Step into history with this incredible opportunity to own one of Muskogee’s most treasured architectural landmarks — the original Carnegie Library, built with a $60,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Corporation of New York. Nestled in the heart of downtown, this monumental structure stands as a testament to early 20th-century architectural ambition and community enrichment.
Key Features:
• Architectural Grandeur: Designed by renowned architect Henry D. Whitfield, the structure blends Classical and Baroque elements — featuring two large Ionic columns, an arched entry with dentil molding, and an overall “temple of learning” aesthetic.
• Murals by Acee Blue Eagle (1937): The upper-level vestibule showcases two original murals by celebrated Muscogee Nation artist Acee Blue Eagle, offering immense cultural and artistic value.
• Stained Glass Chapel: The ground floor houses a chapel encircled by 14 stained glass windows, topped with a newly restored massive skylight, flooding the space with natural light.
• Interior Character:
o Two sweeping marble staircases
o Original wrought iron banisters
o Upper-level auditorium
o Multi-use rooms previously used as a dance/exercise studio
o On-site living quarters suitable for staff or maintenance personnel
• Historical Significance: Operated as Muskogee’s main public library for 57 years (1920–1977), this building was originally envisioned as a civic monument — a true “temple of learning for the masses.”
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Development Potential:
This property offers endless possibilities for adaptive reuse — ideal for:
• Event venue
• Museum or cultural center
• Boutique hotel or bed & breakfast
• Educational institution
• Grant-funded restoration project
• Live/work creative space
With historical eligibility and stunning original details intact, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Oklahoma history with the potential for modern reinvention.
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Historic properties like this don’t come along often. Whether you’re a preservationist, visionary developer, or entrepreneur seeking a one-of-a-kind space — the Carnegie Library building is ready for its next chapter.
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