Aug. 26, 2003 - A deal isn't done yet, but developers wishing to convert downtown Oklahoma City's Skirvin hotel into a Hilton won permission Monday to do temporary repairs, some exploratory demolition and interior cleaning.

Dallas-based Partners in Development, led by John Weeman, former development officer for Hilton Hotels, was named tentative developer last month for the hotel by the Oklahoma City Urban Renewal Authority and a mayoral committee charged with finding a way to renovate and reopen the downtown landmark.

The developer is proposing to spend $42.1 million to reopen the Skirvin as a 238-room full-service hotel.

JoeVan Bullard, Urban Renewal executive director, said Monday's decision by commissioners to give the developer access to the hotel does not seal the deal. The repair work, which will include city funding of up to $30,000 from federal grants, is being requested to better determine renovation costs.

"They have to know more about how much lead-based paint is in there, how much asbestos is there, and can they take a pillar down without the fifth floor collapsing," Bullard said. "We have to get the hard numbers, and that's where we are in negotiations now."

The Skirvin, opened in 1911 and empty since 1988, was bought by the city last year with $2.875 million in federal funds.

Repairs to be made include fixing a facade wall, sealing some roof leaks and cleaning pigeon waste on the top floors.

Bullard said the effort won't be wasted should negotiations collapse with Partners in Development. "If another developer were to come in, the same thing would have to be done," Bullard said. "It is a value to the redevelopment effort."

Also on Monday, Urban Renewal Commissioners approved paying up to $60,000 to PKF Consulting to help negotiate a contract with Partners in Development. Bullard said the negotiations include a requested $10 million public subsidy and ways for the city to recoup its investment if the developer someday refinances the project or sells the property.

Bullard said he is "optimistic" that Mayor Kirk Humphreys' goal of completing a redevelopment agreement can be accomplished by December. "They're serious, and we certainly are," Bullard said. "We've got a game plan, we've got an agreed upon format, and I think everything is going well."

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