Abandoned apartment building in Oklahoma City turns into dream home

During that time, the world around them changed. Their original architect, Bart Shedeck, died, and after dealing with various surprises, their rooftop view no longer includes the state Capitol but does boast a view of the new Devon Energy Center.

“It was really a bad neighborhood,” Larry Waters said as he gave The Oklahoman the first public tour of the property. “Detox was down the street, vagrants were living under the (adjoining) railroad tracks, and there was nothing but abandoned parking lots around us.”

Waters is stunned by the changes that have occurred around his building — the 2nd Street lofts and Level Urban Apartments across the street, an Aloft Hotel being built next door, and a Native Roots grocery set to open next month with more restaurants and retail to follow.

Richard McKnown, developer of Level, is among those who say the true showstopper on the block is Waters' Clark Building. The addition of bay windows to the brick building's west facade, a 1,500-foot glass-encased entertainment room and pool added to the rooftop have long captured the curiosity of onlookers who often sought to coax contractors into letting them get an inside glimpse of the property.

“Everyone loves it,” McKown said. “I get asked the same three questions all the time: What is that building, who is doing it, and have you seen it yet? It's really cool. One hundred percent of the people I talk to wish they lived there.”

Waters estimates he is about 75 percent moved in, though he is still waiting for the arrival of new furnishings.

On a tour of the building this week, Waters showed how the once-underground basement has been partially exposed to the east so that it allows him an entrance for his personal garage. The remainder of the basement floor includes a space that opens up to a courtyard that might eventually be converted into a loft apartment.

A parking lot to the east of the building has been turned into a lawn and driveway entrance. The lawn is skirted by a century-old, abandoned wooden railway trestle that is now a popular spot for graduation, family and wedding photos.