In 30 days, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Price Tower will take on a darker hue as tenants move out and employees are laid off, marking the end of an era for this architectural masterpiece.
Cynthia and Anthem Blanchard’s ownership of this Bartlesville landmark has led to a storm of scandal, litigation and financial chaos – and, ironically, brought about the very outcome that the Price Tower Arts Center sought to prevent.
Former Tower employees confirmed they were laid off Thursday because of the inn’s closure and are hoping to receive their final paycheck, but the prospects are bleak.
As workers look for new employment, current commercial tenants are scrambling to find new office space.
“It’s sad, we’re one of the longest-tenant tenants there,” said Keith McPhail, sales and marketing director for Bartlesville Monthly Magazine. “We can’t stand to see chains on the door of one of the finest buildings in the world.”
McPhail said they have until the end of the month to move their offices out of the tower and find alternative premises.
“All these magazines on the walls of the office, there is so much history in them – we are just sad,” he added.
Despite their appearances in other news outlets, the Blanchards have consistently ignored multiple requests for comment on the Examiner-Enterprise’s reporting over the past four months.
The Blanchards have reportedly been courting potential buyers for the tower for the past four months in an attempt to prevent its closure, but have been unable to close a deal.
According to a former tower employee, the tower is over $2 million in debt, including the former nonprofit’s original $600,000 debt, Cynthia Blanchard’s $180,000 annual salary, over $200,000 owed to other shareholders, various private loans from community members, and a handful of outstanding bills to utility companies and suppliers.
With a reported sales price of over $4 million, the Blanchards would net approximately $2 million.
