was once one of the largest employers in Oklahoma City, employing close to 1,400 at its peak. In 2020, the company sold its 225,000-square-foot office building near Quali Springs Mall to Costco.

The company was hit hard by the pandemic, has been downsizing and restructuring, and was briefly bankrupt.

When it listed the NW Expressway property for sale a year ago, the company stated it hoped to lease
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Dove Schools to occupy Hertz campus
via OKC Talk

2024 was a year of big hopes and dreams. 2025 will see many of those dreams realized or significant progress made towards them.



Olympic events confirmed. A downtown stadium and surrounding district announced, a massive water park and swim lagoon to open, and we should see conceptual plans for the new $1 billion arena.

Here is a quick summary of some of the biggest projects in and around Oklahoma City.

$1
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Biggest projects for 2025
via OKC Talk