From my Oklahoma City postcard collection…

Hey there fellow OKC history buffs and architecture enthusiasts! Let me take you back to a time when the term “futuristic” meant something straight out of “The Jetsons.” Picture this: It’s the early 60s, and you’re cruising down Lincoln Boulevard when suddenly, you spot what looks like a scene from a sci-fi movie. That’s the State Capitol Bank, or as it’s affectionately known, the Bank of the Future.

Now, this isn’t just any bank. This was the brainchild of publisher J. Leland Gourley, who, after chartering a new bank, decided he wanted something that would make the famous Citizens State Bank look downright old school. So, he turned to architect Robert Roloff, the genius behind the iconic Gold Dome, and said, “Hey, make me a bank that’s so modern, it’ll make Citizens look like a thing of the past.”

Roloff took that challenge and ran with it, creating a building that was more “Star Trek” than Oklahoma City. With 17 saucer-like structures seemingly floating above rounded, floor-to-ceiling windows, the State Capitol Bank was a marvel. Inside, customers were greeted with what they called a “floating air lobby,” which was essentially a round elevator that took you down to the safe deposit boxes. It was so swanky, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they served martinis on the ride down.

And get this—the bank was home to the first “TV Teller” window west of the Mississippi. Talk about high-tech for the time!

When the doors opened in 1964 with a price tag of $500,000, people couldn’t believe their eyes. The sight was so unusual that Gourley had to put up a sign out front saying, “This is a bank,” which, as you can imagine, quickly became a bit of a local joke when someone cheekily added a question mark to it.

Fast forward to today, and the building still stands at 3900 N Lincoln, although it’s now an Arvest Bank. Sure, it’s seen some changes over the years, but thankfully, enough of Roloff’s original design remains, making it a must-see for anyone who’s into OKC’s mid-century architecture.

So, next time you’re in the area, take a moment to appreciate this little piece of OKC’s history. It’s a testament to the city’s forward-thinking spirit and a reminder that once upon a time, we reached for the stars, or at least for hovering saucers, right here in the heartland.

The Role of History in Home-Buying

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Oklahoma City’s past! From this historic postcard we’ve shared with you, it’s easy to see why our city is beloved by so many. As realtors, we believe that understanding our community’s rich history and culture enhances the home-buying experience. That’s why we’ve created comprehensive neighborhood pages on this site and an easy-to-use search feature to help you find your dream home. Whether you’re looking for a charming bungalow or a modern marvel, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. So why wait? Contact us today, and let’s discover your perfect property together. Let’s embrace the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future in OKC!

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The Oklahoma City Postcard Collection