AT&T Building – Tulsa, OK
Building History
The AT&T Building in downtown Tulsa has long served as a key telecommunications hub in the region. Like many mid-century commercial structures, the building features a durable masonry and stone exterior designed to withstand decades of use. Over time, however, exposure to the elements led to deterioration in sections of the masonry facade, making restoration necessary to preserve both the building’s structural performance and visual integrity.
Scope of Work
Mid-Continental Restoration (MCR) was brought in to evaluate and restore portions of the building’s exterior masonry system. The project began with a comprehensive facade assessment using advanced drone technology. High-definition and thermal drone imagery were captured and used to develop a detailed 3D model of the structure, allowing the team to conduct accurate inspections, measurements, and annotations before repairs began.
Restoration work included:
- Removal and resetting of granite facade panels
- Application of a waterproof coating to protect underlying surfaces
- Reattachment of panels using stainless steel split-tail anchors
- Tuckpointing deteriorated mortar joints
- Selective brick removal and replacement where masonry damage was identified
Challenges and Solutions
Inspecting and restoring a large masonry facade presents challenges related to accessibility, accuracy, and efficiency. Traditional inspection methods can be time-consuming and require extensive scaffolding.
To address this, MCR incorporated drone technology into the early stages of the project. High-resolution imagery and thermal scanning provided a detailed view of the building envelope, allowing the team to pinpoint areas of moisture intrusion, masonry deterioration, and façade movement. The resulting 3D model enabled precise planning and documentation of repairs before work began in the field.
During restoration, granite panels were carefully removed to allow for waterproofing and proper anchoring. Stainless steel split-tail anchors were installed to ensure long-term durability and secure reattachment. Tuckpointing and selective brick replacement restored the integrity of the masonry while maintaining the building’s original appearance.
Results
By combining modern inspection technology with proven masonry restoration techniques, MCR delivered a comprehensive facade repair that improved both the durability and performance of the AT&T Building. The restored masonry and properly secured granite panels help protect the structure from future moisture intrusion while preserving its architectural character for years to come.
