The Mystery of Oklahoma City's Skyscrapers: A Towerless Miracle?

Oklahoma City, a city with a peculiar skyline, has long puzzled many with its lack of towering skyscrapers. While some argue that the city’s skyline is not lacking, others question the definition of a skyscraper and whether these buildings truly qualify. This article explores the unique urban landscape of Oklahoma City and delves into the myth and reality of its “towerless” status.

Defining a Tower

First, let us define what constitutes a tower. For the purposes of this discussion, we will use the term “tower” to refer to a building that stands tall and imposing in the skyline, often with distinctive architectural features and a name that includes the word “tower.” The tallest building in Oklahoma City, the Devon Energy Center, does not have “tower” in its name. However, the second tallest, BancFirst Tower, does include the term “tower” in its name. This juxtaposition adds an interesting twist to the discussion.

Building Complexity and Naming Conventions

Oklahoma City’s urban landscape is quite complex, with many buildings that might fit the definition of a tower. For instance, the First National Center and City Place Tower are often seen as rivals, standing opposite each other on Park Avenue. They were built simultaneously in 1931, yet the City Place Tower was finished first but is only six feet shorter than the First National Center. This highlights the reasons why some buildings do or do not meet the criteria for being called a tower.

Building Demographics and Boundaries

There are only ten buildings in downtown Oklahoma City that are 300 feet tall or more. To the north, near Belle Isle/Penn Square, there is one building, Valliance Bank, that stands out. However, it is five miles away, indicating that the boundaries of the city’s downtown core are quite specific. Additionally, the city has a reputation for rolling up the sidewalks at 5 pm, suggesting a more traditional, quaint urban atmosphere.

Aesthetic and Practical Considerations

One can’t help but wonder why Oklahoma City lacks skyscrapers. The Devon Energy Center, the tallest building in the city, stands 621 feet tall, but many don’t consider it a skyscraper simply because it doesn’t have a grand name like “tower.” However, the reason for this absence might be more practical than one might expect. The relentless wind in the city makes it challenging for engineers to construct and maintain tall buildings. The city is simply not built for skyscrapers.

Heat Reflection and Environmental Factors

During the summer, the heat reflection off the glass facades of skyscrapers can be incredibly intense. A personal anecdote comes to mind: during the Shakespeare In The Park at the Gardens amphitheater, the reflection of the Devon Energy Center made it unbearably hot to sit in the audience and enjoy the show. This environmental factor raises the question of whether more skyscrapers are truly needed in a city that already struggles with extreme heat.

Conclusion

Oklahoma City may not have the towering skyscrapers that one might expect, but it certainly has a unique urban landscape. The Devon Energy Center, while not officially a tower, stands as a testament to the city’s ambition. The lack of skyscrapers can be attributed to a combination of practical challenges and a preference for traditional architecture. The city’s love for its sunsets and clear blue skies suggests that a more modest, yet charming, skyline is preferred.

Whichever way you look at it, Oklahoma City is a place where the definition of a tower and the aesthetic value of its skyline are open to interpretation, making it a fascinating case study in urban planning and architecture.