The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to tell you about the First National Building in Downtown Oklahoma City. I’m going to show you around the first and second floors because that’s all I had access to. The building is so intricately designed with attention to detail everywhere you look. I have also transcribed the plaques with the history of the building below so you can read them more easily – so let’s start there!

History of the First National Building

“Restored in 2021, The National bridges Oklahoma’s colorful past with today’s vibrant future. The National was built in 1931 by the Johnson brothers, Hugh and Frank; upon its completion, The National contained more aluminum than any building in the world and was the fourth-largest structure west of the Mississippi River. On June 30, 1979, deposits reached $1.1 billion – making The First National Bank & Trust Company the largest bank in Oklahoma. In the 19080s, due to oil & gas collapse – 47 Oklahoma banks closed, and The National soon followed, declaring bankruptcy and closing its doors on July 14, 1986.”

“In 1927, brothers Frank and Hugh Johnson merged their banks, American National and the First National, into a single titan destined to dwarf its competitors.” 

“The banks’ board of directors passed resolutions approving the merger February 3, 1927, creating the largest bank in thirty-two states.”

“The road to success for Frank and Hugh was not an easy one. ‘Our father gave us a life’s order of ‘work or starve.’ We preferred to work.’” -Frank Johnson

“Hugh, think we made it too big?” – R.A. Vose, President First National Building Corporation

“From the noticeably worn marble in front of each teller window to the aluminum aviation beacon towering 456 ft, The National brings history to life.” 

“Undeterred by the Wall Street Crash of 1929, First National boldly announced their new tower across the Daily Oklahoman’s front page.”

“First National Pays $1,050,000 for Site At First and Robinson for New 32-Story Structure to Cost More Than $3,000,000.” Daily Oklahoman, April 20, 1930

“When completed, it was stated to be fourth largest structure west of the Mississippi River, containing more aluminum than any other building in the world.” 

“December 14^th, 1931, armored vehicles with thirty-two armed guards transferred $45,000,000 in cash and securities from the old bank to the new building.”

“Employees were careful to avoid dropping any ‘private stock’ as these were the days of Prohibition, an accidental spill might have left quite a mess.”

“Deposits reached $1.1 billion on June 30, 1979, making First National Bank and Trust Company Oklahoma’s largest bank.”

“During the nationwide oil and gas collapse in the 1980s, forty-seven Oklahoma banks failed. First National Bank suffered losses amounting to $66.6 million.”

“First National Bank was declared bankrupt and closed on July 14, 1986.” 

“We will respect the building’s legacy as we create a new future; a masterpiece that will be treasured by thousands and admired by millions.” – Gary Brooks

“The redevelopment of the 1.1 million square foot First National Center was one of the largest asbestos abatement projects in the United States in 2017.”

“By embracing both the details and grandeur of this magnificent building, The National bridges Oklahoma’s colorful past with today’s exciting future.” 

“First National was built in three phases; the west tower in 1931, the center building in 1957, and the west addition in 1972. Restored to glory in 2021. 

“In 2021 renovations, 12.5 million pounds of concrete and brick, 2 million pounds of metal, and 1.4 million pounds of miscellaneous materials were recycled.”

Building Details

First Floor

The first floor of the First National Building has several historic elements that are no longer in use, but are very cool decor. Check out the mail boxes and water fountains below!

There are also a handful of shops located on the first floor of the First National. I love stopping in Lucchese, King Ranch, and Plenty Mercantile to look around when I get the change. I’ve found some cool candles, stickers, postcards, and a cookbook!

Now, let’s head up to the second floor to see what’s up there! There are couple of different escalators, elevators or stairs to help you get there. Look for the details on each!

Second Floor

On the second floor of the First National Building is a restaurant called, “Tellers.” I personally haven’t eaten there, but have heard from my dad that it’s pretty good! The restaurant is called “Tellers” because it is located in the original teller booths of the First National. You can see the booths in the photos below.

Here are some photos of a mail chute on the second floor. I thought this was pretty neat!

The Vault (Basement)

There is a cocktail bar located in the basement of the building which historically was the vault. I walked by the gates during the day and they were locked so I didn’t get to look around inside.

Concluding Thoughts

Overall, I think the First National Building is beautiful! I love walking through it during lunchtime and browsing the shops. I would love to grab a bite to eat at Teller’s one day so I can give y’all my opinion on the food! I hope you’ll pay a visit to this historic building next time you visit Downtown Oklahoma City!

Happy Traveling – I’ll talk to ya soon 🙂

Visit

120 N. Robinson Ave.

Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Sources

Panels inside the First National Building located on the first floor.