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When the circular Founders Tower was a place of business, its offices were small, awkward — and shaped like slices of pie.
That is, at least, the assessment of developers and owners Mark Livingston and Jim Meyer, who have transformed the Oklahoma City landmark into The 360 at Founders Plaza.
This fall, it will be a home, a high-rise one with panoramic views. Young professionals, empty nesters and doctors from nearby medical facilities have reserved 50 of the 63 condominiums so far, including the $2 million unit that takes the entire 18th floor, the developers said. "We are bringing it back to life, while maintaining its historic nature,” Meyer said.
Floors 3 through 17 have been divided into four condominiums each. To complement the exterior's 1960s style, the open-plan interiors are modern by today's standards. There are smooth kitchen and bathroom cabinets and sliding pocket doors. Countertops are granite and the floors in the main rooms are hardwood, slate or travertine tile. Carpet is used in the bedrooms. Every room features a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows and each condominium is graced with two or three balconies.
"Who wants a balcony in their office? Everyone wants a balcony in their house,” Livingston said.
In a two-bedroom condominium, balconies flank either side of the main living area. In other condominiums, one of the balconies ends up outside the bathroom. Prices range from $275,000 for a one-bedroom condominium to about $1 million for one of the two penthouses on the 19th floor. The higher the condo, the more expansive the view — whether it be Lake Hefner or the downtown skyline — and the higher the price, Livingston said. The condominiums range from 1,168 square feet for a one-bedroom to 6,800 square feet for an entire floor.
The 360 is the contemporary cornerstone of a 7-acre Founders Plaza project that will include two 40,000-square-foot office buildings and 14 townhouses and should cost about $50 million. Construction on Phase Two should begin next spring, Meyer said. Prices will start at $300,000 for the 2,500-square-foot townhouses, Livingston said. Amenities will include a yet-to-be-built exterior swimming pool and a spa, which will feature a pool already in the basement of The 360. Both will be used by the entire development.
Because of a proliferation of hotels in the area, plans for a hotel have been nixed for the time, Meyer said. The new office buildings and townhouses will be designed to echo The 360's modern sensibilities. The 20-story building was built in 1962; United Founders Insurance moved in the next year. It was a time when children and adults alike were fascinated by space travel, Meyer said. "Believe it or not, the Jetsons were the biggest show at the time. The president was talking about going to the moon,” Meyer said.
At the time of construction, the tower's design was considered futuristic. While the 20-story building appears circular, it is actually decagon shaped, with 10 angles and sides, Meyer said. When the Seattle Space Needle was built with a revolving restaurant in the early 1960s, a similar restaurant was quickly added at the top of the United Founders Tower, making Oklahoma City the second city in the nation to boast such an attraction. Many more would follow, Meyer said.
There were other aspects of the building that appealed to the developers. "We felt it was worthwhile, not only because of its architecture, but because of the part it played in the growth of Oklahoma City and the northwest corridor,” Livingston said.
The 360 is located at 5900 Mosteller Drive, northwest of May Avenue and Northwest Expressway. "When Founders Tower was built, it was in the middle of nowhere. It was all dairy and farm land,” Livingston said. Baptist Hospital and a myriad of other office and retail operations soon followed.
About 15 years ago, out-of-state investors began buying and selling Founders Tower, Meyer said. "Basically, they let the buildings go down and down. They put as little into it as possible,” Meyer said. Livingston agreed: "It was neglected.”
When they purchased it two years ago, "it had a 38 percent occupancy. All the infrastructure had been shot,” Meyer said. When the improvements are complete, the developers will have spent more than $2 million to remove 45-year-old glass that would shatter into shards. They have replaced it with tempered, energy-efficient panes. The exterior of the concrete-and-steel frame was solid and has been left as it was in the early 1960s. In all, the developers will spend more than $15 million on the renovations, including the installation of new cooling and heating systems, plumbing and electrical systems.
Meyer said, "Just by replacing the glass, it looks brand new and it looks cool. By replacing everything else, it makes it a great place to live.”
The new glass makes it look great....I have always loved it and it is now finally being used as it should...Condos w/Balconies. Indnt dat nice....
I have to admit that I am really impressed with what these owners did and are currently doing....I remember the structure as a child and it really gave me a contemporary view on art. I remember the revolving Eagles Nest and having brunch after church. What an icon for OKC...I am really happy that it is being sought after by professionals that enjoy upscale urban living.
I have been there on business. The view is really great. I saw the lake view, but the downtown view must be fantastic as well. If you have seen the downtown view from Baptist Hospital at night, I think the Founders view would be even better.
My son had his wedding reception in the revolving restaurant. That was really cool.
The architecture is really interesting. This is what I would call '50s style, but in the article it is called '60s style. Since it was built in 1962, I guess it would have to be '60s style. There are quite a few buildings, I will call them space-age, of this era around town. I need to go out and take some pics of them.
I have been there on business. The view is really great. I saw the lake view, but the downtown view must be fantastic as well. If you have seen the downtown view from Baptist Hospital at night, I think the Founders view would be even better.
My son had his wedding reception in the revolving restaurant. That was really cool.
The architecture is really interesting. This is what I would call '50s style, but in the article it is called '60s style. Since it was built in 1962, I guess it would have to be '60s style. There are quite a few buildings, I will call them space-age, of this era around town. I need to go out and take some pics of them.
Ya- The building is really striking now. The new glass was needed for better insulation but it also changed the appearance. I am excited that they are going to make other buildings near it have the same space age look. Meet the Jetsons!
That's a really cool building, it reminds me of the one in Tulsa somewhat (except Founders is cleaner looking). I'm glad to see that they are refurbishing it. So when are you moving in HT?
That's a really cool building, it reminds me of the one in Tulsa somewhat (except the one in OkC is cleaner looking). I'm glad to see that they are refurbishing it. I'll have to take a look-see next time I'm in OkC!
Ya- The space needle condos/apartments building has always intrigued me when I visit Tulsa.
OkC is on a mission or something. They are constantly making everything bigger and better. It's quickly becoming the place to be. If they get light rail or something, that would triple everything they've already done. I hope that is in the plans.
I remember the revolving Eagles Nest and having brunch after church. .
OK, I need to hear from someone older than Happytown. The Eagles Nest moved in there after ValGene's closed the Red Eagle Room at Penn Square. There was a restaurant there before the Eagles Nest. What was it? This isn't a quiz...I just can't remember!
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Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
The 360 Condos/Revolving restaurant
Jetsons....
Ya
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