Remembering Tulsa's Starchitects

Edward Durrell Stone designed the Tulsa Assembly Center,
but it was MJM who were the "Architects of Record."

Anyone who reads much about Oklahoma's architectural history in the 20th century is bound to come upon the name Murray-Jones-Murray. The architectural firm was responsible for some of our state's most iconic Mid-Century Modern buildings.

MJM began with David G. Murray, and his younger brother Lee, in the early Fifties. The Civic Center project introduced Robert Lawton Jones into the mix. Eventually the form went on to design award-winning projects such as the Tulsa International Airport, Bishop Kelly High School, Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and the R.L. Jones House. A recent article by Roger Coffey, AIA in GTR Newspapers examines the firm's history and their signature specialty: Murray Jones Murray Led International Style.

Lee Murray passed away earlier this year. Bob Jones is enjoying retirement in Santa Fe and David Murray still resides in Tulsa.

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Home of ORU Architect on the Auction Block

Frank Wallace is best known as the man behind the futuristic look of the Oral Roberts University campus. On October 14, 2010 his unique home overlooking ORU will be sold in a public auction conducted by Mister Ed's Auctions. Jackie and I recently had a chance to visit with Mr. Wallace and learn more about the house, his career and his thoughts on architecture.

When we visited we expected to snap a few photos of an empty house and speak with a rep- resentative from the auction company. To our surprise the door opened and we were greeted by Mr. Wallace himself. After assuring him we were not architects, he let us look around. Unfortunately we were not prepared to interview the man whose buildings incite such extremely diverse reactions- but that didn't stop me from asking him several questions anyway.

The home, completed in 1980, was designed and built by Wallace who is now 87. The expansive home is so large that Wallace spends most of his time in a room that was his late …

Oklahoma Modernism Weekend: Home Tour Highlights

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