This is the Vessel in Hudson Yards. I chose this building because it has inspired me in many ways. Thomas Heatherwick is the architect of this architectural masterpiece located in the middle of Hudson Yards in New York. The vessel was designed to give back to the city of NY, allowing people to freely explore their city from a different perspective. On top of the incredible design, the location couldn’t be better. Located right next to SoHo, Hudson Yards has lots to offer for those looking to explore the city. 

I have only visited St. Francis of Assisi once in my life, but it was such a beautiful church. One of my brothers got married in this church in Oklahoma City. I first saw it when we had the wedding rehearsal. The ceiling has arches across it which draws you farther into it. When walking down the aisle, I paid more attention to the altar and the design behind it rather than making sure I was walking in a straight line or knowing where to stop.

Saint Cecilia Church is in San Francisco, California. My uncle flew my cousins and I out to San Francisco to visit him for our graduation gift. One of the days we were there, we went to early morning mass. When walking in, all I could do is stare up at the ceiling. The walls are so tall and have intricate designs all over them.

St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church is the church that my oldest brother attends, and that I would attend when I would come visit him in Norman. When I came to the University of Oklahoma as a student, I started to attend this church regularly. When I first came to this church, I started to take in all the beautiful details and see how it was different to the church I normally attended back home. St. Mark has changed some since I first visited it, but it has only become more beautiful.

Summation

Though physically unassuming, the little rectangular building on 10th and Walker conceals not just a carefully cultured period dinner, but also a rich history connected to several parts of Oklahoma’s experience. I’m glad to have made these discoveries about my childhood hangout, and I strongly recommend either the bison chili or vegan chili, if that’s your thing.  While you enjoy it, be sure to take a long look around and appreciate the painstakingly crafted environment, as well as reflect on the historical role of the seat you’re sitting on.

Architectural Interest

Architecturally, Kaiser’s seems very unimposing from the street. The small building has been, over the years, engulfed by the ever expanding sprawl of St. Anthony’s. Outside, the building presents as a simple, white-brick construction with no flair or pomp other than 1920’s-style awnings over the doors. Inside however, the aesthetic of the Roaring Twenties has been painstakingly maintained. Checkerboard wall tiles, earth-tone flooring, a vintage soda fountain, and carefully selected barstools all combine to remind the patron of the historical significance which the exterior belies. I was lucky enough to work for the company that remodeled the bar area in 2016, and I can attest to the very strict standards of period-placement that were employed in the renovation.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, known as ICC for short, is the church that I grew up going to. It is located in Denton, Texas. Most of my family attends this church, especially on holidays. I always think it is funny that we have to get to Christmas or Easter mass thirty minutes to an hour early, just so we can get space for the whole family to sit together. The giant wall of stained-glass behind the altar started to be accompanied by the installation of stained-glass windows around the building within the last few years.

Historical Significance

Originally built in 1917, Kaiser’s is one of Oklahoma City’s longest standing eateries. Although the building has experienced a lot of history in the last century, the most significant event to take place here, and the primary reason I chose this building, occurred in 1957. On August 19th, Kaiser’s was home to Oklahoma’s first sit-in. 12 African Americans, who could not legally be served in white establishments at the time, sat at Kaiser’s counter and calmly waited to be served or arrested. Mr. Kaiser, a Swiss immigrant who opposed Oklahoma’s segregation laws, had given approval for the protest to go on in his cafe.

Kaiser’s Grateful Bean Deli

Situated in Midtown underneath the imposing rise of St. Anthony’s Hospital, Kaiser’s Deli doesn’t seem to project itself much. However, this small deli, where the discerning connoisseur can try bison chili or one of thirty flavors of hand dipped ice cream, has left an interesting mark on history and on me. Growing up, my mom worked at St. Anthony’s hospital and would often not be done with her work until after her shift ended, so my dad and I would enjoy an ice cream cone and wait for her at Kaiser’s.  I have a lot of fond memories of the building, but it wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned its historical significance, which will be the topic of my next blog.

The final place that I enjoyed visiting while I was in Europe was the Pantheon. I found the structural design to be so cool. I found it very fascinating with the dome design right behind the palace looking design. It was a cool combination. When you walk inside, it felt very open and I just enjoyed the atmosphere inside. It was very calming.