A geodesic dome by Buckminster Fuller totally outweights a concrete boxes and metal tubes for hamsters in the middle of downtown any day of the week!

This dome wasn't designed by or build by Buckminster Fuller.


The Gold Dome was designed by Robert B. Roloff of the Oklahoma architecture firm Bailey, Bozalis, Dickinson & Roloff in collaboration with Kaiser Aluminum Corp. The building was based on the geodesic design by noted inventor, architect and engineer Buckminster Fuller.

Does anyone have an idea how many buildings were built with Kaiser Alum gold dome roofs on them?

I hate having a contest between two buildings because it really doesn't matter, but Stage Center is a lot more interesting and unique to me than the dome. Obviously, mileage varies. And we'll probably lose both, unfortunately.


Kerr Center at ECU, Ada, Oklahoma.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Dome_on_2006.12.1.JPG/800px-Dome_on_2006.12.1.JPG

Some history I always wondered about: Kaiser Aluminum Dome (http://www.morleymarkson.com/morleymarkson_website/Kaiser_Aluminum_Dome.html)

No, this developer wants to demolish with no published replacement. Walgreens and CVS exist already on opposite corners here.

I am hearing Walgreen's wants to move across the street to be closer to CVS.

The difference is if the Stage Center gets demolished it will likely be for a new skyscraper. This developer is wanting a Walgreens at the Gold Dome site.
That was a different "Box" and Chris Calhoun who wanted to do that 12-13 years ago. I did preliminary design drawings for the Walgreen's/Bank One on the Gold Dome site back then (much to our dismay). That didn't happen at that time so the Walgreen's went in on the southwest corner instead.


I am hearing Walgreen's wants to move across the street to be closer to CVS.
Whoever told you that is misinformed, the Walgreen's on that corner is maybe 10 years old and most are on 20 year build-to-suit leases.

While I have not been on board with rescuing the Stage Center, I think the Gold Dome is very much integrated into the life of OKC and should be preserved if possible.


A geodesic dome by [Buckminster Fuller][or another architect] totally outweights a concrete boxes and metal tubes for hamsters in the middle of downtown any day of the week!

I'm with youse guys . . . Someone needs to revoke a certain joker's real estate speculation license.
(good description of stage center by the way =)
(is "speculation" another word for "spitting on"? or does it just sound like another word for spitting on?)

I heard it was Rite-Aid

just kidding, i smell the scent of sarcasm...

Tanenbaum owns the Classen. In fact, doesn't he live there?

He does not live in the building. His son used to live in one of the penthouses before moving to Brazil.

Future Of Historic Gold Dome Uncertain - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/21647632/future-of-historic-gold-dome-uncertain)

Future Of Historic Gold Dome Uncertain - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/21647632/future-of-historic-gold-dome-uncertain)

"The City of Oklahoma City has already spent close to a million dollars on the building."

All the more reason to save this historic landmark.

Well, attitudes have set precedent in Oklahoma. If is not what 'I' like then there is NO justification to save anything. If a single dollar can be saved, or earned, from this moment on (prior value or investment does not matter) then there is no justification not to turn into a parking lot - there's money to be made! At least after this site has been recyled to a more 'useful' purpose, those who love the dome can drive to Ada to see that more useful dome - until it is torn down.

He does not live in the building. His son used to live in one of the penthouses before moving to Brazil.

I think that he recently bought a condo in the City Place building on Park & Robinson.

I suspect what makes this area unique is the combination of the 'Buckminister' inspired dome adjacent to the 'FLWright' inspired Classen tower. Together the two make an architectural 'tour de force' - even though both are not originals. 3508

I suspect what makes this area unique is the combination of the 'Buckminister' inspired dome adjacent to the 'FLWright' inspired Classen tower. Together the two make an architectural 'tour de force' - even though both are not originals. 3508

Kind of makes you wonder why a relocated Stage Center is out of the question.

Either this demo application was a really stupid idea or....

this is the smartest PR stunt ever.

