Legends Tower: America’s Next Tallest Skyscraper

The name Legends Tower is currently a hot topic in the US, potentially set to be declared the tallest building in the country. As skyscrapers continue to rise in popularity globally, Oklahoma City is preparing to make its mark with this new addition. For over a decade, the 541-meter-tall One World Trade Center of New York has been the tallest building in the country. However, this record is about to be broken by a city with a population of only one million.

The history of skyscrapers in America is fascinating. The country has been home to some of the world’s tallest buildings, from the 319-meter Chrysler Building, constructed in 1930, to the 442-meter Willis Tower, completed in 1973. However, in 1998, Malaysia’s 452-meter Petronas Tower claimed the title. Now, the proposed Legends Tower in Oklahoma is planned to stand at 581 meters, which would make it the sixth tallest building in the world, just behind the 596-meter Goldin Finance 117 in Tianjin, China.

But, when will this groundbreaking building, which will set a new height record in the country, be constructed? What unique features will it boast, and what is the estimated cost? These are the questions on everyone’s mind as anticipation builds around Oklahoma’s Legends Tower.

Construction has commenced on America’s tallest building in Oklahoma’s Bricktown entertainment district. However, many critics question whether the United States can surpass the height of Legends Tower. Why is it limited to 581 meters? According to experts, one reason is the historical significance of One World Trade Center. The height of the One World Trade Center skyscraper, completed in 2013 in Manhattan, is notably set at 541 meters or 1,776 feet, a deliberate reference to the year the United States Declaration of Independence was signed.

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Another reason is the decision to avoid building the world’s tallest skyscraper without first evaluating the economic benefits. This cautious approach explains why there has been a reluctance to invest billions of dollars in such projects over the past decade.

The Legends Tower project has secured full funding of $1.5 billion, marking a significant milestone. This funding not only supports the construction of the towering Legends Tower but also includes provisions for three smaller towers as part of the Boardwalk at Bricktown development. Specifically, $770 million of this funding will be allocated to the construction of the Legends Tower alone. This sum of money is sourced from various stakeholders, including the local government, which has already earmarked $200 million for the project. It represents a major investment in Oklahoma City’s urban landscape, promising to transform its skyline and bolster its status as a vibrant hub of growth and innovation.

Initial plans for Legends Tower emerged in December 2023, introduced by real estate firm Matteson Capital and California based architecture firm Architects Orange. Initially, the building was set to be 530 meters tall, serving as the centerpiece of the mixed-use development, The Boardwalk at Bricktown. However, on January 19, 2024, a revised plan was unveiled, increasing the height to 581 meters i.e 1,907 feet, to commemorate Oklahoma’s admission to the Union.

One of the main reasons for building the country’s tallest skyscraper in Oklahoma is to bring some of that architectural glory to a new place. Typically, when we think of towering buildings in the U.S., New York and Chicago come to mind first. Instead of adding yet another tall building to those cities, the decision was made to shine a spotlight on Oklahoma. This move is about spreading the excitement and economic benefits that come with such a landmark to a different part of the country, showcasing Oklahoma as a vibrant, up-and-coming destination for innovation and development.

The Boardwalk at Bricktown is set to make a big impact on Oklahoma City’s skyline. Spanning over 3 acres with a total area of more than 2 million square feet, The Boardwalk will also offer a wide range of amenities and spaces. This includes a luxurious 480-room Dream Hotel, 1,907 residential units catering to everyone from upscale residents to those seeking affordable housing options, and 110,000 square feet filled with shops, entertainment venues, and dining spots. This blend aims to create a lively urban atmosphere, featuring modern designs and expansive public areas that enhance the surrounding streets.

The development strategy for The Boardwalk at Bricktown emphasizes the city’s rich history while embracing its modern ambitions and future potential. This approach is in line with Oklahoma City’s urban development objectives, focusing on sustainability, community involvement, and economic growth. As work progresses, this landmark project is poised to play a key role in shaping the city’s identity as a vibrant metropolitan hub.

Legends Tower is set to be a vibrant mixed-use building of Boardwalk at Bricktown, accompanied by three additional towers each standing 345 feet tall. This development will bring around 900 hotel rooms, 1,776 apartments, and 10,000 square meters of retail space and restaurants to the area, creating a lively community hub. The top floors will feature a high-end restaurant and an observation deck offering stunning panoramic views of Oklahoma City, giving both residents and visitors a spectacular new perspective of the city. This impressive project will transform the city’s skyline, making it more visually striking and putting Oklahoma City on the map. With luxurious amenities and a variety of living and commercial spaces, Legends Tower will enhance the city’s appeal as a modern, dynamic destination.

Construction of Legends Tower is set to begin by 2026, with completion expected by 2030. This ambitious project aims to harness Oklahoma City’s growth momentum and establish itself as a standout landmark.

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The initial phase will involve developing a hotel and two smaller residential towers, which are projected to be completed within 24 to 30 months. Following this, the focus will shift to constructing the main tower in the subsequent years. This phase is anticipated to take around three years, paving the way for the entire complex to become fully operational within approximately 5 years from the start of construction.

This detailed timeline reflects careful planning to seamlessly integrate this transformative development into Oklahoma City’s skyline and community life, marking a significant period of growth and evolution for the city.

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt expressed to a news channel that in his experience, private developers frequently announce plans, noting that outcomes can vary with some proceeding as intended while others encounter obstacles. He stated his neutral stance on the matter and emphasized his interest in following the developers’ progress.

Exciting times are ahead for Oklahoma City as The Boardwalk at Bricktown redefines the skyline and urban lifestyle. Skyscraper construction has resumed in the US after a decade, sparking speculation on which city will lead the next groundbreaking project.