Price Tower's Future Secured as Legal Battles End

Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy announces resolution of litigation over iconic Oklahoma landmark.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:51pm

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After months of legal drama and delays, the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy has announced that the litigation revolving around the Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma has been resolved as of March 11. The Price Tower, a national historic landmark, faced an uncertain future after its closure was announced in August 2024, but the Conservancy's legal team was able to defend their preservation easement and pave the way for a bright future for the architectural treasure.

Why it matters

The Price Tower is a renowned example of Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural genius and an important cultural landmark for the state of Oklahoma. Its closure and the subsequent legal battles threatened to permanently damage this iconic building, making the resolution of the litigation a significant victory for preservationists and the local community.

The details

The legal battle over the Price Tower revolved around missing artifacts, such as the original directory board and copper panels, which have now been recovered and will soon be returned to the building's new operators, McFarlin Building LLC. The Conservancy's legal team at Crowe & Dunlevy and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP played a crucial role in defending the organization's preservation easement and securing the tower's future.

  • The closure of the Price Tower was announced in August 2024.
  • The litigation revolving around the Price Tower was resolved as of March 11, 2026.

The players

Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy

A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, including the iconic Price Tower in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

McFarlin Building LLC

The new operators of the Price Tower, who are working to restore the building and reopen it as a source of inspiration for the local community and visitors to Bartlesville.

Crowe & Dunlevy

A law firm that provided pro bono legal expertise to the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy in defending their preservation easement over the Price Tower.

Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

A law firm that also provided pro bono legal expertise to the Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy in defending their preservation easement over the Price Tower.

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What they’re saying

“We are thrilled to announce that, as of March 11, all Conservancy litigation regarding Price Tower has been resolved! This victory would not have been possible without the extraordinary dedication of our legal team at Crowe & Dunlevy and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. Their pro bono expertise was instrumental in defending our preservation easement. We are excited to continue supporting McFarlin Building LLC as they work towards a bright future for this architectural treasure, one that restores it as a source of inspiration for locals and visitors to Bartlesville alike.”

— Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy

What’s next

The missing artifacts, such as the original directory board and copper panels, will soon be returned to the Price Tower's new operators, McFarlin Building LLC, as they work to restore the building and reopen it to the public.

The takeaway

The resolution of the legal battles surrounding the Price Tower is a significant victory for preservationists and the local community in Bartlesville. It ensures the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building will be restored and remain a source of inspiration for years to come, demonstrating the power of dedicated legal teams and community-driven efforts to protect important cultural landmarks.