Modern Tulsa

News on 6 recently contacted me and asked to do an interview about moderntulsa. So, here I am!

Things are stirring for the first time in years over at 7th/Boston, downtown. This block, which houses two prime examples of mid-century modern architecture, may see a new era. With both the First National Auto Bank and the Smith Brothers Abstract buildings officially For Lease these buildings may still have a bright future.

Fairly major construction is happening at the Auto Bank in preparation for occupancy. This morning, two masons were chipping away at the concrete parking structure and told me they had been tasked with repairing all of the damage. We agreed this was no small task with years of neglect and poor patch jobs of the past. The structure seemed sound but there were a number of major holes that will need to be filled and everything resurfaced.

Also, there were other signs of work since last weekend -  when we tried to tour these building with the TulsaNow tour. Lighting fixtures cover the lobby floor and they have began repainting the staircase. It appeared they’d selected a red color, which I’m not so sure about, so hopefully they agree and go back to the white.

I had a chance to visit with the Real Estate Broker on the phone, who seemed very interested in finding sensible uses for these buildings as well. He indicated they were going to be removing the drive-through lanes of the bank to make the lower parking area more usable, while leaving the upper level parking structure intact.

He seemed open to splitting up the Tom-Tom room (upstairs of the bank) and the lobby portion, which may allow two different businesses occupy the space. He suggested a coffee shop or restaurant in the bank lobby.  He seemed very cordial and I hope to meet with him next time he is in town to see how we can assist in finding good uses for these great facilities. I hope to at the same time get some interior photos to share. I’ve been wanting to see inside of these places for years:)

So keep your eyes on these guys and feel free to share anything else you might know about the situation.

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WHAT: “Tulsa Treasures” Architectural Tour
WHEN: Saturday, Dec 5, 10:00-11:30 AM
WHERE: Tour begins at the ONG building at 624 S. Boston
MORE INFO: info@tulsanow.org

Article and tour written and hosted by TulsaNow.org

Tulsa is home to a wealth of architectural gems and historic buildings. You’ve driven past them a thousand times. But have you ever been inside? Join TulsaNow for our first “Tulsa Treasures” architectural tour.

Celebrating the release of the Historic Survey of Downtown Tulsa, we will be touring a selection of unique (and sometimes under-appreciated) historic buildings.

The tour will begin in the lobby of the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building at the corner of 7th and Boston. (Built in 1928, the ONG Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.)

Here, we will be joined by Amanda DeCort, Preservation Planning Administrator for the Tulsa Preservation Commission; and Rex Ball, FAIA, AICP, and local guru on the history and architecture of downtown Tulsa.

Amanda will give a brief presentation about the recently completed Historical Survey of Downtown Tulsa, and the economic benefits of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Did someone say, “Tax credits for up to 40% of the cost of rehabilitation?” Yep, you heard that right.)

After we take time to appreciate the ZigZag Art Deco architecture of the ONG Building, we’ll cross the street to learn about another Tulsa specialty: Mid-Century Modern design.

We’ll explore the old Ponca City Federal Savings and Loan building (designed by Robert Buchner, and considered by many to be the most important mid-century structure in Tulsa), as well as the First National Auto Bank.

Ponca City Savings and Loan

First National Auto Bank

Finally, we’ll wrap up with a look at the ARCO building (formerly, the Service Pipeline Building), built in 1949, which demonstrates how the Art Deco style evolved over time.

Arco Building

The tour is free and open to the public. Bring a friend and get an inside look at some of Tulsa’s amazing architectural treasures. We’re starting early so you can get on with your shopping, ice skating…or the big game on Saturday afternoon.

Go Lee Anne! Director of the TFA, Lee Anne Zeigler votes for several “modern” buildings as architectural treasures in this recent Tulsa World article. I think it is great she chose to include these before some of the more publicized Art Deco buildings around town.

by: JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer – Tulsa World
Thursday, October 08, 2009

Tulsa is a city known for its architecture — from nationally known landmarks such as the Boston Avenue United Methodist Church to the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home known as “Westhope,” from the gleam of Oral Roberts University’s various facilities to the Art Deco stateliness of the Mid-Continent Building.

These are works of brick-and-mortar splendor that even the residents of Tulsa recognize as important. But what about those architectural treasures that are hidden in plain sight — buildings whose historic or aesthetic properties are just as impressive as the more famous edifices around town?

For the answers, we turned to the executive director of the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, Lee Anne Zeigler, and asked her to name five of Tulsa’s under-appreciated architectural gems.

Warren Petroleum Corp. Headquarters
1350 S. Boulder Ave.

“This is maybe my all-time favorite.” It was designed for the Warren Petroleum Corp. in 1957 by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, one of the leading U.S. firms. It now goes by the name International Plaza.

“This is a shining example of the ‘modernist/international’ style of architecture, and the building itself has just reached that 50-year benchmark, which is when we start to consider something historic.”

The Sophian Plaza
1500 S. Frisco Ave.

This 1926 apartment building was built by Harry J. Sophian, who built a similar building in Kansas City. “The Tulsa Sophian is a little smaller — it has one less floor than its sister building, and the facade of the Tulsa one is a little less elaborate. But it is one of Tulsa’s most distinctive addresses, because it’s so wonderfully nestled in a lovely neighborhood and offers outstanding views of the Arkansas River and downtown.”

Lee Anne Zeigler is a fan of the Sophian Plaza. STEPHEN PINGRY / Tulsa World

Bank of Oklahoma Tower / One Williams Center

“Tulsa, like a lot of cities, has a pretty sad history when it comes to urban renewal. And while it was terrible to lose so many buildings to make way for what was originally called the Williams Center, Tulsa did end up with a very nice example of a built work that is likely to stand the test of time.”

The BOk Tower — like the Tulsa Performing Arts Center next to it — was designed by world-class architect Minoru Yamasaki, who created the tower in a style similar to his most famous buildings, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.

Christ the King Church
1520 S. Rockford Ave.

“It’s something that can easily be overlooked in the pantheon of Tulsa’s churches due to its location in a sedate, historic neighborhood and its more modest size relative to the larger downtown churches. But the architect, Francis Barry Byrne of the Chicago architectural firm Byrne and Ryan, was engaged by Tulsa’s Bishop Kelley to ‘make Christ the King something both modern and authentic to Catholic worship.’ ”

Tulsa Community College’s Center for Creativity
10th Street and Boston Avenue

“This building is significant because it’s one of the sure signs that our downtown is making a comeback. It’s really an inviting and exciting addition to the city.”

The just-opened building was designed by Selser Schaefer Architects and features shaded pedestrian areas, large exterior display panels and landscaped areas that connect the existing and future campus developments.

See more pics of the TCC Creative Center.

This sounds like fun. Nick Tells me, “It’s going to be phenomenal!!!!”

CHiT|CHaT: Multi-disciplinary artists speak about their work. Ten presenters display 20 slides for 20 seconds a piece.

Presentations will include photography, graphic design, furniture, architecture and more.

It was a great time everyone! Thank you Philbrook and Pohlenz for the great venues, George Kravis for the presentation, The McIntosh Group for the Wine and Winston Media for the great video!