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One step forward two steps back... This is from today's Journal Record:


Sign of the times
City officials are considering bulldozing a historic but long shuttered movie theater and beauty salon that are two of the last remaining relics of segregation here. A few small trees are growing out of the barrel-vaulted roof of the Jewel Theater at 904 NE Fourth St. and its brick façade is crumbling, but a red neon sign still hangs over the sidewalk. The Oklahoma City Council is expected to vote Tuesday on whether to declare the Jewel a dilapidated structure, as well as the old Ora’s Beauty Salon building next door at 830 NE Fourth St. Both buildings would be slated for eventual demolition should the City Council approve.

The theater there, the Jewel, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It would be a shame if it were to be bulldozed. Ora's beauty salon may well be eligible also, it has not been nominated. I sure hope it is not too late for these two buildings.

Are these other building for sale?

The theater there, the Jewel, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It would be a shame if it were to be bulldozed. Ora's beauty salon may well be eligible also, it has not been nominated. I sure hope it is not too late for these two buildings.

With trees growing out of the roof that doesn't make the theater sound too salvageable.

Even if a building "needs" to be demolished, I can't believe that somebody thinks that this is an appropriate time, or that they don't feel like they will get any heat for doing it in the middle of so many other demolitions lately. The sad thing is that there probably won't be any flack, maybe SR was our last big stand and now we're all going to sit on our hands while dozens of other great historic buildings are razed.

What doesn't make sense, even more than including this in the current slate, is the location and timing. This area is hardly urgent or high-priority. They're just demo-drunk at City Hall right now.

I don't understand what you're talking about, Spartan. If a building is not salvageable and "needs" to be demolished and the city decides to do so, how does that make them "demo-drunk"? Why is the timing bad if something needs to go? What possible advantage would there be to waiting and demolishing it later? Would you prefer that it be left for vagrants to break into and possibly start a fire? Why is the location a problem?

Would you prefer that it be left for vagrants to break into and possibly start a fire?

LOL. What?!?

I don't understand what you're talking about, Spartan. If a building is not salvageable and "needs" to be demolished and the city decides to do so, how does that make them "demo-drunk"? Why is the timing bad if something needs to go? What possible advantage would there be to waiting and demolishing it later? Would you prefer that it be left for vagrants to break into and possibly start a fire? Why is the location a problem?

I totally agree. If the building is gone then it needs to go. On the other hand if it is salvagable then we should try to save it. then there is the issue of someone that is willing to step up and spend the money on saving a building that will cost more to save than it is worth. I guess you could use the same approach as they didi when they "saved the Center Theater" for the Art museum. Leave 3 walls standing and tear down the rest. Don't get me me wromng, I love the Art Museum, it is just a good example of a building that cost more to restore than rebuild.

I just got back from shootings hundreds of photos of both properties... I went inside the smaller one, despite the trespassing warning. It's totally trashed. There's an area between that building and one next to it, and homeless people have been living there. There's a tree that's practically growing out of the side between the two, and people were crawling through the window and living there. Beer bottles and cans everywhere. I'll let the photos explain it better.

The Jewel Theater has trees growing all on the roof, literally. On the west side, there's a partial collapse of the top of the roof and a pile of rubble. Couldn't see the inside of it.

Those were the main things I shot because I wanted to get photos before Tuesday. I took some of the actual Morgan building. I wasn't too happy of the cloud cover today. Did what I could do. I'll put them up when they get uploaded.

I don't understand what you're talking about, Spartan. If a building is not salvageable and "needs" to be demolished and the city decides to do so, how does that make them "demo-drunk"? Why is the timing bad if something needs to go? What possible advantage would there be to waiting and demolishing it later? Would you prefer that it be left for vagrants to break into and possibly start a fire? Why is the location a problem?

You need to stop looking at one demolition at a time.

March 10 2012

Ora’s Beauty Salon

http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157629555122401/

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Unfortunately it appears the beauty salon building probably is beyond salvaging. The trashed interior could probably been cleaned up or gutted. With the tree roots likely impinging on the foundation and the cracks in the brickwork, it is likely the structure is unstable - certainly not plumb any more. Sometimes you just can't save what may have been a neat building in the past.

