500 NW 14th

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History

The first two parcels of land sold in Anton Classen’s new West Highland Parked Addition were located on either side at 14th at Walker. Although purchased by different men, both homes were constructed by the same builder, Frederick A. Gross. Gross immigrated from Germany to the United States during the 1890s and settled first in Wisconsin with his parents. There he met his German-born wife, Mary, and together they moved to the young boomtown of Oklahoma City in 1898.

In Oklahoma Territory, Gross organized his own construction company specializing in steel and concrete work. In 1904, while working on a home at 501 NW 14th, he purchased the lot across the street and started on a home for his family of five.

Gross chose a Neo-classical design with a monumental portico supported by Ionic columns featuring street-facing porches on both first and second floors. Fanlights adorn both the front and back of the structure. The home has wood lapboard siding with brick steps to the porch. Original stained leaded glass flanks the front entry door. Beyond the airlock entry is the living room which extends across the front of the house. Beautiful large windows light this high-ceiling open space with a gracious stair at the west end and the original fireplace with marble surround. The spacious dining room is located behind the living room. The large staircase leads to the second floor with the family bedrooms and baths. The attic space is large and used for storage.

Gross rented the home periodically during his 23 years of ownership. Two of the temporary occupants were Charles Urschel, who later was kidnapped by Machine Gun Kelly at another home in the neighborhood, and Tom Slick, one of the richest oilmen in the state known as “king of the wildcatters.” Gross finally sold the home in 1927 and moved to Hollywood, California.

By the 1960s families were moving away from the downtown areas, and the house was sold and used commercially by Standard Life Insurance Company. Later, Mercy Hospital used it as a recreational center for nurses and interns.

In 1972 the home was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Fredrickson, complete with fire damage, water damage, and holes in the walls. They repaired structural problems, enclosed the back screened-in porch, and started a gradual rehabilitation of each room. The Fredricksons brought the home back from the verge of condemnation and were awarded one of the first renovation awards from Heritage Hills’ Historical Preservation, Inc.

The renovation was continued by the next owners, James B. and Pauline Lisle, who purchased the home in December 1986 and moved in six months later after extensive work was completed. Jim, a stockbroker, and Pauline, a registered nurse, put on a new roof, converted the fireplace to burn wood, and repainted. They also renovated the kitchen and put in a breakfast bar and informal dining space with views of their birdfeeder and landscaped backyard.
In addition, the Lisles had to replace the original rear fanlight when it was shattered April 19, 1995, as a result of the Murrah Building bombing.


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