OKC, OK March 2021

M A R C H 2 02 1

The Home Issue LI F E + C U LTU R E DOWN TOWN SHINES WI T H NE W CONVENTION CENTER & HOTEL A GLIMP SE OF OKL AHOMA T HROUGH T HE ART OF ED RUSCHA HOME + DESIGN RE ASONS TO HIRE A H O M E S TA G E R

BUY

SELL

RENT

PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT

O: 405.768.3468

L AUREN TOPPINS B r o ke r

2

OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

C: 405.821.4061

4 5 0 1 N o r t h We s te r n Av e n u e | O k l a h o m a C i t y cherr y woodre.com @ to p t h a t r e a l e s t a te @ t h e c h e r r y w o o d r e

LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2021 PUBLISHER

Bryan Hallman | bryan.hallman@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Springin' Into March WITH THE COLDEST MONTHS BEHIND US, SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!

Heide Brandes | heide.brandes@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph

With spring comes spring cleaning, and this month's OKC Lifestyle has some great tips on updating your home and life. We've talked with local experts on topics like homebuying, upgraded kitchens, how to stage your home for a sale and more.

We're also so excited to share Oklahoma City's news about the new downtown convention center. This state-of-the-art facility is sure to bring our wonderful city into the national and international spotlight, so we are thrilled to give you a look at this new center.

The convention center's adjoining Hotel Omni is also a gem in the downtown area. Be sure to check out the review and travel article about the Omni in this issue.

We've got another beautiful home by Brent Gibson to highlight, and if you're looking for Oklahoma inspiration, look no further than the Ed Ruscha exhibit by Oklahoma Contemporary.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Happy Spring, my friends. As always, thank you for supporting OKC Lifestyle Magazine.

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Bryan Hallman, Publisher

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ON THE COVER A Brent Gibson home features marble-tiled bathroom

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED 4

OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

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Proverbs 3:5-6 OKC Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the OKC area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in OKC Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2021 FEATURES 12 Reasons to Hire a Home Stager Staging Your Home Can Make a Big Difference to Buyers

16 Marvelous Make Overs To Make Your House Sparkle Joe Meacham of Urban Kitchens Shares Her Best Tips For Updating

18 Ed Ruscha: Oklahoma Oklahoma Contemporary presents work by Oklahoma-raised, worldrenowned artist Ed Ruscha.

22 Oklahoma City's New Omni Hotel With thoughtful touches, Omni

22 18

Oklahoma City Hotel serves the city’s revitalized downtown area.

12

16 DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

12

Artist’s Palette

16

Local Limelight

30 DIY 32 Renovate & Refine

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AROUND TOWN

OKLAHOMA'S NATIONAL PARKS GENERATE $22 MILLION IN REVENUE

Green Shoe programs are designed to help people embrace and heal the past, restore healthy pat-

Visiting national parks can be a COVID-safe vaca-

terns, create space to be themselves and discover

tion option, and many parks have remained open

joy. York's contribution will help the organization,

during the pandemic. Researchers at Outdoorsy

which recently surpassed its 200th retreat, provide

ranked states based on the number of NPS-

additional opportunities for retreat participants.

managed parks that are partially or fully contained

Individuals pay just $475 to reserve their spot, and at

within the state. They also assessed the annual vis-

the completion of the week, the money is returned.

its to the NPS parks in each state, a measure of the

To learn more about Green Shoe Foundation,

economic benefit from NPS park tourism, and the

visit https://www.greenshoe.org.

name of the most visited park in each state.

