The Jim Thorpe Memorial Office Building, an eight‑story Art Deco landmark in Oklahoma City, first opened its doors in 1938 as the State Capitol Office Building before being renamed in 1961 to honor Olympic legend Jim Thorpe.
State lawmakers funded the $70 million overhaul through House Bill 1011X, while House Bill 1033X established the Jim Thorpe Repair Expenditure Oversight Committee to monitor spending. The project tackled persistent water leaks, insufficient insulation, and obsolete floor plans, and installed energy‑efficient windows that mimic the original facade.
Preservation crews restored limestone walls, terrazzo floors, plaster ceilings, and original light fixtures, preserving the building’s defining Art Deco character. Bas‑relief sculptures by Doel Reed and Joe Taylor were carefully conserved, and the Oklahoma Arts Council commissioned new brass, copper, and stainless‑steel installations by Jessica Moore Harjo and Erica Pretty Eagle Cozad, featuring Sac‑Fox motifs tied to the state flower and the swan.
The renovation reconfigured the first floor as a public‑facing hub, concentrating hearing and courtroom spaces to streamline visitor flow. Behind the glass, agency offices received updated HVAC, electrical, and data networks, ensuring the eight‑story building meets modern safety and accessibility standards.
OMES Director Mark Wood praised the project as “honoring the building’s historic character while providing the infrastructure required for modern state government.” Jim Marshall, interim director of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, said the investment will benefit both agencies and residents. Anita Thorpe, a granddaughter of the athlete, expressed that the restored building “continues his legacy of strength and service.” The four agencies—Corporation Commission, Arts Council, State Election Board, and Water Resources Board—are set to occupy the structure in phases beginning this winter, re‑establishing the building as a central hub for public services.