TFA Member Appreciation Reception

We're only one week away from the TFA/ModernTulsa Member Appreciation Reception at the Comma House! If you're not a current TFA member or if you need to renew your membership, you can join online here or by calling our office at 583.5550. You will also be able to join/renew at the event. Hope to see you there!

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.

Mod of the Moment II

moderntulsa is excited to announce its second mod of the moment. Join us Sunday March, 28th from 5 – 7 pm for drinks, refreshments, music and modern design at a 1956 Jack Hudson designed mid-century modern home located at the 1546 East 60th street. Located in Tulsa’s Southern Gardens, the house is the sister house of the 1956 Parade of Homes house”The Haven”, just a few doors down. Designed by Jack Hudson and built by Doran Johnson, “The Haven” offered more than comfortable and easy living, it offered safety from bombs and storms as well. The home was built with a reinforced concrete bomb-shelter that served as the hallway from the family and living rooms to the three bedrooms. Sound intriguing join us this Sunday to see it for yourself!

Modern Tulsa would like to thank Aberson Exhibits and Center 1 Market for their generous sponsorship of this event

YMCA Story

Be sure to check out this video featuring TFA board members Shane Hood and Matt King discussing potential reuse possibilities of Tulsa's old YMCA.

Old City Hall Update

(Photo by Bob Hawks, from the TFA Archives, circa 1969)

It appears the Old City Hall and Francis Campbell City Council Building may avoid the wrecking ball after all. If you've seen the article in today's Tulsa World, you already know that the Snyder family, who we have to thank for the renovation of The Mayo Hotel, has made an offer to purchase the Old City Hall building as well as the City Council Building with plans to convert the Old City Hall into a hotel and the Council Building into a restaurant. This is such great news as Preservation Oklahoma named the entire Civic Center Plaza one of Oklahoma's most endangered places just last week. If the Snyder's plan becomes a reality it will be a huge success story for historic preservation in Tulsa as well as another indication that downtown is headed in the right direction. The Snynder's desire to renovate these mid-century buildings, rather than demolish them and start over, speaks volumes about how far preservation in Tulsa has come. It is easy to recognize the importance of a building like the Mayo Hotel, but it takes tremendous vision and an understanding of Tulsa's history to WANT to renovate a building like the Old City Hall, a building that so many people love to hate. Which is not to say it is not equally important as the Mayo Hotel or any of our art deco buildings, because it is just as important. And the fact that a proven developer, such as the Snyders, recognizes this is very encouraging for Tulsa's modern architecture and downtown.

5th Annual White Glove Open House

Mark your calendars and plan to attend the 5th Annual White Glove Open House at the TFA Archives, 321 South Boston, Lower Level 01, on January 19 (Tuesday) from 4:30-7:30 p.m. We will have light refreshments and encourage you to bring a friend – this event is free and open to the public.

We will be celebrating the award of the prestigious Save America’s Treasures grant in the amount of $150,000 to preserve and conserve our special collections. The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture is thrilled to be the recipient of this very competitive grant and wants to share our enthusiasm with you, our supporters, and those who have entrusted the more than 35,000 architectural drawings, bound periodicals, books, and artifacts to our care.

Sixth Annual Foundation Awards

The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture will host the Sixth Annual Foundation Awards on Thursday, October 29th from 5 - 7 PM in the Penthouse at the Mayo Hotel and Luxury Residences, 115 W. 5th St, 18th Floor. There will be free street parking available and valet parking at the Mayo Motor Inn for a nominal fee. The Mayo Hotel and Luxury Residences is the receipent of this year's Foundation Landmark Award and Jack Frank is the receipent of this year's Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. Due to space limitations, please RSVP at 583.5550. You may also purchase tickets online here.