Tulsa Finally Gets Buyer For Old City Hall

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Tulsa has finally found a buyer for its old City Hall. The property has sat vacant since the city moved into One Technology Center in 2008.

The Snyder family, who recently renovated the Mayo Hotel, has offered $1 million for this property. It may mean the end of what has become an eyesore in downtown Tulsa.

Old City Hall has stuck out like a sore thumb for several years now.

The City of Tulsa put it on the market when it relocated at One Technology Center, but no buyers have stepped up to the plate until now.

The Snyders, who run Brickhugger LLC, see potential where most others don't.

"To get downtown redeveloped and vibrant again, we have to have all the buildings filled," said Tori Snyder of Brickhugger, LLC.

The family has already redone the Mayo Hotel, a building that sat vacant for two decades. Encouraged by that project, they are prepared to spend upwards of $30 million on this one.

City Hall will not be demolished, but instead converted into a 200-room hotel.

"It will help all of downtown. It'll help the BOK Center, and will definitely help the Convention Center. They need more hotel rooms," Tori Snyder said.

Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett says he was a bit surprised by the Snyders' interest. After all, this is the first and only offer the city has received.

As for the $1 million, Bartlett says it's a one-time infusion of cash and won't be used to rehire anyone.

"We would not turn around and hire a whole bunch of people. I don't think that would be a very prudent use of the money," he said.

The Synders expect to complete the renovation and have the hotel open within two years. They say despite its looks, old City Hall can be converted into a vibrant part of downtown revitalization.

"A lot of people just look at a building from the outside, and don't really understand what you can do with a building," said Tori Snyder of Brickhugger LLC, the company that has made on offer on Tulsa's old City Hall.

Also included in the deal is the Francis Campbell City Council building. The city says the sale will also generate additional savings.

Even though the building is unoccupied, the utility bill for old City Hall was still nearly $600,000 last year.