OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - The Oklahoma City Council has chosen an architectural team to design and develop OKC's new area. In December 2023, OKC voters approved a penny sales tax for a new, publicly-owned arena located downtown. In May 2024, the city council voted on a development package for the arena and the funding for the $900 million arena has been broken down as the following: $78 million from MAPS 4 $50 million from PBCS&E a minimum of $772 million, financed through the 72-month, one-cent special sales tax According to the City of OKC, the city council approved a contract on Tuesday with MANICA Architecture as the Design Architect and TVS as the Architect of Record. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: OKC City Council to consider architect for new arena “Both TVS and Manica Architecture have designed iconic arena and stadium projects worldwide,” OKC Director David Todd said. “They have a proven track record of creating functional, memorable buildings that communities are proud of.” Officials say Kansas City-based MANICA Architecture specializes in sport and entertainment venues, with completed projects including the Chase Center in San Francisco and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. TVS’s portfolio features both international and domestic projects, such as the Jio World Center in Mumbai, India, and the Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, North Carolina. “At Manica Architecture, we choose projects where we can truly make a difference in that city, and Oklahoma City is at the top of that list,” said David Manica, owner and founder of Manica Architecture. “This project won't be the start of the renaissance in Oklahoma City, but rather the continuation of that momentum. We begin this effort with no preconceptions. We want to come to the table to listen and really understand what the city and team want for future generations. We have an incredible opportunity to work together to create a signature facility that can make the city shine and be truly unique to Oklahoma City and its people.” PREVIOUS COVERAGE: City Council approves new arena in downtown Oklahoma City The City says TVS is based out of Atlanta and has worked on projects including Jio World Center in Mumbai, India; Longgang International Arts Center in Shenzhen, China; Duke Energy Plaza in Charlotte, NC; Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.; and the MOTE Science Education Center in Sarasota, Fla. “TVS is honored to serve as Architect of Record for the new Oklahoma City Arena, and we are excited to be partnered alongside Design Architect MANICA, Oklahoma City, and The Thunder,” TVS Principal Rob O’Keefe said. “Together, this formidable team will deliver a facility that will serve the citizens of Oklahoma City for generations.” According to the City, the arena will be built to be at least 750,000 square feet and will meet NBA specification and requirements and maximize team revenues to ensure the sustainability of professional sports in OKC. “Oklahoma City is in the midst of an exhilarating transformation, evolving in ways we've never seen before. The prospect of our new arena signals even greater milestones ahead, heralding continued success and achievement for both our city and state.  The partnership with David Manica and his outstanding architecture team provides an extraordinary opportunity for an innovative venue that promises to elevate Oklahoma City’s sports, entertainment, and cultural landscape. His visionary approach, combining cutting-edge design with functionality and aesthetic appeal, has resulted in award-winning architectural achievements that foster community engagement.  “Each of David Manica’s projects has distinctly transformed the geography and skyline of its location, while significantly enhancing the potential for an exceptional guest experience. “I’m personally very much looking forward to the creative process and learning how our new arena will be visioned and designed, as well as seeing a concept brought forth that will be the pride of every citizen.” Clay Bennett, Chairman of the Oklahoma City Thunder The arena is projected to be complete by June 2028. It will be owned and maintained by the City and will be home to the Oklahoma City Thunder.