A Historic Downtown High-Rise Enters a New Era

The Robinson Renaissance Tower, a prominent fixture of the Oklahoma City skyline for nearly 100 years, is about to embark on a significant transformation. Originally constructed in 1927 and first known as the Perrine Building, this historic building is set to transition from its longstanding commercial use into a modern urban living space.

Rich History and Notable Ownership

This 12-story downtown high-rise was purchased by the Odd Fellows in July 1940 in what was then the largest real estate transaction in Oklahoma City. Renamed the Cravens Building after real estate dealer Robert D. Cravens, the property has witnessed numerous ownership and name changes over the decades before taking on its current identity as the Robinson Renaissance in the 1980s.

Site of Civil Rights Action and Community Stories

The Robinson Renaissance Tower is not only a historic building by architecture but also a site woven into Oklahoma City's civil rights history. After leading the Katz drug store sit-in, civil rights icon Clara Luper led another pivotal sit-in at this location, challenging Jim Crow laws and segregation. During that protest, nine demonstrators were arrested for disorderly conduct while demanding service at Anna Maude’s cafeteria, which operated in the lower level. Years earlier, the building was also the focus of a strike by elevator girls seeking higher wages.

A Vision for Urban Living: The Building Transformation

Richard Tanenbaum, the new owner, has set out to mark the next chapter for the Robinson Renaissance Tower by converting it into luxury apartments—a first for the property. "The location couldn’t be better. I just fell in love with the way the building felt. Now we’re fully under construction, and we should deliver the building with 106 apartments, probably by September of next year," said Tanenbaum. The transformation promises a blend of historic renovation and modern amenities, including a fitness center and a golf simulator room. Tanenbaum emphasizes that the residential conversion aims for upscale living with moderate pricing, creating a unique opportunity for urban living in downtown Oklahoma City.

Honoring the Past While Embracing the Future

The soft launch of the building’s new chapter is scheduled for next week, with Clara Luper’s daughter set to attend, reflecting the site's ongoing connection to Oklahoma City’s civil rights legacy. As construction progresses, the building’s exterior will retain its historic charm, while the interiors will be thoroughly modernized for comfortable luxury apartments.

Conclusion: A Landmark Reimagined

Nearly a century after its first opening, the Robinson Renaissance Tower continues to evolve. Through this residential conversion, the building stands poised to deliver modern, urban living while preserving rich historical and social traditions that have defined its role in the community. As Tanenbaum noted, "I knew that we could warm it up and do something very, very special here." The next chapter of this downtown high-rise is set to blend heritage with a renewed vision for Oklahoma City's future residents.

Source: kfor.com.