March 10 2012

Jewel Theatre

http://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhider/sets/72157629555145309/

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I mean...trees growing out of a building...Isn't that the definition of Green?

If those walls could talk, I wonder the stories they'd tell...

If those walls could talk, I wonder the stories they'd tell...Many of them would say, "put me out of my misery".

If those walls could talk, I wonder the stories they'd tell...

They would say, "Look at me, I'm a talking wall."

The hospital complex, or an organization acting on its behalf, has already been buying up properties in this area. I have been keeping an eye on this neighborhood for a couple of years and just within the last year and a half, a lot of structures have come down and the land cleared. Curious, I went to the county assessor's records to see if there had been any changes. A lot of properties in that area have been recently purchased by PHF Redevelopment, LLC at 655 Research Parkway (right across Lincoln). PHF is most likely Presbyterian Health Foundation. Also, Arthur Hurst, owner of the Jewel, just got a letter out of the blue from the city about his building, so I wonder if PHF is leaning on the city to get the property?

This is all my speculation of course, but I think there is something going on in this area.

Here is the Jewel in 2005: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonbondy/5500315/

Here is the sign from the beauty shop: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25726169@N03/3231811596/

Recent News 9 story: http://www.news9.com/story/17125016/a-jewel-in-the-rough-or-dilapidated

Sorry, maybe this should go in a separate Jewel Theater thread?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_evil_one/4151670502/

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2638/4151670502_214e6e7749_o.jpg

You need to stop looking at one demolition at a time.

I disagree. I think that's exactly what we should be doing.

Were you out shooting photos this morning about 9 Will? I saw someone doing so when I was going to work, as I decided to drive by and see which buildings were for sale. I think something should be done to preserve those buildings.

I"m totally for preservation betts, but the buildings with trees growing out of them would basically have to be torn down and reconstructed. I don't see much that could be saved.

The bigger question here is how can we prevent great old buildings from getting to this point?

Seems like this might be a logical progression: 1) the city actually requiring owners to keep their property up to code; 2) if owners don't/can't respond, city takes property through condemnation / eminent domain before they become a pubic nuisance; 3) the new version of OCURA promotes properties to sell to new owners at reasonable prices.

I know the city doesn't do anything about buildings unless someone reports them.

Perhaps we could create a list of key properties and divide up responsibility for keeping watch and reporting any violations.

The problem is, if there isn't a process to take back and resell, then it won't matter anyway.

I disagree. I think that's exactly what we should be doing.

...until you look back and realize in what a short span we've torn down dozens of buildings, easily matching urban renewal. When you're realizing such a grim general trend, then you need to reevaluate.

I"m totally for preservation betts, but the buildings with trees growing out of them would basically have to be torn down and reconstructed.

How do you know this - do you have information about the structural condition, or are you going off what you see in the pictures? From the pictures alone, those trees look fairly superficial to me.

The trees themselves don't look like much, but how far do the roots go? It looks like someone has already tried keeping the walls from falling down if you look at the East side.

I've seen buildings a lot worse than those restored, though. Remember what the houses on 9th St. looked like before they were renovated? And my son's neighborhood in Jacksonville has some incredibly dilapidated houses that have been restored, because it's an historic district.

I know the city doesn't do anything about buildings unless someone reports them.

Perhaps we could create a list of key properties and divide up responsibility for keeping watch and reporting any violations.

The problem is, if there isn't a process to take back and resell, then it won't matter anyway. they rarely do anything AFTER you report them.

Which probably means someone wants them, whether it's the University, someone wanting to build housing or something else. Speaking of housing, the empty school would make amazing housing. A lot of the residents and students live in apartments significantly farther away, so there is a market.

Thanks for the pictures of those two buildings, UnFrSaKn. I drove by today and saw all the trees coming out of The Jewel. There are a few in there. I didn't get out of my car so didn't see the inside detail of the salon that you did. It always saddens me to see buildings in such a state. I know the owner was (and is!) proud to have The Jewel on the National Register.

