Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame

I love what happened to this building--it is a 'happy ending' story that so often eludes cities.
This variegated Bedford stone depot, designed by R. C. Stephens, was completed in 1931. The exterior of this impressive example of Art Deco Architecture reveals the inspiration of machinery as a theme for geometric designs. The desire for machine-like geometric clarity evident in this building became something of a mania in the 1930s. The Depot serviced as many as thirty-six trains a day in its prime. However, rail travel diminished as the years rolled by and need for the Depot's services decreased. It ceased operation fairly early on, in 1967.

The Depot stood vacant and neglected for years. Then, in 1983, the deteriorating structure, including the caved-in roof, was restored and adapted for contemporary uses. The original interior was skillfully preserved and integrated into office space. The walls, moldings and medallions on the ceiling were restored to their original colors. The other two train station reclamations I have seen (in St. Louis and Providence) have not been nearly so masterful at returning the space to something that benefits the public at large, and this is a model for how to do it right.

The Union Depot Building is now the new home of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. In addition to the museum, they have constructed an elegant performance hall, which is a multi-purpose space for concerts and other events. I had such a wonderful time in Tulsa last week--I am still thinking about the myriad of things that made it a memorable visit, and this is just one success story. While many buildings were lost, it is true, the degree of historical preservation in the downtown area is remarkable.