In

Oklahoma,

1,431,731

people

visit

LOCAL TEACHERS HONORED AS PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE FINALISTS

the

three national parks annually, which generates $22,000,000 in revenue for the state per year. The

State Superintendent of Public Instruction

analysis found that in Oklahoma, 1,431,731 people

Joy Hofmeister announced six state-level final-

visit the three national parks annually.

ists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in

GREEN SHOE FOUNDATION RECEIVES $2 MILLION GIFT Paycom's

Chief

Sales

Officer

Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

This year’s K-6 math finalists are: Jeffrey

+ Jennifer Donwerth, Centennial Elementary,

York

announced his commitment to donate $2 million to the

Edmond Public Schools + Hollie Fuller, Homer Elementary,

nonprofit Green Shoe Foundation. York is a passionate supporter of mental health initiatives, and Green Shoe

Byng Public Schools + Bridgette Shelton, Elk City Elementary,

is an Oklahoma City-based nonprofit organization that offers confidential, affordable retreats to support heal-

Elk City Public Schools

ing and health for adults across the U.S. “We are so grateful for Mr. York's charitable

This year’s K-6 science finalists are: + Lisa Pitts, Oakdale Middle School,

support of Green Shoe, which will help support our retreats that focus on personal growth, self-ac-

Oakdale Public School + Keri Thompson, Bryant Elementary,

tualization and self-realization,” said Stephany Cochran, executive director at Green Shoe

Moore Public Schools + Karla White, Earl Harris Elementary,

Foundation. “My hope is this donation will remind individuals to check in on their own — and their

Bethany Public Schools

loved ones’ — mental health.”

a

CONTINUED >

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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

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AROUND TOWN "These exceptional teachers are models of excellence in education in Oklahoma," Hofmeister said.

"Their talent and creativity in providing effective ways to connect children with real-world learning are paving the way for students to succeed in college and in their careers. I congratulate them on receiving this well-deserved recognition.”

EDMOND CELEBRATES ART WITH ART IN PUBLIC PLACES TOUR With more than 230 murals, sculptures and installations, Edmond is exploding with incredible public art worth experiencing For just $15 a person, visitors can explore the city’s Art in Public Places Tour. The guided tour has both walking and driving portions that provide a look and lesson behind the art that makes Edmond special. The walking portion covers most of downtown while the driving portion spans to the east including a stop for lunch at Pop’s on historic Route 66. Transportation is provided by Edmond Parks and Recreation using a 15-passenger van.

The second way to experience the city’s art is by mapping it out for yourself. Visit Edmond provides an interactive map on their website that shows visitors the location of every public art installation.

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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

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ARTIST’S PALETTE

REASONS to Hire a

HOME Stager

STAGING YOUR HOME CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO BUYERS

ARTICLE ELYSE HATCHER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

12

OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

You want potential buyers to see themselves living in the home.

Designing a home to sell takes creativity.

Staging your home can also help make it sell faster.

Home stagers do all the work so you can relax after navigating the real estate market.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

13

ARTIST’S PALETTE (CONTINUED)

A stager has the experience to show off unique elements in a pleasing way.

HOME STAGING CAN BE AN EXCELLENT WAY TO

for a long time. Not only will you be selling the place

SHOW OFF A HOME TO PROSPECTIVE BUYERS.

faster, but you will also be selling it much better.

It creates a mood, a feeling and allows the buyers to actually see themselves in the home.

THEY HAVE A NETWORK

Home staging is meant to highlight your homes’

To stage a property, you need furniture, paint, new

most impressive assets and helps buyers imagine

lighting, and other jobs to get the place looking fabu-

themselves living there.

lous. All of this can add up and cost a small fortune.

Staging your property effectively can make a world

Home stagers work with contractors, painters and

of difference in its selling process. On the other hand, if

more on a regular basis, and they can have a network

you don’t do it correctly, the whole thing can backfire.

they can get special deals from.

That’s why you should consider working with a professional home stager. Here are a few reasons why hiring a home stager is a great idea.

THEY’RE EXPERIENCED A home stager has the necessary experience to get your property to stand out in the market. This is valu-

THEY’LL HAVE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE You may love or hate the property you’re selling.

Your perspective on it is attached to the feelings you

able, since the real estate industry can be tricky to get through, and you’ll need an expert who can help you navigate it in a successful manner.

have about it, and you may be unable to be objective.

Working with a home stager will bring a new pair of eyes, and their objectivity will allow them to work on staging the property in a more effective manner.

IT GIVES YOU AN EDGE Do you know how many properties are on the market? Do you know how many are looking to buy real estate? Needles to say, it is a highly competitive market.

