Legends Tower is a proposed supertall skyscraper in Oklahoma City, and now it faces a delay period as the FAA takes into account some safety concerns that have been raised by the local government. The building is to be designed by architecture studio AO and developed by Matteson Capital. At 581 meters (1,907 feet), Legends Tower would top the list of the tallest buildings in the United States, overshadowing New York City’s One World Trade Center.
Jeff Mulder, director of Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, wrote a letter expressing reservations to the FAA. In his view, the tower’s height would disrupt flight operations, which probably may increase the times of travel and demand changing the schedules of departures. He also noted safety concerns in relation to the building’s proximity to airspace belonging to several other airports, including Tinker Air Force Base and Wiley Post Airport. The height of the building would require revising the MVA, which would change the descent operation for aircraft.
Mulder clarified that his letter is not specifically against the project in spite of these problems, characterizing it as a normal step in the evaluation process. The project’s work has been delayed since the FAA has not yet provided an official response.
In response to the anticipated criticism, developer Scot Matteson said, “We’re waiting for the FAA’s full report, which we expect by the end of the month.” Despite the tower’s “unlimited” height permit from local authorities, Matteson has stated that he would be willing to lower it if needed.
Construction on the Legends Tower, which is a component of a larger mixed-use development, is expected to start in early 2025. Its inclusion in the initial phase has been delayed, nevertheless. The project is the latest in a long line of major Oklahoma initiatives that have been delayed due to political, economic, and bureaucratic red tape. The FAA review’s conclusion will ultimately decide whether Legends Tower can transform Oklahoma City’s skyline as intended, despite the developer’s continued optimism.