What’s the future of OKC’s development? Join us for an ‘In Depth’ discussion

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