Gold Dome
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Architecture / Commercial real estate |
| Founded | 1958 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States |
| Headquarters | Oklahoma City , United States |
Area served | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
| Products | Commercial building, former bank facility |
The Gold Dome is a notable geodesic dome situated in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, recognized as an iconic structure along Route 66. Constructed in 1958 at the intersection of NW 23rd Street and North Classen Boulevard, it gained eligibility for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Design and construction
Construction of the Gold Dome commenced in 1958 under Citizens State Bank, marking it as the fifth geodesic dome built worldwide and the first to serve as a banking facility. The design, developed by Bailey, Bozalis, Dickinson, and Roloff, was inspired by Buckminster Fuller's geodesic dome principles and consists of 625 panels covering a diameter of . The interior space encompasses roughly 27,000 square feet. The project represented an investment close to $1 million.
History
In 1998, Oklahoma City introduced revised zoning regulations for NW 23rd Street, including the area surrounding the Gold Dome, aiming to protect its distinct architectural style and commercial heritage along Route 66. These regulations mandated approval from a design review board prior to any demolition or alterations of buildings.
By July 2001, Bank One—then the property's owner—sought authorization to demolish the Gold Dome, citing its large size and an estimated $1.7 million needed for renovation. The bank intended to sell the site to Walgreens for establishing a pharmacy near rival Eckerd.
In response, a group named "Citizens for the Golden Dome" emerged to advocate for the building's preservation, calling for landmark zoning and listing on the National Register. In August 2001, Bank One presented alternative proposals such as constructing a smaller adjacent facility and allowed a sixty-day window for potential buyers to appear.
Despite being less than fifty years old, the State Historic Preservation Office recognized the building as eligible for landmark designation. Blue Stuff, a company from Bethany seeking expanded office space, became a preservation contender and challenged Bank One's repair cost estimates.
Preservation supporters organized activities including picketing, marches, and even composed a song celebrating the dome. Sonic Drive-In restaurants contributed by providing billboard advertising urging cessation of demolition plans.
By December 2001, Bank One postponed demolition plans until January but intended to proceed with selling to Walgreens if no alternative buyer was found. The bank offered assistance in relocating the dome structure elsewhere. Subsequently, Gold Dome LLC was established to secure funding aimed at saving the building.
As of April 2011, owner Irene Lam had defaulted on loans secured by HUD as well as property tax payments. The Oklahoma City Council stepped in to manage loan repayments during that period. Following foreclosure by Bank7, the property was auctioned in September 2012 and acquired by local developer David Box for $800,000. Although initially opposed to demolition, Box applied for a demolition permit in March 2013; however, this request was denied by city authorities.
In June 2013, TEEMCO—a firm specializing in environmental engineering based in Edmond—announced intentions to renovate the Gold Dome for its workforce of 65 employees. Planned features included large aquariums and interactive digital displays. Nonetheless, by March 2015 financial difficulties linked to declining oil prices forced TEEMCO to relinquish ownership and list the property for sale again.
Land Run Commercial Properties purchased the building in May 2015 for $1.1 million and submitted a $2.5 million permit application in August 2016 aimed at transforming it into a Natural Grocers store while maintaining the dome’s architectural integrity.
In 2021, Land Run began discussions with TempleLive—an operator of live music venues located within historic Masonic temples—to explore converting the Gold Dome into a concert venue.
See also
- Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, located in Reno, Nevada, features a comparable dome and is listed on the NRHP
External links
- Bank buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Oklahoma
- Buildings and structures in Oklahoma City
- Geodesic domes
- Commercial buildings completed in 1958
- Tourist attractions in Oklahoma City
- U.S. Route 66 in Oklahoma
- Modern Movement architecture
- National Register of Historic Places in Oklahoma City