Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building: Architecture and Historic Preservation

Overview

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building is a historic commercial structure located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at 624 South Boston Ave. As a significant example of early Art Deco architecture in the region, the building played a pivotal role in establishing the aesthetic acceptance of the style within the city. It was constructed during a period when local utility companies, typically characterized by conservative design preferences, opted for this modern architectural approach. This decision by the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company, alongside the concurrent construction of the Public Service of Oklahoma Building, helped legitimize Art Deco as a viable and popular style for subsequent commercial developments in Tulsa. The structure remains operational under the ownership and operation of ONEOK, serving as a tangible link to the city's early 20th-century commercial expansion and architectural evolution.

The building's design is attributed to architects Frank V. Kirshner and Arthur M. Atkinson, who crafted a structure that emphasizes verticality through its facade composition. The building is constructed of reinforced concrete, providing a robust structural framework typical of the era. The exterior cladding features buff brick, which covers the majority of the building's surface area. However, the lower two stories are distinguished by limestone cladding, creating a visual base that anchors the structure to the streetscape. The architectural design highlights vertical lines, achieved through piers that rise the entire height of the facade. Windows are strategically placed between these piers, further accentuating the upward movement characteristic of Art Deco design principles. This attention to vertical emphasis and material contrast contributes to the building's distinctive appearance within the Tulsa skyline.

As one of the first local Art Deco buildings constructed in the new style, the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building represents an important milestone in Tulsa's architectural history. The choice to adopt Art Deco for such a prominent utility company building signaled a shift in local architectural tastes, moving away from more traditional or conservative styles. This shift had a lasting impact on the city's built environment, leading to the construction of many subsequent Art Deco buildings in Tulsa. The building's location at 624 South Boston Ave places it within a key commercial corridor, contributing to the historic character of the downtown area. Its continued operation and preservation ensure that this architectural legacy remains visible and functional for modern users, reflecting the enduring appeal of the Art Deco style in American commercial architecture.

Architectural Design and Construction

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building represents a significant early adoption of the Art Deco style in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Located at 624 South Boston Ave, the structure was among the first local buildings constructed in this new architectural movement, sharing this distinction with the nearby Public Service of Oklahoma Building. The decision by these relatively conservative utility companies to embrace the modern aesthetic played a crucial role in legitimizing the style within the city. This acceptance by prominent local institutions encouraged subsequent developers to construct many more Art Deco buildings in Tulsa, helping to define the city's mid-century architectural character.

Architectural Features and Materials

The building was designed by architects Frank V. Atkinson. The structure is built using a reinforced concrete framework, providing a robust foundation for the exterior cladding. In contrast, the lower two stories are clad in limestone, offering a textured and durable base for the structure. This combination of materials creates a visual hierarchy, grounding the building with the heavier appearance of stone while allowing the brick to emphasize the vertical lines of the upper levels.

Feature	Detail
Architectural Style	Art Deco
Primary Architects	Frank V. Kirshner, Arthur M. Atkinson
Structural Material	Reinforced concrete
Upper Cladding	Buff brick
Lower Cladding (Stories 1-2)	Limestone
Facade Design	Vertical piers with interstitial windows

The design emphasizes verticality, a hallmark of the Art Deco movement. This effect is achieved through piers that rise the entire height of the facade. Windows are strategically placed between these piers, further accentuating the upward thrust of the building's profile. This architectural choice distinguishes the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building from earlier, more horizontally oriented structures in the region, marking a clear shift toward the modernist sensibilities that would dominate Tulsa's skyline in the following decades. The building remains an operational part of the city's historic district, maintained by operator ONEOK.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building holds a distinct place in the architectural history of Tulsa, Oklahoma, primarily due to its pioneering role in the adoption of the Art Deco style within the city’s commercial landscape. Its construction marked a significant shift in aesthetic preference for the region, moving away from the more traditional and conservative designs that had previously dominated the area’s skyline.

The significance of the building extends beyond its mere chronological precedence. At the time of its construction, utility companies in Tulsa were generally regarded as relatively conservative entities in their architectural choices. The decision by the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company to embrace the modern, vertical lines of Art Deco served as a powerful endorsement of the style. This choice by such a prominent and traditionally cautious operator helped to legitimize Art Deco in the eyes of the broader public and other business leaders. Consequently, this building played a crucial role in making the style acceptable and desirable in the city, paving the way for a subsequent wave of Art Deco construction that would come to define much of Tulsa’s mid-20th-century architectural identity.

The architectural design reflects this deliberate stylistic statement. Atkinson, the building is constructed of reinforced concrete. Its exterior cladding features buff brick for the majority of the structure, with the lower two stories clad in limestone, creating a visual base that emphasizes the building’s height. The facade is characterized by strong vertical piers that rise the entire height of the building, with windows placed strategically between these piers to further accentuate the verticality—a hallmark of the Art Deco style. This design not only showcased modern construction techniques but also visually communicated the forward-looking nature of the utility company.

