Meet ModernTulsa

Think Art Deco is the only architecture Tulsa has to offer? Think again. Tulsa’s collection of Mid-Century Modern architecture is just as impressive as the classic buildings from the Roaring Twenties. So often, post war modernism is easily misunderstood and dismissed as “too new” to be considered historic, when in fact most mid-century buildings are nearing the standard 50-year-old mark, if they haven’t already.

You’ll have an opportunity to view images and architectural drawings of some of Tulsa’s best modern architecture on Thursday, August 26 from 5:30pm-8:30pm. Modern Tulsa, an organization of the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture, will host Meet ModernTulsa at the TFA archives in the Kennedy Building, 321 S. Boston. On display will be architectural drawings, renderings, photographs, and architectural periodicals celebrating Tulsa’s mid-century architecture. The evening will also serve as an opportunity to get to know the people behind Modern Tulsa working to preserve Tulsa’s recent past. Meet and mingle with others interested in Tulsa’s modern architecture, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine, browse the archives, toast the modern gems we’ve lost and celebrate the survivors.

Charles Ward's Comma House

Charles Ward designed the "Comma House" as his personal residence in 1963. The mid-century modern house is located at 7007 S. Delaware Pl. on a large, three-acre lot. Known as the Comma House because of its unusual shape, the home features four bedrooms and three bathrooms off a curved hallway with the circular theme repeated in the round living room. The home features many built-ins and a balcony off the living room with a great view to the southwest. The house was featured in the Tulsa Tribune's "Tulsans at Home" section back in 1964. Mr. Ward lived in the house until a few years ago when local preservationist Marty Newman purchased the home and placed historic easements on the property, ensuring that it will be preserved.

Are you interested in seeing this truly one-of-a-kind, mid-century modern home for yourself? Well, you're in luck! The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture/Modern Tulsa will be holding a TFA member appreciation reception at the Comma House on May 14, 5:30-8:30. Not only will you be able to enjoy the house, but Mr. Ward will also be there to say a few words about the design and history of the house and answer questions. TFA will also be honoring Mr.Ward for his contributions to Tulsa's built environment. The reception is free for current TFA members. So, if you're not a member or if you need to renew your membership, you can join online here, by calling 583-5550, or by paying at the event.

Living in HiFi: Lortondale Home Tour

"Living in HiFi" will be an annual modern home tour hosted by the Modern Tulsa committee of the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. Focused on mid-century modern residential architecture, the tour will seek to promote an awareness and the preservation of this oft-overlooked and dismissed style of architecture. 

"Living in HiFi" will premiere June 13th in the historic Lortondale Neighborhood. 
Designed and built in 1954 by Tulsa duo Donald Honn (architect) and Howard Grubb (builder), the Lortondale Neighborhood was the recipient of a multitude of national design awards. The neighborhood was featured in an array of magazines including House and Home and Better Homes and Gardens. 

In recent years Lortondale has experienced something of a rebirth. A new generation of homeowners, interested in modern design, are snapping up the houses just as fast as they come on the market. After decades of neglect, many of the houses in the neighborhood are being restored to their former modern glory. Most importantly, the Lortondale Community is experiencing the same restoration. 

This year's tour seeks to convey the energy that is the Lortondale Neighborhood today. Featured are 6 houses in various stages of completion. From the beginning stages of a restoration to a virtually complete example of HiFi-modern bliss, this tour of Lortondale will show you what all the buzz is about. 

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day-of. The tour will take place from 5:30 - 8:30 with an after party lasting from 8:30 -? 

Tickets are available for purchase at the following locations: 

Dwelling Spaces 
119 South Detroit 

Urban Furnishings 
3636 South Peoria 

Ida Red 
3346 South Peoria 

TFA Architectural Archives 
321 South Boston, Suite #LL01