Buffalo’s Canalside – OKC Has Lessons To Offer

Here in Oklahoma City, there is a neighborhood on the fringes of downtown called “Bricktown”. It is a mix of historic old buildings, supported by infill development subject to strict architectural guidelines, all connected via a below grade canal which meanders through the district, offering paddleboats and water taxis to ferry visitors around

The buildings are skewed towards fun and entertainment, with nightclubs, brewpubs, restaurants, retail stores, joined by residential uses, hotels, large retail hubs, a movie multiplex, including a (memo to Tim Tielman – please insert high pitched girly shriek here) Bass Pro.

Their AAA ballpark, AT&T Bricktown Ballpark anchors the district, and the Cox Convention Center and Ford Center, home of the NBA Oklahoma City Thunder, are all closeby.

We were astounded seeing how much new development has occurred since our first visit here in 2006. More importantly, Bricktown can offer a plethora of design guidelines and ideas for Buffalo’s Canalside to follow. Here in OKC, they are light years ahead of Buffalo in terms of making their historic district a reality. Here’s hoping we can catch up. Fast.