MPW provided mechanical engineering design and consulting solutions for one of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s most significant historical renovation projects, the Fox Hotel & Universal Ford Building. The Fox Hotel, constructed in 1906, is the oldest building in Tulsa’s historical downtown Brady district. The thriving downtown center has been the subject of more than $100 million in construction investment, supported by its two anchors, ONEOK Field and BOK Center.

The Universal Ford Building, originally constructed in 1917, was originally used to sell Ford and Model T automobiles. The building’s original design featured a roof with thickened concrete construction to provide structural support for vehicles on the 2nd and roof levels. The combined renovation features an array of multi-use tenants: apartments, offices, lecture halls, restaurants, a bakery, and micro-brewery. The varying needs of the tenants required that MPW collaborate closely with Lilly Architecture, representatives from the Owners group, and tenants on the look and feel of the environment and the necessary, efficient engineering solutions

MPW Engineering collaborated with Lilly Architecture, representatives from the owners, and tenants. The project was designed in REVIT, leveraging a multi-disciplined process to accommodate changes to tenant floor plans and spaces throughout the design process.

MPW utilized detailed 3D Scans (comparable to an MRI of the building) provided by Lilly Architecture, BIM processes, and REVIT to accommodate a workflow that required frequent modifications and high-quality construction documentation. Unique to the project was the design of a highly efficient chilled and hot water central plant, supported by the Universal Ford Building’s reinforced roof, serving the Ford and Fox Hotel’s varying tenants.

Project

Fox Hotel & Universal Ford Building

Location

Tulsa, OK

Partners

Kaiser Family Foundation,
Lilly Architecture
Manhattan Construction Company