Max Westheimer Airport

Comprehensive Development Plan

Norman, Oklahoma

Prompted by its development potential, the University of Oklahoma initiated a program to guide future development of University Research Park, an area containing some 1,700 acres and comprised of three distinct elements: Max Westheimer Airpark, Swearingen Research Park, and the Employment Center (a previously undeveloped area containing over 550 acres located adjacent to the aviation facilities and paralleling an Interstate highway). The Comprehensive Development Plan was designed to direct the proper development of facilities and future activities to achieve maximum benefit and utilization from the site. This was accomplished in a manner which capitalized on the potential of the Park and which fully took into account the need for environs compatibility.

A primary commitment of the plan was to develop an aesthetically pleasing, campus-like atmosphere that was focused internally and accommodated as many uses as possible without negatively affecting the quality of the site or becoming offensive to neighbors. An additional commitment focused on flexibility, variety and phasing while creating a strong identity for the Park during all phases of development.

Current tenants include the National Severe Storms laboratory, the National Weather Center, the Aerospace, Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Research Center, among others.

Project Features

• Creation of a campus-like atmosphere
• Created an opportunity for a unified complex to support business, industry, education, research and overall economic development of the community.
• Site development standards prepared.
• Provide for a long-term source of income for the University.
• Enhancement of mutually beneficial development opportunities between University Research Park and the main campus of the university.
• Development of implementation strategies that respond to economic forces.

Client:
University of Oklahoma
Walt Strong, Administrator
(405) 325-7233