Oklahoma Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Co. purchased the building from SBC Oklahoma in 2005.
The company, which expanded out of state and changed its name to American Farmers and Ranchers Mutual Insurance Co. in 2007, put the property up for sale in 2010 after determining the property was too large for its operations.
Close to connections
The new law school home is being promoted as an exceptional location with close access to courthouses and many of the city's law firms, with enough capacity to hold classrooms and the law library under one roof.
OCU President Robert Henry said the building also will serve as a venue for some of the university's special events, including entertainment performances and business functions.
“This is a significant move for our law school, our university, our Oklahoma City,” Henry said. “OCU students will have more opportunities for access to courtrooms and major law firms, which is a valuable addition to their learning experiences. Many will move downtown, further vitalizing our growing and vibrant city. On the Oklahoma City University campus, this move creates new opportunities for several other expanding programs.”
The move is seen by supporters as an economic boost for downtown thanks to approximately 550 students, and nearly 100 faculty, staff and administrators working in the city's core.
Norick said the move downtown provides symbiotic benefits for the school and the city.
“We will be glad to join the fast-growing downtown business community,” Norick said. “This move will benefit our law students tremendously and add hundreds of young professionals to downtown Oklahoma City.”
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