What better way to get people interested again in the Gold Dome and its issues than to threaten to tear it down?

I doubt Box ever thought that permit would be approved (considering the history and UDC requirements) but the simple action of filing it makes me think this might have been the smartest thing ever. Lol

"The City of Oklahoma City has already spent close to a million dollars on the building."

All the more reason to save this historic landmark.

Truthfully it is all the more reason to cut the cities losses and squash it. THERE SHOULD BE NOT ONE MORE CENT OF TAXPAYER FUNDS USED TO SAVE THIS STRUCTURE. If private money is not wanting to be involved maybe there is a good reason. Such as it is a financial boondogle.

Either this demo application was a really stupid idea or....

this is the smartest PR stunt ever.

What better way to get people interested again in the Gold Dome and its issues than to threaten to tear it down?

I doubt Box ever thought that permit would be approved (considering the history and UDC requirements) but the simple action of filing it makes me think this might have been the smartest thing ever. Lol

This is similar to my first thought. There has to be a motive other than just bulldozing the building.

Truthfully it is all the more reason to cut the cities losses and squash it. THERE SHOULD BE NOT ONE MORE CENT OF TAXPAYER FUNDS USED TO SAVE THIS STRUCTURE. If private money is not wanting to be involved maybe there is a good reason. Such as it is a financial boondogle.
IIFC, the city LOANED the previous owner the money to rehab the building. The previous owner failed to repay the loan so the building was foreclosed on and auctioned off. When Box bought the building, the city recouped some/all of it's money and everything is square now.

So Box screwed up - he bought a building and discovered that it was going to be a money pit. If it's an inconsequential building and you've got a good alternate use for the site, then bring on the bulldozers and make the best of a bad situation. But this isn't an inconsequential building, it's even on the Historic Register, and he's bringing in the bulldozers as a FIRST resort.

Making the wrong decision will forever remove the building from the OKC landscape and forever ruin his reputation in the eyes of OKC preservationists. He's writing a very bad epitaph for himself. Or he can take his financial lumps, find a buyer and move on. If it's a charitable institution, he might even qualify for a tax deduction.

He's in control, but this is epically stupid.


The Prohibition Room did a good deal of business there. It didn't fail, Irene Lam kicked them out because she thought she could make more money renting the space out for events and that didn't work out for her. It's a neat old building with lots of potential. It's not really in need of serious renovations, except any owner is going to think that middle lobby area is a huge amount of wasted space, and they'd be right.


THIS. This is an incredibly short-sided move by Box. The Dome just lacked good management, and needs a little bit better promotion (Box's speciality). Maybe clean up the sign out front that's falling apart, but the bones of this are good.

Either this demo application was a really stupid idea or....

this is the smartest PR stunt ever.

What better way to get people interested again in the Gold Dome and its issues than to threaten to tear it down?

I doubt Box ever thought that permit would be approved (considering the history and UDC requirements) but the simple action of filing it makes me think this might have been the smartest thing ever. Lol

You know, after reading the story, I wondered the same thing. Note that he said "(They said) we have to go through urban design, and now we have to see if we want to go that route.." (or approximate words to that effect, not intended as an exact quote)...point being he didn't just flat say it was a fait accompli. Lots of free advertising to let other potential buyers the property is available if he's wanting to shed it.

I think that this may be an attempt by the current "owner" of the structure, under "consideration" (e.g.: the gold dome) to package a deal "giving new life to the I-235 corridor" on the south side: An unprecidented move, in the interests of the local common good--involving bulldozing Crossroads Mall--and establishing The OKC Architectural Park on the site! Attractions will include: The Gold Dome w/Adjacent Tower . . . Stage Center . . . and that old "Goodholm Mansion" that used to be over on 4th St., was moved to the fairgrounds, refurbished, then moved out there on NE 23rd Street, in order to get rid of old-timey clutter at the New! Improved!! Fairgrounds . . . and, for the icing on the cake of the plan, successfully completed, the Grand Opening of Le Madeline's!

