Devon picks world leading architects to design headquarters, public space

Parking: Larry Nichols, chief executive officer of Devon Energy, isn't ruling out the possibility of buying the west City Center Garage as part of construction of an adjoining corporate tower. Nichols said the company will need the entire garage, along with a substantial expansion, to accommodate employees. He noted the city's Santa Fe garage, more central to the business district, is full and likely will remain in demand after his company's move. A March parking report indicates the City Center garage had 322 monthly spaces vacant, compared to just three at the Santa Fe garage.

Timetable: The Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority has yet to issue a request for development proposals for the proposed Devon Tower site. Nichols said Friday he hopes designs will be ready to present at the Urban Renewal board meeting in August.

What's Next: Nichols hopes to hire a landscape architect within the next couple weeks. Pickard Chilton is interviewing Oklahoma City-based architecture firms as it looks for a local partner.