Oklahoma City Reaches for the Sky: The Plans for the Nation's Tallest Building Move Forward

(18 Jul 2025 - OKLAHOMA CITY) The state capital of Oklahoma, long recognized for its resilience, is rapidly shedding its traditional image to emerge as a dynamic urban center. This transformation is being dramatically underscored by ambitious architectural projects and a sustained commitment to public investment. At the forefront of this renaissance is the proposed Legends Tower, poised to become the tallest building in the U.S., anchoring a burgeoning downtown that also includes a state-of-the-art NBA arena and a record-setting bond proposal for city-wide improvements. This wave of development, fueled by both private ventures and decades of strategic public funding, is attracting new residents and visitors, solidifying Oklahoma City's status as a "Big League City."

Legends Tower: A New Icon Redefining the Skyline

The Legends Tower, a project by real estate firm Matteson Capital and designed by AO, has received approval to become a supertall skyscraper in Oklahoma City's vibrant Bricktown district. It is envisioned as the centerpiece of the larger "Boardwalk at Bricktown" development.

With a proposed height of 1,907 feet (581 meters), the tower's design is a deliberate nod to Oklahoma's statehood year, 1907. This height would surpass New York's One World Trade Center by 131 feet (1,776 feet), making it the tallest building in the U.S. and the Western Hemisphere. The developer's ambition was evident when the tower's height was revised upwards from an initial 1,750 feet in January 2024, just weeks after its December 2023 announcement.

This record-breaking aspiration is a strategic move to elevate Oklahoma City's global profile. Scot Matteson, CEO of Matteson Capital, stated the project aims to position Oklahoma City among "worldly cities on a much-celebrated skyline," signaling innovation and ambition beyond traditional financial hubs. As one observer noted, "Legends Tower is a very 20th-century way to say that you are squarely entering the 21st century".

The 134-story Legends Tower is designed as a comprehensive mixed-use development, effectively a "city within a city." It will feature 1,776 residential units, catering to a broad range of income levels. The hospitality component includes a 480-room Dream Hotel, recently acquired by Hyatt, and a second, yet-to-be-announced Hyatt brand hotel, clarifying earlier reports of a single hotel. The tower will also offer 110,000 square feet of retail and dining space, entertainment venues, and an observation deck. The broader Boardwalk at Bricktown development will include three additional 345-foot towers, providing further retail, office, and community spaces.

The project has secured substantial financing, with Matteson Capital announcing $1.5 billion in funding in March 2024. Construction is planned in phases, with initial site preparation, infrastructure reinforcement, and the construction of adjacent towers (including the Dream Hotel) targeted to begin as early as summer 2024. The main Legends Tower, as the second phase, would follow. The project overcame significant regulatory hurdles, including securing an 8-1 vote from the Oklahoma City Council on June 4, 2024, to approve rezoning for the tower, which previously had a 300-foot height limit in the area.

Beyond the Tower: Cementing Oklahoma City's "Big League" Status

Oklahoma City's commitment to its "Big League City" identity extends far beyond the Legends Tower, encompassing major public investments in sports, infrastructure, and community well-being.

New NBA Arena: A Catalyst for Sports and Culture

Voters approved a $900 million new NBA arena in 2023, which will replace the Paycom Center as the home of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Mayor David Holt unveiled preliminary conceptual designs in his 2025 State of the City address, showcasing a 360-degree glass curtain wall and emphasizing transparency. The arena aims to be an "architectural statement" and a "signature building" for the city. It is scheduled to open by late summer 2028, with the Thunder committing to remain in Oklahoma City for 25 years upon its opening.

Funding for the arena comes from an extension of Oklahoma City's successful 1-cent sales tax model, similar to its Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) initiatives. Additionally, $78 million from MAPS 4 funding and $50 million from the Oklahoma City Thunder ownership group will contribute to its construction.

The Enduring Legacy of MAPS Programs

The city's current development surge is built on the foundation of the Metropolitan Area Projects (MAPS) program, a visionary capital improvement initiative launched in 1993. Funded by a limited-term, 1-cent sales tax, MAPS projects are debt-free and have consistently received voter approval. Since its inception, MAPS has generated over $7 billion in economic impact and more than $3.1 billion in total public investment.

Past MAPS projects have delivered transformative infrastructure, including a new convention center, a streetcar system, a downtown park, and improvements to the Oklahoma River. MAPS 4, approved in 2019 with a revised budget of nearly $1.1 billion, notably dedicates over 70% of its funding to "neighborhood and human needs," such as parks, youth centers, mental health services, and homelessness initiatives, signaling a focus on equitable growth.

