Iconic First National Center set to reopen

 

Photo courtesy of OKCTalk.

 

Oklahoma City's third tallest building is set to reopen early next year as a hotel and apartment complex with 8 eating and drinking establishments.

The 193 luxury apartments, known as The First Residences at First National, are currently leasing and will welcome their first tenants starting February 1st, 2022.

The 146-room hotel will open on March 1st and be known as The National, part of the exclusive Autograph Collection by Marriott.

First National Center is actually 3 separate structures: The 33-story art deco Tower built in 1931; the 14-story Center building finished in 1956; the East building opened in 1974.

The Tower has been extensively renovated to include the apartments and hotel rooms. The stunning Great Banking Hall has been painstakingly restored, including the decorative painted ceilings, stone columns, and several large murals. The huge skylight has also been renovated, once again bringing natural light into the marble-lined space.

The hall, originally used by First National Bank, will serve as a public lobby as well as a bar, cafe, and event space.

Atop the two wings of the tower, a new pool, deck, and dog park have been installed.

The Center and East buildings were gutted and now provide 620 parking spaces. The Arcade, on the ground floor and spanning from Robinson to Broadway, has been completely renovated.

In the basement, a restaurant and bar will occupy the former bank vault area. The former Beacon Club space at the very top of the tower will reopen as a bar.

After First National Bank failed in 1980, the complex saw a variety of owners. In 2015, the few remaining tenants vacated and the building was placed into receivership. In 2017, the property was purchased by a group led by Gary Brooks and Charlie Nicholas and the restoration plans were announced.

After many broken promises by previous owners, the reopening represents years of work and over $200 million in investment in the heart of Oklahoma City's central business district.

For renderings, visit OKCTalk.

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