News spread last week of the pending destruction of two more of Tulsa's downtown buildings. The rumors lit up the forums with agitated Tulsans expressing their disgust that more of our Art Deco skyline may be lost for surface parking. Both of the structures face Main Street and are, as one post said, "Exactly the kind of building we'll be needing as downtown returns to life."
Both structures front Main Street and may be familiar to most Tulsans. A mural on the Cordell Building has been a familiar downtown landmark for decades. The Lerner Shops building is often mentioned on architectural walking tours because of its Art Deco facade.
This afternoon it appears these buildings may have a tentative reprieve. Rex Ball sent along this reassuring note and asked us to pass it along:
I had a reassuring meeting with Henry Kaufman this morning regarding the Kambar/Kaufman Properties in Downtown Tulsa. Of course we particularly discussed demolition and their properties on Main Street. He stated that his plans are flexible at this time and is primarily concentrating on asbestos removal. He had had a chance to review the Tulsa Now Forum and appreciated its input as they wish to get off to a good start on their work in Tulsa.The National Trust for Historic Preservation has been contacted to advise on decisions to be made and that will be addressed once the details of a possible agreement have been solidified.
In addition he assured me that no demolition is planned on the Main Street properties for the immediate future and that proper studies will be conducted for reuse of all their properties. Demolition will only be conducted if and when all other alternatives have been fully explored.
As has been stated in print several times they intend to work towards the creation of a Downtown Tulsa revitalization similar to what they achieved with historical buildings in New York City's Soho District.
Rex Ball 2/04/06
Chalk one up for the good guys! For now.
TulsaNow
Both structures front Main Street and may be familiar to most Tulsans. A mural on the Cordell Building has been a familiar downtown landmark for decades. The Lerner Shops building is often mentioned on architectural walking tours because of its Art Deco facade.
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