The Philcade Building is at the corner of 5th and Boston in downtown Tulsa. It was built by Tulsa Oilman Waite Phillips (brother to Phillip’s 66 founder Frank Phillips). Construction started in 1929 and finished in 1931. It was designed by Leon B. Senter of the Tulsa architectual firm Smith and Senter.
It seems that the Philtower building across the street gets most of the recognition but I prefer the Philcade building because of the elegant arcades on the first floor. The first two floors were built as retail space.
The first floor is very attractive from the street level and at one time there were many retail stores. The storefronts were converted to office space but are slowly being reconverted back to shops as Tulsa downtown seems to be coming back with all devlelopment and construction going on.
To me the detailing is the key to art deco and the exterior detailing in terra cotta does not disappoint.
The interior is stunning. I worked in downtown Tulsa for nearly 16 years before I first walked in. There is lots of gold leaf and the owners of the building keep it in immaculate condition. They will also let you wander around the first floor, look, and take pictures as much as you please, ” please feel free” a security guard told me.
I love looking at these pictures. It doesn’t seem near as interesting when I’m downtown.
I’ll never get tired of Tulsa’s great art deco buildings. They are just extraordinary.
It looks impressive both from in and out. Lovely detailing.
beautiful details on the building and imagine, it was built almost a century ago?! Really impressive and it’s really good to know that the owners keep it in tiptop shape.
My world is here
Yogi: What a neat building with great decorations. Thanks fo the trip inside.
You’ve managed to capture the details perfectly. The building looks as beautiful from the outside as it is from the inside.
Oh, and it was very nice of the security guard to allow you to take pictures 🙂
what a treasure it is…they just don’t construct such buildings any more…i have a love of art deco style.
thanks for sharing these photos with us.
The building is very lovely. The decorations are beautiful but the streets looked so empty. Where are all the people?
Thank you for sharing your part of our world. Your photos are beautiful and I absolutely love the one of the chandelier. I too love the older buildings with all the beautiful detail. New buildings don’t feel permenant.
Have a great week.
Smiles
these are absolutely gorgeous, the inside is very impressive
Wow it is beautiful inside.
I love this place! I always love your My World posts because all my life Tulsa has been a place to drive through and maybe catch a plane. You always show me reasons why I need to stop one of these times.
My dad worked in that building in the 70’s and early 80’s. He died in ’82. When he worked nights, I went with a couple of times. It’s a cool building. I always look for it in the skyline when I pass thru Tulsa.
A beautiful tower. The decorative work is very beautiful.
that’s an amazingly ornate interior, and wonderful detailing on the exterior. A beautiful building to accent downtown Tulsa.
Never been into Downtown, but may have to do so now. The art deco is wonderful. I assume this is the same man that built the Philbrook, which I love.
Great building. Fantastic architecture.