Preserving a Historic Oklahoma Landmark While Preparing It for the Next Generation of Performers

Some buildings become more than a place of learning. They become part of the identity of a university and help shape the memories carried by generations of students, performers, and audiences.

Since 1928, the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center has played that role at Oklahoma City University. Home to countless students, performers, and audiences, the facility has helped shape both the university and the cultural life of Oklahoma City.

Through its nationally recognized programs in music, theatre, and dance, Oklahoma City University has produced performers whose careers have reached Broadway, television, film, and stages around the world. Among the university’s distinguished alumni are Tony Award winners Kristin Chenoweth and Kelli O’Hara. The auditorium has also welcomed countless performances and audiences, making it an important part of Oklahoma City’s cultural landscape.

Preserving that legacy while preparing the facility for future performers and audiences now becomes the focus of a major transformation.

Oklahoma City University recently announced plans for a $25 million renovation of the historic Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. Last renovated and expanded in 1968, the facility will be modernized while preserving the character and legacy that have made it one of Oklahoma City University’s most significant buildings.

Oklahoma City University selected Guernsey to lead the architectural and engineering effort, with Hornbeek Architecture and internationally recognized performing arts specialists Steinberg Hart contributing expertise developed through decades of performing arts and historic theater projects throughout the country.

Designing and renovating performing arts venues requires balancing the technical demands of modern productions with the architectural character and audience experience that define these spaces. The team assembled for the project brings extensive experience addressing those challenges.

To that end, planned improvements include acoustic enhancements, stage rigging and fly system upgrades, backstage modernization, and improvements to public and lobby spaces. The renovation will transform the historic auditorium into a modern performing arts venue while preserving the architectural character that has long defined the facility.

Construction is expected to begin following the close of the 2026-27 academic year, with the transformed facility reopening as the Kirkpatrick Performing Arts Center in time for the fall 2028 semester.

As one of the earliest and most architecturally significant buildings on the Oklahoma City University campus, the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center has shaped the experiences of performers and audiences for nearly a century. The renovation will help ensure that legacy continues, providing a modern venue capable of supporting artistic excellence for decades to come.