OKC Planning Commission Approves Height For Proposed Skyscraper

Oklahoma City is a step closer to holding the distinction of having the tallest building. On Thursday, the Oklahoma City Planning Commission voted in favor of removing the cap on the height of a proposed tower in Bricktown.

Architects with the Boardwalk at Bricktown spoke before the commission, explaining the project in more detail, many asking why Oklahoma.

“They see Oklahoma as really growing as you can see, the Devon Tower is already there,” said architect Rob Budetti. “I think this will show that Oklahoma is a place where you can come and build some taller buildings, so why not.”

 If built, the project would be located next to Harkins Theater and consist of four towers, one designed to stand 1,907 feet tall, paying homage to the date of Oklahoma’s statehood. The tower would include an observation area and a restaurant at the top.

 The three other shorter towers will include apartments, condos, and hotel rooms, as well as retail.

If built, the tower would be the tallest in the nation and among the top ten tallest worldwide. Before approving the height, commissioners did ask about the building's ability to withstand high winds.

 “If you look all over the world you know Asia, earthquakes huge typhoons so it's done all the time and we certainly can solve for the impact of the natural event, we just have to design to it,” Budetti said.

Now this isn't a done deal yet, architects told the commission they are still working with the Federal Aviation Administration on any possible height restrictions. The City Council also will have to vote next.