A Googie-style residential skyscraper crowned with a revolving restaurant offering 360-degree views of Oklahoma City’s skyline.
At a glance
Founders Tower rises 275 feet across 20 stories in northwest Oklahoma City. Originally constructed as an office building, it now houses upscale residential units and a signature restaurant on its top floor. The structure remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
History
Completed in 1964, Founders Tower initially served as an office building under the name United Founders Life Tower. The building made architectural history as the second structure in the United States to feature a revolving restaurant—preceded only by Seattle’s Space Needle. The tower underwent redevelopment into residential use and was recognized for its historical and architectural significance when listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013.
What you see
The tower exemplifies Googie style, the futuristic mid-century aesthetic that defined optimistic American modernism. Its crown jewel is the 360 restaurant, originally revolving though no longer rotating. The design emphasizes verticality and clean lines characteristic of its era, while the top-floor dining venue provides unobstructed panoramic vistas across Oklahoma City in all directions.
Cultural significance
Founders Tower represents a pivotal moment in American restaurant design and mid-century modernism. Its revolving restaurant was a technological marvel and cultural phenomenon of the 1960s, part of the Space Age aesthetic that captivated postwar America. The building’s transformation from commercial to residential use reflects changing urban development patterns while preserving its iconic status in the city’s visual identity.
Key facts
- Height: 275 feet (84 m)
- Stories: 20
- Completed: 1964
- Location: Northwest Oklahoma City, United States
- Coordinates: 35.53°N, 97.57°W
- National Register of Historic Places: 2013
- Architectural style: Googie
Practical information & getting there
The tower is located northwest of downtown Oklahoma City. The 360 restaurant operates on the top floor, accessible to visitors seeking dining with panoramic city views. For current hours, dining reservations, or residential information, contact the building directly or visit the Oklahoma City tourism website.
Sources & resources
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