Skyscrapers in the USA are renowned for their impressive height and dominance over city skylines. Although American skyscrapers are iconic, they are not the tallest in the world—Burj Khalifa in Dubai is 941.6 ft taller. In 2025, 9 out of the 11 tallest buildings in the USA were located in New York, while the remaining two were in Chicago. Which skyscraper is the thinnest, and which one houses the world’s highest observation deck?
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Table of Contents
- One World Trade Center, New York
- Central Park Tower, New York
- Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Chicago
- 111 West 57th Street (Steinway Tower), New York
- One Vanderbilt, New York
- 432 Park Avenue, New York
- Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago
- 270 Park Avenue, New York
- 30 Hudson Yards, New York
- Empire State Building, New York
- Bank of America Tower, New York
One World Trade Center, New York
- Location: 285 Fulton Street, Manhattan, New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,791 ft, architectural height: 1,776 ft
- Number of Floors: 94 above ground + 5 underground
- Year Opened: 2014
Currently the tallest building in the USA, One World Trade Center was built on the site of the Twin Towers that were destroyed by terrorists in 2001. Its architectural height of 1,776 ft holds deep symbolic meaning, as it measures 1,776 feet in imperial units—referencing the year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
A beacon sits atop its spire, shining 24/7 to honor the victims of the September 11 attacks. In clear weather, the beacon is visible from as far as Connecticut. One World Trade Center also features some of the fastest elevators in the world, reaching speeds up to 23 mph.
The building is open to the public, allowing visitors to discover additional symbolic elements. The observation deck starts at a height of 1,362 ft, matching the height of the former North Tower of the World Trade Center. The glass parapet of the deck extends to 1,368 ft, the height of the former South Tower.
Construction began on April 27, 2006, and took 8 years to complete. One World Trade Center primarily serves as an office building, but it also features an observation deck on the 102nd floor. Designed by American architect David Childs of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the building’s distinctive shape is also attributed to the initial contributions of Polish architect Daniel Libeskind.
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Central Park Tower, New York
- Location: 225 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,550 ft
- Number of Floors: 98 above ground + 4 underground
- Year Opened: 2020
The Central Park Tower is the tallest purely residential building in the world. Although it has 98 floors, the highest labeled floor is 136. Residents of the building enjoy access to exclusive amenities such as a private sauna, steam room, pool, cinema, wine cellar, conference rooms, and a private club.
In March 2022, American magazine Forbes toured one of the apartments, which was priced at $65,800,000. The apartment features five bedrooms, a 360° view of New York City, and a unique bathroom with a bathtub offering breathtaking views of Manhattan.
The first five floors of Central Park Tower house the Nordstrom department store. The skyscraper is also known as the Nordstrom Tower.
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Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Chicago
- Location: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago (view on map)
- Height: 1,451.1 ft
- Number of Floors: 108 above ground + 3 underground
- Year Opened: 1973
The Willis Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Chicago and held the title of the world’s tallest building for 25 years. It was originally named Sears Tower after its main tenant, Sears and Kmart. The name changed to Willis Tower in 2009 when the building was leased by the Willis Group.
The tower features a distinctive observation deck offering unparalleled views of the surrounding area. Visitors can even lie in one of four glass boxes, known as The Ledge. These boxes have walls and floors made of 3.8 cm-thick glass, with 1,352 ft of air below—a thrilling attraction in Chicago.
The building’s spire is struck by lightning an average of 10 times a year, making it the most frequently struck skyscraper in the USA during thunderstorms.
Primarily an office building, 14 of its 108 floors are occupied by United Airlines headquarters.
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111 West 57th Street (Steinway Tower), New York
- Location: 111 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,427 ft
- Number of Floors: 84 above ground + 2 underground
- Year Opened: 2021
The building at 111 West 57th Street, also known as Steinway Tower, is the thinnest skyscraper in the world, being 24 times taller than its width. At 1,427 ft, it is also one of the tallest buildings globally.
Located in the prestigious Billionaires’ Row district, the tower serves primarily as a residential building. In the mid-19th century, the same site housed the showroom of Steinway & Sons, a piano manufacturer, after which the tower is nicknamed. Even today, the entrance hall pays homage to the historic piano store.
According to a New York Post article, one of the luxurious glass apartments in the Steinway Tower was rented for $75,000 per month as of June 2023. The apartment includes three bedrooms, a private elevator, and a stunning view of nearby Central Park.
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One Vanderbilt, New York
- Location: 1 Vanderbilt Ave, New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,302 ft (building), 1,401 ft (spire)
- Number of Floors: 59 above ground + 4 underground
- Year Opened: 2020
The One Vanderbilt skyscraper, with 59 floors, was opened in 2020 in the central part of Manhattan. The building has an architectural height of 1,302 ft, while the height, including its spire, reaches 1,401 ft. The design and materials were chosen to harmonize with the adjacent Grand Central Terminal.
Primarily housing office spaces, the skyscraper also includes an observation deck, Summit One Vanderbilt, above the 73rd floor. Notably, its high-speed elevators can transport visitors from the ground floor to 1,017 ft in under 50 seconds.
