OKC Planning Commission approve plans for proposed skyscraper downtown

The Oklahoma City Planning Commission gave an initial stamp of approval to build one of the nation's tallest buildings in Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — The Oklahoma City Planning Commission gave an initial stamp of approval to build one of the nation's tallest buildings in Oklahoma City.

The developer and architect of the "Boardwalk at Bricktown" pled their case before the commission on Thursday for approval on the height of the building.

"The project consists of four towers, a retail podium and a below grade parking, and then some above grade parking," said the architect for Boardwalk at Bricktown.

The tallest of the four buildings and the point of controversy, would reach 1,907 feet which would be one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Some of the Commission members asked if the city needs this development.

"We really see that this will be the impetus to really just create an entertainment district and, you know, why not be first," said the architect for Boardwalk at Bricktown.

Residents also voiced their concerns about the safety of the mega skyscraper.

"What plan is in place? If a plane full of fuel crashes into it, causing it to tumble down? Isn't one terrorist attack enough?" asked one resident.

The Planning Commission ultimately decided to give the stamp of approval for the height of the proposed building.

But the developers did not get everything they wanted; the Planning Commission did not sign off on any signage that might appear on the buildings.

"Just for the benefit of the public we are not approving any signs today. They can not construct any signs that coming back to the planning commission. So no one needs to worry that," said a member of the commission.

The next step is the project will go before the OKC City Council. That vote will likely take place sometime in May.