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Oklahoma City expected to pick Seattle-based firm for Civic Center Music Hall project

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A Seattle-based architecture firm will soon begin a study on how to get the most out of the Civic Center Music Hall, if the Oklahoma City Council approves the start of contract negotiations Tuesday as expected.

LMN Architects will need about three months to complete the study, barring any hiccups in the contract negotiation process, said Jim Brown, civic center manager. City officials chose LMN's bid from among 10 others after issuing a request for proposals for the study, which is intended to find the best ways to renovate the parts of the building that weren't redone as part of the original MAPS program.

One of LMN's areas of expertise should be particularly beneficial to the city, which wants to maximize the value of the secondary venues and uses of what former Mayor Kirk Humphreys routinely hails as the “crown jewel” of the original MAPS.

“They specialize in areas outside the main theater,” Brown said. “The Thelma Gaylord (Performing Arts) Theatre is one of the top acoustical halls in the United States. We're not touching it.”

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