Interesting discussion on how to keep important historic buildings in a more stable condition. I am interested in this and would like to be involved. Some states have given local governments the authority to fix up such buildings, Oklahoma is not one of them. The state has given cities the authority to demolish structures and place a lien on the property for the cost+, so that is what gets done.

The trees themselves don't look like much, but how far do the roots go? It looks like someone has already tried keeping the walls from falling down if you look at the East side.

That's what I'm wondering. It all depends on how mature the tree's root structure is, and whether it can be uprooted without compromising the structural integrity of the building. You're almost assuredly going to have to knock a hole in the wall, which may or may not be a major obstacle depending on how big of a hole. One thing that is definitely inappropriate however is to condemn the building as early as the message board topic phase.

NW 9th Street is an incredibly valid mantra in cases like this...

As bad as they are, I promise those buildings are in no worse shape (probably better than) the less-remarkable buildings on 9th that now house Pachinko Parlor, Shop Good and Sara Sara Cupcake. Preservation just requires "want-to". That, and money.

I am not under the impression that 9th Street broke the bank for Steve Mason?

You mean it did, or it didn't? I know Steve, but I don't pretend to know ANYBODY'S pocketbook. I know he (and his partners, and operators, AND customers, myself included) all seem to be very happy with his efforts over there, and everytime I look he has a new project coming to fruition. I don't get the impression that being Steve Mason is a bad gig.

Piece of Okla. history in danger of being lost

http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-piece-of-okla-history-in-danger-of-being-lost-20120313,0,1024163.story

Sounds like everyone wants the building saved and I hope this is a step in the right direction:


Hurst now has 30 days to come up with a plan to rehab the building or to sell it.


Still, buildings like this should never be allowed to get to this point. This one is even on a busy street where it was known by all to be a complete mess for decades. Yet, the city does nothing until 30 years have passed and it may be beyond saving.

If we really cared about historical buildings there would be much more proactive measures in place to make sure property owners kept them up. Since the current owner hasn't had the means, that would have meant probably forcing him to sell it some time ago.

And beyond that, historical or otherwise, the City should never, ever allow properties to be this bad -- let alone for decades.

Sounds like everyone wants the building saved and I hope this is a step in the right direction:




Still, buildings like this should never be allowed to get to this point. This one is even on a busy street where it was known by all to be a complete mess for decades. Yet, the city does nothing until 30 years have passed and it may be beyond saving.

If we really cared about historical buildings there would be much more proactive measures in place to make sure property owners kept them up. Since the current owner hasn't had the means, that would have meant probably forcing him to sell it some time ago.

And beyond that, historical or otherwise, the City should never, ever allow properties to be this bad -- let alone for decades.

The NE side is full of these types of beauties. The saddest one is the Walcourt Apts on 13 and Walnut. Incredibly beautiful building.

http://www.abandonedok.com/the-walcourt-revisited/

http://www.abandonedok.com/the-walcourt-revisited/

What a beautiful building. The exterior alone is impressive, but you can see the possibilities of the interior from some of the detail work that survived. I think the interior would have to be stripped to the studs, new electrical, plumbing, HVAC etc before you could even begin to worry about architectural details though. What a sad state for such a great building. I now have a new rehabilitation dream should I ever come into a sizable sum of money. What is the lottery up to now??

My renovation dream would be the Page-Woodson school on NE 6th. Would make a great condo conversion.

I'll have to start a new thread on dream renovations because I bet most people here have pet buildings that may be lesser known.

My renovation dream would be the Page-Woodson school on NE 6th. Would make a great condo conversion.

http://www.abandonedok.com/page-woodson-school-revisited/

I think the same thing. I'm amazed no one has bought it to turn into apartments or condos for students and residents.

I know there are several here that go to or watch the city council meetings. Has anyone heard what the decision was on the Jewel Theater?

I know there are several here that go to or watch the city council meetings. Has anyone heard what the decision was on the Jewel Theater?

