Council clears path for North America’s tallest skyscraper

Oklahoma City Council has granted approval for the construction of Legends Tower, slated to become the tallest building in North America.

The 134-storey, 1,907ft (581m) high tower, designed by California architectural studio AO and developed by Matteson Capital, will be situated in the Bricktown neighborhood of downtown Oklahoma City.

This landmark decision follows a series of negotiations and revisions to the original proposal. Originally planned at 1,750ft (533m), the revised height of 1,907ft (581m) is a nod to Oklahoma's historical significance, commemorating its admission to the Union in 1907.

The project, known as The Boardwalk at Bricktown, will encompass three towers spanning approximately five million square feet. Legends Tower, the focal point of the development, will feature a mix of retail, hotel, and residential units, along with a ground-floor parking structure. Plans also include a public observatory and restaurant at the tower's summit.

With full financing secured, construction is set to commence imminently, starting with groundwork and underground parking. The first two towers, Ruby and Emerald, are scheduled to begin construction later this summer, each standing 23 stories tall. Anticipated completion for these towers is within 24 to 30 months.

Legends Tower will redefine Oklahoma City's skyline upon its completion and overshadow the current tallest structure, the 50-storey, 844ft (257m) high Devon Energy Center. Despite questions surrounding the need for such a towering structure in a city of around 1.5 million residents, developers remain steadfast in their vision to transform Oklahoma City into a global destination for commerce and culture.

The project reflects Oklahoma City's ongoing development boom, with several high-profile initiatives underway, including a $1 billion arena for the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder and a multipurpose stadium for professional sports.