MAPS 3 update

Milestone is the word of the week as three MAPS 3 projects have recently hit major landmarks in development.

First, the MAPS 3 Streetcar groundbreaking recently took place, and construction is underway with service projected to begin by the end of 2018. The streetcar will connect residents and visitors to downtown Oklahoma City districts and attractions, including Bricktown, the Myriad Gardens, Chesapeake Energy, Midtown and Automobile Alley. The main line and Bricktown loop will encompass 6.9 miles of track.

Second, the first of four MAPS 3 Senior Health and Wellness Centers recently opened, providing services that promote healthy and active lifestyles to Oklahoma City seniors. Construction on the second wellness center is underway and is set to open later this year with the third and fourth wellness centers set to open in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

Third, the preliminary design for the MAPS 3 Downtown Convention Center was recently approved, moving the project one step closer to its scheduled groundbreaking later this year. The convention center will be adjacent to the future MAPS 3 Park and south of Chesapeake Energy Arena with 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, 45,000 square feet of meeting rooms and a 30,000-square-foot ballroom.

Oh, and did we forget to mention the MAPS 3 Park will soon have its name? More than 3,500 name ideas have been submitted for the park, with a few already standing out from the crowd. The deadline to submit a name is April 7, so act now.