Philtower Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Philtower
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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The Philtower (center) set against several other downtown Tulsa buildings
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 Location in Oklahoma
Location in the United States
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| Location | 427 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa, Oklahoma |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | Keen & Simpson; Delk, Edward Buehler |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002032 |
| Added to NRHP | August 29, 1979 |
The Philtower Building is a historic skyscraper located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is a well-known landmark in the city. This tall building was completed in 1928.
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About the Philtower Building
The Philtower Building was designed by an architect named Edward Buehler Delk. A rich oilman and generous giver, Waite Phillips, paid for its construction. The building's construction was overseen by architects Keene & Simpson.
A Gift to the Boy Scouts
In 1941, Waite Phillips gave the Philtower Building to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He also gave them most of his Philmont Scout Ranch and Villa Philmonte. The money earned from the Philtower Building helped support the Philmont Scout Ranch. In 1977, the Boy Scouts sold the building to a group of local investors. This group, called The Philtower LLC, owns the building today.
Building Style and Features
The Philtower Building shows off two cool styles of architecture. It has elements of Gothic Revival architecture, which looks a bit like old castles or churches. It also features Art Deco designs, which were popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The Tulsa Preservation Commission says the building is a great example of the Gothic Revival style.
One special part of the building is its roof. It is sloped and covered with tiles that light up at night. Waite Phillips's old office on the 21st floor has been kept just as it was.
What's Inside the Philtower?
The Philtower was first built as an office building. But in 2004, something new happened. Floors 12 through 20 were changed into loft apartments. This made the Philtower Tulsa's first "mixed-use" skyscraper. This means it has both offices and homes inside. The building has 24 floors in total and stands 323 feet tall.
Historic Recognition
The Philtower Building is very important to history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This list includes places that are important to American history. It was also included in the Oil Capital Historic District in 2010. This district highlights buildings important to Tulsa's oil history.
