Tulsa Union Depot
3 South Boston Avenue
Built: 1931
GPS
N 36 09.362
W 95 59.437
This variegated Bedford stone depot, designed by R. C. Stephens,
was completed in 1931. The exterior of this impressive example of Art Deco
Architecture reveals the inspiration of machinery as a theme for geometric
designs. The desire for machine-like geometric clarity evident in this building
became something of a mania in the 1930s. The Depot serviced as many as
thirty-six trains a day in its prime. However, rail travel diminished as the
years rolled by and need for the Depot’s services decreased. It ceased operation
in 1967.
The Depot stood vacant and neglected for years. Then, in 1983, the deteriorating
structure, including the caved-in roof, was restored and adapted for
contemporary uses. The original interior was skillfully preserved and integrated
into office space. The walls, moldings and medallions on the ceiling were
restored to their original colors.
The renovation of this building was an important milestone in preservation in
Tulsa. It demonstrated how successfully such historic buildings could be
rehabilitated and utilized. Building further on this concept of adaptive reuse,
the Depot was rehabilitated in 2007 to become the home of the Oklahoma Jazz Hall
of Fame, complete with gallery and performance space.
the short description was prepared by the Tulsa Preservation Commission
Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame
Jazz Depot
interior
where the trains ran
former rail platform
where the passengers boarded the trains