Negotiations continue, as humbugs fly. The only question remaining is whether Walgreens and CVS will split the cost.

("humbug" is not a bad thing. it helps people buy into their dreams. ~ P.J. Barn'em)
( . . . "not to mention ample parking for independent food trucks" ~ Nuestradamous)

Don't forget Pragmatic Rule Number One: "The 'Developers' ALWAYS Win." =)
(look at the kite-flyin' park by Lake Hefner that was 'sacrificed' to "Louie's" =)


THIS. This is an incredibly short-sided move by Box. The Dome just lacked good management, and needs a little bit better promotion (Box's speciality). Maybe clean up the sign out front that's falling apart, but the bones of this are good.

So . . . is this mysterious "Box" any kin to Irwin? or Stanley? =)
I would wager that the "They" he referred to have names that aren't on my keyboard. =)

Another news article.

Oklahoma historic landmark may soon be demolished - Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/Oklahoma-historic-landmark-may-soon-be-demolished/-/9844716/19330470/-/uq22dfz/-/index.html)

http://www.nndb.com/people/477/000022411/paul-harvey.jpg
and now . . . the rest of the story . . .
real estate moguls in OKC recently opted, co-opted and generously/semi-unselfishly agreed to respect a rusting piece of history (as if aluminum from Kaiser could rust, yeah right)--not frontier city, rather another piece of history--and move/relocate it from its current location at the vibrant corner on NE 23rd (not far from what used to be historic route 66)--to another location on the cusp of the revision of What's What Next (for okc)!

Good deal all around!
(did i forget to say 'kudos' to all involved?)

after that "bombing survivor fund debacle" i'm not sure which way is up.
yet this is a Class(en) Act.

ps: ample sidewalks will be provided in the plan for The I-235 Museum of Architecture (in the vicinity of the former crossroads mall) in order to pacify the non-compliant desires of those previously disappointed by the decisions regarding designs for "a better boulevard/Friends thereof"

The current property owner will carry the burden of all relo expenses involved.
One piece at a time . . . by himself . . . without even a burro.
(that is just the way he/Them is. =)

(with a tip o' the hat t' Willard of Willards Wholesale Roofing Supply from back in the day =)
(Willard? He's the guy who jested/semi-dissed "Spaghetti Warehouse" on the wrong side o' Bricktown. =)
(back in the day . . . sure glad i didn't share his paradigm about stuff. other than the best place to purchase roofing supplies. =)

Oklahoma Gazette News: Gold Dome in trouble (http://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/article-17807-boxed-in.html)

A coworker told me they said on the radio that Box offered to give the gold dome part away to who ever wants is plus $100k but I don't know if that's true. The whole point is that it's a landmark where it is. Not sure if he gets it.

It's incredible how many selfish people "demand" the owner to keep it or whatnot. He bought it and should be able to do with it what he wants. Obviously he bought it at the auction to save it, but has discovered it's cost prohibitive to save. So this makes two entities in the last 10 years try to demolish it so wouldn't you think they would be the ones to know if it could be financially viable to save? Box has been instrumental in buying old properties and renovating them (look at Campus Corner, Bricktown, and Automobile Alley) so if anyone were going to buy and renovate it would be this guy. Who are you to not believe the guy? Put your money where your mouth is or let it go.

Hopefully he gets to tear that eyesore down and recoup some of his $$ in some other manner

He should be required to have both a plan and proof of financing to develop the property before he's allowed to tear it down. It's not even dilapidated.

Read somewhere recently that it can't be used as a bank again (its original purpose) due to some sort of zoning??? Does anyone know any more info? Cant properties be rezoned?

That sounds very false. The zoning there is C-3, I believe. I'd love to see the source of that info...

It's not a zoning issue, it was a restrictive covenant (deed restriction) placed on the sale from JP Morgan Chase.

https://oklahoma.amcad.com/oklahoma/search.do?indexName=okimages&lq=Instrument%3A2006141011

This showed up on the Architects Newspaper blog this morning.

