SandRidge Energy Frustrated by Preservation Group Threatens to Leave OKC

By Stan Miller, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- SandRidge Energy may be considering moving its world headquarters away from Oklahoma City after the company is reportedly getting frustrated with a local preservation group's attempts at keeping the company from removing several buildings downtown, including one of Oklahoma City's oldest buildings.

Attorney Frank Hill has been quoted as saying that with all the resistance the company is dealing with over demolishing several old buildings downtown, it may have to reconsider making Oklahoma City it's home.

"I think that would be a waste of a wonderful opportunity that they have right now to continue to build this corporate headquarters in our city, and to anchor the headquarters with what can truly be Oklahoma City landmarks," said Katie Friddle, Preservation Oklahoma.

The board of adjustment voted unanimously to uphold four of six demolitions, but did not vote on two others. Preservation Oklahoma is putting up a fight to keep those two buildings, the Kermac Building and the 108-year-old India Temple Building.

Preservation Oklahoma supporters had a building "hug" back in May to get their point across. They said they believe that instead of putting grass and trees where these two buildings now stand, the buildings should be rehabbed and included in the new design with history fully intact.

"I think the answer here is for SandRidge to come to the table and have a conversation and admit that there might be several other options out there other than the plans they proposed," Friddle said.

The $100 million SandRidge Commons project includes extensive remodeling of the former Kerr-McGee Building, and the former Braniff Building, which is the only building in question on the National register of Historic Places.

SandRidge Attorney Frank Hill and Vice President of Administration for SandRidge Marsha Wooden could not be reached for comment.

Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett did comment Friday saying, "I fully support SandRidge and their long-term commitment to create jobs in Oklahoma City."

The next meeting for the Board of Adjustment is scheduled for July 1st.

More on News9.com: SandRidge Energy Plans Makeover for Part of Downtown