Dezeen Magazine

The top of Legends Tower

Oklahoma City approves USA's tallest skyscraper height

A height variance request for what is set to be the tallest skyscraper in the US located in Oklahoma City has been approved to move forward to the next stage.

The Oklahoma City Planning Commission has granted approval of a height increase request for Legends Tower, a proposed supertall skyscraper.

Architecture studio AO and developer Matteson Capital announced the proposal earlier this year, which sought to increase the original 1,750 feet (533 metres) tower to 1,907 feet (581 metres), unseating the 1,776-foot-tall (541 metres) SOM-designed One World Trade Center in New York.

A final vote is planned for the City Council in June, according to Matteson Capital.

Legends tower in Oklahoma city
A height increase request for Oklahoma City's Legends Tower is set to move forward

If built, the tower will be the tallest in the US and the fifth tallest in the world.

"On behalf of AO, we are extremely pleased that the Oklahoma City Planning Commission has unanimously approved the requested unlimited height limit and has granted the development team the ability to negotiate on a comprehensive signage program for the Boardwalk at Bricktown," said AO managing partner Rob Budetti.

"This endorsement underscores our confidence in the vision and design of this landmark development, representing Oklahoma City's imminent transformation into a global destination and its bold stride towards the future."

It is part of the wider mixed-use development Boardwalk at Bricktown, which includes three approved 345-foot-tall (105 metre-tall) towers at its base, which house retail spaces.

Full funding at $1.5 billion was also recently secured for the project as of early March, according to the local news outlet The Oklahoman, with developer Scott Matterson estimating site preparation could begin as early as June.

"Upon completion, the Boardwalk at Bricktown will undoubtedly earn the city the recognition it deserves, setting a new standard for urban innovation and architectural excellence," said Budetti.

"We are excited about the positive impact this project will have on shaping the future of Oklahoma City."

Other recent supertall skyscrapers news include unveiled images of a Dolce & Gabbana-branded tower in Miami and the completion of Japan's tallest skyscraper by Pelli Clarke & Partners.

The images are by AO.