THEY’LL EXPLORE THE PROPERTY’S POTENTIAL

For that reason, you should do what’s in your power to

The home stager will be able to see your property

get a leg up on the other places that are up for sale.

for what it is and what it has to offer. Since they have

A home stager can provide that edge for you, as they

experience, they know what will work for it, and they will

know exactly how to present your place to make it as

arrange everything in a way that will allow you to show

appealing as possible.

off the property’s potential and its best features.

After all of the stress that comes with putting a property up for sale, it is a good idea to let someone else do the job

IT WILL HELP SELL YOUR PLACE FAST Having a house sit “on-sale” can be dangerous.

for once. Plus, you’ll be able to rest assured that they have the expertise to help your place sell better and faster.

Many suitors see a property with a long selling his-

14

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LOCAL LIMELIGHT

Even a laundry room can become bright and appealing with a few touch ups.

Adding white accent around a fireplace gives it new life.

THE HOUSING INVENTORY IN OKLAHOMA CITY HASN’T BEEN THIS LOW IN YEARS AND BIDDING WARS ARE COMMON. If you can’t find a house you love or can afford, remodeling your existing home may be the answer!

Even if you plan to sell your home, there are renovations you can enjoy that also make your home more attractive to buyers in the future.

1. Minor kitchen remodels have the largest payback when it comes to selling your home. Consider new countertops, a gorgeous new backsplash, a large single sink and a beautiful new faucet.

2. Minor bathroom renovations also can add to the value of the home. A new tile floor, painted vanities, new countertops and lighting can help sell your home later.

16

OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

ARTICLE JO MEACHAM | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Before: A dated kitchen can look dim.

3. Curb appeal! Paint your existing door a bright yellow, a matte black or a deep green. Your house takes on a new life.

HOME UPGR ADES

After: Replacing the cabinetry and adding white accents brightens up the kitchen.

JOE MEACHAM OF URBAN KITCHENS SHARES HER BEST TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR HOUSE SPARKLE

LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT -

care about your home. By spending only a few dollars on hooks and baskets you will be surprised how satisfying organizing can be.

Add some porch furniture, an outdoor rug and some plants.

While we would all like the kitchen of our dreams, the house we

4. Top Secret Reno Project! Check out your garage

currently live in might not be the ONE! In the meantime, figure out

doors. Are they in good condition? This is one project that

some smaller projects that can make you happy while you wait for

will definitely pay for itself when you sell.

the right house.

5. FREE! At no cost, you can do some deleting. Organizing is very popular (think Marie Kondo!) and an organized house will be a big positive when potential buyers come through

Urban Kitchens has been designing and building kitchens and baths in

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17

Ed Ruscha: Oklahoma

ARTICLE LORI BROOKS | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY PRESENTS WORK BY OKLAHOMA-RAISED, WORLD-RENOWNED ARTIST ED RUSCHA.

OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY UNVEILED ITS NEW ED

Stations and Chocolate Room alongside newer, lesser-known

RUSCHA: OKLA, THE FIRST SOLO EXHIBITION OF

bodies of work, including two recent Drum Skins paintings.

WORK BY ED RUSCHA IN THE ARTIST’S HOME STATE

The exhibition will include 70+ works across media,

AND HOME TOWN, AND THE SECOND MAJOR EXHIBI-

ranging from paintings and a large-scale installation

TION IN OKLAHOMA CONTEMPORARY’S NEW BUILD-

to drawings, prints, books, photos and film. Ed Ruscha:

ING. The exhibition will run through July 5, 2021.

OKLA is both the first solo exhibition of the artist’s work

Featuring objects spanning the artist’s 60+ year career

presented in the city of his childhood, and the first to

that explore his relationship to Oklahoma, Ed Ruscha:

explore the influence Oklahoma has had in forming the

OKLA will present iconic pieces such as Twentysix Gasoline

artist’s aesthetic sensibility.

