Vanishing Spaces

Eight stories high, the Commerce Building dominates the skyline of downtown Okmulgee. Its nearly century-old bones are largely intact but its future is uncertain. From the outside it is huge and impressive, but what does the inside hold? Step inside for a photo tour of the interior.

From the National Register of Historic Places (Okmulgee Downtown Historic District, 1992, #92001693): “Commerce Building. 117-121 S. Grand. Built 1921. This eight-story office building, constructed of buff brick and terra cotta in the Beaux Arts style, has a full basement. The second story is crowned by a frieze with ornate, scroll-and-wreath terracotta molding. The third through seventh stories are delineated by Solomonic columns. The eighth-floor bays are defined by decorative pilasters and crowned by an elaborate frieze with shield, shell and leaf motifs. The roof features a balustrade ornamented with finials and elaborate pediments with the shell motif. The interior features original detailing and marble floors. Wooden, double-hung windows, either in pairs or triplets, are located in the upper floors. The first floor has been altered with aluminum and glass storefronts, and some of the ornamentation has been obscured by sheathing. However, this building retains its architectural integrity.”

The Commerce Building is the tallest and most grandiose office building constructed during the oil boom days of Okmulgee. Designed by Smith and Senter, the eight-story building has an ornate exterior of terra cotta.