Tulsa Club

This iconic art-deco building, designed by renowned Oklahoma architect Bruce Goff, was built in 1927. It was a joint effort of the Tulsa Club and the Chamber of Commerce, with the lower floor offices housing Chamber employees, and the upper floors and rooftop garden being occupied by the Tulsa Club. The Club featured men’s dormitories, a fully operational barbershop, a gym facility that included a racquetball court, several lounge areas adorned with intricate art-deco tile work, libraries, and a large ballroom on the top floor called the Sky Terrace. This was truly the spot to see and be seen by the wealthy Tulsa elite.

 Since closing in 1994, the building has sat empty (aside from “unwelcome” guests like animals and squatters). It is currently privately owned; however, the unpaid taxes, fees, and fines have amounted to more than the purchase price of the building, while it has continued to deteriorate.  In December 2009, the City of Tulsa filed for foreclosure on the property, and there is talk of it being sold at auction.  The rich detailing and high quality craftsmanship of this structure are worth saving, and a prime downtown location would seem to make the reuse of property extremely viable; local preservationists and organizations are watching closely for what will happen to this important structure.