Boathouse District Development

New Boathouse District Developments

2011-11-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

This is a view from the top of the new Lincoln Boulevard bridge opening today providing a new four-lane gateway from Reno into the Boathouse District.

November 11 is KaBoom build day at the Boathouse District. Volunteers and OKC Boathouse Foundation staff worked in two pre-build days to prepare the site for 200 volunteers to erect the playground on Saturday. The playground is a first phase in several new Boathouse District projects/attractions in planning stages.

It's Regatta Time!

2011-09-28T20:22:00.000-07:00

Governor Fallin presenting a gift to the German National Team Coaches

OCU Rowing in preparation for the big weekend

The Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Timing level being set up

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Timing and Officiating Level set up

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Media Center and Production Studio

The Musco Lights being prepared for the OGE NightSprints

blu 2011 party set up begins

blu 2011 sneak preview

blu 2011 entrante

International flags are up and ready for the teams

Children's Area preparations

Beer and wine garden

Morning practice

Awards and entertainment stage

Main entrance at 6th and Lincoln

The biggest weekend ever on the Oklahoma River:

blu 2011 premier VIP event benefiting Olympic Hopefuls

The return of the USA Rowing World Challenge: Featuring Germany, Italy, Canada, China, and Team USA

OCU Head of the Oklahoma: Featuring OCU, OU, UCO, Harvard, Cal-Berkley, Stanford, Miami, etc

USA Dragon Boat National Championship

OGE Night Springs

Corporate Rowing Challenge

Stand Up Paddle Board Relay

Tours of the new facilities

Some of OKC's best restaurants

Live entertainment

Fireworks

Children's area

Olympic Experience

Zip Line, rock wall, kayaking, and bicycling

Pumpkin Patch

Beer and Wine Garden

Free parking, free entry, free tram service

More information at www.oklahomariverevents.org

All Ready to Dedicate and Christen!

2011-09-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Chesapeake Finish Line Tower will be dedicated and christened September 14, 2011 at 5:30pm and will be another major milestone for the Oklahoma River!

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower "Screen Test"

2011-08-31T22:22:00.001-07:00

The outdoor movie screen is going to be fabulous - great views of downtown and the river

Grand Opening September 14th!

USROWING MASTERS NATIONALS - Showcasing Our World Class Venue

2011-08-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

US Masters Nationals staging area

Food and merchandise area

View from the top of the tower

The first races of the day

Early morning at the Chesapeake Boathouse

Early morning before the start of racing

The Chesapeake Finish Line Tower will officially open on September 14th with a christening ceremony.

Aerial photo of the world-class site of the USRowing Masters National Championships in the Boathouse District.

4th of July in the Boathouse District

2011-07-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

A view from the top of the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower

Coming to the Oklahoma River!

2011-06-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

A visit to Adventure Sports Center International in western Maryland: home of the 2014 Canoe Slalom World Championship. This is one of two artificial whitewater centers in America with the other being the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC.

Boathouse District Update - A Busy June

2011-06-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

"Kayak Train" during RIVERSPORT Adventure Camp at the Chesapeake Boathouse

Dragon Boating and kayaking for a summer adventure

Chickasaw Nation family picnic at the Devon Boathouse

Setting up the Devon Boathouse viewing room for a wedding

Under 23 Women's National Team Camp using the Dynamic Propulsion Rowing Tank inside the Devon Boathouse
A busy Saturday morning at the river. UCO and OU boathouse sites in the background

Drag boat racing from the top of the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower

Terraced seating area nearing completion; Fire pit to be installed next week.

Boathouse District Tonight

2011-06-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

A View of the Boathouse District from Inside a Racing Shell

2011-05-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

The OKC junior women's quad warming up for the big race.

You will be able to row in this race "virtually" from the Devon Boathouse Dynamic Propulsion Rowing Tank. See www.riversportokc.org

Boathouse District May Update

2011-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

See the latest news about Olympic Training in OKC at the OKC National High Performance Blog:

http://okchighperformance.blogspot.com

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower to be complete in July with grand opening at the US Masters Nationals in August.

