A Brief History of First National Auto Bank now The Vault
In “a world where families have two cars.”
The Vault resides in the historic First National Auto Bank. Designed by McCune, McCune and Associates and built between 1958-1960, it was the world’s largest autobank with six drive through lanes. In 1958, the bank president was quoted saying “We envision a world where families will have two cars. We see a need for six drive through lanes and we are going to build them”. In addition to the bank lobby and drive through lanes, the bank featured a park for families as well as a second story glass private conference room. The bank’s design was featured in architectural magazines due to its iconic mid century modern zig zag roof, massive concrete details and the largest panes of glass in Oklahoma.
A Bastion of Mid-Century Modern Style
The bank’s second story conference room, in true 1960’s banking style, had a full bar, warming plate, oven and even exterior lighting for late night meetings on the patio.
The basement housed a massive fifteen foot by forty foot vault in addition to 10,000 square feet of storage and offices.
The building changed hands many times, but continued to operate as a bank for approximately sixty years. Eventually, after downsizing to a drive through bank only, it closed its doors in the late 1990’s.
Classic photos from the vault…
In 2012 after an extensive historical renovation, Tulsa native and OSU Culinary School graduate, Libby Billings, opened The Vault in the former auto bank. The Vault is open seven days a week to the public and has hosted countless private events, cocktail classes and is one of Tulsa’s favorite weekend brunch spots. The menu is a collection of classic American fare and craft cocktails with retro influences throughout.
Billings leads Tulsa's restaurant industry with her commitment to sustainability and urban revitalization. Billings has no investors and is proud to be a role model for other women and girls who want to follow their entrepreneurial dreams.
