Modern Tulsa

I’ve always been a huge fan of the Downtown Civic Center Plaza and found a quiet time to get some photos this past weekend. This is such a well designed facility in my opinion and it seems like such a shame to see it so underutilized. Many of these buildings are totally vacant since abandoned by the City of 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.

(more…)

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.

Could”L” be for Lortondale? or “U” for the University Tower downtown? Watch to find out!

What makes Tulsa so special? Jack Frank shows you many of the things (in alphabetic order of course) in this new and somewhat zany documentary. From the Admiral Twin, the city’s last remaining drive-in, to the Indy 500 race cars built by Tulsan Jack Zink, the show is jammed with tidbits about Tulsa and its colorful past. The show stops at Route 66 icons, including the Meadow Gold sign and the old 11th street bridge. It also visits timeless eateries like Nelson’s and White River Fish Market. There are also fun stories about icons such as the Golden Driller, the IPE Building, the Perryman Cemetery, Council Oak Tree and the Ole Lady on Brady. Also included is some history about the naming of Tulsa streets. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in Tulsa, you’ll love learning more about it.

The Tulsa A to Z one half-hour version will air Monday, November 30th at 7:30 pm on Channel 6.

The complete hour-long version will air Wednesday, December 2nd at 7 pm on OETA Channel 11.

Tulsa A to Z is proudly sponsored by SpiritBank.

for more information visit:

http://www.tulsafilms.com/our-films/tulsa-a-to-z/

shane