The Price Tower, an iconic skyscraper designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is facing closure just 18 months after being purchased by the local investment firm Copper Tree Group. The firm had initially promised a revitalisation of the 19-story structure, which included plans for high-end restaurants and a boutique hotel, positioning the building as the centrepiece of a new tech hub called “Silicon Ranch.” However, those plans have unravelled amid scandal, legal battles, and financial mismanagement.
UPDATE: Frank Lloyd Wright’s only skyscraper, the iconic Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is set to be auctioned this October, marking a significant moment for the historic structure. The building, which has stood for nearly 70 years, has recently been the center of controversy, with tenants including a hotel, an arts organization, and a local magazine being notified that they must vacate by the end of August.
The announcement follows months of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the future of the copper-and-concrete tower. The turmoil began with the unauthorized sale of furniture designed specifically for the building and escalated with the collapse of a cryptocurrency business tied to the site.
Price Tower, one of only three buildings designed by Wright in Oklahoma, is a significant piece of architectural history. As the auction approaches, the fate of this unique structure remains uncertain, leaving both the local community and architectural enthusiasts watching closely.
The situation came to light after tenants of the building, which include a hotel, rooftop bar, restaurant, arts organisations, and a local magazine, were informed that they must vacate by the end of August. The future of the building, which remains Wright’s tallest completed structure, is now in jeopardy. Rumours suggest that the building’s owners, Anthem and Cynthia Blanchard, seek to sell the property.
Copper Tree Group acquired Price Tower from a local nonprofit for just $10 in March 2023, committed to paying off the building’s $600,000 debt and investing $10 million into its redevelopment. However, court documents filed in April revealed that HeraSoft, a blockchain solutions company associated with the owners, was financially insolvent and unable to meet payroll obligations. Furthermore, three HeraSoft employees have alleged that they were pressured into accepting equity in Price Tower instead of unpaid wages, with the promise that the building would be quickly sold.
Adding to the controversy, the Blanchards have allegedly begun illegally selling off furnishings from Price Tower to 20C Design, a mid-century design dealer in Dallas. These sales are prohibited under the terms of the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy’s preservation easement, which restricts the sale of heritage items without permission. Items sold include a unique rolling directory board, copper relief panels, an armchair, and copper tables and stools, all specifically designed by Wright for the building.
The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy has filed legal actions against Green Copper Holdings, Copper Tree Inc., and Cynthia Blanchard to prevent further sales and protect the building’s heritage. The Conservancy also expressed concerns about preserving the soon-to-be-vacant building, noting that unoccupied structures are at higher risk for deterioration and security issues.
Its future remains uncertain, with Price Tower’s debt now estimated at nearly $2 million. The building, which was last renovated in 2003 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2007, now faces an uncertain fate as stakeholders navigate the ongoing legal and financial challenges.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower located in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a remarkable example of FLW’s innovative design principles and his only realised skyscraper. Completed in 1956, the 19-story building was commissioned by Harold C. Price, a local oil and chemical magnate, to serve as the headquarters for his company, the H.C. Price Company. The tower also housed residential apartments and retail space, reflecting Wright’s “multi-use” skyscraper concept.
Wright designed Price Tower as a “tree that escaped the crowded forest,” with its unique cantilevered structure, which he envisioned as branches extending from a central trunk. The building’s facade features a distinctive combination of concrete and copper, with geometric patterns and a green patina, giving it a striking, organic appearance. Wright’s design emphasised verticality, with interiors featuring his signature attention to detail, including custom-designed furniture and fixtures.
Price Tower was one of Wright’s last major projects before he died in 1959. It is considered one of his most original and daring designs. Despite its modest size compared to other skyscrapers, the tower has garnered significant architectural acclaim. In 2003, Price Tower was restored and opened to the public as a mixed-use facility, housing an arts centre, hotel, and museum. In 2007, it was designated a National Historic Landmark, solidifying its status as an architectural masterpiece and a testament to Wright’s visionary approach to design.
Top Photo: Wiki Commons Photo: T G Hess