Gillette-Tyrell Building
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Architect: Edward W. Saunders
Year Completed: 1930
Location: 423 South Boulder, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Style: Art Deco
The Gillette-Tyrell Building, also known as the Pythian Building, represents a dream that was never fully realized. The building was originally planned as a three-story office building with a ten-story hotel rising above it. The building was started in 1929, but by 1930, the project was scaled back and completed as only office space due to the poor business climate.
The cream terra-cotta exterior contrasted with the blues and greens is a prime example of Zig Zag Art Deco. The geometric patterns on the buildings exterior are also very typical of the period. The second picture above illustrates detail of the terra-cotta work near the top of the building.
The building has a fabulous L-shaped lobby done in green and blue tile. Like Tulsa Union Depot, this building also derives its design from Native American art. The last picture is a close up of the light fixtures. Take note of the grill work behind, which is right inside the west entry to the building.
The lobby has intricate tile work in many colours as shown in the fifth picture above. The gorgeous faux skylight shown in the sixth and seventh pictures has etched glass panels.
Although the building was primarily vacant several years ago, it is now almost entirely occupied. Given the number of vacant buildings in downtown Tulsa, it's nice to see a historic building full of tenants.