Imagine the tallest building in the United States being located not in New York City, but in Oklahoma City. Sounds unbelievable, right? Well, it might just become a reality. California developer Scot Matteson has unveiled plans to construct a colossal 134-story tower called the Legends Tower, which would stand at a staggering height of 1,907 feet. If successful, this iconic structure will not only become the tallest building in the U.S., but also the fifth tallest in the world.
A rendering of the proposed Legends Tower at Boardwalk at Bricktown.
Developer Scot Matteson believes that Oklahoma City is well-positioned to support such a large-scale project. Speaking about the expansion plans, he said, "We believe that this development will be an iconic destination for the city, further driving the expansion and diversification of the growing economy, drawing in investment, new businesses, and jobs." Matteson envisions the Boardwalk at Bricktown development as not just a towering skyscraper, but a symbol of pride for the entire city.
The Legends Tower is set to bring a dash of Las Vegas-style glitz to the vibrant Lower Bricktown area near the Oklahoma River. Spanning over 3 acres, this ambitious project will house more than 2 million square feet of residential, retail, and entertainment spaces, including two Hyatt hotels, condos, apartments, stores, and restaurants. Additionally, a lagoon and boardwalk will be incorporated into the development. The area will also witness the construction of a new arena for the NBA franchise Oklahoma Thunder, with an estimated cost of at least $900 million.
A rendering of the proposed Boardwalk at Bricktown.
The Legends Tower will feature a public observatory, restaurant, and bar on its top floors, offering visitors breathtaking views of the city. This ambitious project aims to meet the demand for more residential and entertainment options, breathing new life into Oklahoma City's skyline. However, some skeptics question whether Oklahoma City can truly support such an immense structure. Critics argue that the city lacks the dense urban dynamic typically associated with supertall skyscrapers.
Nevertheless, local support for the project remains strong. The Oklahoma City Council has already approved a record $200 million in tax increment financing to be paid after the completion of the first two apartment towers. The Boardwalk at Bricktown and its associated developments have generated excitement and optimism among residents. Renee Hoover-Payton, president of the Oklahoma Association of Realtors, acknowledges the potential of the project, stating that the development's nearly 2,000 urban residential housing units will add to Oklahoma City's urban housing mix.
The downtown Oklahoma City skyline is pictured on Dec. 11, 2023. A proposed 1,907-foot tower for downtown would not only dwarf every other building in Oklahoma but it would become the tallest in the U.S. and the fifth tallest in the world.
While there are still hurdles to overcome, including securing zoning variances and addressing concerns about tornadoes, the Legends Tower represents an exciting possibility for Oklahoma City. If successful, it will not only redefine the city's skyline but also attract investment, spur economic growth, and cement its status as a major player on the global stage.
Stay tuned for further updates on this audacious endeavor. With each passing day, Oklahoma City is edging closer to stealing New York's thunder and making its mark on the world with the tallest skyscraper in the United States.
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