The Next Tallest Building In America, Will Be In Oklahoma

2 minute read

One World Trade Center, a majestic skyscraper. Standing at 1,792 feet, it is the tallest building in America. This building has held this title since the 2010s, and has been an icon of American architecture. But this iconic building, might be dethroned. By a basketball arena.

The Plans

Recently, California architecture firm, AO, has begun plans on the construction, and expect to begin construction this fall on what they call, Legends Tower. A 1,907 foot tower containing a basketball stadium, hotels, and mixed housing. At first thought to be a joke, the Oklahoma City Council has approved construction of a building this large. The building its self will actually contain 3 smaller towers around the larger, Legends Tower. The project also contains construction a small lagoon, surrounded by a boardwalk. There will also be a 16 story penthouse area, along with a rooftop restaurant. Surprisingly though, there will be zero office space. Its a very ambitious plan, but AO has received over $1 billion in funding for the project, and city approval.

Will This Happen?

Oklahoma City, still needs to approve some aspects of this plan, but the city has allowed for a building this tall to be constructed. Many locals in the area seem excited about the project, as it could add a very large tourist attraction to an often forgotten about city. But, many are concerned how a building this tall will hold up in a city with as severe weather as Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma City area gets tornados every year, and it very famous for being in the center of Tornado Alley. So this building will most likely be constructed, just probably not as large as AO and Oklahoma City is expecting it to be. But who knows, maybe one day their could be.

Sources and Links: In a few years, the nation’s tallest building may not be in New York or Chicago – NPR