Populous Named as Master Architect for Oklahoma City’s New Sports-Anchored Entertainment District

• Echo Investment Capital, Russell Westbrook Enterprises and Robinson Park selected Populous over six other bidders in the national search.
• NBA superstar Russell Westbrook named Creative Director for the transformative project.

Echo Investment Capital (Echo), Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) and Robinson Park are proud to announce the selection of Populous as the master architect for the forthcoming sports-anchored entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City. This transformative project, led by Echo with RWE and Robinson Park as key development partners, will create a vibrant, connected destination anchored by the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium.

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Populous, a global design firm recognized for its expertise in world-class sports and entertainment venues, brings a portfolio that includes the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London and Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. Their deep experience in designing integrated urban districts makes them an ideal fit for Oklahoma City’s next great civic space. Populous has already been appointed the principal architect of the MAPS 4 Multipurpose Stadium that will be the centerpiece of the new district.

“Populous brings world-renowned expertise and a deep understanding of how to design spaces that anchor community and catalyze growth,” said Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo Investment Capital. “Their leadership in shaping both the stadium and the surrounding sports-anchored entertainment district ensures a cohesive, transformative vision — one that reflects OKC's momentum and connects our most vibrant districts in powerful new ways. This is more than a development — it’s a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.”

Following a national search, the project received seven bids from renowned architectural design firms.

“Selecting Populous as master architect is a big step toward bringing to life our vision for the district,” said Mark Beffort, CEO of Robinson Park. “Their experience in designing world-class venues will help make this district a standout destination for Oklahoma City, and we’re excited to partner with Echo and RWE to bring this vision forward.”

“This project is about shaping a destination – a place where community, commerce and culture mix in meaningful ways,” said Phil Kolbo, Principal at Populous and Principal in Charge for the project. “Supported by the vibrancy of a purpose-driven stadium, this project reflects the vision and aspirations of Echo Investment Capital, Robinson Park, RWE, and Oklahoma City’s civic leadership. Populous is proud to help bring it to life.”

Westbrook named Creative Director

In addition, the sports-anchored entertainment district principal investment group is excited to announce NBA superstar and Echo investment partner Russell Westbrook as Creative Director for the project.

Westbrook, who starred for the Oklahoma City Thunder for more than a decade, is widely considered one of the most stylish and culturally impactful athletes in the world. From fashion to design to philanthropy, Westbrook has transcended sports to become a leading voice for creative empowerment and innovative approaches to community-building.

“We’re not just building a sports-anchored entertainment district - we’re reimagining how a city comes together,” said Russell Westbrook, investor, entrepreneur, and founder of RWE. “I’m personally bringing everything I’ve seen and experienced around the world — design, culture, energy — to help create something that’s never been done before in OKC. I’m proud to be part of a vision that’s not just about buildings, but about belonging - a place where people from every neighborhood feel seen, connected, and inspired.”

The district is envisioned as a dynamic hub, seamlessly integrating retail, dining, public spaces, and the new stadium. Located on the former Producers Co-Op site just north of the Oklahoma River, it is uniquely positioned to unite Oklahoma City’s most vibrant destinations - Bricktown, the OKANA Resort, the Boathouse District, and Scissortail Park — transforming a historically underutilized site into a seamless, walkable neighborhood that stitches the city together through commerce, sports, culture and community.

About Echo

Founded by Christian Kanady in 2010 and headquartered in the iconic Ziggurat building overlooking Kerr Park in downtown Oklahoma City, Echo is a multi-strategy investment firm committed to revitalizing American industries. Echo strategically blends investments across energy, life sciences, national security, and media & entertainment, with notable investments in local enterprises such as Wheeler Bio and Prairie Surf. The firm’s holdings include landmark commercial properties, a significant oil and gas royalty portfolio, and majority ownership in OKC’s professional soccer club. Echo is dedicated to fostering innovation and driving exceptional financial and social returns.

About Robinson Park

Based in Oklahoma City, Robinson Park is a trusted commercial real estate firm, delivering innovative solutions to clients nationwide. With over 120 years of experience, Robinson Park has grown into a full-service enterprise encompassing investments within the office, industrial, hospitality and multi-housing commercial real estate sectors. With $2.8 billion of assets under management, Robinson Park offers specialized services in brokerage services, design & build, development, facility management, financial services, lease administration and research & analytics. For more information, please visit robinson-park.com.

About Russell Westbrook Enterprises

Russell Westbrook Enterprises (RWE) is an impact-focused organization that bridges Russell Westbrook's influence in sports, culture, and business with strategic economic development. RWE leverages its multifaceted platforms to align profitability with purpose, focusing on delivering innovative solutions in digital media, consumer goods, and technology. By investing in scalable initiatives that drive growth in underrepresented communities, RWE offers products, services, and resources that create employment opportunities and amplify brand impact. Through a combination of capital infusion, strategic partnerships, and community-centric initiatives, RWE catalyzes social change and business success, helping some of the world’s leading brands achieve their goals while fostering deeper connections with multicultural audiences.

About Populous

Populous is a global design firm that began with a singular focus — to draw people together around the things they love, through experiences that capture all the senses and amplify the pure emotion shared in human moments. Over the last 40 years, the firm has designed more than 3,500 projects worth over $60 billion across emerging and established markets. Populous’ comprehensive services include architecture, interior design, event planning and overlay, branded environments, wayfinding, and graphics, planning and urban design, landscape architecture, aviation and transport design, hospitality and sustainable design consulting. Populous has over 1,500 employees in 32 global offices on four continents with regional centers in Kansas City, London and Brisbane. For more information, visit populous.com.

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"This is more than a development — it’s a centerpiece for civic life, built to inspire pride, connection, and opportunity for generations to come.” - Christian Kanady, Founding Partner and CEO of Echo