Yes, it's happening: Multi-million dollar film studio coming to Bartlesville

After almost a year of delay, Buffalo Roam Studio will take ownership of one of Bartlesville's historic sites and transform it entirely.

In October of last year, the Bartlesville City Council unanimously approved $2 million in city investments and other measures, paving the way to repurpose the former First Christian Church into a "cutting-edge" film studio and film school.

"We close on the building this Friday and are ready to get started," owner Jeff Smith said. "We've been working closely with Ambler Architects and the city planners to finalize our plans, and everything is moving smoothly."

Buffalo Roam Studios' blueprints envision two soundstages, classrooms, comprehensive production offices, a screening room and more retrofitted into the old church building. The studio aims to transform Bartlesville into a hub for filmmakers.

In addition to preserving the church's architectural aesthetics, plans are to add to the original footprint with a 10,000-square-foot soundstage to the north.

But before all the studio equipment can be installed, Smith says the building needs to be brought up to code.

"Our first priority is ensuring the building meets all safety standards, including installing new sprinkler systems and updating the electrical system," Smith explained. "Following that, we'll give the building a facelift with new paint, flooring, and exterior improvements."

Buffalo Roam Studios has also arranged to donate the church's pews and other sanctuary furniture to a new home, an initiative that Smith finds particularly gratifying.

"It was a challenge, but we managed to find someone that could use them," he said. "It's great to know they'll continue to be of service."

The studio's timeline is somewhat flexible depending on contractor availability and project specifics. By the end of August, Smith expects to have more precise dates to share.

An exciting aspect of the project is Buffalo Roam Studios' plan to document the renovation process on a YouTube channel.

"We'll be sharing as much as possible about the project, which we hope will be fun for the public and informative for those interested in our progress," Smith said.

Looking ahead, Smith anticipates that the next significant development phase will involve landscaping and exterior lighting improvements, followed by the installation of high-tech LED signage.

Smith said Bartlesville residents can expect to see changes beginning this fall as Buffalo Roam Studios moves forward with its ambitious renovation plans.

"We've done a lot of pre-work, and now it's time to bring those plans to life," Smith said. "We'll keep the community informed every step of the way."