The Pythian Building in Tulsa, sometimes called the Gillette Tyrell Building started construction in 1929. Originally it was going to be a 3 story office building with a 10 story office tower. That topped with a penthouse. The stock market crash happened though and the owners did not build the hotel tower. This story sound familiar?
The exterior is mildly interesting if one knows what to look for. There is a lot of tilework set into the terra cotta. Really it is a an understated building on the outside.
The interior is another story. It is L shaped and has spectacular tilework on the floor and walls in shades of blues, reds, and creams. The ceiling of the lobby has a fake skylight that uses etched glass.
The tiles are durable also. I am told that the floor tiles have never been replaced. The building is fully occupied and the present owners are taking very good care of it.
The detailing of the tile work is wonderful. No two patterns are alike.
I’m told that this type of Art Deco decoration is called “zig zag.” Sounds good to me.
A local architect, I cannot remember his name, likened the effect to a 3D persian carpet wrapped around you. I loved that description.
I really am enjoying these field trips through Tulsa that you are doing. I’ve lived here for a long time and didn’t know anything about the buildings. Thank you! 🙂
Very beautiful where you are. Love the tiles, they make very nice patterns. These building need to be preserved and saved.
Definitely understated outside for the treasure inside. Love it! I really like that tall bank of lights.
Oh I need to go here, as I am a big fan of tiling and mosaic work. Great tour.
Yogi – btw go see my post, we are now officially Geocachers and love it!
Art Deco is always such a great stuff to see and all those details were quite marvellous.That floor is really striking.
It does look somewhat truncated..but I really like all the art deco details..
These are beautiful photos. Magnificent colors of the tiles.
Great colours! Excellent post and photos.
That’s my kind of building. Your city is rich in this kind of beauty.
The interior looks much better than outside. The tiles and architecture are ver y nice inside !
I love the look of the tile, the colors are bright and cheery. Great set of photos and history. One day i am going to come to Tulsa
How might one get to see the interior space? Can I just walk in off the street? Would love to see the interior on one of my monthly off-the-farm trips to Town.
This particular building you can just walk into.
Hello!
Thanks for visiting me over at my horsey blog…glad to avail some long ago memories!
That tile work is exquisite., what a gem to be able to walk into.
KK
I have never been in that building but the art deco is amazing.
This building is a fantastic example of art deco. I absolutely love the tile work. Excellent tour of a building I doubt I’ll ever visit. Thank you.