1st National Center

The development of First National Center in 1970 provides an example of what the city could have looked like if hundreds of buildings had not been razed to create the blank canvasses for new development. Essentially encompassing a whole city block, FNC developed as First Natl Bank purchased urban renewal lots for expansion.

The development of First National Center in 1970 provides an example of what the city could have looked like if hundreds of buildings had not been razed to create the blank canvasses for new development.

Essentially encompassing a whole city block, FNC developed as First Natl Bank purchased urban renewal lots for a couple of small low-density buildings, like a cafeteria and a parking structure. The expansion of the original 1931 skyscraper was planned around the extant historical buildings of its neighbors instead of demolishing them. FNC built two 14-story towers on Park Ave, another on Broadway, and a large garage on Main St, leaving today's BancFirst( 1921), Medical Arts (1924), and Oil & Gas (1909) Buildings intact.

Hatch, Katherine . "Banks Disclose Plans for New Downtown Buildings." Daily Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) March 21st 1969. .1.