Dotting the architectural landscape of the United States are towering skyscrapers that define city skylines, embodying the ambition and engineering prowess of the country. Besides the outright giants of iconic high-rises across cities like New York or Chicago, each state has its very own tallest building, inarguably representing a united yet distinct blend of design and functionality. This article provides broad coverage of the tallest buildings in every US state and points out their architectural significance and the cities they adorn.
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Alabama: RSA Battle House Tower
Location: Mobile, AL
Height: 745 feet (227 meters)
Completion: 2007
Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
The RSA Battle House Tower is the tallest building in Alabama and visible from any part of the Mobile skyline. Completed in 2007, this 35-story skyscraper was designed by Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC. Representing Modern Architecture in Alabama, it has a sleek glass façade housing office spaces and a luxury hotel.
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Alaska: 360 East Benson
Location: Anchorage, AK
Height: 377 feet (115 meters)
Completed: 1983
Architect: Not widely publicized
The 360 East Benson reigns as Alaska’s tallest building. It is a 28-story structure completed in 1983 in Anchorage and does mostly office duty. The design reflects durability and functionality in the demanding Alaska climate.
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Arizona: Chase Tower
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Height: 493 ft. (150 meters)
Year: 1972
Architect: Not widely publicized
The Chase Tower in Phoenix is the tallest building in Arizona. Completed in 1972, this 40-story skyscraper towers over other buildings in Phoenix, forming a distinguishing part of its skyline. Its modern architecture and large amount of office space make it one of the well-known features of the state.
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Simmons Tower
State: Arkansas
Location: Little Rock, AR
Height: 550 ft
Year: 1986
Architect: Not widely publicized
Simmons Tower is the tallest building in Arkansas. This 550-foot skyscraper, completed in 1986 with 40 stories, is a major office building and a unique part of Little Rock’s horizon.
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California: Wilshire Grand Center
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Height: 1,100 feet
Completion: 2017
Architecture firm: AC Martin Partners
The Wilshire Grand Center of Los Angeles is the tallest building in California. Finished in the year 2017, this 73-story skyscraper stands tall at 1,100 feet with a very modern design featuring a glass façade, completed with an illuminated spire. It speaks of the finest accomplishments of Los Angeles in architecture.
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Colorado: Republic Plaza
Location: Denver, CO
Height: 714 feet (217 meters)
Year completed: 1984
Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
Republic Plaza is the state’s tallest building at a height of 714 feet. This 56-story skyscraper completed in 1984 is prominent within Denver’s sky. Its modern design and large office space would make it intrinsic to Denver’s urban landscape.
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Connecticut: CityPlace I
Location: Hartford, CT
Height: 538 feet (164 meters)
Completion: 1984
Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
CityPlace I in Hartford is the tallest building in Connecticut at a height of 538 feet. This skyscraper has 35 stories, completed in 1984, it is a major office building and one of the most prominent cityscape features of Hartford.
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Delaware: 1201 North Market
Location: Wilmington, DE
Height: 330 ft
Completion: 1990
Architect: Not widely publicized
1201 North Market is the tallest building in Delaware. This 21-story office tower completed in 1990 stands at a height of 330 feet and is quite a striking feature of Wilmington’s skyline.
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Florida: Central Park Tower
Location: Miami, FL
Height: 1,049 feet
Completion: 2021
Architect: Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture
At 1,049 feet, Central Park Tower, Miami is Florida’s tallest building. Finished in 2021, this 100-story skyscraper features a highly modernistic design, incorporating luxury residential space to show the prominence of Miami as one of the largest architectural sites worldwide.
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Georgia: Bank of America Plaza
Location: Atlanta, GA
Height: 1,023 ft. (311 m)
Completed: 1992
Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
The Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta is the tallest building in the state at 1,023 feet. Completed in 1992, the skyscraper boasts 55 floors and a unique green glass façade that defines the Atlanta sky.
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Hawaii: Aloha Tower
Location: Honolulu, HI
Height: 184 ft. (56 m)
Completed: 1926
Architect: Samuel V. H. W. O’Neal
The Aloha Tower is the tallest building in Hawaii, at a height of 184 feet. Completed in 1926, this Honolulu landmark has a tall clock tower making it truly outstanding in terms of both State and City maritime history.
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Idaho: Zions Bank Building
Location: Boise, ID
Height: 323 ft
Completed: 1997
Architect: Not widely publicized
The Zions Bank Building in Boise is the tallest building in Idaho, at a height of 323 feet. This 23-story office building, completed in 1997, is among the most prominent and recognizable features in Boise’s skyline.
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Illinois: Willis Tower
Location: Chicago, IL
Height: 1,450 feet (442 meters)
Completion: 1973
Architect: Bruce Graham and Fazlur Rahman Khan
Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, is the tallest building in Illinois and third tallest within the US. The height is 1,450 feet, and it was completed in 1973 with a bundled-tube distinctive design by Bruce Graham and Fazlur Rahman Khan. Its observation decks offer panoramic views over Chicago and beyond.
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Indiana: Salesforce Tower
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Height: 811 feet
Completion: 1990
Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
The Salesforce Tower is 811 feet tall and the tallest building in Indiana. The tower has 49 floors, was completed in 1990, and features a modern design. It is part of the integral Indianapolis’s downtown skyline.
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Iowa: Ruan Center
Location: Des Moines, IA
Height: 630 ft (192 m)
Completion: 1973
Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
The tallest building in Iowa is the Ruan Center of Des Moines, at a height of 630 feet. It was a tall, sleek 32-story office building that was completed in 1973 and is the central element of Des Moines’s skyline.
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Kansas: Town Pavilion
Location: Kansas City, MO
Height: 648 feet
Year: 1986
Architect: Not widely publicized
The Town Pavilion is the tallest building in Kansas, reaching 648 feet. It was completed in 1986 and hosts a modern design with major office and retail space in Kansas City.
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Kentucky: 400 West Market
Location: Louisville, KY
Height: 548 feet (167 meters)
Completed: 1993
Architect: Not widely publicized
400 West Market is the State of Kentucky’s tallest building, standing at 548 ft. Completed in 1993, this 30-story skyscraper is one of the most expansive office buildings and dominates much of Louisville’s skyline.
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Louisiana: Hancock Whitney Center
Location: New Orleans, LA
Height: 616 ft. (188m)
Completed: 1984
Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
The Hancock Whitney Center is located in New Orleans and is the state’s tallest building at a height of 616 feet. Completed in 1984, this 52-story skyscraper has a modern design and is one of the primary office buildings within the city.
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Maine: One City Center
Location: Portland, ME
Height: 323 feet
Year: 1978
Architect: Not well-known
One City Center is Maine’s tallest building, at 323 feet. This 1978 office building is one of the dominant features of the Portland skyline.
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Maryland: Transamerica Tower
Location: Baltimore, MD
Height: 529 feet
Completion: 1973
Architect: Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC
The Transamerica Tower is Baltimore’s best view and, at the same time, the tallest building in the state of Maryland, measuring 529 feet tall. Completed in 1973, it is a rather modern design for a 35-story skyscraper serving as one of the main office buildings within the city.
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