Tulsa Historic Properties Added to National Register

Two iconic Tulsa buildings have been added to the National Register of Historic Places for their architectural significance.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Commercial

Tulsa Historic Properties Added to National Register

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The National Register of Historic Places officially added Tulsa's Hawk Dairies and First Christian Church to its list on October 14, 2026. Both properties are set to undergo redevelopment projects into residential, dining, and entertainment venues.

Why it matters

This recognition honors the architectural heritage of the city while providing a pathway for preservation through federal tax incentives. The move encourages the adaptive reuse of historic structures to support local residential and commercial growth.

The listing includes Hawk Dairies, constructed between 1947 and 1948, and the First Christian Church, which was originally established in 1918. Developers are utilizing historic preservation tax incentives provided by the Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.

The players

Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office

This state agency oversees the identification, preservation, and protection of Oklahoma's historical and cultural resources.

National Park Service

This federal bureau manages national historic registers and provides technical assistance and tax incentives for historic preservation projects.

Wildflower Cafe

This local business has already moved its operations into the historic First Christian Church building.

The details

The First Christian Church redevelopment plan features new apartments, a restaurant, and a live music venue, with the Wildflower Cafe already relocated to the site. The Hawk Dairies property at 2415 E. 11th St. will also be transformed into a functional space as part of the broader effort to revitalize these landmarks.

The First Christian Church was established in 1918.
Hawk Dairies was constructed between 1947 and 1948.
The properties were added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 14, 2026.
The hotel and event space redevelopment is expected to be complete by summer 2027.

Culture Shift

The project follows the broader national movement of adaptive reuse, where developers prioritize repurposing historic structures over new construction. This strategy balances the preservation of architectural history with the evolving demands for urban residential and entertainment spaces.

Residents can anticipate the opening of new dining, entertainment, and residential options in the restored buildings once construction concludes. The use of preservation incentives helps ensure that these local landmarks remain a fixture of the city while modernizing for public use.

The takeaway

Historic preservation can serve as a catalyst for local economic development by turning aging structures into vibrant community hubs. Property owners interested in similar projects should research tax credit eligibility requirements with state and federal historic agencies.