The ambitious project to erect the United States’ tallest skyscraper, the Legends Tower in Oklahoma City, has encountered a potential obstacle. Planned to reach a staggering 1,907 feet (581m), surpassing even the One World Trade Center, the tower’s “unlimited height” proposal has raised concerns from local airport authorities regarding flight safety. Jeff Mulder, Director of Airports for the Oklahoma City Airport Trust, has formally expressed these concerns to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), highlighting potential disruptions to flight patterns and increased risks associated with longer flight times and the necessity for tighter circling approaches to Will Rogers International Airport, Wiley Post Airport, and Tinker Air Force Base. The proposed tower’s proximity to the airspace of all three airports necessitates careful consideration of its impact on air traffic.
While the city council had initially approved the “unlimited height” concept, the FAA’s assessment will be crucial in determining the tower’s final height. Scot Matteson, the founder of Matteson Capital, the project’s developer, acknowledges the possibility of reducing the tower’s height if necessary, despite the symbolic significance of the proposed 1,907 feet, representing the year Oklahoma gained statehood. The FAA’s report, expected by the end of the month, will provide critical guidance for the project’s trajectory. While Matteson anticipates some revisions, the core vision for a monumental structure remains.
The Legends Tower is the centerpiece of the sprawling Boardwalk at Bricktown development, a $1 billion project encompassing two million square feet. In addition to the towering skyscraper, the complex will feature three smaller towers, each approximately 345 feet tall, along with 1,776 residential units, two luxury Hyatt hotels, and an expansive 110,000 square feet dedicated to entertainment, retail, and dining spaces. The tower’s pinnacle will offer panoramic views of the city, housing a restaurant, bar, and an observation deck, further enhancing its appeal as a destination within the complex.
If completed as originally envisioned, the Legends Tower would become the sixth tallest building in the world, joining an elite group of architectural marvels. Currently, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai reigns supreme at 2,717 feet, holding the title of the world’s tallest building since 2009. Malaysia’s Merdeka 118, standing at 2,227 feet, claims the second spot, also holding the distinction of being the tallest building in Southeast Asia. The Shanghai Tower, at 2,073 feet, is China’s tallest building and the tallest LEED platinum certified building globally. The Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, reaches 1,972 feet and serves as a prominent landmark for pilgrims. Finally, the Ping An International Finance Centre in China, at 1,966 feet, rounds out the top five, holding the record for the highest observation deck within a building.
The Legends Tower’s developers face a delicate balancing act between achieving their ambitious vision and addressing legitimate safety concerns raised by airport authorities. The FAA’s assessment will be pivotal in determining the ultimate height of the tower and its integration into the Oklahoma City skyline. While the project’s scope may be adjusted, the underlying ambition to create a landmark structure and a vibrant mixed-use development remains steadfast. The Boardwalk at Bricktown, anchored by the potentially modified Legends Tower, aims to transform the city’s landscape and offer a unique combination of residential, hospitality, and entertainment experiences.
The outcome of the FAA’s review will shape the future of this ambitious project. If the tower’s height is reduced, it will still be a significant addition to the Oklahoma City skyline, albeit with a slightly diminished stature. However, if the original vision is realized, the Legends Tower will stand as a testament to architectural ambition and a symbol of Oklahoma City’s growth and aspirations, joining the ranks of the world’s most iconic skyscrapers. The project’s success hinges on navigating the complex interplay between architectural vision, regulatory requirements, and the practical considerations of air traffic safety. The final design will ultimately reflect the delicate balance struck between these competing interests.
