"Tulsa Treasures" Architectural Tour

[PonderInc]

"Tulsa Treasures" Architectural Tour - Dec 5th, 10:00 AM
Sponsored by TulsaNow

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 underappreciated) 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 Chase 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.



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.

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

[DM]

I wish I could go. I have a game at 11am on saturday. Great idea though! 

[Conan71]

Bummer, I'm going to be at the other end of the turnpike on Saturday.

[Townsend]

Two year old's birthday and I'm in charge of the rubber duckie game.

I believe I'd be smited so regretfully will have to pass this go around.

[TheArtist]

Pic I took just a while back thats a little larger than the one posted of the ONG building. Looove that one can finally get a pic of this area now that the architectural company has moved.  Would be a great space for a snazzy restaurant/bar, or heck just any type of public retail space. With a private firm in there you couldnt just go in and enjoy this Tulsa Deco, architectural treasure.  

[PonderInc]

The tour was a blast!  We counted about 75 people in attendance.  Thanks so much to Rex Ball and Amanda DeCort for taking time out of their busy weekends to make this event a success.  Apologies to our Mid-Century architecture fans that we weren't able to get inside the bank buildings as promised.  (We did our best, but if the only guy in town who has a key doesn't show up, there's not much we can do about it.)

Thanks to Patrick Fox at ZigZag Urban for hosting us at the magnificent ONG building, and thanks to Kanbar Properties for allowing us a rare glimpse inside the stunning ARCO (Service Pipeline) building!

If anyone has any suggestions for future tours, let us know!

(Also, someone left a pair of reading glasses at the ONG building.  If you are missing them, please send an email to info@ Tulsanow.org)

[rdj]

Did the possibility of converting the ONG into residences come up on this tour?

[TURobY]

Did the possibility of converting the ONG into residences come up on this tour?

Yes, but there wasn't too much detail given. Also talk of possible retail on the ground floor.

[rdj]

I'm really curious to see what happens to that building.  I think it is an absolute crown jewel.  I think the park developed by Land Legacy along 6th from Boston to Main would be very enticing to a person wanting to try urban living but still needs some green space around them.  I would love to see the hideous facade ripped off the Enterprise Building at 6th & Main.  The brick is still behind the metal and glass and I've heard it could be restored.  Or, at the least the glass and metal be updated to a more timeless modern look.  I think residences in the ONG building, a parking structure to serve First Presbyterian & the ONG building on the existing lot at 7th & Main, Class A office in the former Chamber Building, a corner store that carries a fair amount of fresh groceries in the Enterprise Building and the existing park would make a heck of a block.

[sgrizzle]

Did the possibility of converting the ONG into residences come up on this tour?

That is the plan by the current owners.

[TheArtist]

Some pics...

Sorry if the "sepia toned" ones are off color.  Having a devil of a time with the 2 different computers I have. With one the pics look more rosy, with another those same ones look more yellow. Not sure which is right and which direction to adjust them in photoshop lol.













Sorry my interior shots of the hallways and such didnt turn out that well in the Arco Building.











Had glimpsed this mid century modern building in passing from afar, but gained a new appreciation for how wonderful this small building really is by getting up close to it.  Definitely a great example of the era. Its neat how all the different levels and rooflines "play" and float. Really does remind you of the buildings that were at the Worlds Fair during that time.