The Tallest Buildings in The US

The American skyline has long been defined by its towering skyscrapers. From the steel marvels of New York to the soaring structures of Chicago, the United States is home to some of the tallest buildings on Earth. These architectural giants not only shape cityscapes but also reflect the nation's economic strength, engineering innovation, and cultural ambition. Here are the seven tallest buildings in the United States, ranked by architectural height, including antennas and spires.

One World Trade Center, New York City

• Height: 1,776 feet

• Year Built: Completed in 2014

Also known as the Freedom Tower, One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. It was constructed as part of the rebuilding effort following the September 11 attacks. The structure stands on the original World Trade Center site and symbolizes resilience and unity. Designed by David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower features a sleek, tapering silhouette that culminates in a spire reaching exactly 1,776 feet, a number chosen to commemorate the year of American independence.

One World Trade Center includes 104 floors of office and commercial space, and its observation deck on the 100th to 102nd floors offers panoramic views of New York City. It uses a concrete core and reinforced steel construction for security and sustainability, featuring LEED Gold certification.

Central Park Tower, New York City

• Height: 1,550 feet

• Year Built: Completed in 2020

Central Park Tower is the tallest residential building in the world. Rising above Billionaires’ Row on Manhattan’s West 57th Street, the building was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture. Its prime location provides unparalleled views of Central Park, the Hudson River, and the Midtown skyline.

Developed by Extell Development Company, Central Park Tower features ultra-luxury condominiums and is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country. The lower floors house Nordstrom's flagship department store, and the building includes a private club for residents known as the Central Park Club, with dining, a ballroom, and fitness amenities spread across several levels.

Willis Tower, Chicago

• Height: 1,451 feet

• Year Built: Completed in 1974

Originally known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower held the title of the world’s tallest building for 25 years. Located in the heart of downtown Chicago, it remains one of the most iconic buildings in the country. Designed by architect Bruce Graham and structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower’s bundled-tube structural system revolutionized skyscraper engineering.

The building includes 110 stories and offers office space, retail, and one of Chicago’s top tourist attractions: the Skydeck. Located on the 103rd floor, the Skydeck features The Ledge, a series of glass boxes that extend outside the building for dramatic views of the city below.

111 West 57th Street, New York City

• Height: 1,428 feet

• Year Built: Completed in 2022

Nicknamed the "Steinway Tower," this residential skyscraper is the most slender in the world, with a width-to-height ratio of about 1:24. It incorporates the historic Steinway Hall, a former piano showroom and recital hall, into its base. The building was developed by JDS Development Group and Property Markets Group.

Designed by SHoP Architects with structural engineering by WSP, the building rises with elegant tapering and is clad in terracotta, bronze, and glass. Inside, it offers full-floor and duplex residences that provide sweeping views of Central Park and beyond.

One Vanderbilt, New York City

• Height: 1,401 feet

• Year Built: Completed in 2020

One Vanderbilt stands next to Grand Central Terminal and is a striking addition to the Midtown Manhattan skyline. Developed by SL Green and designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the tower combines modern aesthetics with a nod to New York’s architectural heritage.

This office skyscraper includes cutting-edge amenities, sustainable design features, and a direct connection to Grand Central Terminal. It houses high-end office tenants, including TD Bank, and its Summit observation deck offers glass-floor views 1,100 feet above Madison Avenue. One Vanderbilt is a symbol of the ongoing commercial evolution of Midtown.

432 Park Avenue, New York City

• Height: 1,396 feet

• Year Built: Completed in 2015

432 Park Avenue is a slender residential tower on Manhattan’s Billionaires’ Row. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, the building features a simple square form with 10-foot-by-10-foot windows uniformly arranged across its facade. The minimalist design stands in contrast to the more ornate and complex silhouettes of neighboring towers.

The tower includes 85 floors and houses some of the most luxurious residences in the world, with interiors designed by Deborah Berke. Amenities include a private restaurant, fitness center, pool, and concierge services. The building's height and design make it one of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the city.

Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago

• Height: 1,388 feet

• Year Built: Completed in 2009

The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Chicago ranks among the tallest mixed-use buildings in the United States. Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower features a polished stainless steel and glass facade that reflects the Chicago River and skyline.

This 98-story structure includes hotel rooms, residential units, restaurants, and a spa. The building's staggered setbacks were designed to complement the city’s skyline and minimize the impact of wind. Located near the Magnificent Mile, it offers some of the best panoramic views in the city.

America’s Love Affair with Height

The skyscrapers listed above are more than just tall buildings. They are monuments to engineering prowess, artistic vision, and urban evolution. From the early days of the steel-frame era to today’s ultra-slender towers, American architects and developers continue to push boundaries.

As new towers rise and city skylines transform, one thing is certain: the quest to touch the sky is alive and well in the United States. Each of these structures tells a story of ambition, resilience, and the unique character of the cities they inhabit.

America's Tallest Feats of Architecture