Latest news with #Skirvin
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oklahoma's oldest hotels can be found across the state. See our list of historic lodging
While there aren't many structures in Oklahoma dating back to statehood, visitors to the state can get a taste of architectural history by staying at one of Oklahoma's historic hotels. Many of the hotels on this list were opened in formerly vacant office buildings built during Oklahoma's oil boom heyday, while others faced struggles for decades to remain in the hospitality business before finding their niche with new owners. While not an exhaustive list, here are some of Oklahoma's oldest and most historic hotels. The Skirvin is considered Oklahoma City's oldest hotel, opened in 1911 by oilman W.B. Skirvin. The hotel closed in 1988 as the oil bust devastated the state. Former Mayor Kirk Humphreys led an effort a decade later to have the city buy the landmark and team up with Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels and Resorts to do a top-to-bottom renovation while also preserving its historic architecture. The hotel then reopened in February 2007 with Marcus Hotels and Resorts managing it until its most recent sale in 2022. Now, the Hilton-branded hotel is owned by an investment group that includes Sovereign Properties Holdco LLC., a business entity of the Chickasaw Nation, and other local investors. Originally opened in 1963, the Classen Inn was remodeled and reopened in 2020 as an homage to mid-century "futuristic" architecture. The Oklahoma City motel also has a Superette combined with the front desk that offers an extensive array of beers, wines and snacks, as well as a visiting lounge. The Mayo Hotel first opened in 1925 and catered to Tulsa's burgeoning oil industry. Just one year after earning a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, it closed its doors and fell into disrepair. The Mayo sat vacant for the next three decades until a local family purchased it for $250,000 in 2001. A $42 million restoration was completed in 2009, and The Mayo Hotel reopened with 102 guest rooms, 76 private residences and an event space. Talihina's Commercial Hotel opened in 1906. Fires and ownership changes led to several reopenings over the years, and the two-story brick structure was eventually remodeled in 2004. It's now open as the Hootie Creek Guest House with 10 rooms, an outdoor pavilion and second-story deck. The Bradford House was completed in 2012 as a private residence with guest accommodations for affluent Oklahoma City visitors. Over the next few decades, it was host to celebrity guests who passed through the city. It was restored in 2015 and reopened as a boutique hotel. In 2024, it became the first in Oklahoma to be honored and featured in the prestigious Michelin Guide. Built in 1927, the Campbell Building in Tulsa once housed the Casa Loma Hotel. Each room represents an eclectic mix of 1960s Americana and oddities. It's been described as kitschy, colorful and fun. It was renovated and reopened in 2011. The Campbell Hotel is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and allows guests to stay in themed rooms honoring Patti Page, Leon Russell, Historic Route 66 and Tulsa's oil industry. The building that's home to the Ambassador Tulsa Hotel first opened as a combined apartment building and hotel that catered to oil barons and affluent families. Coury Hospitality renovated and reopened it the company's first Ambassador concept in 1999. Construction began on the Osler Building in 1928, and the top floor was finished in 1946. Originally housing medical offices, the building reopened as The Ambassador Hotel after Coury Hospitality purchased it in 2012. Oklahoma City's historic First National Center building was constructed in 1931. After decades as an office building and commercial space, it was converted to include a 146-room hotel in 2022. The opening of the hotel marked the first time the building was fully occupied in more than 30 years after its anchor, First National Bank, closed during the 1980s oil bust. The Tulsa Club Building opened in 1927 as one of the city's premier social gathering spots. It eventually closed in 1994 and sat vacant for the next two decades. However, the 11-story building reopened in 2019 as a boutique hotel affiliated with Hilton. The Colcord building was constructed 1910. It was reopened as a hotel in 2006 and went through several owners before being purchased the renovated in 2021. The Downtown Motel in Woodward is reminiscent of roadside stops that popped up across the United States during the mid-century interstate tourism boom. Built in 1968, the building has been a resting spot for travelers and workers who have passed through or stayed to visit the area. Located in Guthrie, Dominion Gardens and Hotel sits in what was once the Masonic Children's Home – one of the largest children's facilities in Oklahoma at the time. It was built in 1923 but has been renovated into an event space and small boutique hotel. Contributing: Steve Lackmeyer, The Oklahoman This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma's oldest hotels, motels and inns where you can stay overnight
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man convicted in police crash, shooting on U.S. 35 sentenced to decades behind bars
