Abundant Life building, whats really inside it?

[Cats Cats Cats]

What do you call 5 gay guys named Bob.....

A republican convention denouncing gay marriage?

[Fiend]

I think Fiend and friends need to go in Tulsa Club.. not like it's secure or anything.

I've been in the Tulsa Club dozens of times, I have well over a thousand pictures of it. Its in worse condition every time I visit it  

That's swell.  What've you got to say about it?

Ugh, I'm not trying to start anything here. I just dont put up with people talking smack about a Oral Roberts, yes lets talk about him, but dont mock him and what he stood for.

[Conan71]

I've been in the Tulsa Club dozens of times, I have well over a thousand pictures of it. Its in worse condition every time I visit it  


Ugh, I'm not trying to start anything here. I just dont put up with people talking smack about a Oral Roberts, yes lets talk about him, but dont mock him and what he stood for.

I have to say, old vacant buildings give me the heebees big time.  I appreciate there are people like you who can document this.  I get asked to go in and inspect mechanical rooms which have been dormant for awhile and it makes the hair stand up on my neck.  No idea why.

[Townsend]

Ugh, I'm not trying to start anything here. I just dont put up with people talking smack about a Oral Roberts, yes lets talk about him, but dont mock him and what he stood for.

That's a big can of worms that shouldn't be opened on this thread, you're right.

Is there any reason to save this building?

[Fiend]

I have to say, old vacant buildings give me the heebees big time.  I appreciate there are people like you who can document this.  I get asked to go in and inspect mechanical rooms which have been dormant for awhile and it makes the hair stand up on my neck.  No idea why.

Thanks! The Abundant Life building is the ONLY place I had to go with a buddy in, even with someone with me, I did not like the place. It reminded me of "the hive" in Resident Evil". 

[DowntownDan]

There are people who appreciate the architecture style.  It's not everyone's cup 'o tea for sure, though.  When I was looking at the retrospective photos of the construction that Fiend posted, I couldn't help but wonder what those neighbors in the craftsmen houses were thinking as this building was being finished out.  Quite a contrast to the 'hood.

I suppose someone had to have liked it at some point.  But the lack of windows would be the first red flag.  Of the many nice buildings that have been unfortunately bulldozed in this town, this is not one I would cry over to see it go, unless someone could come up with some worthwhile plan to renovate it (and add windows perhaps?). 

[Fiend]

Is there any reason to save this building?

Yes, but only if there is someone with enough money and creativity to turn it into something nice again. Just because a building is "ugly" or in bad very bad shape, doesnt mean we should not try everything we can to save it. Thats why so many buildings in downtown Tulsa are gone, people thought they were just "old" and "ugly" and didnt want to save them. 10-20 years from now that type of architecture could become mainstream again, just like how art deco is now being preserved as compared to the 60's and 70's when art deco buildings were cast aside in Tulsa.

There was a water line in the basement that was about 3 or so feet high, so that place is full of mold. It will have to be completely gutted if it is to be saved.

[Townsend]

I suppose someone had to have liked it at some point.  But the lack of windows would be the first red flag.  Of the many nice buildings that have been unfortunately bulldozed in this town, this is not one I would cry over to see it go, unless someone could come up with some worthwhile plan to renovate it (and add windows perhaps?). 

I've heard "Call center, bowling alley, and movie theater".

[Conan71]

I suppose someone had to have liked it at some point.  But the lack of windows would be the first red flag.  Of the many nice buildings that have been unfortunately bulldozed in this town, this is not one I would cry over to see it go, unless someone could come up with some worthwhile plan to renovate it (and add windows perhaps?). 

I consider myself a fan of modernist and mid-century architecture, but I would not shed a tear if this blight got knocked down.  I've not really heard much of a protest from others I know who like the style.  I'd be curious to know what Hoodlum thinks of the building.

[sgrizzle]

I've heard "Call center, bowling alley, and movie theater".

Combine them. Live-operator version of moviefone staffed by bowlers.

[Fiend]

I really like the idea of a movie theater and bowling alley. Make it into a giant acard like place. There is nothing like that in the area, downtown doesnt even have a movie theater!

[sgrizzle]

There is a bowling alley coming though.

[SXSW]

I'm also a fan of preserving architecture but this building needs to be destroyed, and should have NEVER been built in the first place.  Tearing out all of those old houses along tree-lined Boulder for this is the same, in my mind, as someone building that tacky house on 25th.  Tear it down and build townhouses along Boulder in its place, restoring some of the residential character to that neighborhood.  Riverview could be one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Tulsa but the parking lots and Abundant Life on its eastern edge are big turn-offs for lots of people.  Something like these condos would be better along that stretch of Boulder:


As you can see from this Abandoned OK pic taken from the roof, there are great skyline views to the north:

[carltonplace]

Here are some pictures of Boulder between 15th and 21st before Liberty Towers and the ALB

Boulder was nicknamed "millionaires row" at the time.

Several important mansions were destroyed in the area (ex:The Sinclair) to make room for the ALB, in fact the Council Oak tree was nearly removed until the Veasey family and the girl scouts made people aware of its significance to Tulsa and saved it.

My opinion of the ALB: Save it or demolish it but do something already. The views of Downtown and the park are great.


From 1921 Kendallabrum







These two would have been where Boulder Towers is now

ASHBY 1421 S Boulder


Crosbie 1437 S Boulder

[dbacks fan]

Creepy.  How long has the ALB been vacant now?

SWB left the building when the Bell System was broken up in '83 or '84.