In a topic completely unrelated to anything, I started thinking about people’s submissions for the tallest building in their state for the Oppo Hunt.
I’m spoiled obviously by living a short walk away from Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in the Southeast US. At 1,023 feet tall, it is the fifth tallest ‘tallest building in a US state/territory’ and one of only 6 ‘tallest buildings in a US state/territory’ that exceeds 1,000 feet.
But it got me thinking: what are the shortest ‘state’s/territory’s tallest buildings’ around? Let’s start with the states according to the source of all knowledge that is true and noble, Wikipedia.
Vermont - Decker towers, 124'
It actually looks shorter than 11 stories if I’m being honest. I am surprised it doesn’t even appear to be in a very built up area. It’s just a regular apartment building. And it’s held the record since 1971. I don’t know if that signals a popular disdain for tall buildings or just an abundance of cheap land.
Wyoming - Wyoming Financial Center, 148'
Okay, c’mon Wyoming, you can do better than that. It’s 11 stories and predictably no one has ever bothered to take a good photo of it. Even Wikipedia doesn’t have a photo of it. At least it’s not an ancient apartment building. Built in 1990.
South Dakota - CenturyLink Tower, 174'
What is with states having an 11 story building as their tallest? Here’s another, anyways. Constructed in 1986, it has held the record for quite some time.
Maine - Agora Grand Event Center, 220'
Built in 1890, this beautiful old church is one ‘state’s tallest building’ I can get behind. It’s impressive that the structure has held the title for 130 years. No longer functioning as a religious institution, it currently hosts events including weddings. The interior is absolutely stunning.
North Dakota - State Capitol Building, 242'
Built in 1934 and topping out at 19 stories tall, this is the first point at which I think the shortest ‘tallest buildings in a US state’ start to actually be able to be considered tall by modern standards. It’s only 20' taller than the three story Agora Grand Event Center in Maine, but it also doesn’t have a height raising pointed roof. This is also built in a style unusual for state capitols.
Now, how about the US territories?
American Samoa - American Samoa Telecommunications Authority, 40'
Poor American Samoa with their overlooked 4 story government office as the territory’s tallest building.
US Virgin Islands - Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, 94'
Ah, the Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. I’m not surprised it is a luxury resort. Built in 1973, it is still only 8 floors high.
In all fairness, I have to point out Guam has a 377' building called Oceana Tower 2 but that’s not what this post is about. Also, I’m not trying to poke fun at anyone because population density is not a good measure of a state’s success but it is an interesting statistic.
So, Oppo, what are the tallest buildings in your states/countries? My state’s tallest building is slightly taller than the tallest building in the UK so there’s that.