Debt-ridden Wright Skyscraper for Sale Again

The future of Frank Lloyd Wright’s only skyscraper, the Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is uncertain following the collapse of a company established to preserve it. Originally commissioned in 1952 by oil magnate Harold Charles Price, the building became a landmark for the town. However, after Price sold the structure in 1981 when his company relocated to Dallas, it changed hands multiple times, leading to its current precarious state. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the Price Tower was acquired last year by Cynthia Blanchard, who purchased it for a mere $250 despite the building being $600,000 in debt. Blanchard, known for her diverse career as a country music backing singer, author, and cryptocurrency manager, aimed to revitalize the iconic structure. However, her efforts have not materialized as planned, resulting in the company’s dissolution. The collapse of the preservation initiative has prompted a fire sale, raising concerns about the future of the building and its historical significance. Local advocates and preservationists are now left to grapple with the potential loss of a key piece of American architectural history, as the fate of the Price Tower hangs in the balance. As discussions about the building's future continue, the community remains hopeful that a new buyer or preservation effort will emerge to safeguard this architectural gem designed by one of America’s most revered architects.