Page Woodson School

Oklahoma City, OK

Winner of the Richard H. Driehaus National Preservation Award, the adaptive reuse of Page Woodson School into affordable apartments marks a vibrant cultural rebirth in Oklahoma City. This historic African American high school is an outstanding example of a Classical Revival red brick school building. Part of a larger plan to preserve black history while re-energizing an urban milieu, this project utilized LIHTC funding and historic tax credits to create a 100% affordable development.

The alma mater of author Ralph Ellison, the transformed school still bears Frederick Douglass’ name but now accommodates 65 apartments and a renovated 700-seat auditorium for community arts and performance groups. The adaptation capitalizes on the building’s art deco flourishes, limestone accents and school themes, with most original blackboards preserved in place. A portion of the apartments are scaled as lofts with soaring ceilings, and all living spaces feature abundant daylight.

Awarded

2018 National Trust for Historic Preservation Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Award
2018 ULI Oklahoma IMPACT Award - Large Scale Rehabilitation & Restoration
2018 Oklahoma Historical Society State Historic Preservation Officer’s Citation of Merit
2017 AIA Georgia Residential Design Award for Adaptive Use
2017 Apartment Association of Central Oklahoma Renovation of the Year

Photo Credits: Scott Chester
Brandon Snider

Vacant for 25 years, Page Woodson had reached a very dilapidated state.
Limestone ornamentation was cleaned
Art deco doors were rebuilt or recreated by artisans off-site.
Double stairs
Original plaster balustrades in stairwells had to be rebuilt.
The 700-seat auditorium was restored for community use.
Many original blackboards were preserved in place.
Loft units are spacious and airy.
Lower unit