27-01-2025
OKC created an extensive underground tunnel system in the 1970s, connecting major structures
Downtown Oklahoma City was headed underground in 1973. The million dollar network of tunnels that would link more than a dozen buildings and connect with existing tunnels would be quite the undertaking.
Jack T. Conn, board chairman of Fidelity Bank N.A. and spokesman for a group of civic leaders supporting the project, called the proposed tunnel system "a tremendous step forward for downtown Oklahoma City" while speaking to directors of the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce.
On Aug. 6, 1973, Manhattan Construction Co. and the Oklahoma Industries Authority signed a contract for construction of the Metro Concourse.
Four days later, a groundbreaking ceremony was visual proof that digging for an underground walkway was coming to fruition. As reported in The Daily Oklahoman, the tunnel system was described during the groundbreaking as "one colossal mall where people can walk in comfort in both summer and winter."
Among leaders turning dirt with shovels were Conn, Oklahoma City Mayor Patience Latting, Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. Board Chairman Donald S. Kennedy, industrial trust General Manager George Shirk, Oklahoma County Commissioner Ralph Adair, Acting City Manager Pat Painter and Downtown Now President Jim Hamilton, according to the Aug. 11, 1973, report in The Daily Oklahoman:
Mayor Latting said the tunnel system would add to the ease and convenience of both city residents and visitors.
The short ceremony was held on Park Avenue just west of Broadway and between the 101 Park Avenue Building and the 100 Park Avenue Building where initial construction will begin next week.
When completed the tunnel system will connect at least 15 downtown buildings, stretching from the OG&E building at NW 3 and Harvey to the Myriad Convention Center.
The first excavation for the Metro Concourse began in early September along the south side of Robert S. Kerr Avenue. The next month, a groundbreaking for the multi-million-dollar, 15-story Sheraton Century Center was held with Gov. David Hall in attendance. The hotel would connect with the pedestrian tunnel system as well as an existing tunnel to the Myriad Convention Center.
With the construction of the tunnels, road closures began in downtown Oklahoma City. By January 1974, five segments of the pedestrian tunnels were under construction, with three more to start within a month.
By July that same year, the crude dirt excavation sites had been transformed into partially painted and lighted tunnels that were nearing completion. The total cost would be $1.3 million.
On Aug. 2, 1974, the Oklahoma City Chamber dedicated the concourse in honor of Conn, considered the "father of the concourse."
Afterward, chamber and city officials were the first to tour the underground pedestrian tunnels.
Mayor Latting described the network as "the largest pedestrian tunnel system in the world."
"Oklahomans not only do things right," she went on. "But they do it beautifully."
The tunnels officially opened to the public on Aug. 5.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OKC Metro Concourse opens up as underground pedestrian walkway in 1974