Mocha Standard Edition, 1969. Courtesy of the artist and the collection of Jordan D. Schnitzer and Family Foundation

18

OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

“The mythos of Ed Ruscha is tied to Americana and the open road, both of which are rooted in his childhood here,” said Artistic Director Jeremiah Matthew Davis.

“We’re excited to share this landmark exhibition with our visitors, and hope the programs created by our incredible educational and

The exhibition will be structured around five themes that are central to Ruscha’s life and work, and signify his connection to Oklahoma.

curatorial teams can leverage Ruscha’s work to inspire the next

Ed Ruscha: OKLA is co-curated by Alexandra Schwartz, a New

generation of artists in Oklahoma. Hopefully, Ed Ruscha: OKLA will

York-based independent curator who has written extensively

help to broaden the public’s awareness of Oklahoma’s significant

about Ruscha's work, in coordination with the team at Oklahoma

influence on Ruscha’s work throughout his storied career.”

Contemporary and the artist and his studio.

Oklahoma looms large in Ruscha’s work, as a source of inspiration

“Ed Ruscha: OKLA is the first exhibition to examine Ruscha’s work

and as a foundation on which his unique perspective on America

within the context of his formative years in Oklahoma,” Schwartz said.

was first formed. In 1956, he embarked on the first of many road trips

“While historically his work has always been closely associated with

— to which he would frequently make reference in his art — from

Los Angeles, his artistic sensibility was shaped by his midwestern

Oklahoma to Los Angeles to begin his artistic career.

upbringing. This exhibition traces the roots of his art in Oklahoma

Ed Ruscha: OKLA is the first exhibition to examine the ways in

and the American heartland.”

which the visual culture and language of his upbringing provided ongoing inspiration throughout his artistic career.

For more information, visit okcontemp.org.

Ed Ruscha Figure It On Out, 2007 Acrylic on Canvas 60 x 60 in. © Ed Ruscha Courtesy of Ed Ruscha Studio

Hey, 1969. Courtesy of the artist and and Gagosian.

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oklahoma city's new omni hotel WITH THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES, OMNI OKLAHOMA CITY HOTEL SERVES THE CITY’S REVITALIZED DOWNTOWN AREA.

22

OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

ARTICLE JERRI CULPEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY KRYSTYN

RICHARDSON & LENNON BRAMLETT

Room views, especi ally from t he t aller floors, allow for breat h t aking panoramic views of eit her Downtown OK C or Scissort ail Park, depending on which side of t he hotel your room is situated.

The Omni Hotel

CONSIDERING

A

STAYCATION

THIS

OTHER HOTEL HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

SUMMER? Or maybe you’ve got out-of-

+ The hotel houses four food and

town family or friends coming for a visit who

beverage outlets: Basin Bar, OKC Tap

are looking for a fun place to stay?

House, Bob’s Steak & Chop House, and

You now have a brand-new option in the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel.

Park Grounds. T Seltzer’s Modern Diner, Catbird Seat (the poolside bar) and Double

Located in Downtown OKC at 100 W.

Double Burger Bar will open soon. Park

Oklahoma City Blvd., the 17-floor hotel fea-

Grounds, a “neighborhood espresso bar,

tures 605 guest rooms, including 29 suites,

ice cream shop, bakery and deli," features

with well-appointed furnishings, regional

micro-roasted artisanal coffee drinks and

influences and dramatic views of Scissortail

locally sourced ice cream to fork-and-plate

Park and the downtown skyline.

pastries and savory sandwiches. Stance

Upon first entering the hotel during a recent visit sponsored by Omni, I was struck

Coffee, points out Keenan, is the hotel’s own, responsibly sourced brand.

by the size of the lobby, the gas fireplace that

+ A full-service Mokara Spa, open by

stretches the length of the lobby, and the

appointment to both hotel and non-guests,

plentiful and comfortable small-group seat-

provides a tranquil relaxation lounge fea-

ing options, as well as the attention to detail.

turing head-to-toe treatments, a revitalizing

Steve Keenan, Omni OKC Hotel general

sauna and pampering nail services.

