Baum Building

The Baum Building was a historic building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1909, Moses J. Baum, a Mississippi-born merchant who specialsed in women's garments, leased the land at the northeast corner of Grand and Robinson and built a five-story commercial building on the site. The building was modeled after the Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy.[1] The building was completed in 1910, with the Baum company moving in on May 5th, 1910.[2][3] The building was designed by Layton and Smith and cost $140,000 to build.[4]

Baum Building
Alternative namesFirst Equity Building
The Insurance Center
General information
TypeCommercial
Town or cityOklahoma City, Oklahoma
CountryUnited States
Coordinates35.46656°N 97.51623°W / 35.46656; -97.51623
Groundbreaking1909
OpenedMay 1910
DemolishedJuly-August 1972
CostUS$140,000
Technical details
Floor count5 (+ basement)

During its lifespan, the building was also called the First Equity Building and the Insurance Center.[5]

Demolition

The building was demolished between July and August 1972.[6][5] The beautiful and ornate building became a victim of urban renewal and I.M. Pei's street straightening project.[1] After demolition, Robinson Street was widened from 74 feet to 134 feet.[6]

The building's marble columns were removed and preserved, and a mural within the building was moved to a Fidelity Bank building.[5]

References
  1. "Downtown Oklahoma City - OHS Research Center". www.okhistory.org.
  2. Phillips, Mary (May 12, 2014). "Baum Building once had no comparison in region". The Oklahoman.
  3. "Announcement". The Daily Oklahoman. May 1, 1910.
  4. "Baum Building Permit for $140,000 Structure". August 25, 1909.
  5. "Baum Building Razing Started". The Daily Oklahoman. July 20, 1972. p. 45.
  6. Dryden, Dave (August 15, 1972). "Bank Vault, concrete walls balk at demolition effort". The Daily Oklahoman.
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