Tallest Buildings in the U.S.

A debate has recently started over whether the new World Trade Center, at 1,776 feet, will become our nation’s tallest building.  Apparently the controversy stems from a design change in the 408’ communication needle that sits atop the tower.  Without inclusion of the needle, the building will be designated at 1,368 feet, which just so happens to be the height of the original World Trade Center Tower. 

The Chicago based council of architects that officially bestows such titles is expected to rule on a decision in the next week or so.  The problem lies in the definition of what constitutes footage for the tower’s final height.  The criteria states that spires that are an “integral part of a building's aesthetic design count; broadcast antennas that can be added and removed do not.”

In the case of the World Trade Center tower, architectural plans called for the enclosing of the communication antennas with a design element of fiberglass and steel.  At the last minute, the practicality of maintenance became an issue and it was never done.  One of the World Trade Center’s architects, David Childs wants the building recognized for the higher height because of what it signifies.  He states the importance of the number 1776 which symbolizes the birth of our nation and the start of our democracy.

Presently the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, holds the record for the tallest building in the U.S and was constructed in 1974.  It was the world’s largest until the opening of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1996.

The third tallest building in the U.S. is once again in Chicago.  The Trump International Hotel and Tower was completed in 2009 and comes in at 1,389 feet.  The Burj Khalifa in Dubai became the tallest built structure in 2010 at 2,723 feet.  

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