manager, notes that the lobby, food and

+ The hotel also offers a 24-hour, state-

drink establishments, other common areas

of-the-art fitness center. The center, which

and guest rooms draw inspiration from

is complimentary to hotel guests, features

Oklahoma’s pastoral landscape, including

Peloton exercise bikes and views of the city.

earth and sky. Rustic, earthy tones predom-

+ In season, guests will be able to relax

inate, representing the prairie and sunset.

poolside while taking in the scenic views

Common areas, guest rooms, ballrooms

of Scissortail Park from the hotel’s expan-

and spa also embrace textured walls and

sive rooftop pool deck terrace, located

components of wood, metal and chevron

on the third floor. Private cabanas are

patterns that pay homage to the local indus-

available for rent. As the sun sets, unwind

try; Oklahoma’s state bird, the Scissor-tailed

to the dancing flames and relaxing vibe

flycatcher; and the economy of the city and

of the poolside fireplace. The pool bar,

its surroundings. Several paintings showing

Catbird Seat, features an inventive menu

the state’s wide-open spaces with striking

of refreshing craft cocktails and food

clouds by local artist David Holland adorn

selections, while sliding glass doors allow

the guest room corridors.

for year-round enjoyment.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

23

NEW OMNI HOTEL (CONTINUED)

Room views, especially from the taller floors, allow for breathtaking panThe bedrooms at the Omni include well-appointed furnishings and dramatic views.

oramic views of either Downtown OKC or Scissortail Park, depending on which side of the hotel your room is situated. During our recent stay, we were ensconced in a room on the 17th floor overlooking the downtown—and the view, especially at night—was, indeed, beautiful.

Keenan noted that Omni Hotels & Resorts (a family-owned chain of convention, downtown and resort hotels located throughout North America and based in Dallas) maintains a philosophy that includes treating staff as family, encouraging mentorship and advancement.

Omni Oklahoma City Hotel adheres to the Omni Hotels & Resorts’ Safe & Clean program, an initiative that includes extensive cleaning guidelines, processes and procedures to ensure the health, safety and comfort of all.

Situated between the new convention center and Chesapeake Energy Arena, Omni Oklahoma City Hotel serves the city’s revitalized downtown area.

Omni Oklahoma City Hotel is expected to become a nationwide destination for meetings and events. With 76,000 square feet of meeting space, Omni has an outdoor event lawn on the third floor and an exclusive boardroom located on the 17th floor. The hotel boasts a 20,500-square-foot Oklahoma Station Ballroom and 10,222-square-foot Five Moons Ballroom, as well as 12 additional breakout rooms.

The lobby draws inspiration from Oklahoma’s pastoral landscape, including earth and sky.

Rustic, earthy tones predominate the common spaces in the hotel.

24

OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

Color and fun make the Omni a modern, exciting hotel to visit.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

25

ARTICLE OKLAHOMA CITY | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

oma Cit h a l y r n k o v C e e nt O t ion Cen The Oklahoma City Convention Center.

THE STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY ELEVATES THE OKC’S CAPACITY FOR HOSTING MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS

CONSTRUCTION OF MAPS 3’S $288 MILLION

“The Convention Center is the largest single MAPS

OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION CENTER IS COM-

project ever and promises to bring a long-term economic

PLETE AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE OF PLANNING.

impact worthy of that investment,” said Mayor David Holt.

The state-of-the-art facility is debt-free and elevates the

“It’s the linchpin to what is now the finest meeting

OKC’s capacity for hosting meetings and conventions.

The synergy is unparalleled between the Convention

bittersweet,” said MAPS program manager David Todd.

Center, Scissortail Park, the Omni Oklahoma City

“We hoped to celebrate the building with a ribbon-cut-

Hotel, Chesapeake Energy Arena and the OKC

ting and public tours, but to keep people safe we are

Streetcar that links it all. When we’re past COVID-19,

waiting until the pandemic subsides in 2021.”

this will draw interest to OKC we’ve never seen before."

The center will provide a boost to Oklahoma City’s economy and serve as a venue for local events.

26

destination in the country, at least for a city our size.

“The timing of the Convention Center’s completion is

OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

The building is east of Scissortail Park between SW 4th and SW 7th streets.

