project team
j&b graphics
lingo construction
hit design
obelisk engineering

press
2018 | newsok Meritorious Historic Preservation in Oklahoma
2014 | newsok Classic Sign Shines Bright for Auto Alley
2014 | kfor A Bit of Nostalgia Returning to Automobile Alley
2014 | newsok Will Hider’s Captures Debut of Buick Sign

Broadway Avenue, the primary north-south corridor into the booming town of Oklahoma City, was one of the widest boulevards in the city’s infancy, and early residential homes along the street turned into commercial buildings by the 1920s. The historic district in the northeast part of downtown was home to over fifty automobile dealerships, car service companies, hotels, and apartment buildings.

As much of downtown began to deteriorate in the coming decades, Automobile Alley followed suit. Land around the railroad tracks was utilized for industrial and manufacturing space until the early 1960s and it wasn’t until after the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 that city officials began to emphasize rejuvenation for Automobile Alley, calling it the “front door to downtown” and aiding in the effort to redevelop the area, transforming many of the showrooms and storefronts into upscale lofts, galleries, restaurants, and offices. Today, there is renewed interest in restoring the unique urban area and many businesses have joined the renaissance. This new development continues to enhance the Alley’s position as downtown’s new hip urban center.

The addition of the rooftop sign to the historic home of the Buick Motor Company has added to the dynamic character of Automobile Alley, which is peppered with other historically inspired lighted signs. The rooftop sign recreates the historic Buick sign from the 1920s. The sign is composed of painted aluminum letters with neon lighting on a painted steel frame.

photo
© joseph mills