Preserving Tulsa’s history, reimagining its future—a landmark thoughtfully restored to serve generations to come.
Delivering Strategic Solutions for Lasting Impact
The Fox Hotel, built in 1906, stands as the oldest surviving structure in Tulsa’s historic downtown—a symbol of the city’s architectural heritage. Lilly Architects led a certified rehabilitation project, blending historic preservation with modern functionality. Our team approached this project with a clear focus on delivering strategic architectural solutions that addressed both the unique character of the building and the practical needs of its future occupants.
Adaptive Reuse Design: Balancing Preservation and Functionality
The Fox Hotel’s transformation required thoughtful planning to balance historic preservation with modern functionality. Our team carefully analyzed the existing structure, lifting and shoring aging wood framework to ensure it could meet contemporary demands without losing its historical integrity. Through creative design solutions, we successfully integrated restaurants, residential units, and office spaces while maintaining the building’s distinct character.
Acoustical Solutions: Enhancing Multi-Use Comfort
The first floor now hosts three thriving restaurants, with apartments located directly above. To address the challenges of sound transfer, our team implemented innovative acoustical strategies, including Gyp-Crete topping and sound-absorbing insulation. These measures effectively isolated noise, ensuring a peaceful residential environment without compromising the energy and activity of the restaurants below.
3D Scanning: Preserving Historic Details with Precision
3D scanning technology played a key supporting role in capturing the building’s unique architectural details, including original skylights, corridor locations, and storefront entry points. This technology also revealed structural nuances, such as a column settlement impacting second-floor levelness. By understanding these conditions early, we were able to prescribe informed solutions without disrupting the building’s integrity.
Circulation and Security: Streamlined Access Across Mixed Uses
One of the project’s critical challenges was managing the flow of people through spaces serving distinct purposes: restaurants, apartments, and office areas. We developed thoughtful circulation plans and implemented security and access control measures to ensure clarity, safety, and ease of movement for all building occupants.
Residential Design: Comfort, Functionality, and Character
The upper floors of the Fox Hotel now house residential units designed with practicality, comfort, and charm in mind. Each unit blends modern amenities with thoughtful preservation of historical details, creating inviting and functional living spaces.
A Historic Building, Reimagined for the Future
The Fox Hotel renovation is a testament to the power of thoughtful architectural intervention. Lilly Architects delivered a project that not only preserves a significant piece of Tulsa’s history but also transforms it into a vibrant, multi-functional space that serves the community.