See the following link for a tour of the world class Devon Boathouse:

http://newsok.com/devons-divine-boathouse-reflections-of-progress/multimedia/video/934440306001

Central Youth Rowing Championship is first large event of the year with hundreds of high school rowers from Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri. OKC wins all points cups for men, women, and all around!

See the following links for the incredible opportunities emerging for OKC youth as a result of the Oklahoma River:

http://newsok.com/casadys-max-blumenthal-finds-opportunity-in-rowing/article/3565930?custom_click=lead_story_title

http://newsok.com/oklahoma-high-school-senior-rowers-who-will-row-in-college-next-fall/article/3565931

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Glass Installation Nearly Complete

2011-03-27T21:00:00.001-07:00

Workers making great progress on sealing the tower.

Chesapeake Boathouse is ready for the spring!

A view from the second floor during the "Stroklahoma" race between UCO and OCU.

View from the north or the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower really taking shape.

A View from the Top

2011-01-23T21:15:00.003-08:00

Incredible views from the top of the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower

Athletes Moving into the Devon Boathouse

2010-12-13T20:02:00.001-08:00

The OKC National High Performance athletes assembled their rowing machines and had the first workout in the Devon Boathouse.

More photos can be found at the OKC National High Performance Center blog: http://okchighperformance.blogspot.com/

Also: USRowing announced that OKC will be designated as the new home of the US Lightweight National Team - see the news release here: http://www.usrowing.org/News/10-12-10/Oklahoma_City_to_Host_U_S_Lightweight_National_Team_Operations.aspx

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Topping Out and Tree Lighting

2010-11-22T20:22:00.000-08:00

As is the tradition for topping out a building, an evergreen was raised to the top of the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower to represent the growth and success of the Boathouse District and for good luck and continued momentum. The tree is lit with hundreds of lights courtesy of Chesapeake Energy and will remain in place throughout the holiday season. The Chesapeake Finish Line Tower is scheduled for completion in April. 2011.

Ann Lacy Event Center in the Devon Boathouse

2010-11-14T22:12:00.001-08:00

Boat Rack Installation is Complete

2010-11-14T22:01:00.000-08:00

Devon Boathouse at OK City Scape

2010-11-14T14:58:00.000-08:00

The Devon Boathouse, Home of OCU Rowing and Canoe/Kayak in Legos!

See OK CityScape at:
1100 N. Broadway
November 6 – December 31
M-F: 12pm – 9pm
Sat: 9am – 9pm
Sun: CLOSED

Benefitting Oklahoma City Educare

Mid-October Update

2010-10-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

The Devon Boathouse proves to be an incredible event venue

Endless pool installation nears completion

A HISTORIC WEEKEND IN THE BOATHOUSE DISTRICT

2010-10-10T19:43:00.000-07:00

The christening of the Devon Boathouse occurred during the 2010 blu Party where over 1200 guests celebrated this historic milestone for the Oklahoma River. The facility was utilized for the Oklahoma Regatta Festival that drew thousands of spectators to the Boathouse District all weekend. Over 50 teams competed, including Cal, Stanford, Princeton, Harvard. and the US National Team. Live entertainment, great food, shopping, and family activities rounded out this exciting weekend. Work will continue on the inside of the Devon Boathouse, with substantial completion expected within the next month.

Photo Update

2010-09-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

The ramp and walkways are now being poured and preparations are underway for the blu Party/ Devon Boathouse christening on October 7, 2010. Tickets are available at www.blu2010.com

USA Canoe/ Kayak Nationals - Morning at the River

2010-08-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Update

2010-08-18T20:17:00.001-07:00

Saturday Photo Essay - Much Progress!

