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Call: 405.912.9789

Since 1904, the corner of Commerce and Robinson has long been thought of as the center of the Historic Capitol Hill district. The lot has been the home to many businesses including Kimbrough-Jones, Owl and Sheen Drug Stores. OTASCO was located there for several years and its final occupant was Jandebeur Cycles. A large fire consumed the contents of the building which were beautiful motorcycles in January 1970 and Jandebeur moved to S.W. 29th. The final demise of the building came when a pick-up ran into a supporting pole on the outside and the roof collapsed demanding the structure be demolished.

While the loss of a historic building is always sad, the owners of the lot, Beverly Butterfield Whitbeck and her husband, Frank Whitbeck Jr. had a vision for this special piece of property. Their vision was that one day it would be a special gathering place for all people. They wanted to donate the property to a definitive group in Capitol Hill that could care for it and one day fulfill their dream. Capitol Hill Main Street was formed in 1997 and served as the group the Whitbecks’ had been searching for. A plaque that memorializes the donation is in safe keeping at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church until it is time for it to be installed in the Capitol Hill Plaza.

We are working hard to carry out the dream of Mr. and Mrs. Whitbeck. The Capitol Hill Plaza, being planned by the Capitol Hill Main Street Board of Directors, will satisfy the Whitbecks’ dream and will serve as a special gathering place for all who visit or live in the Capitol Hill district.

Plans for the Capitol Hill Plaza include a domed gazebo which will continue the tradition of the dome that sets proudly on the logo today and has become a brand, of sorts, for all Capitol Hill printed materials. We plan to offer the opportunity to corporations to put their name on the gazebo for a specific donation. We are also selling commemorative engraved brick pavers which will be placed in a wall in the Plaza and also corporate size pavers are being offered that will be in a special design on the floor of the area. The area will be well lit so all will feel safe to visit any time, day or night. On weekends, a Farmer’s Market will will occupy the Plaza, other days there may be an activity for children from the Capitol Hill Library.

The Plaza will carry out the Whitbecks’ vision and will become the cornerstone for life in Capitol Hill. This multi-purpose Plaza will welcome those who come to and live in and visit the historic area. It will also serve instill a much needed sense of pride to the District’s residents and business owners. That is our goal, to weave the past with present into a beautiful tapestry, The Capitol Hill Plaza.