Like Chicago’s Willis Tower, Summit One Vanderbilt features glass-floor boxes offering a thrilling view. From a height of 1,063 ft, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Madison Avenue. The deck spans three floors and offers 360° views of New York City, including landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building.
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432 Park Avenue, New York
- Location: 432 Park Ave, New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,396 ft
- Number of Floors: 85 above ground + 3 underground
- Year Opened: 2015
Located on the site of the former Drake Hotel, 432 Park Avenue is named after its address. Completed in 2015, it was once the tallest residential building in the Northern Hemisphere, a record surpassed by the Central Park Tower in 2020. Construction costs for 432 Park Avenue amounted to $1,250,000,000 as of 2015.
A duplex apartment in one of its upper floors ranks among the most luxurious residences in New York City. It was listed for sale at $95,000,000. The building also has its official website, where visitors can explore the views and interior designs.
The skyscraper offers no observation decks, fitness centers, or public pools, common in luxury buildings, ensuring privacy and tranquility for its residents. Residents benefit from a 24/7 concierge and biometric security measures.
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Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago
- Location: 401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago (view on map)
- Height: 1,388 ft
- Number of Floors: 98 above ground + 2 underground
- Year Opened: 2009
The second-tallest skyscraper in Chicago, the Trump International Hotel and Tower, houses offices and residences. Its roof is located at 1,171 ft, with its spire extending to a total height of 1,388 ft. The highest numbered floor is 98.
Initially planned to reach a height of 1,500 ft, the building was intended to become the tallest in the world. However, following the September 2001 terrorist attacks, developer Donald Trump revised the design, citing safety concerns.
The tower’s unique facade features 3.8 cm-thick glass panels, which provide resilience against strong winds and create a distinctive appearance.
Trump International Hotel and Tower offers accommodation, even for a single night. Guests can enjoy magnificent views of the city, thanks to large-format windows and a prime location near the Chicago River. The prices reflect the exclusivity of this experience.
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270 Park Avenue, New York
- Location: 270 Park Avenue, New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,388 ft
- Number of Floors: 70
- Year Opened: 2025
The 270 Park Avenue skyscraper, also known as the JPMorgan Chase Building, is one of the newest additions to the list of tallest buildings in the USA. This 423-meter-high 1,388 ft office building was completed in 2025. Designed by architects at Foster + Partners, it features structural expressionism with neo-Art Deco elements.
The skyscraper was constructed on the site of the Union Carbide Building, which served as JPMorgan Chase’s global headquarters until its demolition in 2021. The new building can accommodate up to 15,000 employees, most of whom work for JPMorgan Chase.
Inside, the skyscraper includes amenities such as a fitness center, food court, and conference spaces offering views of New York.
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30 Hudson Yards, New York
- Location: 30 Hudson Yards, New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,296 ft
- Number of Floors: 73 above ground + 1 underground
- Year Opened: 2019
30 Hudson Yards is located in the western part of Manhattan, near neighborhoods like Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, and Penn Station. This 395-meter 1,296 ft office skyscraper opened in 2019 and houses offices for companies like Facebook. It is also home to CNN’s broadcasting studio.
Visitors to the building can enjoy stunning views from the triangular observation deck, The Edge, located on the 100th floor. At a height of 1,100 ft, it is the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. Inside, 8,000 glass panels ensure maximum natural light.
In November 2021, a new attraction, City Climb at Edge, was introduced. It allows visitors to climb an open staircase to the roof and lean over the building’s edge, all while being securely harnessed.
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Empire State Building, New York
- Location: 20 W 34th St., New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,454 ft (including spire), 1,250 ft (architectural height)
- Number of Floors: 102 above ground + 1 underground
- Year Opened: 1931
The Empire State Building may no longer be the tallest skyscraper in the USA, but it remains one of the most iconic. Since 1931, it has been a symbol of New York City.
Today, the Empire State Building primarily serves as an office building. Its 86th and 102nd floors house observation decks offering magnificent views of New York City. At night, the building is a prominent feature of the skyline, illuminated in colors that change for special occasions.
A tragic day in its history occurred on July 28, 1945, when a B-25 Mitchell bomber crashed into the building. Due to heavy fog, pilot William Franklin Smith Jr. failed to land at LaGuardia Airport and struck the building between the 78th and 80th floors, killing 14 people.
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Bank of America Tower, New York
- Location: Sixth Avenue & 42nd Street, Manhattan, New York (view on map)
- Height: 1,201 ft (including spire), 945 ft (architectural height)
- Number of Floors: 55 above ground + 3 underground
- Year Opened: 2009
Situated at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and 42nd Street, the Bank of America Tower was considered a benchmark for environmentally friendly buildings upon its completion. The concrete used in its construction is composed of 55% cement and 45% slag.
The Bank of America Tower serves purely as an office building, with no observation decks for tourists. Comprising 55 floors, it is sometimes referred to as 1 Bryant Park.
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