The State
Two large armoires on casters cleverly separate the living room from the bedroom area.
and storage areas are near the apartment’s entrance. “The Guardian is a great place to live,” Matlock says. “The building has a variety of residents. My neighbors have a 2-year-old son and a St. Bernard, and we’ve become friends.” On the ground level of The Guardian, an empty space will become The Garage Burger Bar, set to open this spring. Matlock also enjoys numerous food and shopping events, including holiday pop-up shops, a collection of locally-owned shops temporarily housed in midtown geodesic dome each Christmas time. “There are many people living downtown doing interesting, different things. I’m meeting people who are passionate about creating a new downtown environment. I see downtown living becoming a real option for people of all ages and interests,” Matlock says. M.J. VAN DEVENTER
A BUILDING’S HISTORY
The Guardian was built in 1922 as a Chrysler dealership. During World War II, the second floor was converted to a factory that made military uniforms. From the late ‘50s to the ‘80s, it was used as an auto parts re-manufacturing shop. In 2006 Midtown Renaissance purchased the building, but renovations to the building did not begin until late 2011. the Guardian opened to residents in February 2013.
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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | APRIL 2014
The large windows employ industrial shades that control ambient lighting.