OKLAHOMA CITY – A new outdoor concert venue with the capacity to host up to 1,750 guests was announced Monday by the developers of Oak, the 20-acre mixed-use district under construction at 5101 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Ryan McNeill of Veritas Development revealed plans for entertainment and community programming in the district’s 7,000-square-foot greenspace, dubbed Heartwood Park, which will be anchored by a $1 million, state-of-the-art stage for live performances. “A major cornerstone of Oak is our promise to deliver unique experiences for the community,” McNeill said in the announcement. “From a casual Tuesday to the kickoff of the holiday season, we can’t wait to invite the people of Oklahoma City to Heartwood Park to celebrate special moments with their friends and family.” The park is designed to be the hub of energy and activity for both residents and visitors to the development. The management expects to host more than 100 community events every year. The inaugural Signature Events Series will host weekly experiences like live music, workout classes and farmers markets – all free to the public. “Oklahoma City is ready for more ways to experience premier live entertainment,” Schuch said in the announcement. “We know what it takes to put on a great show. Our experience in delivering top-of-the-line talent paired with OAK’s commitment in creating vibrant community experiences will come together to introduce an entirely new entertainment platform for OKC.” Schuch did not respond by press time to questions about when the venue will open and whether any acts are lined up to perform. “Cloud Trees,” an art installation standing 25.5 feet tall, will surround the stage. The three trees feature illuminated, bronze tree trunks and a shared canopy of mirror-polished stainless-steel clouds that discreetly hold the stage’s speaker system. The venue will need to comply with Oklahoma City’s noise ordinance, said Sarah Welch, subdivision and zoning manager with the city’s planning department. City staff already has been looking into issues regarding noise levels and sound monitoring at outdoor venues since the Mustang Creek Crossing development announced plans last summer to build a 12,000-seat amphitheater near the intersection of John Kilpatrick Turnpike and Interstate 40. An ordinance to rezone property for that project will be introduced during Tuesday’s Oklahoma City Council meeting and is set for final consideration April 9. For the 2024 holiday season, Heartwood Park will transform into an ice-skating rink and will host holiday events including a pop-up snow lodge and silent disco with Santa. Other seasonal events will include Mardi Gras Mambo, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and a Kentucky Derby watch party. Oak is scheduled to open in September. The first phase includes 135,000 square feet of retail, a 132-key boutique Lively Hotel and 320 upscale apartments. Several new-to-market tenants have already been announced for the project, including Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar, Mesero, Arhaus, Restoration Hardware and Capital Grille. McLemmon Group, a property management and consulting firm in Dallas, has been selected to manage Oak. A future phase of the project includes 100,000 square feet of loft office space and an additional 85,000 square feet of retail. McNeill is joined by Everett Dobson and the Dobson family as partners in the multi-phase project.
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