New Oklahoma National Register Listings

Contact: Lynda Schwan
(405) 522-4478
lschwan@okhistory.org

June 17, 2009
For Immediate Release

The Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office is pleased to announce that the following two nominations were added to the National Register as of June 2009. The National Register of Historic Places is a catalogue of the buildings, sites, structures, districts, and objects whose hallowed ground and sturdy walls provide a glimpse into our past. These sites also may be selected for architectural and archeological interests.

The Atlas Life Building, located in Tulsa, is locally significant because it reflected and contributed to the commercial development of downtown Tulsa during the critical period in which the city's urban core took shape. It is also significant as a prominent structure in downtown Tulsa as a Classical Revival skyscraper. Completed in 1922, the building is most notable on the landscape of downtown Tulsa for its four story neon sign and its looming Atlas sculpture. The nomination was prepared by Cathy Ambler, Ph.D. and Michael Cassity, Ph.D. for the owners.

The Miami Downtown Historic District is locally significant for its association with commerce in Miami, Ottawa County, Oklahoma. As the core of the central business district, the area has been the center of commercial development from the town's earliest years. The district is also significant for its architectural styling. The district represents the enclave of historic commercial architecture in the city. The buildings vary in detail but generally share a common architectural style, building material and decorative features. The nomination was prepared by Cynthia Savage for the City of Miami.

The State Historic Preservation Office continues to strive to gain recognition for those places significant in Oklahoma's history. For more information on these or other National Register properties, contact Lynda Schwan at (405) 522-4478 or email: lschwan@okhistory.org.