City reviews final plans for Clare Looper Civil Rights Center; groundbreaking targeted this summer
April 07, 2026 | Other Public Meetings, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
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MAPS program manager David Todd and architects for Bacas Payne presented final schematic plans for the Clare Looper Civil Rights Center on Martin Luther King Boulevard between Madison and 26th, saying the project will include exhibition galleries, a flexible "Freedom Hall" event space and a civic plaza that connects to the historic Freedom Center.
"We're really happy to be bringing you final plans today for the Clare Looper Civil Rights Center," David Todd told the council, saying the team had worked with the Freedom Center board and community stakeholders over several years. Architect Colin Fleck described a primary entry off 24th Street, landscaping to screen parking and storytelling elements that will connect the new center to the existing Freedom Center and an adjoining Sit‑in Plaza.
The council heard that the project’s construction estimate falls just under $33.2 million. Staff said the budget includes a $500,000 Northeast Renaissance TIF contribution and a little over $1 million from property‑acquisition surplus; additional alternates were identified for bid consideration. Project staff said they planned to take construction documents to bid on April 29 and hoped to break ground in July or August "to match the anniversary of the first sit‑ins" with an opening goal in late 2027.
Project renderings shown to the council highlight interior storytelling spaces — a pre‑function gallery with artifact drawers, a gallery hall designed to link to a future permanent exhibit, and projection‑mapping features on the building exterior. Presentation materials also described a public art selection process with a mid‑month submission deadline and a lenticular concept for a southeast plaza installation.
Council members framed the project as a long‑term civic investment and praised community leadership. Christina Batty, identified in the meeting as executive director of the Freedom Center, was recognized in the chamber for her role in assembling artifacts and community support.
The council took no funding vote at today’s presentation but received the final plans and schedule; staff will return with procurement and contract actions after the bid period.
"We're really happy to be bringing you final plans today for the Clare Looper Civil Rights Center," David Todd told the council, saying the team had worked with the Freedom Center board and community stakeholders over several years. Architect Colin Fleck described a primary entry off 24th Street, landscaping to screen parking and storytelling elements that will connect the new center to the existing Freedom Center and an adjoining Sit‑in Plaza.
The council heard that the project’s construction estimate falls just under $33.2 million. Staff said the budget includes a $500,000 Northeast Renaissance TIF contribution and a little over $1 million from property‑acquisition surplus; additional alternates were identified for bid consideration. Project staff said they planned to take construction documents to bid on April 29 and hoped to break ground in July or August "to match the anniversary of the first sit‑ins" with an opening goal in late 2027.
Project renderings shown to the council highlight interior storytelling spaces — a pre‑function gallery with artifact drawers, a gallery hall designed to link to a future permanent exhibit, and projection‑mapping features on the building exterior. Presentation materials also described a public art selection process with a mid‑month submission deadline and a lenticular concept for a southeast plaza installation.
Council members framed the project as a long‑term civic investment and praised community leadership. Christina Batty, identified in the meeting as executive director of the Freedom Center, was recognized in the chamber for her role in assembling artifacts and community support.
The council took no funding vote at today’s presentation but received the final plans and schedule; staff will return with procurement and contract actions after the bid period.
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