Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association settling into new headquarters

“We've included those both inside and out,” association President Mike Terry said.

The three-story building features views of the state Capitol and downtown Oklahoma City. Terry said it was designed to limit the noise from nearby Interstate 235 and N Lincoln Boulevard.

The location gives the association and its members ready access to the Capitol and regulators at the Corporation Commission.

Terry said the building is meant to be accessible to members, lawmakers and regulators. It has conference space and extra offices that will be available as needed.

Officials credit Continental Resources Inc. CEO Harold Hamm with putting the organization on its way to building a home of its own when he was the group's chairman in 2006.

“I think it's a perfect location for what we needed, a free-standing location with lots of visibility,” Hamm said. “We're really pleased with it.”

Hamm said the idea of building a permanent home for the association was adopted quickly by members, but it took a long time to raise the money needed to proceed without incurring any debt.

“It's been a labor of love by many,” he said.

Hamm praised “champions” like Ronnie Irani, who headed the construction committee, and others who helped raise money for the project.

He said Continental's initial pledge was matched by Devon Energy Corp. and Chesapeake Energy Corp., but many contributed to making the project a reality.