Financial Building no concern for Norman Music Festival organizers

Structural integrity concerns of the six-story Financial Center Building at 111 N. Peters will not disrupt the Norman Music Festival, said Jonathan Fowler, festival president.

"Fortunately, city officials took necessary steps to start bracing the building," Fowler said. "We were unsure what was going to happen after the safety issues arose, but now that half the building is braced our worry level has dropped a considerable amount."

Temporary bracing to the first three floors of the building is complete, according to engineering reports.

With three levels of bracing complete, the city has raised the threshold wind velocity from 50 mph to 60 mph, officials said.

Earlier this year, engineers determined that the building had insufficient lateral support and could potentially collapse in extremely strong winds. The building's 18 tenants — including Vista Sports Grill and several law offices — were evacuated in February due to the concerns.

Although the building is still susceptible to extremely high winds, Fowler said he believes festival goers are feeling safe.

"Many people I've talked to are confident and do not feel at risk," he said. "Which is good because we just want to offer Norman a great, worry-free day of music."

Norman resident Ryan Gaston said he was concerned the festival would be canceled when he first learned of the structural problems with the Financial Building.

"My first thought was 'I really hope this doesn't effect the Norman Music Fest,'" Gaston said. "I'm sure the more humane thought would have been about the safety of people, but I am just really looking forward to this year's festival.

"I'm glad to know the building is more stable now though."

Norman Music Festival is a day-long event from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, April 25, in downtown Norman on Main Street. More than 90 artists will perform at the festival including: Of Montreal, Tea Leaf Green, Starlight Mints, and The Uglysuit.

For more information about the festival, visit www.normanmusicfestival.com.

For more information on the Financial Center Building construction, e-mail Susan Connors, Planning and Community Development director at susan.connors@normanok.gov.