Ross Group Office

International Harvester Historic Preservation

Ross Group’s new headquarters in Tulsa’s Blue Dome District was originally home to the International Harvester truck and tractor dealership. Built in 1938 the structure had been relegated to a storage facility for decades, but Ross Group and Selser Schaefer Architects understood the amazing potential of the historic old structure.

The overarching goal of this project was to celebrate the history of International Harvester. As an Historic Preservation project the building had to maintain the 1930’s industrial aesthetic while incorporating the technology and systems required for business today.

The original auto showroom is the most significant interior space of the building. Historic finishes including terrazzo floors, glazed tile walls and plaster ceilings were restored. To preserve the openness of the original showroom, glass box conference rooms float within the space reminiscent of the vehicles that were once displayed there. Historic photos of International Harvester trucks clad each conference room marker wall.

An existing service bay was converted into the company fitness room, and a second for the president’s office.

The daylight filled machine shop and parts warehouse behind the showroom was the perfect enclosure for the flexible, collaborative office environment.

The large bowstring trusses were cleaned and painted to accentuate the laciness of the historic bolted steel members.

In addition to preserving the history of the dealership, modern innovations were included. The building’s energy needs are met by geothermal wells under the parking lot and solar panels on the roof, making this Historic Preservation project one of Tulsa’s most sustainable buildings.

Ross Group Office

Awards

Certificate of Merit, State Historic Preservation Officer, 2017

People’s Choice Award, AIA Oklahoma, 2017

Merit Award for Design Excellence, AIA Eastern Oklahoma, 2016