Done Deals: Veritas Development Introduces Lively Hotel: a new hotel experience by Hilton™, coming to OAK, a vibrant mixed-use district rising in Oklahoma City

Monday, February 13, 2023

Veritas Development Introduces Lively Hotel: a new hotel experience by Hilton™, coming to OAK, a vibrant mixed-use district rising in Oklahoma City

Sarah Pickard

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, Feb. 13, 2023 -- Ryan McNeill of Veritas Development announced Lively Hotel, a 132-key boutique hotel concept by Hilton™, will join the community at OAK, the mixed-use destination rising in Oklahoma City. Vertical construction on the site is underway.

Ryan McNeill

Designed as OAK’s “living room,” Lively Hotel is an original concept and part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton™, a gathering of original upscale hotels.

As Oklahoma’s first Tapestry Collection hotel, Lively Hotel will feature 132 rooms; a 3,050-square-foot bar and restaurant; an elevated amenity deck with a 2,400-square-foot outdoor bar and activated pool area; a fitness center; and over 2,600 square feet of meeting space.

Rendering of OAK Lively Hotel, Oklahoma City, OK

Recently announced retailers for OAK include RH Design Gallery, Arhaus and Capital Grille – with more being announced this spring.

The scissortail, the state bird of Oklahoma, is the leading design inspiration for the hotel.

Penn Collins

“Lively Hotel is a testament to our belief in a ‘new luxury’ that defines itself with ease and energy,” said Penn Collins, President and CEO for Gatehouse Capital.

“Historically, Gatehouse’s most successful projects have been lifted by both brand affiliations and partnerships.

Michael Nagy

"The firm’s work in concert with Hilton, Veritas, and OAK’s tenants promises to bring not only a new hotel product to Oklahoma City, but an entirely new experience to the region.

"Benefitting from the amenities provided by this placemaking development, Lively promises to offer both an elevated destination for visitors and a fabulous perch atop OAK for local guests as well.”

Chris Speciale

At the ground floor, the hotel will feature 13,500 square feet of retail space. Open Realty’s Michael Nagy and Chris Speciale are already in talks with several new-to-market brands for the retail space, with plans to announce concepts in the coming months.

Nelson Worldwide is the hotel architect; Sarah Pickard of Pickard Design Studio is the interior designer. Vincit Constructors, the general contractor, and Valor Bank, the lending partner, are both based in the Oklahoma City area.

Kenny Thomas

"Valor is excited to be leading the financing for the project,” said Kenny Thomas, Chief Lending Officer. “Lively Hotel will be the first of its kind in Oklahoma and is just one part of the exciting redevelopment of this area of Oklahoma City.

"We are honored to be a part of this endeavor and look forward to watching the creative vision come to life over the next 24 months.”

The hotel news comes on the heels of several major retail announcements, including RH’s Design Gallery, a new concept encompassing three levels and featuring a Rooftop Restaurant and Garden, Wine Bar, in-house Interior Design Firm and more. Arhaus, a premium home furnishing brand known for its globally inspired, artisan-crafted furniture and decor, will open a 17,000-square-foot space to showcase its products and design services.

Zac Craig

Upscale steakhouse Capital Grille will open its first location in Oklahoma in a 10,000-square-foot space. Additional retail announcements are planned for later this spring.

“Within the past two years, Oklahoma City has seen an impressive tourism rebound,” said Zac Craig, President of Visit Oklahoma City. “In 2021, we welcomed 21.4 million visitors with an economic impact of $3.8 billion.

"We're excited for OAK to begin taking shape, and know that the mix of top-tier retailers, restaurants, and now, Lively Hotel, will be a significant draw for new visitors, further enhancing Oklahoma City's offerings as a destination.”