Exhibit space is ample in the new convention center.

“This venue is a vision realized for the Chamber, as we have been championing its construction for nearly 15 years. This is undoubtedly a game-changer for Oklahoma City as we emerge as a strong convention destination,” said Greater Oklahoma City Chamber President and CEO Roy Williams. “We’re already seeing great interest and convention bookings from meeting planners who are excited that OKC provides the full attendee experience their groups expect.”

The Oklahoma City Convention Center interior design and art reflect Oklahoma City’s culture and history while the soaring glass walls and spacious balconies show off remarkable sunsets and sweeping views of Scissortail Park.

The massive 500,000-square-foot interior includes a 200,730-square-foot exhibit hall on the first floor, which is divisible into four halls.

About 45,000 square feet of meeting spaces are on all levels of the building. The rooms can be configured to provide up to 27 meeting spaces.

A

9,700-square-foot

junior

ballroom

is

located on the third floor and boasts sweeping views of Scissortail Park. The building’s fourth floor features a 30,000-square-foot ballroom along with pre-function space and a large balcony overlooking Scissortail Park.

The Convention Center is next door to the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel as the 605-room headquarters hotel. A skywalk connects the Convention Center to a multi-story parking garage.

The Convention Center is next door to the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

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OKLAHOMA CITY CONVENTION CENTER (CONTINUED)

“The Oklahoma City Convention Center is a game-changer for the OKC destination and will attract new customers from the meetings industry,” said ASM Global/OKC Convention Center General Manager Al Rojas. “There are 16 national conventions on the books through 2026 that will contribute significant economic impact to the local economy.”

About 45,000 square feet of meeting spaces are on all levels of the building.

Visit okcconventioncenter.com.

VIRTUAL SKY The convention center’s atriums are home to a public art experience called Virtual Sky. The sculptural artwork is an array of anodized titanium rods suspended on aircraft cable alternating with strands of LED lights.

Each individual light is programmed for color, intensity, and duration, emitting light that is then reflected and enhanced by the titanium. The result is a matrix that can display three-dimensional forms moving through space much like clouds.

The artwork was created by Los Angeles-based Narduli Studio and artist and architect Susan Narduli. At $1.5 million, Virtual Sky is one of the most valuable works in the City’s public art collection and was funded as a part of the City’s 1% for Art ordinance. The ordinance requires 1% of the construction budget for public projects to be spent on public art.

Soaring glass walls and spacious balconies show off our remarkable sunsets and sweeping views of Scissortail Park.

The Oklahoma City Convention Center interior design and art reflect Oklahoma City’s culture and history.

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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

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taber cares ARTICLE BY HEIDE BRANDES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

HOMES BY TABER OF OKLAHOMA MAY BE THE STATE'S LARGEST HOMEBUILDER, BUT IT COULD POSSIBLY THE STATE'S MOST GENEROUS AS WELL. Taber's tagline is "Proudly Overbuilt," due to its inclusion of upgrades as a standard option in every home.

"We try to include more, and give customers what they want, without having to do upgrade after upgrade. This no smoke and mirrors type of approach customers have very much responded to," said Lindsay Haltom, marketing director. "We are officially the largest builder in Oklahoma, and continuing to grow because of that."

Started by Taber and Julie LeBlanc, the homebuilder also has a heart for helping others. Taber Cares was started by Julie Tabor in 2015. For every single home sold, Homes by Taber donates $250 of the proceeds of the home to a local pre-selected charity each month. Employees also volunteer their time for that charity.

"Nonprofits are hurting because of COVID restrictions and stuff, so the donations that they're getting from us might be the bulk of their donations for the year."

Because of that, Homes by Taber upped their donations to two nonprofits a month, each getting $200 from every home sold. In January, Edmond Mobile Meals and Mended Little Hearts each received $20,800 through Taber Cares.

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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

Mended Little Hearts also received the charitable donation from Taber Homes in January.

"This gift will provide over 4,000 meals to Edmond's seniors in the coming months," said Cristi Twenter, executive director for Edmond Mobile Meals. "Community partnerships like this, with Julie and Taber, is so important to help take care of our community safely."

