Colcord Airdome

Oklahoma City, OK

15 N. Robinson Avenue

, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 United States

(map)

Status:	Closed
Screens:	Single Screen
Style:	Unknown

Function:	Unknown
Seats:	700
Chain:	Unknown

Architect:	William A. Wells
Firm:	Unknown

Henry Overholser chose the twenty-three story high Colcord Bulding as the location for his roof theatre because it was located right next door to his opera house. The Colcord Airdome was the highest, classiest, and coolest theatre in Oklahoma City, decorated in flower covered lattice-work, potted palms, festive lanterns, and a gracefull stage.

Everything was designed to put patrons in a party mood. A fine nine piece orchestra and the Colcord Sextet, who sang songs requested by audience members, were the main drawing card, but headline vaudeville acts were also included on the entertainment bill, along with first run motion pictures to top off the show. After the movie ended everyone stayed for rooftop dancing.

Even though the Colcord Airdome had a steep admission charge it sold out nightly. The Colcord Airdome was open every summer from 1913 through 1919. It seems mechanical air conditioning put an end to the popularity of airdome theatres. Remnants of this former rooftop theatre can still be seen atop the Colcord Building.

Contributed by Royce

YOUR COMMENTS

The address for the Colcord building is 15 N Robinson Avenue.

The Colcord building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Colcord Building ** (added 1976 - Building - #76001571)
Robinson and Sheridan, Oklahoma City
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Architect, builder, or engineer: Wells,William A.
Architectural Style: No Style Listed
Area of Significance: Architecture
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade
Current Function: Commerce/Trade

posted by Lost Memory on Mar 26, 2007 at 9:27am

Architect William A. Wells also designed the Lyric Theatre, Robinson & First, Okla. City.

posted by Seymour Cox on Mar 27, 2007 at 6:25am

Don't know where Royce came up with that "twenty-three-story" number, but in this this vintage postcard view can be seen the Colcord Airdome atop the thirteen-story white structure. Left of the Colcord can be seen the Overholser Opera House, and photo center can be seen the Folly Theatre with its stud lighted, arched entryway.
http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Projects/Downtown/GrandAve/Grand_Ave_Night.jpg
Come 1920 the Rialto Theatre would be built this side of the Baum Bldg.

posted by Seymour Cox on Jul 22, 2007 at 9:32am

Fine architectural detail can be viewed on this site, type in word 'colcord,
http://okhistory.cuadra.com/starweb3/b.archives/servlet.starweb3?path=b.archives/STARArchives.public.web

posted by Seymour Cox on Sep 9, 2007 at 3:14pm

To see W.A. Wells non-theatre designs, on site just above this post type in word "architectural" or 'drawing', then search.

posted by Oklahomo Cowboy on Sep 10, 2007 at 4:02pm

Interesting, I had never heard about this theater until now, and I thought I knew a lot about OKC highrises. Learn something new every day... Another bit of trivia about the Colcord is that its odd "L" shape is because it was designed to have a second wing to the west. Obviously, this was never built. I think the 23 floors reference may be because the building had the structural strength to add more floors. I am not sure if they were ever planned, though.

posted by Kristopher on Feb 17, 2009 at 8:32pm

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