OKLAHOMA CITY (Sept. 11, 2023) – In the heart of OAK, the 20-acre mixed-use district rising at 5101 North Pennsylvania Ave., two remarkable art installations will become new landmarks for Oklahoma City. OAK ownership invested in the significant sculptures, known as Cloud Trees and Cloud Puncher, to create a memorable experience in OAK’s 7,000-square-foot community lawn and the project’s common areas. The art is inspired by the tension between Oklahoma’s red earth and dramatic skies.
At 25.5 feet tall, the three Cloud Trees feature illuminated, bronze tree trunks and a shared canopy of mirror-polished stainless steel clouds suspended over OAK’s community stage. In the center of the colossal 42-foot by 30-foot cloud formation, there is an oval oculus cut out called “eye to the skies.” Viewers are encouraged to look up to see themselves reflected in the clouds above in relation to the dynamic, ever-changing sky above the city. The sculpture will pick up ambient lights and colors throughout the day and seasons, and the sculpture will glow from the internally lit tree trunks and oculus for a stunning nighttime viewing experience. The intentional design of the sculpture allows for the stage area below the clouds to be programmed for music and community-based entertainment. At 60,000 pounds, the Cloud Trees are a massive undertaking for the artists and development team.
Just steps away, Cloud Puncher features a determined, larger-than-life cowboy roping an errant cloud to bring it back to its home in the Cloud Trees sculpture. The 16.5-foot-long cloud is cantilevered above the lawn from the second-story pool deck of the Lively Hotel. Guests of the hotel have an elevated viewing position to see the cloud and the Cloud Trees across the community lawn. The two-times-life size cowboy has his heels dug into the ground and his face down as he pulls on the 30-foot-long bronze rope. Cloud Puncher depicts badassery, and the cowboy’s face is featureless to make him relatable to all who pass by.
The artists behind the installations are Brad Oldham and Christy Coltrin of Brad Oldham Sculpture, who are known for other famous sculptures such as a 40-foot-tall stainless steel sculpture named The Traveling Man in Dallas, Texas, which has been named on Top 10 Things to See lists and has earned recognition from national arts organizations. Another well-known sculpture is Running With The Moon, an internally lit, 35-foot-tall stainless steel moon made of 509 butterflies cantilevered over a river in San Antonio, Texas.
“Cloud Trees and Cloud Puncher represent the determination and grit that is synonymous with Oklahoma City,” said Oldham. “They reflect the vibrant, inner rascal spirit of the region while offering accessible and memorable placemaking concepts that contribute to the overall experience at OAK. We can’t wait to see the community interact with these epic sculptures next Fall.”
In addition to Cloud Trees and Cloud Puncher, Veritas commissioned the Brad Oldham Sculpture team to create the Mighty Live OAK sculpture in lost-wax cast bronze. The 22 feet wide and 10 feet tall installation will serve as the arrival sign for the district, brimming with power and promise, warmly welcoming residents and guests to OAK.
“Art is a powerful catalyst for culture, community and connection, and it was important for us to design artful encounters that are meaningful to Oklahoma City,” said McNeill. “I have a feeling Cloud Puncher and Cloud Trees will activate our community lawn beyond any of our wildest dreams.”
In addition to these major installations, OAK’s ownership team will work with local artists to create murals and artful encounters throughout the property.
Last month, the development team celebrated the topping out of the Lively Hotel, a significant construction milestone that puts the project on track for a September 2024 grand opening. OAK’s first phase includes 135,000 square feet of retail, a 132-key boutique Lively Hotel, 320 upscale apartments and a central greenspace activated with more than 100 community events per year. A future phase of the project includes 100,000 square feet of loft office space and an additional 85,000 square feet of retail.
OAK will be home to exceptional retail and hospitality experiences, with first-to-market brands RH, Arhaus and Capital Grille already on board. Open Realty’s Michael Nagy and Chris Speciale are leading retail leasing efforts, and plan to announce several other retail concepts in the coming months.
Gatehouse Capital is leading the hotel component, called Lively Hotel, a boutique hotel concept by Hilton™. As Oklahoma’s first Tapestry Collection hotel, Lively Hotel will include a 3,050-square-foot bar and restaurant; an elevated amenity deck with a 2,400-square-foot outdoor bar and activated pool area; a fitness center; and over 2,600 square feet of meeting space. At the ground floor, the hotel will feature 13,500 square feet of retail space.
Veritas has engaged Mintwood Real Estate as the multifamily development partner to create a first-of-its-kind residential experience for Oklahoma City. OAK’s apartment community will have curated interior finishes, including quartz countertops, walk-in closets, and powder baths. The building amenities include a first-class fitness center featuring a kid’s playroom, private work and conference rooms, an entertainment suite featuring a golf simulator and shared kitchen, a resort-style pool and elevated courtyards.
McNeill is joined by Everett Dobson and the Dobson family as partners in the multi-phased mixed-use project.
To learn more about OAK, visit oakokc.com and follow the project on Facebook, X and Instagram.