Mended Little Hearts is a charity that provides care packages for families with children undergoing heart surgery.

The increased donations will continue through 2021, say Haltom.

For information, visit homesbytaber.com.

“This gift will provide over 4,000 meals to Edmond’s seniors in the coming months.”

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

31

RENOVATE & REFINE THIS HOME BY BRENT GIBSON HOMES SPARKLES WITH THOUGHTFUL BEAUTY, FUNCTIONALITY

ARTICLE HEIDE BRANDES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Cozy up to an outdoor fireplace on one of the home's spacious and open balconies.

A Home With a View IT MAY BE THE PERFECT HOUSE. A Brent Gibson Homes home in the Stonemill Manor addition off of Coltrane and NE 122nd has it all when it comes to beauty, functionality and views.

The 4,720 square feet, four-bedroom home boasts of two stories, three bathrooms, a half bath, a study, a formal dining room, a stunning kitchen, outdoor lounge spaces, a dining area and even a massive game room.

Located at 12209 Grand Cedar Lane in Stonemill Manor, Gibson's design combined beauty, thoughtful elements and functionality for what he calls "one of his most beautiful designs."

As you enter the home, cathedral ceiling with wood beams and the cast-stone fireplace immediately catches attention. A mirrored wall opens up the space, which has an open flow to the additional living areas, including an outdoor living area.

Sliding doors - three of them, in fact - allow for luscious natural light from the tiled outdoor living area with its enclosed screens and fireplace.

"This French home was designed to take in all the beautiful views of the nature park in Stonemill Manor," said Gibson. "The side porch is one of the unique features in the design of this home, allowing all the rooms to flow out onto an expansive porch with fireplace and phantom screen shades that lower to the floor."

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OKC Lifestyle | March 2021

Floor-to-ceiling marble tile compliment a soaking tub and walk-in shower.

The dining area is accented with an impressive crystal chandelier and a hand-painted focal wall that blend well with the columns and chevron wood floor. The entire house, including the living and dining areas, were designed to show off the verdant views of the park the house overlooks.

The windows of the home, as well as the 600-squarefoot enclosed outdoor living space, offer soothing and relaxing views of the parks' waterfalls and streams and allow natural light to fill the home.

The kitchen is the heart of any home. The Grand Cedar home is no exception. With floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and quartz exterior countertops, the kitchen also sparkles with a designer backsplash and built-in china hutch. A free-standing island and working pantry provide additional workspace and functionality without being cluttered by built-in appliances that disrupt the flow.

The utility room is also to be admired and is far beyond a typical utility room. It includes a refrigerator space & wet bar/utility sink, a built-in floating desk with leathered granite top and a walk-in storage closet easily accessed off the outdoor patio. The fine details aren't neglected either, as the room boasts of quartz countertops, marble flooring and a swinging butler's door.

"This home is great for entertaining small groups or large gatherings," said Gibson Two of the bedrooms are located on the ground floor, and two are located on the top floor. The master bedroom is a gem with a spacious sitting area, natural views from a large picture window and a door to outdoor living area. The room's master bath not only has a large walk-in

"When custom designing a home, I always take into consideration the curb appeal of the lot and the direction the home will face to design the perfect home," said Gibson.

shower and a soaking tub to ease away the stress of the day, but also floor-to-ceiling marble tile, herringbone marble tile floor and marble countertops.

The massive walk-in closet was designed with pulldown hanging rods, designer lighting, and a floor-to-ceiling mirror with a hidden velvet-lined jewelry cabinet.

In addition to a private study, the home also has a guest suite at the opposite end of the home from the master. The suite has white oak cabinetry, leathered counter and a vessel sink.

Don't miss the floating staircase with hand-made, custom-designed, wrought-iron railing, which elegantly leads to the second-floor space.

The home was built by developer David Yost and real estate agent and designer Joyce Brown.

12209 Grand Cedar is another stunning Brent Gibson designed home.

CityLifestyle.com/OKC

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