Hello, and welcome back to the Acorn Blog! It’s been a while—where have you been? Well, if you’ve been out exploring the world, now’s the time to catch up because we have an exciting and informative post about a city in the U.S. that’s making waves and is set to become the home of the nation’s tallest skyscraper. Surpassing the One World Trade Center in New York (standing at 1,776 feet), this new building will soar to an impressive 1,907 feet, making it the fifth tallest building in the world. Let’s quickly refresh our memories on the current record holders: Burj Khalifa (2,717 feet, UAE), Shanghai Tower (2,073 feet, China), and Abraj Al-Bait (1,971 feet, Saudi Arabia).
So, where will this towering giant be located? New York, Chicago, or maybe Los Angeles? Here’s a hint: the height of 1,907 feet isn’t just a number, it’s a historical nod. Ready for the surprise? The tallest building in the U.S. will be in Oklahoma City—yes, you read that right!
Oklahoma City’s Bold New Vision: The Legends Tower
Oklahoma City, often called “The Big Friendly” and located in Area Code 405, has become a hub of growth and ambition. Known for its vibrant culture and resilient spirit, the city is now positioning itself as a bold contender in the race for urban transformation with the Legends Tower—a skyscraper that could soon claim the title of the tallest building in the United States. As of March 22, 2025, this daring project is generating excitement, skepticism, and plenty of buzz. So, what’s driving this monumental change?
A Towering Ambition
The Legends Tower, located in the Bricktown district, is the centerpiece of a massive mixed-use development called the Boardwalk at Bricktown. Designed by California-based architecture firm AO and developed by Scott Matteson of Matteson Capital, the tower will stand at an extraordinary 1,907 feet (581 meters)—a symbolic reference to the year Oklahoma became the 46th U.S. state. If completed as planned, it will exceed the height of New York’s One World Trade Center by over 130 feet, making it not only the tallest building in the U.S. but also the fifth tallest in the world.
The project’s origins were more modest. Initially proposed in December 2023 at 1,750 feet, it was expected to be the nation’s second tallest building. However, in January 2024, Matteson and his team decided to raise the stakes, pushing the height to its current, record-breaking goal. The 134-story tower will anchor a complex that includes three smaller towers, each 345 feet tall, providing 1,776 residential units, two Hyatt hotels, retail spaces, and entertainment venues across a three-acre site.
Why Oklahoma City?
At first glance, Oklahoma City may seem like an unlikely location for such a monumental project. With a metro population of around 1.4 million, it’s far smaller than cities like New York or Chicago, both of which are famous for their iconic skylines. But Oklahoma City has been growing rapidly, becoming one of the fastest-expanding urban areas in the U.S. Fueled by job growth, migration, and a pro-business environment, recent developments like a $1 billion arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder and a $71 million multipurpose stadium have shown that the city is ready to redefine itself.
Matteson sees the Legends Tower as a key part of this transformation. “We believe this development will be an iconic destination for the city, further driving the expansion and diversification of the growing economy,” he said in a statement. With the project’s $1.6 billion price tag fully financed, the first phase—two smaller towers—is set to begin construction in early 2025. The Legends Tower itself, part of a second phase, could break ground soon after, with completion expected by the end of the decade.
Overcoming Challenges
The road to building a 1,907-foot tower hasn’t been without its challenges. In June 2024, the Oklahoma City Council voted 8-1 to approve rezoning for unlimited building heights, which crucial step for the project’s success. Still, there are concerns. Given Oklahoma’s location in “Tornado Alley,” questions have arisen about the tower’s safety in extreme weather. However, AO’s managing partner, Rob Budetti, has reassured skeptics, highlighting the building’s design, which includes a reinforced concrete core and tornado-resistant windows.
A more recent obstacle came in December 2024, when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flagged the tower as a potential hazard to air navigation due to its height, which could impact flight paths near Will Rogers International and Tinker Air Force Base. Matteson remains undeterred, stating he is reviewing the FAA’s findings and plans to continue the project, addressing any concerns along the way.
Despite these challenges, the Legends Tower’s impact on Oklahoma City’s skyline, identity, and economy is undeniable. If completed, it will more than double the height of Oklahoma City’s current tallest building, the 844-foot Devon Energy Center, and it could become an anchor for both tourism and local commerce. While some critics question the project’s feasibility, others view it as a bold vision that could bring global attention and economic growth to the city.
A New Horizon for OKC
If completed, the Legends Tower could redefine Oklahoma City’s skyline, offering an observation deck and sky restaurant with stunning views of the plains. The development aims to create a dynamic hub in the Bricktown district, with new businesses and increased tourism. Though opinions vary, there’s no denying the city’s ambition to shape its future on the national and international stage.
Oklahoma City and the 2028 Summer Olympics
But wait, there’s more! Oklahoma City is not just about skyscrapers; it’s also gearing up to play a prominent role in the 2028 Summer Olympics. While the Games will officially take place in Los Angeles, Oklahoma City will host the Olympic events for softball and canoe slalom. For those planning to head to L.A., you might want to reconsider your travel plans.
Oklahoma City is known as the “Softball Capital of the World” and has long been a hub for the sport, hosting the NCAA Women’s College World Series annually since 1997. The 13,000-seat Devon Park, part of the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex, will host the Olympic softball competition. The venue recently underwent a $27.5 million renovation and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the perfect location for the Games.
For the canoe slalom events, the River sport OKC facility, located on the Oklahoma River, will serve as the venue. This $45.2 million facility, part of the city’s MAPS 3 initiative, is one of the few in the western U.S. capable of hosting Olympic-level competitions.
By leveraging existing world-class venues, Oklahoma City is not only showcasing its sporting facilities but also embracing a sustainable approach to the Games, helping save millions in construction costs. For Oklahoma City, these Olympic events represent a major opportunity to showcase its growing international stature.
The New Arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City’s sports scene is about to get even bigger with the addition of a new downtown arena for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The new venue, set to open in the coming years, will provide state-of-the-art amenities for basketball fans and beyond, offering concerts and a wide range of entertainment. It will also give the Thunder a more modern home, replacing the aging Chesapeake Energy Arena (now Paycom Center).
This new arena is part of a broader effort to revitalize the Bricktown area. As the city’s sports scene grows, the arena will serve as an economic driver, attracting more visitors to the city and boosting local businesses. The development will also enhance Bricktown’s appeal, making it a vibrant and dynamic hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Looking Ahead
Oklahoma City’s future is bright. With the Legends Tower, Olympic events, and a new arena for the Thunder. The city is poised to make a lasting impact on the national and global stage. Whether it’s through its towering skyscrapers, world-class sporting events, or thriving downtown, Oklahoma City is well on its way to becoming a true urban powerhouse.
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