Breathing New Life into a Historic Warehouse with Adaptive Reuse
Reimagining a Forgotten Structure
Once a neglected structure with sealed windows and a muted presence, the Archer Building has been reborn as a vibrant mixed-use hub in the heart of the Tulsa Arts District. Originally a 72,000-square-foot warehouse, the building required thoughtful updates to support its new life, including modern HVAC systems and structural modifications. While these changes were essential, the project’s focus remained on preserving the building’s historic character while enhancing its functionality.
Reconnecting with the City
A central goal of the rehabilitation was to reintegrate the building into the urban fabric. Long-sealed windows were reopened, flooding the interior with natural light and reestablishing a visual and physical connection to the surrounding streetscape. The first floor now hosts a mix of commercial, retail, and dining spaces, energizing the district with activity and engagement. A dedicated lobby provides access to the Tulsa Artist Fellowship and artist studios on the second floor, solidifying the building’s role as a creative hub. Artisan workshops and a maintenance area, designed with flexible layouts, further enhance the first floor’s versatility. A covered outdoor patio extends one of the tenant spaces, inviting public interaction and enlivening the streetscape.
Adaptable Spaces for Diverse Needs
The renovated building now offers flexible, multi-purpose spaces that align with its mixed-use identity. Designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, these areas ensure long-term versatility and support diverse tenant opportunities. By seamlessly integrating retail, artisan, and creative uses, the project creates a dynamic environment that enhances both economic and cultural vitality.
Supporting Artists and Residential Living
On the second floor, the design prioritizes artistic and residential needs, incorporating 29 artist studios, a shared break room, and a spray booth to support creative work. The existing freight lift was rehabilitated to serve this space, preserving a functional piece of the building’s industrial past while enhancing accessibility. Additionally, 14 studio apartments were integrated into the design, offering live-work opportunities with shared laundry facilities and centralized storage.
Enhancing Natural Light and Ventilation
A central focus of the rehabilitation was maximizing natural light and improving ventilation. Solar tubes were installed in interior artist studios, bringing daylight into spaces that previously had no direct access to windows. Alongside the restored façade, these upgrades create a bright, inviting atmosphere that fosters creativity and community engagement.
To address the building’s 120-foot depth from north to south, a strategic ventilation system was implemented. This includes a continuous 3-foot by 185-foot shaft, thoughtfully designed with breaks to accommodate corridors, ensuring optimal air circulation for first-floor tenants and enhancing overall comfort.
Adapting the Structure for Modern Use
The basement was expanded from 3,100 to 3,700 square feet to acomodate the needs of a particular tenant. This upgrade required robust temporary shoring to stabilize the basement and the two stories above during excavation and construction. The careful engineering ensured the building’s structural integrity while creating additional functional space to support its modern uses.
A Catalyst for Urban Revitalization
The transformation of the Archer Building was made possible through a collaborative design process that engaged multiple stakeholders. This effort not only revitalized a long-overlooked structure but also reinforced the Tulsa Arts District’s ongoing evolution. By integrating commercial, residential, and creative uses, the project serves as a powerful example of adaptive reuse, preserving the building’s industrial heritage while positioning it as a key contributor to the district’s cultural and economic vibrancy. Today, the Archer Building stands as a testament to thoughtful urban revitalization—bridging its storied past with a dynamic and promising future.