In 1970, the curtain rose on downtown Oklahoma City’s Stage Center, sparking a new era in state theater history. Internationally acclaimed architect John Johansen designed the modern theater and received the prestigious American Institute of Architects Honors Award for his idiosyncratic, “anti-geometric” work. The Mummers and other theater companies called Stage Center home until the building closed in 1986. One year later, the Arts Council of Oklahoma City purchased the facility and renovated it for $2 million, with architect Rand Elliott also winning awards for his efforts. Signaling that the show must go on, Stage Center reopened in 1992 and has been a vibrant hub of downtown entertainment ever since. Architects and students from around the world visit the facility regularly, as it is considered among the century’s finest examples of modern architecture. Johansen’s original model is on display in New York City’s Museum of Modern Art. Currently, Stage Center operates as a multi-use facility for the arts — home to Carpenter Square Theatre, Inner City Dance and the Oklahoma Visual Artists Coalition. Consisting of three cement pods connected by steel tunnels, the structure houses two theaters: a 210-seat theater in the round and a 580-seat thrust stage. It also holds a cabaret room, a dance studio, rehearsal studios, art gallery space and offices.

Project 180 streetscape renovations installed a series of destination markers throughout downtown Oklahoma City. The destination markers depict an aerial map with a small silver pin that denotes “you are here.” The outer ring of each destination marker highlights a local historic or pop culture event specific to the city. Historical significance: The Stage Center block was the first to be cleared under the pay plan Urban Renewal Scheme. Stage Center creator, John Johansen, was a prodigy of legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright and designed the building inside out with mechanical systems and walkways placed on the outside of the building. The unconventional design never won hearts of the residents and was scheduled for demolition in 2013. This marker reads: Stage Center. Architect John Johansen received an American Institute of Architects Honor Award for this unique theater complex completed in 1970 as the home of Mummers Theater Company. Purchased by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City in 1986, it houses performance and visual arts programs.