Second Street Redevelopment

Preserving Bartlesville’s Historic Urban Fabric

In 1907, Bartlesville was a burgeoning oil town, and this building stood as a key part of the historic downtown, supporting the community’s growing needs. Over the decades, it became an enduring piece of the city’s character, contributing to the texture of Bartlesville’s streetscape. This project honors that legacy, ensuring the building continues to serve as a functional and integral part of the downtown fabric.

Ground Floor Activity

The ground floor has been transformed to meet the needs of modern Bartlesville while staying connected to its community roots. Four retail spaces create opportunities for local businesses to thrive, fostering activity and engagement along the street. Three thoughtfully designed apartments and a shared laundry space provide comfortable and practical living options, bringing new life to the building while maintaining its accessibility.

Second Floor Living

The second floor introduces eight modern apartments, each outfitted with in-unit washers and dryers to meet contemporary standards of convenience. This careful adaptation strikes a balance between preserving the building’s historic identity and providing modern functionality, ensuring its continued relevance in Bartlesville’s downtown.

A Commitment to Preservation

Restoring the 1907 structure required a delicate balance of preservation and modernization. A collapsed parapet wall on the north side was rebuilt, all windows were replaced to meet modern performance standards, and deteriorated floor and roof systems were removed and reconstructed. The historic walls were carefully shored in place as new structural systems were seamlessly integrated, preserving the integrity of the original design while reinforcing the building’s longevity.

Revitalizing Oklahoma’s Historic Downtowns

This rehabilitation project exemplifies the importance of preserving historic buildings as functional and contributing elements of Oklahoma’s downtowns. By revitalizing this 1907 structure, the project ensures that Bartlesville’s history remains visible and relevant while supporting its evolving needs. Lilly Architects is proud to champion preservation efforts that honor the past while providing thoughtful, enduring solutions for the future.