Manhattan Building, National Register listed building in Muskogee, Oklahoma

The Manhattan Building is an eight-story, 107-foot-tall structure completed in 1911 with a reinforced concrete frame and gray brick cladding. Its Sullivanesque design by Charles H. Sudhaelter and Co. features two-story columns flanking the entrance and a second-floor cornice with dentils. The entry opens into a two-story tiled lobby, and a rooftop penthouse was added in 1957.

The building was constructed during a time when Muskogee became an important commercial center, embodying the economic optimism of the early 1900s. It later gained recognition through listing on the National Register of Historic Places, confirming its architectural and historical importance.

The building reflects the commercial architecture that shaped Muskogee during its growth years, showing how early business owners expressed their power and success through solid, lasting construction. The brick facade and decorative details mirror the pride the city invested in its economic development.

The building is located in Muskogee's downtown area and is easy to reach on foot when exploring the historic business district. Visitors can admire the architectural features from outside and photograph the structural design from various angles.

Laurence H. Rooney, founder of Manhattan Construction, did not keep the building for his own firm. He sold it to the Phoenix Clothing Company, enlarged the first floor, and crowned the roof with a rotating electric sign reaching three stories above it.