The Helmerich Research Center houses 35,000 books, 40,000 manuscripts, 300 maps and 100,000 other documents, plus an original copy of the Declaration of Independence. The 32,000-sq-ft building’s library, archives and special collections are housed within a 12-in.-thick, steel-reinforced concrete vault built to withstand the force of a direct hit from a category EF-5 tornado. Several months after the start of construction, the owner added an underground serpentine corridor to link the center and the Gilcrease Museum to maximize security during transport of valuable documents. The project team accommodated the additional scope and completed the project a month ahead of schedule.

University of Tulsa Helmerich Center for the American Research at Gilcrease Museum

Tulsa, Okla.

Key Players
Owner University of Tulsa
Lead Design Firm Hastings+Chivetta Architects
General Contractor Key Construction
Structural/Civil Engineer Wallace Engineering
MEP Engineer Phillips & Bacon Inc.
Landscape Architect Howell & Vancuren Inc.