An Oklahoma City forum reports the historic Gold Dome bank building is under contract and may be converted into a live-music venue.
The scoop came from OKCTalk, which has broken other big news in the city. It reported:
Plans by VEGA architecture of Denver reveal the intention to convert the dome into a live music venue, with the main stage in the center, floor viewing areas, and the second level shown as seated and standing viewing.
The renderings also show a new covered 2-level patio that would face NW 23rd.
The Temple Live logo is also featured. The company operates live music venues in Fort Smith, Wichita, and Cleveland.
Our sources tell us the sale and renovation are contingent on obtaining financing and possible government subsidies.
The post also contains nine artist’s renderings of the re-imagined building.
OKCTalk reported that with the country beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, “interest in buying and renovating the building has increased.”
The Gold Dome was built as a Citizens State Bank in 1958 as the fifth geodesic dome in the world.
In 2003, it faced demolition until local preservationists protested. Irene Lam bought it and turned it into a retail complex. It was listed as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
In 2012, the building fell into foreclosure. Local developer Jonathan Russell bought the Gold Dome after Edmond, Oklahoma-based TEEMCO abandoned plans to buy and renovate the property in the wake of an oil-price collapse.
The Gold Dome sits at Northwest 23rd Street and North Classen Boulevard, both sections of Route 66.
UPDATE 4/10/2021: A longtime reporter for The Oklahoman newspaper confirmed many of the previously reported details.
An Arkansas live venue operator is forecasting a redeveloped Gold Dome will create an $80 million economic impact as talks proceed with city officials about potential public assistance completing the renovation.
TempleLive, a division of Beaty Capital Group, previously confirmed it is under contract to buy the Gold Dome, 1112 NW 23, from current owner Johnathan Russell.
The president of TempleLive said:
“As a lifetime Oklahoman living in Tulsa, I have been keenly aware of this Oklahoma City, Route 66, iconic and historic attraction,” Brown said. “How cool will it be to restore this? The Oklahoma City Gold Dome has been patiently waiting to shine again, with all things old being popular again.”
(Artist’s rendering of the Gold Dome as a music venue via OKCTalk)