CJC & the Broken Arrow community recently celebrated a milestone in Broken Arrow’s history—the return of the iconic 1904 Opera House cupola to its rightful place overlooking Main Street. This architectural treasure, removed more than 60 years ago, has been lovingly restored thanks to the dedication of a small but mighty committee of citizens and the vision of Dr. Clarence Oliver, whose decades-long dream inspired this journey.
Broken Arrow City Manager Michael Spurgeon, captured the moment perfectly:
“This cupola isn’t just an architectural element. It’s a piece of Broken Arrow’s soul. From 1904 to the mid-1960s, it stood proudly atop the Opera House, serving as a visual symbol of a city coming into its own. And tonight, more than 60 years later, we’re restoring not only the skyline but a sense of connection to our roots. This moment also reminds us of something powerful. In Broken Arrow, history matters, community matters. And when our residents come together with a shared purpose, we can achieve incredible things—like we are this evening. Dr. Oliver’s multi-decade dream and the work of an incredible citizens’ committee shows us what’s possible when vision meets commitment.”
At CJC Architects, we are proud to see this legacy piece once again grace the downtown skyline, reminding us that great architecture not only shapes our cities but connects us to our history and community.