400 N. Walnut - renovation / adaptive reuse
This building at 400 N. Walnut is located in Deep Deuce, a largely residential district immediately north of Bricktown.
It was originally constructed for the Oklahoma City Board of Education in 1919.
It has seen a number of uses over the years.
In the 1970's it was purchased by the Opportunities Industrialization Center and used as an alternative education and skills training center.
However, it has been vacant for awhile now.
A few interesting facts about its historical significance:
- It was the first permanent home for the Oklahoma City Schools' Administration
- It's the only remaining building directly related to the original Irving School - built in 1896 - which was Oklahoma City's first high school
- It's one of the few original buildings remaining from the 1890-1920 time period of school construction in Oklahoma City
- It's one of the few original buildings remaining within the Deep Deuce District
- It was designed by Layton & Smith Architects
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=38624&page=7
Recently, a local law firm purchased the 100 year old building to relocate their practice to the downtown area.
They will carry out an extensive renovation that seeks to restore the building to its former glory while updating the interior with modern amenities.
Renderings:
A new rooftop patio/deck will be installed on the top of the 2nd floor (along the south side).
Street trees will be planted along NW 3rd Street and new landscaping/planter beds placed next to the front entry.
This is how the building looked just prior to the beginning of the renovation:
https://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=38624&page=7
Here are a few construction photos courtesy of
Studio Architecture
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuQpuBh...=1kmpssdxsd84d
There are plans to install a historical monument sign on the site.
No word yet on an expected finish date.