Today, the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building is recognized as a key component of Tulsa’s built heritage. It is included within the Oil Capital Historic District, a designation that underscores its importance in the context of the city’s development during the oil boom era. The building’s preservation and continued operation reflect its enduring value as both a functional commercial space and a historic landmark. Its presence on South Boston Avenue serves as a tangible reminder of the architectural trends that shaped Tulsa’s urban form and the influential role that local businesses played in driving those changes. The building stands as a testament to the intersection of corporate identity, architectural innovation, and urban development in early 20th-century Oklahoma.

How did the building survive demolition?

In 1982, ONEOK made the strategic decision to spare the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building from demolition, preserving a key example of Tulsa's early Art Deco architecture. This choice came as the utility company planned a new high-rise structure to accommodate its growing operational needs. Rather than tearing down the historic structure at 624 South Boston Ave, ONEOK opted to integrate it into the city's evolving skyline, recognizing its architectural significance and the role it played in popularizing the Art Deco style in Tulsa. Atkinson, had already established itself as one of the first local structures built in the new style, alongside the Public Service of Oklahoma Building. Its construction of reinforced concrete, clad in buff brick with limestone on the lower two stories, and its distinctive vertical emphasis through piers rising the entire height of the facade, made it a notable landmark in the city.

Relocation to the Citgo Building

Following the decision to preserve the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building, ONEOK moved its primary operations to the Citgo Building, located at the intersection of Fifth Street and Boulder Avenue. This relocation allowed the company to modernize its workspace while maintaining the historic structure as a testament to Tulsa's architectural heritage. The Citgo Building provided ONEOK with a contemporary high-rise environment, better suited for the expanding needs of the utility company, while the original building at South Boston Ave continued to stand as a symbol of the city's early adoption of the Art Deco style. The preservation of the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building also reflected a broader trend in Tulsa, where many Art Deco buildings were subsequently constructed, contributing to the city's unique architectural identity. The decision by ONEOK in 1982 thus played a significant role in shaping the visual and cultural landscape of Tulsa, ensuring that the building remained a prominent feature of the city's downtown area.

What is the historic preservation status?

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building holds formal recognition as a historic structure through its listing on the National Register of Historic Places. This designation was officially granted on April 10, 1984, cementing the building's status within the broader tapestry of American architectural heritage. The inclusion on the register serves not merely as an administrative label but as a validation of the building's enduring aesthetic and historical value to the city of Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma. This recognition highlights the structure's role in defining the visual identity of downtown Tulsa during a period of significant urban development and economic expansion.

The primary justification for the building's historic preservation status is its architectural significance. As one of the first local structures to embrace the Art Deco style, the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building played a pivotal role in popularizing the aesthetic in Tulsa. The building's design, characterized by its reinforced concrete frame, buff brick cladding, and limestone lower stories, exemplifies the vertical emphasis and geometric clarity associated with early Art Deco architecture. The facade features piers that rise through the entire height of the building, with windows strategically placed between them to enhance the sense of upward movement. This architectural choice, made by the relatively conservative utility companies, helped legitimize the Art Deco style in the city, paving the way for numerous subsequent Art Deco constructions in Tulsa. The building stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of architects Frank V. Atkinson, who successfully integrated modern materials and design principles to create a landmark that remains visually striking decades after its completion.

Beyond its architectural merits, the building is recognized for its representation of Tulsa's growth during the 1920s. The 1920s were a transformative decade for Tulsa, driven by the oil boom and a surge in population and economic activity. The construction of the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building during this period reflects the city's ambition and the confidence of its leading industries. The building serves as a physical manifestation of the prosperity and dynamism that characterized Tulsa in the 1920s, capturing the essence of an era when the city was emerging as a major hub in the American energy sector. Its preservation ensures that this chapter of Tulsa's history remains visible and accessible to residents and visitors alike, offering insights into the city's past and the forces that shaped its development. The National Register listing thus underscores the building's dual role as both an architectural masterpiece and a historical document, preserving a key element of Tulsa's cultural and economic legacy.

Historical Context of Tulsa's Growth

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building stands as a physical testament to the rapid urban expansion of Tulsa during the 1920s, a period defined by the explosive growth of the regional oil industry. This era of prosperity transformed Tulsa from a modest railroad town into a major metropolitan center, often referred to as the "Oil Capital of the World." The construction of significant utility infrastructure, such as the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building, reflected the financial confidence and modernizing ambitions of the local energy sector. The building's location at 624 South Boston Ave. places it within the developing commercial core of the city, where new capital was being deployed to support the growing population and industrial output.

