Memories of the Rise of Nichols Hills - 405 Magazine

Memories of the Rise of Nichols Hills

Remembering the way we were with a look back at the origins and development of architecturally elite neighborhood Nichols Hills.


  

It’s Oklahoma City’s answer to Beverly Hills, full of swimming pools and movie stars – or at least TV anchors and business moguls. Known for its quiet streets and exquisite manors, Nichols Hills is one of Oklahoma City’s most exclusive and sought-after neighborhoods.

Developed in 1929 by Dr. G. A. Nichols, the city was originally designed by landscape architects to follow the natural terrain of the countryside. The distinctive curving streets are named after English suburbs, with lush green parks throughout the city.

Nichols Hills has a full-service government of water, police and fire protection, and is home to the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club and Nichols Hills Plaza. Its notable residents include local TV news anchor Linda Cavanaugh, former Miss America 1967 Jane Jayroe and co-owner of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Clayton Bennett.

Nichols Hills maintains a strict speed limit of 25 mph, a fact well known to any motorist on their way to Penn Square Mall.