News
December 11, 2024

USA’s Tallest Tower Faces Delays Amid Safety Concerns

Caroline Raffetto

The construction of the USA's tallest skyscraper, Legends Tower, in Oklahoma City has hit a roadblock. Just before construction was set to begin, the project has been delayed due to concerns raised by airport officials.

Initially planned as the USA's second-tallest skyscraper, Legends Tower's positive reception led to a redesign, ultimately making it the tallest building in the country. The tower, part of a larger development, will include four towers, with the tallest reaching 1,907 feet (581 meters)—a height that would surpass One World Trade Center by 130 feet (39 meters), making it the tallest in the USA.

However, the ambitious height has raised safety concerns. According to The Oklahoman, Jeff Mulder, Director of the Oklahoma City Airport Trust, has expressed concerns that the tower’s height could compromise flight safety. Officials at Will Rogers International Airport, Wiley Post Airport, and Tinker Air Force Base have also raised alarms, citing potential disruptions to flight patterns and increased time spent circling before landing.

Documents obtained by The Oklahoman show that Mulder has contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about these concerns. The issue now remains whether these safety concerns will force a redesign or delay, or even halt the project entirely. As of now, construction is postponed until sometime in 2025.

“We have received the FAA's comments and are working with them to address these matters," said Rob Budetti, Managing Partner at AO. "Our team is committed to collaborating with the FAA to find meaningful solutions that prioritize safety and compliance while supporting the vision for Legends Tower.”
News
December 11, 2024

USA’s Tallest Tower Faces Delays Amid Safety Concerns

Caroline Raffetto
Construction Industry
Oklahoma

The construction of the USA's tallest skyscraper, Legends Tower, in Oklahoma City has hit a roadblock. Just before construction was set to begin, the project has been delayed due to concerns raised by airport officials.

Initially planned as the USA's second-tallest skyscraper, Legends Tower's positive reception led to a redesign, ultimately making it the tallest building in the country. The tower, part of a larger development, will include four towers, with the tallest reaching 1,907 feet (581 meters)—a height that would surpass One World Trade Center by 130 feet (39 meters), making it the tallest in the USA.

However, the ambitious height has raised safety concerns. According to The Oklahoman, Jeff Mulder, Director of the Oklahoma City Airport Trust, has expressed concerns that the tower’s height could compromise flight safety. Officials at Will Rogers International Airport, Wiley Post Airport, and Tinker Air Force Base have also raised alarms, citing potential disruptions to flight patterns and increased time spent circling before landing.

Documents obtained by The Oklahoman show that Mulder has contacted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about these concerns. The issue now remains whether these safety concerns will force a redesign or delay, or even halt the project entirely. As of now, construction is postponed until sometime in 2025.

“We have received the FAA's comments and are working with them to address these matters," said Rob Budetti, Managing Partner at AO. "Our team is committed to collaborating with the FAA to find meaningful solutions that prioritize safety and compliance while supporting the vision for Legends Tower.”