OKC Freedom Center Receives Historic Protection

The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to give the Freedom Center at MLK and Northeast 25th historical preservation protection.

The building, which opened in 1967, was a gathering a place during the Civil Rights Movement.

Bricks on the building are now crumbling and the structure is in obvious need of repairs.

On Tuesday, OKC City Council voted to turn the location into a historical landmark overlay.

“It’s there to protect buildings that are historically significant to the city of Oklahoma City,” said OKC Historic Preservation Officer Katie Friddle.

Ward 7 Councilman Lee Cooper Jr. believes the distinction will make it easier to fund a facelift for the Freedom Center.

“It allows the story to be told,” said Cooper Jr.

The councilman said there are already bricks on site to replace the ones coming loose and for the first time in years, there is a clear path to bring awareness to the Freedom Center.

“It allows the story to be told,” said Cooper Jr.