Living at First National
Inside the apartments at renovated landmark
First National Center, a historic landmark once in such decline that its utilities were cut off, is opening to residents as work wraps up on a $287 million redevelopment of the 32-story art deco tower. h The First Residences, consisting of 193 upscale apartments on the tower’s 14th through 32nd floors, boast views of the downtown skyline and the state Capitol and reflect a complete gutting and rebuilding of where bankers, lawyers and oil executives went to work when First National Bank was a corporate anchor for the city.
“Interest is starting to peak now that we’re about to open it to the public. Everyone that comes through the doors is overwhelmed with awe.” Josh Carmody executive director at NE Property Management
The building was falling into disrepair when it went into receivership five years ago. But the building’s ornate exterior, Great Banking Hall and basement vault were still intact when developers bought the tower and started the most expensive preservation effort in city history. Once complete, the renovated tower also will be home to The National, a 146-room Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel, upscale restaurants and shops.
Josh Carmody, executive director at NE Property Management, said the first 10 tenants are moving in this week and the apartments are drawing brisk interest in open house tours. About 15% of the apartments are leased.
“Interest is starting to peak now that we’re about to open it to the public,” Carmody said. “Everyone that comes through the doors is overwhelmed with awe. The stature of the Great
Hall is pretty overwhelming in a positive way. We've visited with people who have a history with the building and getting to hear those stories is pretty meaningful.”
The amenities at The First Residences exceed those offered by other apartments downtown. Garage parking, a fitness center, a rooftop dog park and pool might be found elsewhere. But at First National the residents can choose VIP parking in the basement of the tower that provides secured and private access to apartments with a separate elevator.
Several of the residential amenities are on the tower's 14th floor, home to the leasing office and a community room that includes a kitchen, seating and couches, shuffle board and a pool table. The room looks out on the dog park and adjoins a dog salon.
At the heart of the apartments, as well as a hotel on the lower floors opening next month, is the Great Banking Hall. The bank, opened in 1931, was built to reflect strength and security during an era of daring bank robberies by the likes of Bonnie and Clyde and John Dillinger.
This two-story cavernous room, decked with four large murals by Chicago artist Edgar Spier Cameron and 14 marble and stone columns leading up to an ornate ceiling and glass skylight, is promoted as being a second “living room” for tenants.
The original banking counters, 42 teller's gates, and a large balcony at the hall's west end that once served as a waiting room for First National customers survived 25 years of abandonment following the loss of the last banking tenant.
Though not set to open for another couple of weeks, the Great Banking Hall is by most measures ready for its grand re-introduction to Oklahoma City. Tellers restaurant booths line up along the original banking counters and 42 teller's gates.
“The Great Banking Hall is known as the residents' living room,” Carmody said. “It's a second space for them to call home. They can just take a quick elevator ride down to be greeted with an opulent space where they can relax, grab a cocktail and even grab dinner at Tellers.”
Steve Lackmeyer started at The Oklahoman in 1990. He is an award-winning reporter, columnist and author who covers downtown Oklahoma City, urban development and economics for The Oklahoman. Contact him at slackmeyer@oklahoman.com. Please support his work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.