Myriad Convention Center

Businessmen had been promoting OKC as the ideal convention city virtually since its earliest days, hoping to capitalize on the city's central geographic location. Proposals for newer, bigger, better convention centers have always had messianic tones as it was assumed they would bring salvation in the form of an all-boats-rise economic engine. The dream was elusive, though, until urban renewal brought the promise that a convention center would become a reality. A large convention center was the big selling point for the entire urban renewal program. Even before the Pei Plan was drafted in 1964, the city held a bond election in 1962 to provide several million dollars for a new convention facility.

A large convention center was the big selling point for the entire urban renewal program. Even before the Pei Plan was drafted in 1964, the city held a bond election in 1962 to provide several million dollars for a new convention facility.

Businessmen had been promoting OKC as the ideal convention city virtually since its earliest days, hoping to capitalize on the city's central geographic location. Proposals for newer, bigger, better convention centers have always had messianic tones as it was assumed they would bring salvation in the form of an all-boats-rise economic engine. The dream was elusive, though, until urban renewal brought the promise that a convention center would become a reality.

The original bond vote presented to the people placed the convention center to the west of Stage Center between Walker and Lee and there was considerable controversy when the Pei Plan placed it in the current location. Pei determined that his choice afforded easy highway access for the convention center. And he intended the west side of Downtown to be mostly housing because, "A lively city needs people living Downtown."

To make room for the Myriad, 76 buildings were demolished housing 88 businesses mostly one- and two-story buildings that challenged the meaning of "up to code". In 1970 the city council voted to name the convention center The Allen Morgan Street Memorial Myriad Convention Center in honor of the (then) only three-term mayor in city history, although it was always referred to simply as "the Myriad". It was rebranded Cox Business Services Convention Center in 2002.

"Council Votes to Speed Up Convention Center Plans." Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City ) February 22nd, 1967. .25.

Holladay, Jeff. "Myriad Will Open Door to Tourists." Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) January 23rd, 1972. .1.

"The Myriad, Heart of a New Downtown." Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) November 5th, 1972. , West Magazine sec.