Dowell Center

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.

Dowell Center
General information
StatusComplete
TypeOffice
Location134 Robert S. Kerr Avenue,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Coordinates35°28′17″N 97°31′50″W
Opening1927
Height
Roof243 ft (74 m)
Technical details
Floor count20
Design and construction
ArchitectLayton & Forsyth[1]
References
[2]

History

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]

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See also
Preceded by
100 Park Avenue Building		 Tallest Buildings in Oklahoma City
1927—1931
74m		 Succeeded by
City Place

References
  1. Nichols, Max (2009-06-28). "Downtown History Preserved In Photos". The Oklahoman. Oklahoma City. Retrieved 2009-06-28.
  2. http://www.emporis.com/building/dowellcenter-oklahomacity-ok-usa
  3. "Building Boom Still Growing". The Oklahoman. 21 February 1925. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  4. 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.


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