The council voted to declare the Jewel a "dilapidated structure," but said they would work with the owner to get the building up to code and wouldn't pursue tearing it down, yet anyway.

Thank you. I knew someone here would know!

March 10 2012

Ora’s Beauty Salon

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A demolition permit was just issued for this structure. It may already be down.

They've indeed started tearing this down. Got some photos this morning.

Good thing you took these photos when you did...

Just goes to show by the time these buildings come to the attention of the city, they are usually too far gone to save.

March 27 2012

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I drove by the old Le'Ora's yesterday and saw this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25726169@N03/6892692870/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25726169@N03/6892693010/in/photostream

I know that the building is coming down, but surely this gem can be saved....

Wow...

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What were these other buildings next to the Jewel Theatre?

StreetView (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=904+NE+4th+Street,+Oklahoma+City,+OK+73104+ United+States&hl=en&ll=35.471495,-97.497056&spn=0.005312,0.010568&sll=35.471217,-97.497018&layer=c&cbp=13,180.23,,0,5.39&cbll=35.471495,-97.497056&hnear=904+NE+4th+St,+Oklahoma+City,+Oklahoma+73104&t=h&z=17&iwloc=A&panoid=djxU3R-EPYGBEFR5xipAxg)

Would Pete mind moving a lot of the posts from the Morgan Building thread to this one?

A 'Jewel' In the Rough, or Dilapidated? (http://www.news9.com/story/17125016/a-jewel-in-the-rough-or-dilapidated)

Posted: Mar 09, 2012 6:25 PM CST Updated: Mar 09, 2012 8:35 PM CST
By Darren Brown, News 9

A piece of Oklahoma City's history is in jeopardy, its fate hanging on a city council decision.

Oklahoma City's Jewel Theater is all that's left of the once-bustling black business district along NE 4th St. It was opened in 1931 by Percy James, one of the district's early entrepreneurs. The James family also owned other theaters and the old Jay-Kola soda company that lasted until the 1960s.

I know this might be thread digging, but is there any hope for the Jewel Theatre? Or do you see it coming down soon?

still standing

Happy to resurrect this thread with this:

http://newsok.com/first-glimpse-of-proposed-jewel-theatre-restoration/article/5552629

http://okgazette.com/2017/07/21/jewel-theatre-straddles-past-present-and-future-at-the-beginning-of-its-restoration-campaign/

The Jewel Theater, it was a jewel in its hey day.

Saw a number of movies ln the late 50s-60s (.25 - .50 cent admissions); Dracula (Bela Lugosi) , Curse of Frankenstein (Christopher Lee, Peter Cushing), The Wolf Man (Lon Cheney Jr.,), 50 Foot Woman, The Incredible Shrinking Man & Three Stooges Meet Hercules were among the most enjoyable.

The most memorable movie: The Tingler.


https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zrp004kprl8/hqdefault.jpghttp://s2.dmcdn.net/e0N1Y/x240-tKi.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRyC6mpeG_KoAfRygPcRSpHrIt0euHx3 uerp4UlrYdgfb6UXbgq
They warned us, no one knew what was in store...
Let's not forget the The Tinger (Vincent Price), for special effects, recall them dragging a fake creature that resembled The Tinger up the middle aisle (as the movie concluded). Panic ensued, it cleared the Jewel Theater causing considerable damage to the seats; many patrons incurred minor injuries as they exited the theater.

Recall times we (children) had to walk home west on 4th Street past two funeral homes (same block, several doors west)--McKay-Davis & Rolfe. For those who lived near 6th & Kelley, there stood Temple Funeral Home, a 3-story monster within itself; just image what it was like for us to leave the Jewel Theater following a movie like "The Bride of Dracula," while Temple Funeral Home employees were unloading a covered body on the lower level decomposing room entrance or casket deliveries.

http://photos.cinematreasures.org/production/photos/173797/1468796625/large.jpg?1468796625
The whole area was a jewel, The Aldridge Theater on deuce (2nd) and The Jewel on the quarter (4th) were truly jewels.