PLICO at the Flatiron in Oklahoma City by Elliott + Associates Architects

Article source: Elliott + Associates Architects

Built in 1924 by C.F. Meadors and originally the Como Hotel, this historic blond brick flatiron stood vacant and boarded up for 27 years.  We have been waiting for 20 years for the opportunity to bring this corner to its full potential.  We believe this corner should be the site of an enduring building, a lantern at the east gateway to downtown Oklahoma City.

The project includes the renovation of the two-level flatiron building and the construction of a modern, yet complimentary rooftop addition.

As one leaves downtown the PLICO building acts as a lantern to the city energy, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

• Architects: Elliott + Associates Architects
• Project: PLICO at the Flatiron
• Location: 126 Harrison Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
• Photography: Scott McDonald
• Software used: Autocad and SketchUp
• Client: PLICO
• Scope: Renovation of a 1924 flatiron building with approximately 20,000 SF of new and renovated space.
  
• Completed: 2016
• Awards: 2017 Interior Design “Best of Year” Winner in Office Restoration Renovation category

The classic flatiron view including the new 3rd floor addition and enhanced main entry door canopy, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

Flatiron History:

The “flatiron” term originated around 1740, describing a cast-iron clothes iron, forerunner to the electric iron.  Most were triangular, making it easier to iron around buttons.  By the mid-19th century, the term had been ascribed to wedge-shaped sites and buildings.

The 1902 Flatiron Building in Manhattan (the original Fuller Building) at 23rd and Broadway made the shape famous.  Found in cities around the U.S., iconic flatiron architecture is sought-after and illustrates purity, stability and strength.

South elevation illustrating the 3rd floor glass addition and the protected outdoor deck. Triangular shaped down spouts show consistent detailing, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

South elevation. At early dusk the building begins to glow, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

OKC Flatiron History:

The area’s historic triangular buildings were built soon after OKC’s electric streetcar routes were drawn a century ago.  The Harrison-NE 8 Route cut a diagonal path from NW 4^th Street east of Broadway to NE 8^th at Stiles Park, west of Lincoln.  The four surviving historic triangular blocks form the core of the city’s emerging Flatiron district.  Streetcar tracks are still clearly visible under the adjacent railroad overpass.

South elevation showing the renovated 1924 building and the new gold glass addition. Note the triangular downspouts, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

View from the flatiron entry towards the reception desk. The blue polycarbonate office core defines new vs. historic. The original exposed metal lath and concrete deck above remains. Floors are polished concrete, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

1924 Flatiron:

The renovation of the existing two-level and the addition of a third for a 1924 flatiron building into an office for PLICO, an insurance company serving physicians and other professional groups.

The blue polycarbonate defines the office space edge. The historic structure is painted white beyond beam number one to improve the lighting reflectivity, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

The ADA ramp is placed along the south elevation, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

Rooftop Addition: 

The third floor will be used for company functions including a boardroom, conference room, rooftop terrace, a kitchen and space for future growth of the company.  The design approach is to make the new third floor addition a modern feature and a respectful, complimentary addition to the existing building.  The third floor is differentiated from the existing brick building through materials and setbacks, and relates to the Flatiron building in shape, scale, color and detailing.  Spectacular views of the Downtown skyline are rare.

A typical open office space created by clear polycarbonate panels. The perimeter blue panels provide a softened blue hue, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

The ladies room is also home to the fire protection valves, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

Architectural Concept Points: 

1. Create a gateway project into Downtown.
2. Create compatible scale and proportion.
3. Provide light-filled space.
4. Compliment and match compatible historic details and 21^st century needs.
5. Create a sense of celebration about our community.
6. Create a signature project.

Folding steel plate stair detail, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

2nd floor overlook at ceremonial stair, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

Details:

1. Clean brick.
2.  New historically accurate windows
3.  Sidewalk planters and landscaping.
4.  Adjacent parking on the street for 20 and additional parking available nearby.
5.  We envision street lighting, accent building lighting and glow from the building interior to create a “lantern” on a very important corner of Downtown.
6. Remove a portion of the sidewalk at the corner for an in-ground planter.  A triangular lighted pedestal sign shall be placed at the “sharp” corner of the site.
7. The rooftop deck has a 50% open glass screen to mitigate sun and wind.

The 3rd floor multi-purpose room becomes an artistic volume with the late afternoon sun. The awning windows pushed open reflect the rooftop river rocks, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

The 3rd floor boardroom enjoys the western exposure and access to the protected outdoor deck, Image Courtesy © Scott McDonald, Gray City Studios

Image Courtesy © Elliott + Associates Architects

Image Courtesy © Elliott + Associates Architects

Image Courtesy © Elliott + Associates Architects

Image Courtesy © Elliott + Associates Architects

Tags: Oklahoma, USA

Categories: Autocad, Building, Hotel, Residential, SketchUp

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