Oklahoma City Developer: Take My Geodesic Dome And Get $100,000! (http://blog.archpaper.com/wordpress/archives/57580)

Guess what I heard was right.

By the way, here's a Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-OKCs-Historic-Gold-Dome/590644714296325

Owner offers to give away the iconic Gold Dome - Oklahoma City - OKC - KOCO.com (http://www.koco.com/Owner-offers-to-give-away-the-iconic-Gold-Dome/-/9844716/19424028/-/wef2c5/-/index.html)

I like the Gold Dome and hope it stays, but it's "in the style of" or "based upon the patented plans of..." someone who made his mark on this country. It's odd that there seems to be a greater outcry for saving it than other buildings we have lost or may lose that were actually designed and built by the noted architects or in one case may have been his seminal work.

Everyone always laments the loss of the Baum or the Biltmore and can never understand what the crazy folks in the 1970s were thinking. Well, they were thinking about leaky roofs, the cost of installing central air in old buildings, and building shiny new developments in their place. Not much has changed really.

I'm okay with getting rid of the Vatican if there is a higher and better use for it (rationally of course...since there are crazies who would love to see the Vatican off the face of the planet). There just is never going to be a higher and better use for the property.

I'm sure there are higher and better uses for the property than the Gold Dome...but let's not tear it down without a viable replacement ready to start immediately.

Yeah the only problem is a shiny new development wont be built in place of the gold dome.

Yeah the only problem is a shiny new development wont be built in place of the gold dome.

This is where the city needs to begin a protocol that it is not okay to demolish a structure without plans in place to replace it. I understand there are legitimate exceptions...the Gold Dome is not one of them.

Maintenance and upkeep is not a good reason to tear down a structure of that size and scope and in that location.

I like the Gold Dome and hope it stays, but it's "in the style of" or "based upon the patented plans of..." someone who made his mark on this country. It's odd that there seems to be a greater outcry for saving it than other buildings we have lost or may lose that were actually designed and built by the noted architects or in one case may have been his seminal work.

Everyone always laments the loss of the Baum or the Biltmore and can never understand what the crazy folks in the 1970s were thinking. Well, they were thinking about leaky roofs, the cost of installing central air in old buildings, and building shiny new developments in their place. Not much has changed really.
Many of those empty lots in downtown have sat vacant or have been nothing more than surface parking lots for 40 years or so. OKC is not NYC, just because you tear a building down doesn't mean a replacement is in the works, history is proof of that as very little of the Pei Plan was actually completed in comparison to what was demolished. Too many developers in OKC have the mentality that it is easier to sell a blank canvas than a lot that has something on it and the property taxes on "unimproved property" is less. I know that was a big problem in Dallas and Austin because of how high property taxes are there.

Tanenbaum was at the auction. He just didn't want to pay as much as David Box did. Box threw out the first bid at $800K, which was much higher than anyone else wanted to bid. Tanenbaum shook Boxs hand and told him "Good Luck" and walked out of the auction. He does not live in the building.
Tanenbaum owns the Classen. In fact, doesn't he live there?

Surely he has a vested interest in what happens next door.

The City didn't "spend" a million on the building. They loaned Irene Lam a million to renovate. She never paid them back. She is still on the hook for the million, though if she hasn't paid in 6 years, I doubt she will start now.
"The City of Oklahoma City has already spent close to a million dollars on the building."

All the more reason to save this historic landmark.

Box says that it will cost too much to renovate the Gold Dome stating $2.3 million, which I believe to be an exaggeration. Yet, to demolish and rebuild something new, would certainly cost as much if not more.

You know, I'm really tired of hearing stories like this. And I'm tired of people around here calling everything an "eyesore". You know what I think is an eyesore? Vacant lots with weeds growing on them.

I agree 100%, Shiroi

Box says that it will cost too much to renovate the Gold Dome stating $2.3 million, which I believe to be an exaggeration. Yet, to demolish and rebuild something new, would certainly cost as much if not more.

