The Pythian: Built for the Boom, Abandoned by the Bust
Downtown Tulsa History, Historic Architecture, Art Deco in Oklahoma, Unfinished Projects, Downtown Tulsa Landmarks Becki Watson Downtown Tulsa History, Historic Architecture, Art Deco in Oklahoma, Unfinished Projects, Downtown Tulsa Landmarks Becki Watson

The Pythian: Built for the Boom, Abandoned by the Bust

Planned as a 13-story Art Deco tower in the heart of Tulsa, the Gillette-Tyrell Building was halted at just three floors when the 1929 stock market crash brought construction to a standstill. Designed by architect Edward W. Saunders, this unfinished landmark, now known as the Pythian Building, remains a striking reminder of Tulsa’s oil-era ambition and architectural innovation.

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The Golden Era of Tulsa: Why Art Deco Took Root Here
Architecture, Tulsa History, American Art Deco, American Cities, 20th Century Architecture, Cultural Heritage Becki Watson Architecture, Tulsa History, American Art Deco, American Cities, 20th Century Architecture, Cultural Heritage Becki Watson

The Golden Era of Tulsa: Why Art Deco Took Root Here

During the roaring oil boom of the 1920s and ’30s, Tulsa transformed into a showcase of Art Deco elegance. Discover how ambition, wealth, and design shaped one of America’s most striking architectural cities.

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