Imagine being in the room with three people who are spending billions on an ongoing transformation of Oklahoma City that ranges from entertainment, hospitality and sports to biotech and industry to downtown housing. 

Now imagine getting to ask questions about what’s next and how Dick Tanenbaum, Mark Beffort and Christian Kanady have gone about forming partnerships that sometimes include each other, and at other times have drawn big names like NBA star Russell Westbrook. 

All three are working together on Convergence, a mixed-use development that will include a hotel, bio-tech lab space and offices. The development at NE 8 facing Interstate 235 will include a biomanufacturing workforce training center, event hall, conference rooms, workspace, lounge and café. 

Beffort and Tanenbaum are already partners in the development of OKC 577, a sprawling industrial campus at Eastern Avenue and Interstate 240 that will open with a new Locke Supply headquarters. 

Kanady and Beffort are teamed up to develop an entertainment and hospitality district adjacent to the MAPS 4 multi-use stadium. Kanady bought the Energy FC last year and has plans to not just resume play but to also launch a women’s soccer team.

Kanady is also the financial backer of Prairie Surf Studios, which is about to lose its home at the old Cox Convention Center as it is to be torn down to make way for a new arena. 

Tanenbaum, who started renovating older downtown office buildings into housing is wrapping up similar conversions of the former BancFirst headquarters and Medical Arts building into The Harlow apartments. His next project is the renovation of the Robinson Renaissance into apartments while keeping the building’s three-level retail mall. 

Beffort, meanwhile, continues to oversee leasing of downtown’s premier office towers and is also a partner in both the Colcord and Skirvin Hilton hotels. 

I will be moderating this OKC Central In-Depth panel discussion on Jan. 21 and I’ll be eager to find out what’s next for Prairie Surf Studios, programing at the future stadium, what the stadium district might look like, prospects for more conversions of downtown offices into housing, and what’s next for Convergence and OKC 577. I will also be asking questions submitted by those in attendance.

2025 OKC Central In Depth: An Evening on Downtown Development

When: Jan. 21

Time: Light hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beverages, including beer and wine, will begin at 5:30 p.m. The panel discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Oklahoma City Museum of Art, 415 Couch Drive

For tickets: Go to https://tinyurl.com/2025-OKC-Central

OKLAHOMA CITY (KSWO) – An Oklahoma lawmaker wants to break down some of the barriers for former inmates working to reenter society.

Sen. Micheal Bergstrom (R-Adair) introduced a series of bills that would restructure drivers license restoration.

One bill would let people whose licenses expired while in prison to apply for a temporary provisional license without needing to pay any outstanding fines or fees for a six-month period.

The second bill is similar but allows for license holders who can make payments to begin paying fees immediately. The third bill would grant people a 90-day grace period where their expired license would be valid, during which time they could get a new license.

The Department of Corrections would also be tasked with giving inmates the needed documents to get a provisional license.

Copyright 2025 KSWO. All rights reserved.

Several Oklahoma lawmakers are sharing their thoughts and condolences after a man drove his truck into a crowd, killing at least 10, on Borbon Street in New Orleans early Wednesday morning.

Wednesday, January 1st 2025, 1:28 pm

By:

News On 6,

News 9

Several Oklahoma lawmakers are sharing their thoughts and condolences after a man drove his truck into a crowd, killing at least 10, on Borbon Street in New Orleans early Wednesday morning.

The Story: Suspect Killed After Vehicle Slams Into Crowd On New Orleans’ Bourbon Street, Killing At Least 10 People

Senator James Lankford took to X to share his statement that reads:

“Cindy and I are praying for the families of those who lost their lives and were injured very early this morning in New Orleans. We are thankful for the swift response from law enforcement and are praying for the two police officers who were injured. This incident is being investigated as a terrorist attack and is a reminder that we have to stay vigilant. As we step into 2025, let us pray for peace, security and strength for our nation.”

Congressman Josh Brecheen posted a statement on X that says:

“What happened last night was pure evil. Please join me in praying for the families, victims, and brave first responders who put their lives on the line in New Orleans during this barbaric attack. We need to close the border and ensure those involved are brought to justice quickly.”

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond posted to X saying:

“Last night’s deadly attack in New Orleans is a horrifying and stark reminder that public safety can never be compromised. My heart goes out to all who have been impacted by this tragedy.”

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt shared an article about the attack on X with the statement:

“Devastating news out of New Orleans today. Praying for those injured and for the families of those killed.