2010-08-14T23:17:00.000-07:00

The Chesapeake Boathouse looking as good as ever

Looking east down the race course from the first floor of the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower - to be completed in March, 2011; View from the 2nd Floor Viewing Room of the Devon Boathouse

View from Devon Boathouse Balcony

High Performance Training Center

View of Downtown OKC from 2nd Floor of Devon Boathouse

Endless Pool/ Hydrotherapy Area

LED lights to be installed on blue mullions

Entier west wall skin is complete.

Glass installation continues

Devon Boathouse Skin Taking Shape

2010-08-05T18:53:00.001-07:00

Finish Line Tower Rising/ Devon Boathouse Metal Panel Installation

2010-08-02T13:41:00.000-07:00

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Preparing to Go Vertical!

2010-07-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

Devon Boathouse Interior Taking Shape, Painting Continues

2010-07-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Friday Pic

2010-07-02T17:04:00.001-07:00

Devon Boathouse in the News

2010-07-01T23:33:00.000-07:00

newsok.com: http://newsok.com/rowing-sport-on-the-rise/multimedia/video/106569581001

news9.com: http://okblitz.com/Article.aspx?id=23228

Devon Boathouse Progress - Painting Begins

2010-06-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

Boathouse District Update

2010-06-15T22:07:00.001-07:00

Paralympic camp on the Oklahoma River rowing past the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower site and the Devon Boathouse

Mayor Cornett paddling during Olympic Day at the Chesapeake Boathouse
Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Olympic Day on the Oklahoma River

Video overview of OKC Olympic Day: http://goodengroup.wistia.com/activate/42dfb0690f

Olympic Day - THIS FRIDAY AT THE CHESAPEAKE BOATHOUSE!

2010-06-07T22:21:00.000-07:00

Please join us at for this very special event!

See http://riversportokc.org/olympic-day to learn more.

Devon Boathouse Photo Update

2010-06-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

International Canoe Federation site visit to the Oklahoma River for venue review and certification for a major event announcement coming soon (photo taken on the second floor of the Devon Boathouse with Downtown OKC in the background).
A pulley system designed to lift boats to eye level on the second floor is under development for this space.
Construction progresses on the Devon Boathouse and the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower (on left)
View from the Devon Boathouse balcony area to the east.

ACRA National Championship in the Boathouse District

2010-05-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

Rowing Tank Prepared for the Initial Fill

2010-05-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Foundation Pour

2010-05-24T21:18:00.001-07:00

UCO BOATHOUSE GAINS $3.5 MILLION IN FUNDING

2010-05-19T21:23:00.001-07:00

The CHK Boathouse will be home to the UCO women's rowing team along with bringing the arts to the river.
The CHK Central Boathouse will provide an exciting live music venue in the Boathouse District along with an art gallery.
http://newsok.com/article/3462001

A Stormy Week in OKC Clears for a Busy Weekend at the River with the ACRA Nationals

2010-05-19T21:17:00.000-07:00

1200 athletes from over 50 universities across the United States are set to converge on the Boathouse District along the Oklahoma River for the American Collegiate Rowing Association National Championship.

PUBLIC, PRIVATE EFFORTS UNITE TO DEVELOP RIVER’S FUTURE

2010-05-17T22:14:00.000-07:00

See a great story by Steve Lackmeyer on river development at NewsOK.com: http://newsok.com/oklahoma-river-takes-advantage-of-private-public-efforts-to-improve-area/article/3461516

Construction Update

2010-05-09T20:12:00.000-07:00

A view from the second floor of the Devon Boathouse.

The endless pool (for swimming and hydrotherapy) infrastructure prepared on the second floor of the Devon Boathouse.

The viewing room of the Devon Boathouse - truly an incredible view!

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower foundation preparations.

The dynamic propulsion rowing tank ready for sealing.

The Chesapeake Finish Line Tower foundation prepared for concrete pour next week.

Central Youth Rowing Championship

2010-05-09T19:58:00.001-07:00

Video from the BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP

2010-05-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

BIG 12 ROWING CHAMPIONSHIP in the BOATHOUSE DISTRICT

2010-05-02T21:29:00.000-07:00

The Big 12 Championship is the first major event to be staged since the completion of the shoreline improvements within the Boathouse District.
Spectators crowed the riverwalk to enjoy a spectacular new viewpoint for racing at water level.