The architectural choice for the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building was particularly significant in the context of Tulsa's cultural development. As one of the first local Art Deco structures, it helped legitimize the style within a city that had previously favored more traditional or conservative designs. The utility companies, typically viewed as conservative entities, embraced the new Art Deco aesthetic, which signaled a shift toward modernity and efficiency. This decision by the operator, now known as ONEOK, and its predecessors, made the style acceptable to the broader public and other developers. Consequently, many subsequent Art Deco buildings were constructed in Tulsa, creating a distinctive architectural legacy that defined the city's skyline for decades.

Atkinson, the building exemplifies the technical and aesthetic innovations of the era. Constructed with reinforced concrete and clad in buff brick, with limestone on the lower two stories, it utilized modern materials to convey strength and permanence. The vertical emphasis, achieved through piers rising the entire height of the facade, mirrored the upward trajectory of Tulsa's economy. The windows placed between these piers allowed for natural light, a feature that became increasingly important in office buildings of the period. The building's design was not merely decorative; it was a statement of progress, aligning the identity of the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company with the forward-looking spirit of the city.

The acceptance of Art Deco by utility companies like Oklahoma Natural Gas Company played a crucial role in shaping Tulsa's architectural identity. This style, characterized by geometric shapes, bold lines, and verticality, resonated with the industrial and technological advancements of the time. The building's success in blending functionality with aesthetic appeal encouraged other businesses to adopt similar designs, leading to a proliferation of Art Deco structures throughout the city. This architectural movement contributed to Tulsa's reputation as a hub of innovation and cultural sophistication, attracting further investment and talent. The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building, therefore, is not just a historic structure but a key element in the narrative of Tulsa's growth during the 1920s, reflecting the interplay between economic prosperity and cultural expression.

Comparison with Other Early Art Deco Structures

The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building holds a distinctive place in Tulsa's architectural history not merely for its design, but for its role as a pioneer in the local adoption of the Art Deco style. It was constructed concurrently with the Public Service of Oklahoma Building, establishing a pair of early examples that helped legitimize the aesthetic for the city's relatively conservative utility sector. This strategic choice by major local utilities made the Art Deco style acceptable to the broader community, directly influencing the subsequent proliferation of Art Deco structures throughout Tulsa. The building's success in this regard is tied to its specific design elements, which balanced modernity with traditional materials.

Both the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building and the Public Service of Oklahoma Building served as critical proof-of-concept projects for the new style. By embracing Art Deco, these utility companies signaled a shift in architectural preference, encouraging other developers and businesses to follow suit. The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building, located at 624 South Boston Ave, was designed by Frank V. Atkinson. Its construction utilized reinforced concrete, providing a modern structural backbone. The exterior cladding was carefully selected to blend traditional and modern elements: the building is clad in buff brick, while the lower two stories feature limestone cladding. This material choice provided a sense of solidity and permanence, appealing to conservative investors while the vertical piers rising the entire height of the facade emphasized the building's modern, upward-reaching aesthetic.

The comparison between the Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building and the Public Service of Oklahoma Building highlights the collaborative nature of Tulsa's early Art Deco movement. While specific comparative data on the Public Service of Oklahoma Building's materials or designers is not explicitly detailed in the available grounding, the two structures are consistently cited together as the first local Art Deco buildings. This pairing suggests a coordinated or at least contemporaneous effort to introduce the style to the city. The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building's specific features, such as its buff brick and limestone cladding, likely served as a template or a competitive benchmark for the Public Service of Oklahoma Building. The success of these two buildings in gaining public acceptance paved the way for the extensive Art Deco architecture that Tulsa is now known for.

Feature	Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building	Public Service of Oklahoma Building
Architectural Style	Art Deco	Art Deco
Location	624 South Boston Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma	Tulsa, Oklahoma
Key Designers	Frank V. Kirshner, Arthur M. Atkinson	Not specified in grounding
Primary Materials	Reinforced concrete, buff brick, limestone	Not specified in grounding
Historical Significance	One of the first local Art Deco buildings; helped make the style acceptable in Tulsa	One of the first local Art Deco buildings; helped make the style acceptable in Tulsa

The legacy of these early structures is evident in the density of Art Deco buildings in Tulsa today. The Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Building remains a testament to the influence of utility companies on urban architectural trends. Its design, with its emphasis on verticality through piers and strategic use of brick and limestone, exemplifies the early Art Deco approach to blending modern structural techniques with traditional aesthetic appeals. This building, along with the Public Service of Oklahoma Building, continues to serve as a key reference point for understanding the evolution of Tulsa's architectural landscape.

References

#Oneok #historic preservation #Art Deco #Tulsa #Commercial Architecture