Skiatook Municipal Building – Skiatook

Address:	Broadway and 3rd Streets, Skiatook, Oklahoma	County:	Tulsa
Started:		Completed:	1940
Agencies:	WPA	NRHP:	No

Current Usage:

City Property

Description:

A rectangular (125′ x 108′) structure, the Skiatook Municipal Building looks very much like an armory. It is constructed of dressed and lightly rusticated native sandstone laid randomly. Except for the central portion where it is arched, the roof is flat. Parapets with limestone caps extend beyond the roof line. A frieze, all window sills and some lintels are also of cut limestone. The windows are metal casements. The front entryway is framed by pilasters and a lintel of poured concrete that step into a recessed, double door. The stylistic effect of the entryway is distinctly art deco.
SIGNIFICANCE: 1940; architect/builder: Frank C. Watters
The architectural significance of the Skiatook Municipal Building is its unique design. It appears to be a military armory, but it was planned and has always been utilized as a municipal facility. Relative to other WP A-built city halls, it stands alone with reference to design. Within the community itself, it is notable architecturally in terms of type, style, materials and type of labor. Construction of the building also meant that a large body of unskilled laborers made destitute by the economic depression of the 1930s were able to obtain employment and a measure of financial security and the local economy revitalized with the infusion of wages from 100,000 man hours of labor, easing the effect of the depression for all of Skiatook.

VERBAL BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION: Lots 18-22, Block 23, Skiatook original plat.