The 2025 Bond Proposal: Investing in Everyday Life

Further demonstrating a holistic approach to urban improvement, Oklahoma City voters will consider a record-setting $2.7 billion bond proposal in October 2025, the largest in the city's history. If approved, the bond would fund 547 projects across eleven categories. Key allocations include over $1.35 billion for street improvements and $414 million for parks and recreation. Significantly, $175 million is earmarked for economic development and affordable housing, and an additional $50 million would support the new arena's construction to increase its seating capacity. The proposal incorporated over 6,000 resident suggestions, highlighting a strong emphasis on community input.

Project Name	Estimated Cost/Funding	Primary Purpose	Status/Timeline	Key Features
Legends Tower	$1.5 billion (private)	Mixed-use skyscraper, tallest in U.S./Western Hemisphere	Approved, Groundbreaking 2025, Completion 2030	1,907 ft height, 134 stories, residential, 2 Hyatt hotels, retail, observation deck
New NBA Arena	$900 million (sales tax, MAPS 4, Thunder ownership)	New home for OKC Thunder, entertainment venue	Approved, Demolition began March 2025, Opening Late Summer 2028	360-degree glass, "signature building," 25-year Thunder commitment
MAPS Programs (Cumulative)	Over $3.1 billion (public investment)	City-wide capital improvements, urban revitalization	Ongoing since 1993, multiple phases (Original, Kids, 3, 4)	Convention center, streetcar, downtown park, river improvements, neighborhood/human needs (MAPS 4)
2025 Bond Proposal	$2.7 billion (voter-approved bond)	547 projects across 11 categories	To be considered by voters Oct 2025	Street widening/rehabilitation ($1.35B), parks/recreation ($414M), economic development/affordable housing ($175M)

A City in Motion: Population, Tourism, and Economic Boom

Oklahoma City's urban renaissance is directly reflected in its surging population and booming tourism sector.

Surging Population Growth

According to US Census Bureau data, Oklahoma City's population increased by over 8,000 residents in 2024, reaching 712,919, making it the 20th largest city in the country. This consistent growth, with over 7,500 residents added in 2023, has Mayor David Holt stating, "People from everywhere are seeing our renaissance story and they want to be a part of it!". The broader Oklahoma metropolitan areas are also experiencing significant growth, with McClain County ranking among the top 100 fastest-growing counties nationally.

Tourism's Unprecedented Economic Impact

Tourism in Oklahoma City is reaching unprecedented levels, contributing significantly to the local economy. A 2022 study by Tourism Economics reported a staggering $4.3 billion economic impact from tourism. The city welcomed 23.2 million visitors, who directly spent $2.6 billion across various sectors. This booming sector supports over 33,888 jobs, accounting for approximately one in every 20 jobs in Oklahoma City, and generates a substantial $343 million in state and local tax revenues. Zac Craig, president of Visit Oklahoma City, attributes this growth partly to the city's investment in entertainment venues and districts through the MAPS program.

Economic Drivers: Jobs, Businesses, and Investment

These large-scale developments are providing a significant boost to Oklahoma City's economy. The Legends Tower alone is projected to create thousands of jobs during construction and after completion, benefiting construction workers, engineers, hotel staff, and retail employees. The project is also expected to increase foot traffic and attract new customers, boosting local businesses in Bricktown. The decision to undertake such ambitious projects in Oklahoma City, rather than traditional high-rise cities, is partly due to strategic planning, affordability (lower land and construction costs), and a clear urban vision, making project financing more appealing for investors.

Oklahoma City's Future Takes Flight

Oklahoma City's ongoing transformation is a testament to bold vision, strategic planning, and sustained public-private collaboration. From the symbolic heights of the Legends Tower to the foundational investments in its neighborhoods and infrastructure through the MAPS programs and bond proposals, the city is meticulously crafting its future. This concerted effort is not merely about erecting new buildings but about cultivating a dynamic environment that attracts people, fosters economic opportunity, and elevates its standing on the global stage.

As Oklahoma City continues to grow in population and economic influence, its ambitious projects serve as powerful statements of intent. The city is demonstrating that a "Big League City" is built not just on size, but on foresight, community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to a vibrant, prosperous future. The sky is no longer the limit; it is the new horizon for Oklahoma City.