Spectators gathering early in the rain to get a good position to view the racing along the north bank. In the future - grandstands on the south bank will offer plentiful seating along the finish line for excellent viewing of the races with the Boathouse District and Downtown OKC in the background.
The Devon River Cruisers offered a very popular "race cruise" following the competitors as they raced down the 2000 meter course - a unique and exciting new way to watch races on the Oklahoma River during regattas!

Landscaping/ Construction Progress

2010-04-28T07:59:00.001-07:00

April 17th Photo Essay

2010-04-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

Devon Boathouse construction site with Devon Tower cranes seen in the background.

Meter markers being installed along race course that will display the Olympic rings.

A Week of Progress

2010-04-16T16:11:00.000-07:00

Significant excavation has begun for the Chesapeake Finish Line Tower
The riverwalk sidewalks have been complete and the shoreline pulled into position.
More progress on the Devon Boathouse with second floor taking shape.

The inlets are complete and full at the final pool elevation. Riverbank final grading has begun.
A view from the OU Boathouse inlet.

High Performance Center Athletes Rowing by the Devon Boathouse

2010-04-03T13:33:00.001-07:00

Saturday Report

2010-04-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

University of Central Oklahoma Boathouse "Prow" nears completion.
Steel erection continues to go very smoothly and should be complete within the next three weeks.

The new Boathouse District riverwalk already getting use in a completed section near the finish line for "Strokelahoma" regatta between UCO and OCU.
Sidewalk completion in one of the new boathouse inlets.

UCO Boathouse Prow Taking Shape

2010-03-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Looking like the bow of a ship under construction, the UCO Boathouse prow is taking shape between the Devon Boathouse and the OU Boathouse site. Construction of the prow will prepare the site for future development of the boathouse structure. From above, it will appear as though the three buildings are racing - a little friendly competition among some of the great universities of our state!

Back to the Devon Boathouse

2010-03-27T12:05:00.000-07:00

More great progress has been made this week on the Devon Boathouse.

The rowing tank foundation is in place. The design and the engine will create one of the world's fastest sculling tanks and world's first dynamic tank (the water moves along with the rowers and the rowing stations). This will be used by both Olympic rowers and first time rowers - and will be a great attraction for tours and special events at the building. The area just beyond the tank is the event facilities, featuring a panoramic view of the river.

The sidewalks are now in place around the Devon Boathouse inlet.

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Mobilization Begins

2010-03-23T16:57:00.001-07:00

A view of the viewing area under the tower. New renderings of the area will be coming soon to depict the outdoor screen, fire pit, and paved areas. This image also represents future MAPS 3-funded river improvements (early rendering of jumbotron and bridge elevator/staircase)
These detailed renderings depict the final design of the tower. The rendering on the previous post represents minor updates (not depicted in these models) including small balconies on the first two levels and a larger balcony extending along the entire side of the tower facing the race course. All other design elements remain the same (with further development in the terraced areas and LED lighting).

The viewing angles for the judges were carefully studied, ensuring full view of each racing lane from the tiered seating depicted in this image. Officials, media, commentators, and VIP guests will also have a distant view of the starting line for the longest races (2000 meters with the starting line adjacent to the American Indian Cultural Center); The race course will feature cameras with feeds from multiple locations on the course that will be showcased on screens throughout the tower, the tower's exterior, scoreboards, and within other boathouse viewing areas.
The pathway leading to the tower will feature embedded LED lights for dramatic night time representation of the finish line.

Friday Update - Sidewalk Installation Along River's Edge Begins

2010-03-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sidewalks along river's edge to give a new perspective of the action on the river.

Monday Report

2010-03-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Devon Boathouse structure is quickly rising.
The water is now fully impounded in the Eastern Basin, filling up the new inlets.
The UCO Boathouse Prow construction began today.
The water is back with new inlets full.

