Oklahoma Modern

Friday, October 26, 2007

This site is the realization of an idea that's been festering for a few years now. Throughout my life I've collected quite a few images of Oklahoma's modern landscape. Occasionally a search for sites devoted to such topics would turn up little if anything. This morning I finally decided to sit down and start creating a space to share my images and observations with you.

Since childhood I've been fascinated by contemporary architecture and design. Although I've never "architected" anything bigger than a doghouse, I constantly drew buildings and floorplans as a kid. One of my favorite toys was a second-hand Super City building set.

I do not profess to be an expert in this field. By profession I am not an architect or a journalist or a photographer. I apologize in advance for any inaccuracies, foibles, rumors or untruths I may spread. My aim here is to share my views on these unique places– and sometimes that may include the story as I've heard it, as I know it. But I have found that sometimes the legends accompanying these structures are as interesting as the buildings themselves.

Despite what many Americans might perceive as an oxymoron, there actually is a Modern Oklahoma. Over time I hope to document the modern buildings and design I have found in and around my home state. Some still standing, some not so fortunate.

I hope you enjoy it.

Rex and Jackie Brown during a Christmas visit to the Oklahoma Capitol

Labels: preservation

At December 18, 2007 5:13 PM , archutah said...: Hi Rex and Jackie:

Looking forward to Tulsa in 2008 for the Trust conference. Any chance you can put First Christian Church in OKC on our your list? That is if it still exists. My uncle (Fred Pojezny) was the architect for that building as well as a number of others that you may run across that are of modern vintage. I would love to see more of them documented here and discussed. Thanks for starting this great site!

Kirk Huffaker
Salt Lake City, Utah
At December 21, 2007 5:49 PM , Lynne said...: Rex and Jackie,

I've been wanting to do a site like this for a long time but never have, so kudos to you for taking action. I hope to see a lot more photos from you!

And, Kirk, the First Christian Church is still in OKC. My grandfather, R. Duane Conner, and your uncle, Fred Pojezny, comprised the firm that designed the church and other area buildings.

There are a few buildings on the First Christian Church campus that are endangered, unfortunately. One is the Youth Center that your uncle designed in 1964, I think. Another is a church office building that is a great mid-century building -- your uncle may have designed that building, too, but I'm not sure.

The church recently sold several acres (where these buildings stand) for development, and I think that they are going to be history, unfortunately.

I've been doing a lot of research (newspaper archives, old magazine articles, historical societies, etc.) trying to find and photograph buildings that my grandfather designed and have found several that your uncle designed after their firm dissolved in the late '50s. If you don't have a list, I'll be happy to send you what I have, and I'd appreciate any information you may have, as well. You can contact me at the email address below.

Thanks again, Rex and Jackie, for putting together such a great site.

Lynne Rostochil
Oklahoma City, OK
lrostochil@cox.net
At December 21, 2007 7:04 PM , Rex Brown said...: I'm familiar with the building. I have some photos but they were taken on a cloudy day and don't do it justice.

Thanks for stopping by.
At April 18, 2008 5:40 PM , Cristina said...: Hi - we actually live behind the First Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Thanks for putting this site together - there are quite a few houses in Oklahoma City from the mid century period.

If you are interested in mid-century architecture in Oklahoma you should look in April's edition of Metropolitan Home. The home of Cara and Robert Barnes in Oklahoma City was featured. They have perfectly restored the home and are in contact with the architect who is in his 80s.

http://www.pointclickhome.com/image/tid/3532?page=0

Also, you may enjoy visiting the archives of Oklahoma Today - there is an entire issue on "modern architecture" from 1958 - I am not sure how many of the buildings survive but there are some wonderful photos - here's the link

http://digital.library.okstate.edu/oktoday/1950s/1958/oktdv8n4.pdf
At March 31, 2009 10:22 AM , Lynne Rostochil said...: Rex and Jackie,

In case you haven't heard, there is going to be an exhibit of photographs at the OKC Museum of Art by legendary photographer, Julius Shulman, beginning April 30. During his long career, Shulman came to OK frequently to photograph some of our state's best and most innovative architecture, and the exhibit will be devoted exclusively to his Oklahoma photos. There will also be an architectural tour of buildings that Shulman photographed (May 2nd) and a panel discussion about modernism in OK on May 3rd. Go to okcmoa.com for more information.

Hope to see you there!
At December 3, 2009 9:50 PM , Mark said...: Rex & Jackie -

Thanks for this well executed site. The photography is outstanding!

I recently moved back to Tulsa after over 30 years away, and am interested in preserving our unique architectural treasures.

Rex, I grew up on N. Florence Place - right near the LUSTRON on N. Harvard. I attended Celia Clinton as a Kindergartener and 1st grader in 1965 and 1966. Any chance our paths crossed as children??
At December 11, 2009 2:07 PM , Rex Brown said...: Thanks!

"I grew up on N. Florence Place - right near the LUSTRON on N. Harvard."

Wow. Yes, that's quite possible. My old stomping grounds were a little further west so I attended Springdale.
At March 10, 2010 7:47 PM , Brenda said...: Hi,
Did you see "A Single Man" with Colin Firth? I was wowed by the house in the film. I've since discovered that it exists in L.A., is by architect John Lautner and is for sale for $1.5 million. MCM fans should see the film. Enjoy this clip from a documentary of his work. The house is featured first in the clip. http://www.infinitespacethemovie.com/
I've read that he studied under Wright and knew of Goff's work, reportedly acusing Goff of "stretching material and structural innovations to inhuman lengths." Ironic, since he certainly seemed to do the same. That's about the only Oklahoma connection I can make with this comment.
Brenda Johnston
Oklahoma City
At June 11, 2010 4:29 PM , Brett J. Logan, IIDA said...: There is an open house at the Robert Lawton Jones House in Tulsa on Thursday, June 24th from 2-7:30pm. Bob Jones was a principal of Murray Jones Murray which was responsible for some of Oklahoma's most iconic modern structures. This house is a classic example of the International Style and has recently been renovated. Location: 1916 East 47th Street, Tulsa, OK
At July 8, 2010 12:22 PM , Amanda said...: I have a modern home I recently purchased in Edmond, and I'm trying to figure out who the architect was. Do you know who could help?
At July 8, 2010 1:47 PM , Rex Brown said...: "I have a modern home I recently purchased in Edmond..."

Congratulations Amanda!

There are a couple of resources I would suggest. If you have a photo you can share I'd suggest contacting Lynne Rostochil or the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. Good luck!