The state of Oklahoma’s purchase of SandRidge tower, former headquarters for SandRidge Energy has been approved by the Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office.
The five commissioners voted to approve the $35.5 million purchase of the building with plans to relocate the Oklahoma Tax Commission, Tourism and Recreation Department, Oklahoma Department of Health and Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality into the tower.
Keith Kuhlman, acting secretary of the Commissioners of the Land office said other state agencies might also be moved into the building located in downtown Oklahoma City, according to The Oklahoman.
“To attract that quality of space to attract good employees and keep your good employees happy is just huge,” he stated. ‘Our intention is to close on Sept. 1 so agencies can start moving in Nov. 1.”
Kuhlman explained the Land Office will operate the 29-story tower like a condominium, with agencies buying the floors and paying the agency for maintenance. The tower includes a 450-seat auditorium, a health club and meeting rooms.
The state’s purchase includes an estimated 1,400 parking spaces in the tower parking garage and another near the building.
The Land Office is also considering “land swaps” to help finance the purchase. It might sell four of its acreages to private developers and use the proceeds for the purchase. One such land swap involves 33 acres on Western Avenue in north Oklahoma City and 640 acres at I-240 and Eastern avenue.
Another swap would involve 40 acres across from the Tinker Air Force Base gate on Douglas Avenue and another 25 acres at Mustang Road and Northwest Expressway.
SandRidge Energy moved out of the building in recent weeks as it laid off employees.
Source: Oklahoman
