Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.

09/17/2026

Time for a quick National Historic Preservation Act refresher.

Passed in 1966, the NHPA responded to the widespread loss of historic places across the country. It created a national framework to identify, document, and protect historic properties — a system we still rely on today.

Its major components include:
• National Register
• SHPOs
• Section 106
• Federal matching grants

The NHPA reminds us that historic places aren’t just old buildings — they’re part of community identity. It continues to guide federal, state, and local preservation efforts across the country.

Photo: Main Street Enid in Oklahoma

09/17/2026

Today, we celebrate a major milestone for the Canadian Rivers Historical Society! 🎉

We're thrilled to feature Roger Margerum with CRHS and David Frost from Sovereign Storm Solutions, who has been instrumental in our journey to restore the roof of the Ed Gillespie Building. Thanks to the collective efforts and generosity of our community, we're one step closer to reviving this beloved landmark. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact we can make when we come together!

We're honored to have your support and can't wait to share our progress with you. Stay tuned for updates and let's keep pushing forward together! 👏

Please like and subscribe to join our journey towards a brighter future for the beloved City of Geary! 🌟

09/13/2026

The Canadian Rivers Historical Society is working hard to restore and preserve their museum building in Geary. The Ed Gillespie Building was built in 1903, and is a fixture on the corner of Main Street, and is on Route 66. Multiple businesses have been located here, including a bank, a doctor’s office and a car dealership. It has sustained storm damage, including losing part of the roof. They have been forced to put their collections in storage until the roof and water damage can be repaired. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to watch the progress or help with a donation.

09/10/2026

Section 106 reviews are one of the most important tools for protecting Oklahoma’s rich history and historic places. Each year, thousands of projects move through the process -2,670 in FY 2024 alone – and only 1-2% result in adverse effects.

Most concerns are solved long before they become a problem. We work with project sponsors to:
• Shift alignments
• Choose better materials
• Monitor ground disturbance

Actual loss of a historic property is extremely rare. And if it does occur, we make sure it is carefully documented so its story remains part of Oklahoma’s story.

09/01/2026

08/26/2026

Have a preservation project in mind? Send a letter of intent for the PlanFirst Grant, generously sponsored by BancFirst. This matching funds grant encourages a thoughtful planning process for undertaking a preservation project. See details below and at preservationok.org/planfirst-grant.

08/21/2026

As a prospective new owner seeks $3 million in public funds to renovate and repurpose the historic Gold Dome at NW 23rd and Classen, a Sheriff’s sale is scheduled for September 1st due to a foreclosure action by Chickasaw Community Bank.

The property was purchased in 2015 by current owner Golden Opportunity LLC led by local developer Jonathan Russell. Since then the only work performed was to demolish the old bank drive-thru canopy which was deemed not to be historically significant.

In December 2025, OKCTalk was first to report a request for $3 million in Tax Increment Financing was made by a group led by Mike Brown of Tulsa, who sought to convert the property into a live music venue.

That plan seemed to stall until this week when the $3 million ask again went before the Economic Development Trust, which they approved with little discussion.

From all indications, Russell seems to be racing the clock to stave off the September 1st sale.

This is the chronology of the events surrounding the Gold Dome:

**************

1958: Built by Citizens State Bank. 27,000 square feet

3/29/03: David Box buys for $1.1 million from bank

3/13/13: Box applies for demolition permit; City denies

June 2013: TEEMCO “buys” property and promises renovation (they never really bought it)

10/2/14: OKCTalk expose on TEEMCO; business and deal completely collapses

5/5/15: Russell buys from David Box for $1.1 million

8/21/17: Bank2 Mortgage $912,622

10/29/19: Canopy demolition permit

4/21/20: Modified mortgage to $1,324,661

5/8/20: CCB Promissory Note $207,688 with power of sale

March 2021: Temple Live developed renderings

12/12/24: $3M TIF grant shows up on EDT agenda; OKCTalk article

12/13/24: Mike Brown press release

12/15/25: Bank2 note is in default $1,163,195; CCB note in default $206,504

11/18/25: Petition for foreclosure

6/5/26: Default judgment
$1,163.195 plus unpaid interest
$206,504 plus unpaid interest

7/21/26: Independent appraisal of $900,000

8/7/26: Publication in Journal Record

8/18/26: EDT Meeting. Development financing not to exceed $3M for Gold Dome Project.
“Rehabilitation of the historic Gold Dome building, with a destination hospitality and entertainment concept expected to include restaurant and bar operations, a dance hall, and live entertainment; with $9,317,500 in private capital investment in downtown Oklahoma City. (TIF)” “GOLT funding loaned to the TIF.”

9/1/2026: Sheriff’s sale at 9 AM; minimum bid of $600,000 with no reserve

08/18/2026

Section 106 is essential in giving our state’s preservationists, archeologists and the public a say in our historic places.