The City Council received a recommendation Monday from City staff relating to the former First Christian Church building after a request for proposals was issued late last year. Buffalo Roam, a film production facility and film training institute, has been recommended for the facility, located at 520 S. Osage Ave.
In October 2022, the City issued an RFP for the use of the building. First Christian Church had offered to donate the building to the City to open a conference center, but a feasibility study indicated such a project would prove too costly for relatively little demand. FCC said it would consider alternative uses to complete the donation, so last year, the City Council authorized City staff to explore partnerships with other organizations for potential beneficial uses of this facility.
Six proposals were received in response to the call for RFPs by the February deadline:
- Ambler Architects/Helm Ventures/Green Copper Holdings – retail and office
- Boost – entrepreneur center
- Shelby Brammer/Sidney Brammer/Eric Jaekel – arts hub facility, retail, black box studio
- Buffalo Roam – film production facility and film training institute
- Alan Gentges – arts, faith-based activities, and community space
- Project Tribute Foundation – non-profit incubator
After review of the proposals, a committee consisting of City staff, Mayor Dale Copeland and Vice Mayor James Curd, Jr., elected to interview the two highest rated, Ambler Architects/Helm Ventures/Green Copper Holdings for a mixed-use office and retail center, and Buffalo Roam for film production facility and film training institute.
After interviewing and evaluating for public need, renovation plans, operating plans, prosper experience and other factors, the committee recommended the Buffalo Roam project to the council.
Copeland told the council that some of the benefits of Buffalo Roam that set it apart were:
- It does not create competition for existing businesses
- The business will preserve the historical architecture in its entirety
- The business plans to invest $2 million of private funds in addition to the public funds
- Company is considered “new” industry for Bartlesville, although the area has already been the site of multiple Hollywood productions
No vote was taken on the matter. City Manager Mike Bailey told the council he was presenting the recommendation during a “discussion only” agenda item in order to gain input and direction from the council.
As part of the discussion, Ward 2 Councilor Loren Roszel said he would prefer the City pursue public funds through the Bartlesville Redevelopment Authority or other, similar organizations rather than ask voters for $2 million for the project in the next General Obligation Bond Election as had been previously planned.
It is expected the council will be asked to vote on the project during an upcoming meeting.