
Central High School Building, Oklahoma City
Central High School Building, now home to the Oklahoma City University School of Law, is one of the city’s most architecturally prominent landmarks. Designed by renowned architect Solomon Andrew Layton in the Collegiate Gothic style and completed in 1910, the limestone-clad, castle-like structure features towers with crenellated parapets, heavy stone arches, and symmetrical façades. Initially opened as Oklahoma High School, it was renamed Central High School in 1919 after the district expanded.
This historic building was built with a two-tiered gym, auditorium, swimming pool, and specialized classrooms. It stood witness to over five decades of student life before transitioning into a junior high and later an alternative school until its closure as an educational institution in 1968.
In the early 1980s, Southwestern Bell rescued the structure from deterioration, investing heavily in its restoration and repurposing it as office space under the name “One Bell Central.” The building also played a vital role during the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing—serving as a command center for emergency responders. Since 2015, its storied halls have been dedicated to law students, and a museum within the building preserves artifacts, including restored murals from 1928.
This historic building was built with a two-tiered gym, auditorium, swimming pool, and specialized classrooms. It stood witness to over five decades of student life before transitioning into a junior high and later an alternative school until its closure as an educational institution in 1968.
In the early 1980s, Southwestern Bell rescued the structure from deterioration, investing heavily in its restoration and repurposing it as office space under the name “One Bell Central.” The building also played a vital role during the aftermath of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing—serving as a command center for emergency responders. Since 2015, its storied halls have been dedicated to law students, and a museum within the building preserves artifacts, including restored murals from 1928.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Oklahoma City. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Central High School Building on Map
Sight Name: Central High School Building
Sight Location: Oklahoma City, USA (See walking tours in Oklahoma City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Oklahoma City, USA (See walking tours in Oklahoma City)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Create Your Own Walk in Oklahoma City
Creating your own self-guided walk in Oklahoma City is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Oklahoma City Introduction Walking Tour
As the state capital of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City is the largest city in this state. Much of the city's settlement occurred during the Great Land Rush of 1889. Native Americans representing several tribes were among some of the region's earliest settlers. Tribal emblems and imagery make up much of the symbolism common in this city.
Many of the city's most iconic buildings date back... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Many of the city's most iconic buildings date back... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles
Oklahoma City Historical Buildings
Home to an attractive variety of historic edifices, the capital of Oklahoma State provides interesting sightseeing opportunities for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. Eye-catching religious sights and structures of great architectural and historic importance abound in downtown Oklahoma City in equal measure.
A brief look at some of the notable sites is best started at the Henry... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
A brief look at some of the notable sites is best started at the Henry... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Downtown To Bricktown
Oklahoma City's Downtown and vibrant Bricktown area to its east complement each other, housing some of the most prominent landmarks in the city, including abundant dining and entertainment options that the state capital has to offer.
On this self-guided walk, you will start from the Oklahoma City National Memorial downtown, a poignant reminder of the tragic events of April 19, 1995. The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
On this self-guided walk, you will start from the Oklahoma City National Memorial downtown, a poignant reminder of the tragic events of April 19, 1995. The... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles