320 South Boston Building
| Company type | Office building |
|---|---|
| Industry | Commercial real estate |
| Founded | 1917 |
| Headquarters | Tulsa , United States |
Area served | Tulsa, Oklahoma |
| Products | Office space |
The 320 South Boston Building, once known as the National Bank of Tulsa Building, is a 22-story high-rise located in the heart of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. Originally constructed in 1917 as a ten-story headquarters for the Exchange National Bank of Tulsa, it underwent an expansion in 1929 that brought it to its present height of 400 feet (122 m). At that time, it held the distinction of being Oklahoma’s tallest structure. Although it was surpassed in height in 1931, it remained the tallest building in Tulsa until the Fourth National Bank building (currently the Bank of America Center) was completed in 1967. This building is included within the Oil Capital Historic District.
Description and history
Situated on a full city block along Boston Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets, this structure was designed in the Beaux Arts architectural style by Oscar Wenderoth of the Chicago-based firm Weary & Alford Company. The exterior showcases brickwork accented with terra cotta detailing, with the first two floors entirely faced in terra cotta. The main tower recedes at the 20th floor, surmounted by a two-story arcade and a temple-like section topped with a cupola. For many years, the cupola was outfitted with floodlights that changed color to communicate weather conditions—green indicating fair skies and red warning of storms.
In 1933, when Exchange National Bank reorganized as the National Bank of Tulsa, the building’s name was updated accordingly until the institution became Bank of Oklahoma (BOK). BOK moved to its new headquarters at BOK Tower in 1977, after which this building reverted to its original name, 320 South Boston Building, and has since functioned primarily as office space. Among its notable occupants is Hall Estill, recognized as one of Oklahoma’s largest law firms.
In 1949, Tulsa television station KOTV installed its initial transmitter on the rooftop and broadcasted from this location until a taller transmission tower was erected in 1954. During the installation process, a wrench accidentally fell from the roof and tragically struck a pedestrian below.
A longstanding local legend suggested that this tower was intended as a mooring mast for Zeppelin airships and was even used by a U.S. Navy airship during the 1930s; however, this claim has been disproven. The building’s weather beacon remained an iconic feature, using flashing red lights to alert residents of impending storms.
Architect George Winkler, known for his work on the Mayo Hotel, also played a role in shaping this landmark’s design.
See also
External links
- Articles with short description
- Bank buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Oklahoma
- Buildings and structures in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Historic district contributing properties in Oklahoma
- National Register of Historic Places in Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Office buildings completed in 1917
- Skyscraper office buildings in Tulsa, Oklahoma