Johnathan Russell, 54, the former owner of the historic Gold Dome building in Oklahoma City, died last week of heart failure. His death has added more confusion to an already-uncertain future of the Route 66 landmark.
The Oklahoman newspaper reported on the tangled details:
Russell bought the Gold Dome in 2015 as it was threatened with demolition by the seller, David Box. His death and the delayed confirmation of the sale to developer Caleb Hill continue decades of frustrated efforts to bring the former bank back to life. Previous proposals included redevelopment as a Natural Grocers store, and the building was briefly converted into an Asian event center, a string of small retail shops and a restaurant and bar.
Despite multiple efforts to restore and redevelop the landmark, Russell saw his ownership go into receivership when his loan was declared in default by Chickasaw Community Bank.
A court hearing to confirm the winning auction bid by Hill was delayed on Friday, Oct. 16, the same day services were being held for Russell at St. Luke’s Methodist Church. Court records show that Tulsa concert venue operator and promoter Mike Brown, who was set to buy the Gold Dome from Russell, filed an objection to the confirmation of the sale to Hill, claiming irregularities in the auction bidding process used by the Oklahoma County sheriff.
Brown’s attorneys argued the lack of an in-person option for the auction created a “chilling, stifling and suppressing” impact on bidding. The attorneys filed yet another objection following Russell’s death, saying that the court no longer has jurisdiction in the case until matters of the estate are resolved.
There’s more, but it sounds like the Gold Dome’s case will be tied up in court for a while. The next hearing is scheduled for late December.
The city council approved $3 million in tax-increment financing for the Gold Dome the same day it was placed on an online auction.
The Gold Dome was built as a Citizens State Bank in 1958 as the fifth geodesic dome in the world.
It was designated to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
It doesn’t seem likely, however, that the Gold Dome will be demolished. Residents thwarted such an earlier attempt about 20 years ago.
The Gold Dome sits at Northwest 23rd Street and North Classen Boulevard, both sections of Route 66.
(Image of the Gold Dome in Oklahoma City by Stu Rapley via Flickr)