[ad_1]
Currently, the tallest building in the United States is One World Trade Center in New York City. But Oklahoma City has plans for an even taller skyscraper, Legends Tower.
America’s new tallest building may be going up, but it’s not where you think
Plans for the 1,907-foot Oklahoma City skyscraper have some people wondering if the United States will soon have a new tallest building.
Maven – The Street National
Could the tallest building in the United States be built in Oklahoma City? Okay.
California developer Scott Mattson last month announced plans to expand his Boardwalk at Bricktown development by adding a 134-story tower that will rise 1,750 feet tall. That would make the tower slightly shorter than the 1,776-foot Freedom Tower at One World Trade Center in New York City.
But now Matheson is aiming even higher. Last week, his investment and development company announced plans to raise the height of the Legend Tower to 1,907 feet, a symbolic number since Oklahoma became a state in 1907.
If the plan is successful, Legends Tower would become the tallest building in the United States and the fifth tallest building in the world, developers say. The tallest is Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which is 2,716 feet tall.
The new tower will be more than twice the height of Oklahoma City’s current largest building, the 50-story Devon Energy Center. Completed in 2012, it is also the tallest building in the state.
Developer says building will become ‘iconic destination’
In a statement, Matteson pointed to a period of growth and said Oklahoma City is “well positioned to support large-scale projects like the one envisioned for Bricktown.”
“We believe this development will become an iconic destination for the city, further expanding and diversifying our growing economy and attracting investment, new business and jobs,” he said. The Bricktown Boardwalk is the pride of Oklahoma City. ”
The project will bring Las Vegas-style glamor to the already vibrant Lower Bricktown area near the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City. The property will span more than three acres and include more than 2 million square feet of residential, retail and entertainment development, including two Hyatt hotels, condominiums, apartments, retail and restaurants.
The development will also include a lagoon and boardwalk. A new arena for the NBA franchise Oklahoma Thunder will also be built in the area and is expected to cost at least $900 million.
Construction on the first three 345-foot towers is expected to begin this year. Legends Tower will be built after those are completed.
“The top floor of the skyscraper will consist of a public observation deck, restaurant and bar where visitors can enjoy expansive views of the city,” the developers say.
Some people doubt whether the megatower will stand.
Can Oklahoma City shake this up? Some are wondering.
When this announcement was made, World Architects asked, “Why would such a tall tower be built in Oklahoma City (OKC)? And will it actually happen?”
While we wait for a zoning change or rezoning request from the developer, we wonder if the tallest tower in the United States being built in Oklahoma is just a publicity stunt, or if the team can make that dream come true. “It remains to be seen,” writes World-Architects, which describes itself as “a network of selected contemporary architects and architecture professionals.”
Construction site B1M said in a statement, “We don’t mean to disparage Oklahoma City, but it does not have the ultra-dense urban dynamics known for producing skyscrapers.”
Developers say Oklahoma City needs more housing and recreational options, but they are concerned about the prevalence of tornadoes in the area.
According to the World Population Review, based on U.S. Census estimates, Oklahoma City is the 18th largest city in the United States, with an estimated population of 702,837 in 2024, growing by 0.73% annually.
The current maximum allowable height is 300 feet, so developers are considering projects to build taller, the Oklahoma City Free Press reported, citing city spokeswoman Christy Yeager. The area will need to be rezoned.
“We’re going to have to rezone,” Yeager said, according to the newspaper. “We are aware that representatives of the applicant are preparing a new SPUD (Simple Planned Unit Development) application, which will be referred to the Planning Commission for a recommendation and to the City Council for a final decision.”
Oklahoma City Optimism
The project is still far from a deal, but there is local support. The Oklahoma City Council approved his record $200 million tax increment loan, which will be paid after the construction of the first of her two high-rise apartment buildings.
“While the Bricktown Boardwalk and associated development look exciting for Oklahoma City, and indeed the entire state, we know there is a long road ahead to get the project off the ground.” said Renee Hoover-Payton, president of the Oklahoma State Association. real estate agents told USA TODAY in a statement. “The nearly 2,000 urban housing units associated with this development is a bonus for our capital city and (the association) recognizes it will add significant potential to Oklahoma City’s urban housing mix.”
Follow Mike Snyder on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mike snyder
What is everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter and get the latest news of the day
[ad_2]
Source link
