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 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 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 renovation of this building was an important milestone in preservation in Tulsa. It demonstrated how successfully such historic buildings could be rehabilitated and utilized. This represents a nationwide trend toward preservation and, hopefully, other buildings adjacent to the Depot in Tulsa can capitalize on such renovations.
The Tulsa Union Depot is one of the "happy ending stories" of Tulsa's Art Deco buildings. R. C. Stephens, but building's architect was the chief architect of the Frisco Railroad.
Like the Tulsa Fire Alarm building, Tulsa Union Depot fits into the "PWA Moderne" style of Art Deco. It's simple lines but monumental feel are typical of this style of architecture.
Also fitting with Art Deco, the building has a "theme" which is found throughout the building's decoration. Union Depot's theme is derived from Native American art, something common in Tulsa. The depot served as a stop for passenger trains until 1967.
Looters took everything they could reach: marble, chandeliers, etched glass. Nothing was left below eight feet. In 1982, the Williams Companies chose to renovate it for office space. They hired the original contractors for the building, Manhattan Construction, to work on the renovation.
Current News
Chuck Cissel, CEO of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame, announced today, that one of Tulsa's downtown landmarks, the Union Depot Building, will be the new home of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. The Tulsa County Board of Commissioners is purchasing the Union Depot Building, located in downtown Tulsa, as part of the Tulsa Vision 2025 project. The new "free standing" Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is being purchased from William Cos. for $2.2 million, from the $4 million the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame received from the Vision 2025 project. The remaining funds will be used to construct a performance hall, which will be a multi-purpose space for concerts, corporate and private events. Also, the new Jazz Hall will provide office space for staff, a museum gallery and room space for seminars and business meetings. In addition, the Jazz Hall will offer public tours of the jazz museum, and also offer historical information of the Union Depot Building. The Jazz Hall of Fame will create a new rehearsal space for the youth jazz ensemble and vocal ensemble. The Tulsa Union Depot building has 44 ,939 square feet.
According to Cissel, "The new Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame will be a cultural and historic destination for tourists from around the world and for Oklahomans to enjoy. We are tremendously excited to have this opportunity to serve the city of Tulsa and the state of Oklahoma with quality arts programming and in such an incredibly important landmark building. We will bring life to this new Jazz Hall and help to create an attraction for great music, historic architecture and an educational facility of national and international stature. Our efforts are to educate visitors about Oklahoma's rich jazz heritage and tradition, and the impact these artists have made on the music landscape of America. We will be providing various reasons for people of all backgrounds to visit the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame Museum, whether it be a concert, attend a workshop, purchase a gift, tour the museum, attend a corporate event or celebration, and so much more."
The Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame is a 501 © 3, nonprofit, cultural and educational organization located at 322 North Greenwood Avenue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It exists to provide a system in and for the State of Oklahoma to preserve, promote and illuminate the true art forms of jazz, blues and gospel music; also identify, document and honor the artists who have made significant contributions locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to its development. Additionally, the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame promotes educational learning, group and private training, dance and music classes, performances and cultural events with and on behalf of disadvantaged youth of all races, creeds, religions and ethnic heritage and provides scholarships to graduating students. For additional information or directions to the Jazz Hall of Fame, please contact the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame at (918) 596-1001
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