For Immediate Release
September 26, 2018
For more information:
Nicole Baumann
[email protected]
(405) 370-8589
Foundation for Tulsa Schools reveals Harwelden Mansion as the 2019 Tulsa Designer Showcase home
The Foundation for Tulsa Schools is excited to announce the Harwelden Mansion as the location for the 46th annual Tulsa Designer Showcase – one of Tulsa’s longest-running community fundraisers.
“The Harwelden has a rich history in Tulsa and lends itself to exciting new events like the 2019 Designer Showcase that will ultimately benefit the Foundation for Tulsa Schools,” says Sue Ann Blair, Designer Showcase Director. “Local designers will transform the Mansion leaving a long-lasting impression, and Tulsans will be able to walk through these magnificent halls with a new perspective.”
The 13 thousand-square-foot mansion has been used to celebrate special occasions ranging from weddings and concerts to art exhibits and corporate events.
The Harwelden, located at 2210 South Main Street in Tulsa, is rich with history dating back to 1923 when it was built by wealthy oilman, Earl Harwell and his wife Mary. The mansion has been well-known for the quality of its construction and the history of its occupants.
The Harwells built the mansion with the inspiration of authentic “Collegiate Gothic-English Tudor.” Quality of materials and detail was the main focus of the Harwells when building the Harwelden.
The extravagance of the architecture was quickly noticed by the community. While under construction, Mr. Harwell was touring the site and a passerby asked him who was building such a large house. Harwell responded, “Oh, some old fool with more money than sense.”
Mary Harwell deeded the Harwelden to the Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa when she passed in 1967. The council then sold the mansion to Teresa Knox and Ivan Acosta in 2018.
“It is a privilege to be able to make a difference in education through the Foundation for Tulsa Schools while honoring the legacy of Earl and Mary Harwell,” says homeowner Teresa Knox. “Collaborating and engaging with the Foundation and the creative capabilities of Tulsa’s interior design talent pool makes this the perfect opportunity to celebrate the architecturally stunning Harwelden Mansion. “
The Tulsa Designer Showcase will feature Tulsa-area interior designers who volunteer their time and talents to redesign rooms in the selected home. Located off of Riverside Drive and near the Gathering Place, the Harwelden Mansion and its grounds occupy a full city block.
“The Foundation for Tulsa Schools is thankful to the designers and volunteers who have donated their time and talents over the years to make the Designer Showcase possible,” says Brian Paschal, President and CEO of the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. “We are grateful to house our event in a building that reflects the history of Tulsa to help fund the future of Tulsa, and we could not be more excited that Teresa and Ivan embraced the opportunity to host the 46th annual fundraiser.”
How the Designer Showcase benefits the Foundation for Tulsa Schools
The Designer Showcase is the signature fundraising event for the Foundation for Tulsa Schools. All proceeds raised from this event benefit the Foundation for Tulsa Schools, which is committed to building a better community by actively soliciting grants and donations benefiting Tulsa Public Schools. With nearly 400 first-year teachers at Tulsa Public Schools, a majority of whom are alternatively or emergency certified, the Foundation for Tulsa Schools has identified the most crucial and immediate need of Tulsa Public Schools is to support and retain its novice teacher workforce.
About the Foundation for Tulsa Schools
The Foundation for Tulsa Schools (FTS) is a community based 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed March 29, 2001, to enhance the educational programs of Tulsa Public Schools; enlist community support and business assistance in providing additional educational resources and opportunities; communicate the need for continued community involvement in the process and mission of providing a first class public education; and facilitate the goal of providing an excellent education by raising revenues to increase educational opportunities. The Foundation for Tulsa Schools exists solely for the benefit of Tulsa Public Schools.
