Tulsa Preservation Commission

Tulsa Preservation Blog

News, announcements, links, thoughts and musings from TPC Staff.

Master Craftsman Repairing Damage to ONG Building

Posted by Ed Sharrer on June 9, 2010    |  Link to this Entry  |  Email this Entry

Several weeks ago, a late-night traffic accident at 7th & Boston resulted in a taxi crashing into a ground floor window of the historic ONG Building, Tulsa’s oldest existing Art Deco skyscraper. The heavy cast iron window sill and casing were broken into several pieces and a section of exterior granite smashed.

Thankfully, there are still talented craftsmen available to repair historic architectural elements. Master Craftsman Richard Dyer, Ironwork by Richard Dyer, is repairing the cast iron sill and casing. Casey Goodwin, Goodwin Construction, is the General Contractor who has sourced matching granite and will oversee interior repairs.

To see some "before" and "during" pics, check out the Flickr photoset, and check back for "after" pics when the work is completed!

Happy 100th Birthday, Owen Park Neighborhood!

Posted by Ed Sharrer on June 4, 2010    |  Link to this Entry  |  Email this Entry

Come celebrate the Centennial of historic Owen Park neighborhood on Saturday, June 5, starting at 10:00am at Roosevelt Elementary School, 1212 West Easton Street (map).

The neighborhood will dedicate its new neighborhood signs, provide games for kids, and have hamburgers and hot dogs available for purchase. Take a tour of Roosevelt Elementary School and homes throughout the neighborhood, too!

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 918-557-0770 and check out the Tulsa World article on the festivities.

PHOTO: Sherry Brown, Tulsa World

Atlas Life Courtyard by Marriott Grand Opening Today, June 4!

Posted by Ed Sharrer on June 4, 2010    |  Link to this Entry  |  Email this Entry

Today is the big day! The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel officially opens at 3:00pm, Friday, June 4 in the historic 1922 Atlas Life Building. Be sure to check it out next time you’re downtown!

And if you’d like a sneak peek, here’s a Flickr photoset showing the restored lobby, second floor hotel lobby, one of the rooms, and the Historic Floor corridor.

UPDATE: Read the Tulsa World article about the opening of the new hotel, along with information about the formal Grand Opening in August.

OK Rehab Tax Credits Survive

Posted by Ed Sharrer on June 3, 2010    |  Link to this Entry  |  Email this Entry

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of a lot of preservationists, community leaders, finance professionals, and property owners - and careful consideration of legislators - Oklahoma’s rehabilitation tax credits for historic properties will survive the 2-year tax credit moratorium.

The program will be modified, but most property owners and developers should be able to weather the temporary changes.

The two words to remember are "accrue" and "defer." In a nutshell, tax credit projects can continue to accrue credits during the two-year moratorium period, but payment will be deferred until it expires on July 1, 2012.

UPDATE: Read the June 4, 2010 Tulsa World article for further analysis.

Rehab Tax Credits Under Immediate Threat

Posted by Amanda DeCort on May 27, 2010    |  Link to this Entry  |  Email this Entry

Latest news from the Capitol:

The TRAILER BILL that will amend provisions of SB1267 to help the historic rehab tax credits has not yet been heard! The session ends Friday and time is running out. Without the trailer bill, historic rehab tax credits will be lost for two years - along with millions of dollars in reinvestment.

Oklahoma needs the rehab tax credits to remain competitive, or towns large and small across the state will suffer irreparable harm.

Please see the Tulsa World’s excellent article in today’s paper,
"Striking a blow to history" by Michael Overall.

As always, contact TPC staff with questions.

Atlas Life Courtyard by Marriott Sign Installation

Posted by Amanda DeCort on May 26, 2010    |  Link to this Entry  |  Email this Entry

Workers install the Courtyard by Marriott sign on the Atlas Life Building. The historic Atlas Life neon sign has been restored and continues to receive top billing on the facade!