Not knowing a thing about renovating a dome like that, $2.3MM sounds on the high side. Lam would have probably turned a profit and been able to fix the place up and run a decent business had she not run off all of her good tenants.

You know, I'm really tired of hearing stories like this. And I'm tired of people around here calling everything an "eyesore". You know what I think is an eyesore? Vacant lots with weeds growing on them.

+1, my friend.

Box says that it will cost too much to renovate the Gold Dome stating $2.3 million, which I believe to be an exaggeration. Yet, to demolish and rebuild something new, would certainly cost as much if not more.


I was thinking the same thing. To demo the Gold Dome and start over with a new development will cost a lot more than it would to restore the place.

It's not a zoning issue, it was a restrictive covenant (deed restriction) placed on the sale from JP Morgan Chase.

https://oklahoma.amcad.com/oklahoma/search.do?indexName=okimages&lq=Instrument%3A2006141011

Can deeds not be re-worked? Why would they put a restriction like that on it in the first place???

That covenant isn't going away. Sellers place restrictions on future use to gain a competative advantage. In this case, by keeping retail banking operations out of that property (and the restriction would apply to any buildings built to replace the Dome), Chase is assured its very close location (22nd and Western) faces less competition.

I was thinking the same thing. To demo the Gold Dome and start over with a new development will cost a lot more than it would to restore the place.
The difference is you could do a larger development, more yield from the property and the possibility of making more money.

Efforts to demolish Gold Dome in Oklahoma City put on hold | News OK (http://newsok.com/efforts-to-demolish-gold-dome-in-oklahoma-city-put-on-hold/article/3771263?custom_click=rss)

Efforts to demolish Gold Dome in Oklahoma City put on hold | News OK (http://newsok.com/efforts-to-demolish-gold-dome-in-oklahoma-city-put-on-hold/article/3771263?custom_click=rss)

For one month...

Sell it to a bank.

Sell it to a bank.

Why would a bank buy a building that can't be used as a bank?

“I really like the building,” Box said. “I'd like to save it. But I feel as if I'm boxed in, I'm in a corner. I'm looking to the city or citizens to help. I bought it at a sheriff's auction. I was the only bidder. It probably wasn't as well thought out as it should have been.”

First off, You're always boxed in.

Second off, No $#!* it wasn't as well thought out as it should have been. That doesn't mean you ought to just get to bring the whole thing down. Maybe if you started the auction like you're supposed to "$1", you could have won the property for half what you paid for it.

This is seriously maddening. The building is massive. Any person with an ounce of imagination could come up with something worth investing $5M to $10M into that building that would make the money back in 15 years or less.

It sits on one of the heaviest trafficked portions in the Urban Core and he's crying woe as me.

I'm always amazed by all the good advice coming from people with no skin in the game... put up (your own capital to do it yourself) or shut up.

The buzz is that Box never really had much intention of saving that building and is hoping to put in an On Cue.

Now, he's going through a PR dance but it's pretty clear to those in the know that his mind is already set.


If there isn't a big uprising and another buyer found soon, I'm afraid this is going to end very badly.

I'm always amazed by all the good advice coming from people with no skin in the game... put up (your own capital to do it yourself) or shut up.

Precisely!!!

The buzz is that Box never really had much intention of saving that building and is hoping to put in an On Cue.

Now, he's going through a PR dance but it's pretty clear to those in the know that his mind is already set.


If there isn't a big uprising and another buyer found soon, I'm afraid this is going to end very badly.

Christe Eleison.

There are no words for how asinine that is.

I'm always amazed by all the good advice coming from people with no skin in the game... put up (your own capital to do it yourself) or shut up.

Because anyone who did their proper due dilligence would realize that it wasnt worth what he paid. He shouldnt be given carte blanche on a historical architectural asset because he overpaid for it.

Im generally for the property owner to be allowed to decide the best use of a piece of property but there are only a handful of important properties like this and the city/powers that be should see to it that he does a little more work on re-purposing the building. And if not...I guess he will just have to take a loss in his "mistake."