The historic Manual Arts Building on TCC’s Metro Campus—currently home to the bookstore, YMCA@TCC, Writing Center, The Perk coffee shop, study areas, and more—has been a cornerstone of Tulsa education for a full century. Here’s a look back at its journey:
1924
Construction began on the Manual Arts Building at a cost of $164,605.
1925
Dedicated on Labor Day, September 7, to prepare high school students for industrial, mechanical, and craft-based careers.
1975
Closed as newer educational facilities were built outside downtown Tulsa.
1976
Purchased by Tulsa Junior College from Tulsa Public Schools for $225,000.
1977
Reopened as a newly remodeled student center for the Metro Campus.
1980
Received two national awards for creative renovation as a “recycled” building.
A scrapbook album and architecture information for the Manual Arts Building are available at TCC Land History Guide (guides.library.tulsacc.edu/TCCLandHistory) in addition to the campus land histories for the Metro, Northeast, and Southeast campuses.