English 
Spanish 
3 min read
0 comments
Construction of the new tallest tower in the United States, which promises to be an architectural landmark and will cost $1,5 billion, is behind schedule
An ambitious proposal to build the tallest skyscraper in the United States in Oklahoma City has hit an unexpected snag. Just before construction was set to begin on the tower, construction was delayed due to concerns raised by local airport officials.
The project
Legends Tower, originally planned to be the second-tallest skyscraper in the country, underwent a redesign after receiving positive reception. Now, the building is aiming to become the tallest in the United States, with impressive 1.907 feet (581 meters).
This time was not chosen by chance: it is a tribute to the year of 1907, when Oklahoma became the 46th US state. With this, it will surpass New York's One World Trade Center, the current champion at 541 meters.
- A casa que PAROU a construção: Proprietário recusa ofertas e obriga rodovia a ser construída ao seu redor
- World's tallest bridge: Gigantic engineering feat TWICE as tall as the Eiffel Tower to open in 2025
- Megaproject challenges the limits of construction: 40 BILLION tunnel that connects two continents through the ocean at MORE THAN 470 meters deep and already has a completion date
- World's tallest bridge to be twice as tall as the Eiffel Tower is closer to completion
Located in a parking lot near a railway line and a warehouse, the development will feature four towers. The largest of these will be a landmark in the landscape, but it is also the flashpoint that has generated controversy.
Air safety concerns
The airport director of Oklahoma City Airport Trust, Jeff Mulder has expressed concerns about the impact of Legends Tower on aviation safety, saying the height of the building could jeopardize flight operations in the region.
Records obtained by the local newspaper The Oklahoman reveal that Mulder contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to discuss the issue.
Officials at Will Rogers International Airport, Wiley Post Airport and Tinker AFB have also raised concerns. They say the building could force pilots to perform additional maneuvers before landing, increasing flight time and reducing the ability to fly. efficiency.
In response, AO Managing Partner Rob Budetti said: “We have heard the FAA’s feedback and are working with them to address these concerns. Our team is committed to working together to find solutions that prioritize safety and compliance while maintaining the Legends Tower vision.” For now, the start of construction has been postponed to 2025.
A tower off axis
While mega-constructions like this are usually associated with New York, Chicago or Los Angeles, the choice of Oklahoma City for Legends Tower surprised many. With just over 700 residents, the city was looking for a landmark that would symbolize economic growth and attract new investment.
The project, estimated at US$1,5 billion, divides opinions, but promises to transform the Bricktown area, the city's downtown entertainment district.
The project will be inspired by the Las Vegas style, with over 2 million square feet dedicated to residential, commercial and leisure spaces. The development will include two Hyatt hotels and, on the upper floors, a public observatory, restaurant and bar to offer privileged views of the city.
If completed, Legends Tower will not only be the tallest in the United States, but also the fifth tallest in the world.
Today, the top of the list is occupied by the Burj Khalifa, in the United Arab Emirates, at 823 meters, followed by the Merdeka 118, in Malaysia (678,9 meters), the Shanghai Tower, in China (632 meters), and the Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower, in Saudi Arabia (601 meters). The Legends Tower will surpass the Ping An Finance Center in China at 555 meters.
Contrary Views
For many residents, Legends Tower symbolizes ambition and progress. On the other hand, there are those who criticize the relevance of such a grand project in a medium-sized city.
Despite the criticism, the building promises to become an engineering landmark and tourist destination that will redefine Oklahoma City.
The future of Legends Tower now depends on creative solutions to overcome regulatory challenges. Until then, the project remains a symbol of the potential for urban and economic transformation in the United States.
