The Tallest Building By State

The United States’ skyline is graced by some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. September 3 marks the Skyscrapers’ Day where thousands of people around the country marvels and appreciates the beautiful architecture as they remember the birthday of architect Louise Sullivan whose work has inspired the modern buildings in several states. Tallest building in any state can be ranked by the highest occupied floors, structural height, or even the observation deck's elevation. The states of New York and Illinois are home to some of the tallest buildings not only in the US but also in the world. New York City and Chicago have been the focal points of the the skyscraper collection of the United States. However, there are skyscrapers to be found across the country.

Tallest Buildings By State

Five of the 50 US states have their tallest building reach over 1,000 feet. Leading the pack is New York’s One World Trade Center with an actual height of 1,776 feet. It is located in the city of New York and was completed in 2014 to become the tallest building in the US and the 6th in the world. Until then, Willis Tower in Illinois was the tallest in the Country. At 1,451, Willis Tower is the second tallest skyscraper in the US and 16th in the world. Formerly known as Sears Tower, it became the tallest building in the world in 1973 when it was completed. At 1,100 feet, Wilshire Grand Center is the tallest building in California and the 9th tallest in the US. It is also the tallest building outside of Chicago and New York. Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta, Georgia and JPMorgan Chase Tower in Huston, Texas measuring 1,023 and 1,002 feet respectively completes the top five tallest buildings by state.

Comcast Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was completed in 2007 and currently ranks 22nd tallest building in the US at 975 feet. Key Tower is the tallest building in Ohio and also the tallest in Midwestern US states outside Chicago at 947 feet. The building was also the tallest between Chicago and New York before the completion of Comcast Center. Although Washington is the capital of the US, its tallest building is only 943 feet tall. The Columbia Center in Seattle is one of the tallest buildings in West Coast and the tallest observation deck in the region. Bank of America Corporate Center is the tallest building in North Carolina at 872 feet while Panorama Tower in Miami is the tallest in the state of Florida at 868 feet.

Did You Know?

Only ten states out of the 50 states have their tallest buildings higher than 850 feet. Only 12 states will have their tallest buildings rank among the top 50 buildings in the US while tallest buildings in 35 states will not feature in the list of 100 tallest buildings in the country. Wyoming and South Dakota’s tallest buildings are only 124 and 174 feet respectively. The heights of the buildings are calculated from the ground level to the topmost habitable structure, whether occupied or not. The heights also include integral spires. If the spires are not included, then Willis Tower would be considered taller than One World Trade Center by highest occupied floor.