Security Federal Building
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Architect: Harry H. Mahler (renovation architect)
Year Completed: Renovated 1937 (Demolished 1999)
Location: 120 West 4th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma
Style: Art Deco
The economic problems of the 1930s slowed down the building of Art Deco structures. Due to this hardship, this building was reborn as an Art Deco building as opposed to building something new. This building was renovated in 1937 by an architect named Harry H. Mahler. I do not have the date of the original building construction.
As part of the renovation, the building was sheathed in black Vitrolite panels which alternated between polished and flat. Above the door was a clock. This building was between phases: late Art Deco and Streamline Moderne.
As you can see, this building was in major disrepair when this picture was taken. Most of the panels had fallen off or had been stolen by vandals. I remember a time when it was in better condition and actually open, although it was a bar at the time, but I don't have a better photograph. This building was torn down in 1999 to make room for a parking lot.
Not all resources on Tulsa Art Deco include this structure. I assume this is because of its bad condition. However, I believe that it is an important part of Tulsa's Art Deco heritage and should be mentioned when discussing the subject. I was sad to return to Tulsa one year and find an empty lot where this building once stood.