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Dowell Center

Coordinates: 35°28′17″N 97°31′50″W / 35.47139°N 97.53056°W / 35.47139; -97.53056
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Dowell Center
Map
General information
StatusCompleted
TypeOffice
Location134 Robert S. Kerr Avenue,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Coordinates35°28′17″N 97°31′50″W / 35.47139°N 97.53056°W / 35.47139; -97.53056
Opening1927
Height
Roof243 ft (74 m)
Technical details
Floor count20
Design and construction
Architect(s)Layton & Forsyth[1]
Main contractorJ. W. Mann
References
[2]

The Dowell Center is a 20-story skyscraper in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Construction on the original 18-story tower began in 1926, and was completed in 1927. The tower's footprint was doubled and two stories added in 1964 by then owner Kerr-McGee Corporation. The Dowell Center comprises more than 205,000 ft2 (19,045 m2) and is located adjacent to Kerr Park.

History

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Originally planned as a ten-story structure during Oklahoma City's early century building boom[3] by Oklahoma City general contractor J. W. Mann. Designed as the first building to appeal to Oklahoma City's oil fraternity the building the 18-story Petroleum Building broke ground in 1926 and was completed in 1927.[4] At the time it was the tallest building in Oklahoma City.[4] Financial difficulties developed and in 1934 ownership of the building changed through a $500,000 federal court foreclosure and was later sold to R. D. Cravens and Associates in 1946.[5] The Petroleum Building was sold again in 1952 to Kerr-McGee Oil Co.[4] who would rename it the Republic Building in 1953 after its tenant Republic Supply Co[6] and use it as additional space for the oil company and other Kerr-McGee interests.[4] In 1962 Kerr-McGee began a significant expansion of the newly christened Kermac Building that would see the structure double its east/west foot print and add 2 stories.[7] The expansion reportedly cost $4 million and took 2 years to complete.[8]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Nichols, Max (2009-06-28). "Downtown History Preserved In Photos". The Oklahoman. Oklahoma City. Retrieved 2009-06-28.
  2. ^ "Dowell Center, Oklahoma City | 122543". Emporis. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved 2022-05-03.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. ^ "Building Boom Still Growing". The Oklahoman. 21 February 1925. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d Young, Jim (26 November 1952). "Building Brings $1 Million Plus". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  5. ^ "R. D. Cravens, Associates Buy 18-Story Petroleum Building". The Oklahoman. 28 March 1946. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  6. ^ "18-Story Building Has New Name". The Oklahoman. 17 April 1953. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  7. ^ "Kerr-McGee Gives Contract For New 20 Story Building". The Oklahoman. 5 January 1962. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  8. ^ "Kerr-McGee Keeping Up With Rapid Growth". The Oklahoman. 19 April 1964. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
Preceded by Tallest Buildings in Oklahoma City
1927—1931
74m
Succeeded by