OKC skyscrapers

[decepticobra]

OKC has some interesting skyscrapers. Compared to other cities of greater populations, some of the buildings we locally dub as skyscapers are in actuality not due to their height (or lack thereof), but for the sake of conversation we shall refer to them as such since this a local forum.

Everyone is highly anticipating the arrival of the upcoming Devon Tower in 2012. A skyscaper that is sure to surpass the heights of all existing skyscrapers in existence.

Its my hope that once this tower is completed it will serve as a beacon of commerce to lure other companies to build new skyscapers here so that we may begin to tear down some of the eye-sore ones that have been around too long and stick out like a sore thumb.

First National Center
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_N...(Oklahoma_City)

It closely resembles the Empire State Building, and only up until both OKC and NYC experienced terrorist attacks did this sort of eccentric connection finally begin to make sense of why we copy-catted NYC's architecture.

City Place
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Pl...(Oklahoma_City)

I believe this building is the one that says "UMB" at the top of it, which if you throw in a "D" at the beginning, it just makes our city look "DUMB". The building itself looks like its made out of adobe clay, and if we were Albuquerque that would be alright, but since were not its a bit odd here.

The building just looks old, really really old and is crying for a wrecking ball to hit it a few times already

Leadership Square
Leadership Square North - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This building actually looks cool, the only issue is that it would look twice as cool if only if it was twice as tall. Never understood why theres a huge pile of ladies ruby red press-on fingernails at the base of it though.

Oklahoma Tower
Oklahoma Tower - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I actually like this building, it looks cool as it is. So cool looks like it was ripped right out of some 80s sci-fi flick ala Blade Runner or Robocop.

Sandridge Center
SandRidge Center - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This one looks like the plastic covering for a bedroom window air conditioner unit.That, or some sort of breakfast waffle iron. Its just awful looking.

360 at Founders Plaza
360 at Founders Plaza - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This one looks very asian-inspired with its pagoda-esque top. The only question is why its not located in Little Saigon? Seems appropiate.

Valliance Bank Tower - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Valliance Tower
Valliance Bank Tower - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Located adjacent to Penn Square Mall, and possibly the tallest of the NW Expressway corridor skyscrapers. You cant help but to wonder why it wasnt built downtown to accentuate the other skyscrapers and improve the overall appearance of our city's skyline instead of standing idiotically on its own all by itself.

Renaissance Oklahoma Tower

http://www.okctalk.com/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=21

dont have a pic on this one, but then again, its not needed as everyone knows this is OKCs most recent addition to its skyline. That being the case, theres utterly no excuse for why this could not have been built taller to at least match the height of all the other buildings around it. The only reason I can fathom is the owners were skittish and apprehensive as to how OKC's economy would fair overall in the years to come with our recent enactment of MAPS.

[Ezrablum]

I like the First National Center. I see plenty of differences from the Empire State Building. If you squint, while it's raining I guess it kind of resembles the NYC fixture.

[metro]

sounds like you need to pick up a history book to understand why buildings were built where. Ever heard of the Penn Square Bank fiasco? Do you know that over 600 buildings were torn down downtown in the days of Urban Renewal about 35-40 years ago?And recommending tearing down City Place? Seriously? You're not going to get much love for your ideas on this site. City Place is a great tower and is currently undergoing interior renovations and will feature 6 or 7 multi-story million dollar penthouses. A

[CuatrodeMayo]

I like the First National Center. I see plenty of differences from the Empire State Building. If you squint, while it's raining I guess it kind of resembles the NYC fixture.

The Empire State Building was completed in 1931

First National was completed in 1931

Chicago Board of Trade Building (pictured below) was completed in 1930

[possumfritter]

How tall does a building have to be in order to be called a "skyscraper?"

[dmoor82]

How tall does a building have to be in order to be called a "skyscraper?"

^^ 500'ft?

[mmonroe]

Did I read this right? The first national center started construction Feb. 1, 1931 and was completed November of the same year?

[JIMBO]

10 months? I don't think so.

[windowphobe]

For real. The Great Skyscraper Race was on.

When in doubt, consult Doug Loudenback:

Doug Dawgz Blog: Oklahoma Skyscraper City Circa 1931

[mmonroe]

Well, it is true. 10 Months and TWO buildings, 33 stories.