The man convicted of hitting his daughter with his truck before leading police on a chase that ended in a crash and shooting on U.S. 35 has learned his sentence. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7's Mike Campbell was in court for today's sentencing. He'll have all of the details, including victim impact statements, tonight on News Center 7 at 5:00. James Skirvin, 55, was sentenced Thursday to 58-63.5 years in prison. As News Center 7 previously reported, Skirvin was found guilty of nearly every charge he was facing earlier this month. He was found not guilty on two counts of felonious assault, but the jury followed up by convicting him on lesser charges for both counts. TRENDING STORIES: Deputies, medics respond to serious crash in Darke County 2 local elementary schools to close after this school year 42-year-old man dies after Mazda hits two trees in Ohio Skirvin was involved in a series of events that ended with a shooting on U.S. 35 in January 2024. During his trial, he took the stand and said he wanted to commit 'suicide by cop' that day. After telling his brother he wanted to kill himself, he left his mobile home. He admitted on the stand to driving his truck 'directly into the bench' that his daughter was sitting on and hit her. From there, he drove off and was chased by police. Skirvin testified he fired shots 'in the air' from his shotgun during the chase and that he got shot three times during the pursuit. 'As I passed the officers, I do know that I took one in a leg, at least one in the arm, and one in [the] chest,' he said. He then crashed head-on into a Trotwood police cruiser at U.S. 35 and Liscum Drive. After the crash, there was gunfire from police. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Yahoo
Officers involved in shootout, crash called to testify on day 2 of Skirvin trial
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Trial continues for the man accused in a police shootout and violent crash last January. James Skirvin is facing several charges after the chaotic events of Jan. 8, 2024. Skirvin is accused of running over his daughter before leading law enforcement on a chase down US-35, shooting at officers with a long gun and crashing into a police cruiser. Man charged in fatal Riverside crash of stolen vehicle Skirvin is now facing domestic violence charges and four counts of felonious assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon. On Tuesday, jurors heard from several law enforcement witnesses and learned more about the timeline of events — from the moments Skirvin ran over his daughter at a trailer home park in Trotwood to the final crash site on US-35 near Abbey Avenue. Trotwood police were the first to respond to the scene, but several other agencies were called in as Skirvin led police on a chase on US-35 with a long gun. On the witness stand Tuesday were those officers from Trotwood PD, including the officer seriously injured in the crash. Officers with Dayton PD and deputies with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office who fired shots also took the stand, along with officials from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Jurors got to see the long gun used in the shootout as well as dashcam footage of the crash. Testimony will continue on Wednesday. Stay with 2 NEWS as we continue to cover this trial. Click here for prior coverage of Day 1 of Skirvin's trial. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Yahoo
Trial begins for Florida man accused in Trotwood shootout, police pursuit
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The Jury Trial began Monday for the man accused of leading police on a chase, resulting in a shootout and violent crash. On Jan. 9, 2024, James Skirvin reportedly got into a fight with his daughter at a trailer park in Trotwood. Witnesses say Skirvin ran over his daughter before police were called and he led them on a chase on US-35. Police say Skirvin fired at officers with a long gun before crashing into a police cruiser, heavily damaging both vehicles. Skirvin is now facing several charges, including domestic violence and felonious assault on a police officer. The trial was pushed back from its original date in December 2024 after Skirvin's attorney cited newly discovered evidence. But on Monday, April 7, 14 jurors were selected — 12 seated and two alternates — before the trial began with opening statements. The prosecution began by sharing just how many people were put in danger by 'only about 30 minutes of actions' by Skirvin. 'That is why at the end of this week, we will ask that you hold the defendant responsible for his actions and find him guilty of all charges,' said the prosecution. Skirvin's defense reminded the jury that this would be an intense case that needs thorough examination. 'It's going to be a lot of emotional, very emotional testimony. But we ask you to sit back and listen to all the testimony and bring in all the facts and all the videos and all the evidence as you consider these charges,' said the defense. Five witnesses were called to the stand on the first day, including the 911 caller from the trailer park and Skirvin's brother. Trial will resume tomorrow morning. Stay with 2 NEWS for updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
