Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA

California architectural studio Architects Orange (AO) and Oklahoma City developer Matteson Capital are stirring ambitious plans for a new envisioned development, spanning a three-acre site in downtown Oklahoma City.

Architecture office AO is now aiming for even greater heights, however, and has carried out an ambitious redesign in a bid to make it the country’s new supertall building.

“Legends Tower,” a collaboration between Matteson Capital, Thinkbox Construction Group, and Legends Capital Management LLC, .is part of the Boardwalk at Bricktown development, which aims to be the second-tallest building in the United States.

The proposed development boasts three 345-foot-tall towers and a potential centerpiece—towering structure reaching heights of up to 1,750 feet. 

Alongside the main skyscraper, there will be three smaller towers, each of which will rise to 345 ft (105 m).

All four buildings will include 1,776 residential units, while one of the smaller towers will be called the “Dream Tower” and contain a luxury Hyatt hotel branded the Dream Hotel.

While the smaller towers have secured approval, the fate of the supertall tower still hangs in the balance, pending further approvals. 

If given the green light, it would stand just 26 feet shy of the One World Trade Center in New York, currently the tallest building in the US.

The proposed 1,907-foot skyscraper would officially be the sixth tallest building in the world right in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City.

The project foresees a dazzling complex that integrates retail and entertainment spaces within the smaller towers, while the towering centerpiece contains residences and a hotel.

This supertall category, reserved for buildings between 900 and 2,000 feet, places AO’s design squarely within the realm of architectural marvels. 

AO attributes the unprecedented height to the city’s burgeoning population and the need for visionary solutions to accommodate growth.

AO’s Managing Partner, Rob Budetti, sheds light on the design, stating, “The tower’s height evolved to align with the visionary goals set by both the developer and the city. As Oklahoma City experiences a surge in market growth, characterized by increasing demand, population, and the development of employment hubs, the design for The Boardwalk at Bricktown has progressed in response to the dynamic expansion and advancement within this thriving urban landscape.”

Renderings of the Boardwalk at Bricktown reveal a visually striking arrangement —three smaller towers flanking a central corridor adorned with storefronts, a mezzanine, water features, and captivating light installations. 

The supertall skyscraper, positioned at the back of the complex, exhibits a relatively flat, uniform shape that gradually tapers toward its crown.

The exteriors of both the supertall skyscraper and the surrounding towers are designed to be glass, accentuated by strips of light at their corners. 

AO Architects, based outside Los Angeles, ventures into uncharted territory with its first supertall skyscraper project. 

While their proposal captivates the imagination, other towering structures are also in the works across the United States. Notable among them is a 1,388-foot-tall skyscraper for JPMorgan Chase in New York City, designed by Foster + Partners.

The Boardwalk at Bricktown development vows to reshape the city’s horizon, marking a bold leap into a new era of urban design and development. 

“Oklahoma City is experiencing a significant period of growth and transformation, making it well-positioned to support large-scale projects like the one envisioned for Bricktown,” said Scot Matteson, CEO of Matteson Capital. 

“We believe that this development will be an iconic destination for the city, further driving the expansion and diversification of the growing economy, drawing in investment, new businesses, and jobs. It’s a dynamic environment and we hope to see The Boardwalk at Bricktown stand as the pride of Oklahoma City.”

Project: Legends Tower at Boardwalk at Bricktown
Architects: Architects Orange (AO)
Developer: Matteson Capital
Project Team: ThinkBox Construction Group and Legends Capital Management LLC.