Baum Building
Historical building in Oklahoma
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Baum Building was a historic building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. In 1909, Moses J. Baum, a Mississippi-born merchant who specialised in women's garments, leased the land at the northeast corner of Grand and Robinson and built a five-story commercial building on the site. The building was modeled after the Doge's Palace in Venice, Italy.[1] The building was completed in 1910, with the Baum company moving in on May 5, 1910.[2][3] The building was designed by Layton and Smith, and cost $140,000 to build.[4]
The Insurance Center
| Baum Building | |
|---|---|
  Location within Oklahoma | |
| Alternative names | First Equity Building The Insurance Center |
| General information | |
| Type | Commercial |
| Location | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States |
| Coordinates | 35.46656°N 97.51623°W |
| Groundbreaking | 1909 |
| Opened | May 1910 |
| Demolished | July-August 1972 |
| Cost | US$140,000 |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 5 (+ basement) |
During its lifespan, the building was also called the First Equity Building and the Insurance Center.[5]
Demolition
The building was demolished between July and August 1972.[6][5] The beautiful and ornate building became a victim of urban renewal and I.M. Pei's street straightening project.[1] After demolition, Robinson Street was widened from 74 feet to 134 feet.[6]
The building's marble columns were removed and preserved, and a mural within the building was moved to a Fidelity Bank building.[5]
