OKC Council delays vote on church
Representatives of First Christian Church promised Tuesday they have no plans to tear down the architectural landmark and do not have any pending deals with buyers that could lead to demolition in the immediate future. Those promises by church board chairman Steve Felton, were made as the Oklahoma City Council debated starting the process to designate historic landmark status to the property at NW 36 and Walker Avenue. If such a vote had been held Tuesday, no demolition or changes could occur at the property for up to 180 days and a final vote would restrict any changes to those approved by the city's Historic Preservation Commission. Instead, the city council voted to defer a vote until April 9. But the same 180-day moratorium could be imposed by the preservation commission, which is considering a similar action at its April 3 meeting. Felton disputed whether a sale is imminent, contesting reports by Ward 2 Councilman Ed Shadid he was contacted by a board member seeking information about steps needed for a buyer to clear the property. “As long as I have a breath left, we're not going to file for
a demolition permit,” Felton said. “We've responded to every offer. One walked away … . When you have something up for sale and they offer 20 percent of that, the meeting is over. We're not in negotiations anymore.” Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer, meanwhile, reported she has talked with two aspiring buyers who would keep the church intact. Multiple sources also have confirmed to The Oklahoman a viable offer exists that would maintain the church as a house of worship. Mark Faulk, among those supporting Shadid's effort to implement historic landmark status for the church, reminded the city council of the abrupt demolition last year of another midcentury modern landmark, Founders Bank at Northwest Expressway and May Avenue. “Founders Bank is an example,” Faulk said. “They went in, got their permit, and they were bulldozing within an hour. By the time we found out, they were already tearing out chunks of a building that does not exist anywhere else in America.” David Box, attorney for the church, told the city council they might hurt efforts to sell the building to a buyer by restricting any needed modifications under historic landmark status. “This does not take away their ability to sell it,” Fauk responded. “It doesn't not take away the ability of a buyer to make changes. It just puts in a process.” Pamela Holt, regional minister for Disciples of Christ, consisting of 148 congregations, told the city council the 40 members of First Christian Church are united against any effort to designate the church a historic landmark. “The individuals who are advocating for this resolution are not members of the congregation,” Holt said. “They do not attend worship nor do they pay any money into the coffers for the upkeep of the property, the building or the mission of this church.” Ward 8 Councilman Mark Stonecipher echoed concerns about lawsuits and possible inverse condemnation while speaking fondly of his memories of a school graduation in the church's main auditorium. Stonecipher said he also recalled the auditorium experiencing roof leaks at the time, which was followed by a report the building needs all new air conditioning and heating. “I have a lot of fond memories there and I want to preserve it,” Stonecipher said. “Does this church have the money to maintain the building? Have we thought about what it would take to maintain the building if it is mothballed?” Stonecipher and Salyer agreed all sides should visit and discuss how to come up with a plan that doesn't force the church into bankruptcy, or to abandon the property, or leave the city vulnerable to an inverse condemnation lawsuit that could cost the city millions. “I have personally spoken to two parties who are interested in making offers for this property,” said Salyer, herself a veteran urban core real estate investor and developer. “There are over 20 acres of property, the church and theater sit on about three. We have to be realistic that maybe on the other property there is room for other development. And maybe that can be a win-win.”