Tallest Buildings in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh is the second largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia. The city has a population of 303,000 and covers an area of 58.35 sq mi. Pittsburgh is among the cities that have embraced modernity which is evident through the several high-rise buildings. There are about 137 high rise buildings in the city, 29 of which are at least 300 ft tall. In 1895 the Carnegie Building became the first skyscraper in the city rising 13 floors. However, it wasn’t the tallest structure in the city as the tower of the Allegheny County Courthouse built in 1888 stood 249ft. In 1952 the building was demolished to make way for the expansion of the Kaufmann's department store. Between 1960 and late 1980s the city experienced a boom in skyscrapers with more than half of the city tallest building constructed within the period. However, the 2000s saw the city stagnate in skyscrapers, unlike other major American cities. During the period only three building taller than 300ft were constructed. In 2015 the 545-foot Tower at PNC Plaza became the latest skyscraper to the skyline.

Tallest Buildings In Pittsburgh

The US Steel Tower is the tallest building in Pittsburgh with a height of 841 feet. It was completed in 1970. It is the 4^th tallest in the state and 46^th in the country. The building was the tallest in the state until 1987 when the One Liberty Place was completed. Between 1986 and 2000 the building was renamed the USX Tower. The BNY Mellon Center ranks second with a height of 725 feet. It is the 103^rd tallest building in the US. The building is the tallest building in the city constructed in the 1970s. It was previously known as the One Mellon Center. One PPG Place ranks third at 635 ft. It was completed in 1984 after three and a half years of construction. The building is recognized by the glass spires and reflective glasses. The Fifth Avenue Place also known as the Highmark Place stands 616 feet above the ground. The construction of the building was completed in 1988. A 178-foot-tall mast stands at the top of the building symbolizing the intended height after the city ruled that the height was not suitable for the city’s skyline. The One Oxford Centre ranks fifth with a height of 615 feet. It is among the most recognizable structures in the city due to its unique architecture.

Oldest Buildings In Pittsburgh

The oldest building in Pittsburgh is Fort Pitt Blockhouse. It was completed 1764. It is also the oldest in western Pennsylvania. Today the building is located at the Point State Park. The building was built by Henry Bouquet as part of the defensive redoubt at Fort Pitt. In 1792 the fort was demolished, but the house was spared as a resident had inhabited it.