Boathouse District Construction Update

2010-03-13T10:07:00.001-08:00

Chesapeake Finish Line Tower Site - mobilization and construction to commence next week with March 2011 completion - more details coming soon
Devon Boathouse "Bow" - Devon Boathouse, Home of OCU Rowing scheduled for completion October, 2010. 34,500 Square Feet
The Devon Boathouse rises with a view toward future event center
Boats will launch to the east into the Devon Boathouse inlet that is now being filled
A view toward the entrance of the Devon Boathouse; The entry will feature a view of the world's first dynamic propulsion tank (temporary wooden railing surrounding the tank location); The boathouse will also feature an endless pool on the second floor for swimming and hydrotherapy, a state of the art training center, and a hypoxic room for high altitude training.
A view of the University of Oklahoma Boathouse site with "prow" nearing completion; OU and UCO Boathouse construction details to be announced. UCO "prow" to begin construction next week.
Another view of the Devon Boathouse future event facilities - the event space will feature two levels with panoramic views of the finish line area of the race course

Additional construction details:

Reconstruction of 6th Street - phase one: Completion in September 2010

Development of Boathouse District parking lots - phase one: summer

Shoreline contouring, sodding, and completion of sidewalks - June 1 completion

South side boat ramp and parking lot (west of Lincoln Bridge) - construction underway, phase 1 completion in April

Transmission line removal - phase one (swing out from Boathouse District to 6th Street) - late March 2010 completion; Phase two - complete removal from north bank (including Chesapeake Boathouse area) - 2011

Upcoming events:

Big XII Rowing Championship - May 1-2

Central Youth Rowing Championship - May 8-9

American Collegiate Rowing Association National Championship - May 22-23

USA Canoe/Kayak National Championship - August 26-29

OCU Head of the Oklahoma/ OGE NightSprints - October 8-10

Staging and viewing areas for events will be identified and prepared within Boathouse District construction area.

Saturday Photo Essay - The Water Returns and Fills the New Inlets While Racing Takes Place in the Western Basin at the Exchange Boathouse

2010-03-13T09:36:00.000-08:00

Oklahoma City University Women's Crew prepare to launch their shell
University of Kansas, Creighton, University of Tulsa, University of San Diego, SMU, and OU converge at the Exchange Boathouse this morning for the OU Invitational
The University of San Diego preparing to race as they row past Stockyards City
Oklahoma City University/ High Performance Center inlet with Devon Boathouse rising in the background to the west
New inlet partially filled
Sidewalk construction along the the river's edge are now underway
Construction continues on the major shoreline improvements scheduled for completion in June
A view from the south bank as the water rises to fill the new inlets
A View from the University of Oklahoma Boathouse inlet to the west

Devon Boathouse "Bow" Taking Shape

2010-03-05T12:56:00.001-08:00

Going Vertical!

2010-03-04T22:51:00.001-08:00

The Devon Boathouse Pad Pouring

2010-02-24T21:17:00.001-08:00

The Powerlines are Coming Down!

2010-02-24T21:14:00.001-08:00

Shoreline Progress

2010-01-30T23:13:00.001-08:00

View Full Album

Shoreline Improvements/ Rowing Tank Review

2010-01-18T19:02:00.001-08:00

New Year's Update

2010-01-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Preparations for power line movement are complete

Thawing after a historic Christmas Eve blizzard
Propulsion rowing tank foundation nearing completion

A View from the Bow

2009-12-08T12:38:00.001-08:00

Foundation Work Progress

2009-12-08T12:33:00.000-08:00

Rowing Tank Foundation Underway for Devon Boathouse

2009-11-29T10:47:00.001-08:00

Devon Boathouse Prow Complete; OU Prow Begins to Take Shape

2009-09-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Devon Boathouse Prow Takes Shape

2009-08-26T11:13:00.001-07:00

Construction Update

2009-08-21T14:41:00.001-07:00