The First Residences At First National in Oklahoma City: Downtown High-Rise Living with Preserved Historic Character
The First Residences At First National is a residential conversion of the 15-story First National Bank building in downtown Oklahoma City, combining market-rate apartments with the architectural identity of a 1923 Art Deco landmark. Located at the corner of Park Avenue and Main Street, it offers one of the few rental options in the core downtown district that occupies a protected historic structure, appealing to renters who want walkable urban proximity without choosing between neighborhood authenticity and modern apartment amenities.
What the building actually is
Completed in 1923, the First National Bank building stood as one of downtown Oklahoma City's signature commercial towers for nearly a century before conversion to residential use began in the 2010s. The building retains its exterior limestone and terra cotta Art Deco detailing, interior lobby features, and historical presence while housing contemporary apartments on upper floors. The conversion preserved exterior integrity and street-level character while adding residential units to a downtown core that has relatively few apartment buildings compared to sprawling OKC neighborhoods. This makes it distinct from newer construction apartments in Bricktown, Midtown, or the Paseo Arts District, which offer different architectural contexts and neighborhood amenities.
Unit types and pricing
The First Residences At First National offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans. Pricing varies by unit size and floor level; as of recent leasing, rents for studios have started in the mid-$800s to low $900s monthly, one-bedroom units in the $1,100 to $1,400 range, and two-bedroom units from $1,400 upward. These figures reflect premium downtown positioning and historic building character; confirm current pricing directly with the leasing office, as availability and rates adjust seasonally. Lease terms typically run 12 months, and most units require a security deposit equal to one month's rent. Utilities often run higher in older buildings; ask whether trash, water, or HVAC costs are tenant or landlord responsibility.
How it compares to other downtown and near-downtown apartments
Downtown Oklahoma City offers limited residential density compared to other major US cities. The First Residences At First National competes directly with newer construction like Midtown Place (which occupies the former Skirvin Hotel block and attracts a younger professional demographic) and Bricktown lofts, which tend to offer more modern interiors but less historical character. Apartments in the Plaza District or Paseo Arts District, though walkable and neighborhood-oriented, lack the downtown accessibility to Capitol Hill, the Myriad Convention Center, and the central business district. If your priority is brand-new finishes and fitness amenities, newer Bricktown or Midtown buildings may fit better. If you value walking to restaurants, galleries, and civic institutions in a preserved historic shell, the First Residences At First National is one of a handful of options in the actual downtown core.
Who should choose this building and who should not
The First Residences At First National suits professionals working downtown, couples or individuals attracted to urban walkability, and renters willing to accept older building characteristics (smaller unit footprints, potentially less soundproofing, older HVAC systems) in exchange for neighborhood character and reduced car dependence. It does not suit renters requiring cutting-edge fitness facilities, in-unit laundry as standard, or contemporary finishes. Parking is typically provided but may be limited or require an additional monthly fee; verify parking allocation and cost before signing. Historic buildings sometimes have less efficient climate control and may carry higher utility variability than newer construction, which affects monthly costs.
What to expect on a first visit
Prospective renters should request a tour during standard leasing hours and confirm availability of the specific unit type they want to rent, since conversions sometimes have limited inventory per floor plan. Bring proof of income (typically 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent), identification, and references; most landlords conduct a background and credit check before approval. The building's lobby and common areas reflect the Art Deco period and will likely differ aesthetically from standard multifamily communities. Ask about building age-related realities: elevator reliability, water pressure consistency, and how the building handles HVAC zoning in a structure not originally designed for residential units.
Hours, parking, and logistics
Leasing office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday by appointment; confirm current hours before visiting. Parking is available on-site or in adjacent downtown lots; monthly parking fees typically range from $25 to $75, depending on lot proximity and reservation type. The building is located at 10 Park Avenue, placing it within walking distance of the Civic Center, Myriad Gardens, the Bricktown Canal, and downtown restaurants. Public transit via EMBARK serves the downtown core, though OKC's transit network is limited compared to larger metros. On-street parking downtown can be metered and competitive during business hours.
The First Residences At First National fills a specific niche in Oklahoma City's rental market: renters who choose downtown location, historic authenticity, and walkability over amenity maximization will find few direct competitors. It stands as a working example of successful adaptive reuse in a city where most development leans toward new construction.
