The Baum Building was a historic building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1909, Moses J. Baum, a Mississippi-born merchant who specialised 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 5, 1910.[2][3] The building was designed by Layton and Smith, and cost $140,000 to build.[4]

Baum Building
Baum Building is located in Oklahoma
Baum Building
Alternative namesFirst Equity Building
The Insurance Center
General information
TypeCommercial
Town or cityOklahoma City, Oklahoma
CountryUnited States
Coordinates35°28′00″N 97°30′58″W / 35.46656°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

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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

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  1. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c "Baum Building Razing Started". The Daily Oklahoman. July 20, 1972. p. 45.
  6. ^ a b Dryden, Dave (August 15, 1972). "Bank Vault, concrete walls balk at demolition effort". The Daily Oklahoman.