Wells Fargo and Company Livery Stable - Oklahoma City, OK
Posted by: 
hamquilter
N 35° 27.862 W 097° 30.596
14S E 635203 N 3925561
Built in 1906, this building was a focal point in the Oklahoma Territory, as it handled the transportation of much needed goods to the new, growing city of Oklahoma City.
Waymark Code: WMAY2Z
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 03/10/2011
Views: 6
Located on the east side of the downtown area, the Wells Fargo Livery Stable served the city in its early growth. A plaque on the building tells the story:
"Wells Fargo & Co. built this livery stable in 1906 on land originally a part of the United States Military Reservation, where soldiers camped to disperse "Sooners" entering the territory illegally prior to the Run of 1889. However, the city of Oklahoma City and several different individuals had owned the land before it was purchased by Wells Fargo. This stable, with 18" solid brick walls, was completed in 1906 and was used by Wells Fargo until the discontinuation of its Overland Express operation in 1917. From 1918 until 1954 the building was owned by Well Fargo's successors, the American Railway Express Company."
This is a one-story red brick building, 50 x 140 ft., with a two-story area at the front which was once used as a hayloft. There is a deeply recessed entrance, with two wood doors with leaded glass panels, and large display windows to either side. The facade has a stepped parapet with decorative brick corbelling. The original horse stall windows have been filled in with brick. The building was originally used by Wells Fargo for offices, a warehouse and stables. A railroad spur came up to the rear of the building, which facilitated its shipping operations.
At the time of nomination to the Register in 1982 (#82003695), the building was vacant and in disrepair. Today, it has been renovated and currently houses a restaurant called Rooster's Chicken and Beer.
The east wall of the building has a beautiful mural painted over the entire depth of the building. The building is located in what is known as "Bricktown," a renovated factory district of Oklahoma City, which is an entertainment area, filled with restaurants, clubs, retail and cultural exhibits. It is also the location of the Bricktown Ballpark, and the beautiful canal system that runs throughout the area.
Street address:
115 E. Reno Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK US
73104
County / Borough / Parish: Oklahoma County
Year listed: 1982
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event
Periods of significance: 1900-1924
Historic function: Commerce/Trade
Current function: Commerce/Trade
Privately owned?: yes
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.