Our Story
The Duran Mansion was built in 1932 by Abraham and Hester Mae Duran, this home is less than a century old but is meant to feel much older. This gothic revival features in John Brooks Walton’s book, One Hundred Historic Tulsa Homes.
Since purchasing the home, we’ve approached each project with the care of a preservationist. So far, we’ve:
Removed the original boiler
Refinished the hardwood floors
Upgraded the electrical panels
Updated powder room on main level
Renovated the pool (new tile, plaster, pump)
Restored the garage apartment
Living in the house helps to prioritize our to do list. Next steps include some a full kitchen remodel, and updates to the gym. We see ourselves as caretakers, not owners. This home is a treasure — and our job is to ready it for the next century of caretakers, celebrations, and surprises.
Today, we are honored to share this space with you. Many of the home’s details are original to 1932 (and much of the lighting is even older). This is an incredible place to roam, reflect, and relish: if a room speaks to you, make yourself comfortable. You’ll find grandeur, charm, and unexpected details throughout — each with a story. As you’ll learn, this home has brought community together over the decades, we intend to continue that tradition.
A Visionary on the Hill
Abraham E. Duran (1883 – 1961) was born in Indiana, as a child he sold magazines, and by the time he was a teenager, he oversaw circulation of the newspaper. Shortly after the turn of the century, Abe moved to Houston to work for New York Life Insurance Company. Within years, he met A.L. Farmer. In 1907, Farmer & Duran formed their insurance company in Tulsa; in 1917, they launched a real estate development company. They were partners until their deaths in 1961. Duran also held Presidential titles at Sunbeam Petroleum Company and Lincoln Oil & Gas Company.
Real estate is where Duran is likely connected with names you know.
Billionaire J. Paul Getty is rumored to have occupied the Forest Hills Spec house 2704 S Victor. Duran intended this house and the Spec house to be gateways to the neighborhood.
Waite Phillips also enlisted Duran’s help with the purchase of the Philbrook property, presumably Duran also played a role in its development.
Farmer & Duran’s real estate ventures helped shape many of Tulsa’s most beloved neighborhoods, including Forest Hills, Terrace Hills, Woodward Park, Sunset Terrace, Wildwood, Brookside, and Riverside subdivisions.
Abraham and Hester Mae married after the death of her first husband, John W. Cunningham, who died from influenza in 1918. She had one son from the previous marriage. The couple had no children together.
Abe was not a public speaker and frequently denied possession of any talents. He is quoted as saying, “I am not talented in any of the fine arts… I can’t even whistle a tune.”
Gothic Revival in Tulsa
Designed by Frederick Alexander Duggan, AIA, the Duran Mansion draws heavily from Gothic Revival architecture. This style, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was meant to evoke medieval grandeur with pointed arches, rich woodwork, and complex textures.
Architect Duggan (1878 – 1955) practiced in Tulsa from 1916 to 1955. During that time, he designed the Immanuel Baptist Church, three private residences, the Tulsa Business College and an apartment complex. The last two are no longer standing. Duggan also designed the First United Methodist Church of Drumright (1927), which was added to the National Historic Register of Homes in 1987.