Tallest Tower in Oklahoma at a Glance
The tallest tower in Oklahoma is the Devon Tower in Oklahoma City. Standing at 1,101 feet (336 meters) to its architectural tip, it surpassed the BOK Center and other high-rises when completed in 2012. Located at 500 Park Avenue, the 50-story mixed-use tower is a defining part of the downtown skyline. Below, we break down its height, context, and how it compares with other tall structures in the state.
Why Tower Height Metrics Matter
Height comparisons require consistent definitions. Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) standards distinguish between:
- Height to architectural tip, including spires but not flagpoles
- Height to roof, which measures only occupied or usable roof level
- Height to pinnacle, which may include temporary elements
These distinctions explain why one structure can rank differently depending on the metric used.
Devon Tower: Core Specifications
Completed in 2012, Devon Tower is primarily office space with retail and restaurant components. Key verified attributes are listed below.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Height (architectural tip) | 1,101 feet (336 meters) | CTBUH-aligned developer and official records |
| Floors | 50 stories | Developer data / municipal records |
| Completion year | 2012 | Permit and occupancy records |
| Location | 500 Park Avenue, Oklahoma City | Public parcel and tax records |
| Building type | Mixed-use (office, retail, restaurant) | Building classification databases |
Notable Context and Milestones
Devon Tower was designed by Goettsch Partners and developed by the Devonaire Group in partnership with Devon Energy Corporation. Its height and prominence were intended to signal urban growth and economic confidence in downtown Oklahoma City. The tower’s crown and spire are distinctive features that contribute to its architectural tip height under CTBUH rules. While not the tallest structure in Oklahoma by any means—radio masts and some industrial structures exceed it—it is the tallest occupied building and tower in the state.
Comparison with Other Tall Structures in Oklahoma
Below is a simplified overview of how Devon Tower compares with other notable tall structures that are sometimes mentioned in height discussions.
| Structure | Height | Type | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devon Tower | 1,101 ft (336 m) | High-rise tower | Office, retail, restaurant |
| Cotter Ranch Tower | ~600 ft (183 m) | Guyed mast | Communications |
| BOK Center (tallest occupied building pre-Devon) | 667 ft (203 m) | Mixed arena/office | Events, offices |
| Various radio masts | 1,500–2,000+ ft | Mast | Broadcasting |
Common Misconceptions Clarified
- Tallest occupied structure vs. tallest tower: Devon Tower is the tallest tower and high-rise; taller masts exist but are not occupied buildings.
- Height to roof vs. architectural tip: Reported roof heights are lower than the 1,101 ft architectural tip figure.
- Future projects: As of now, no approved or under-construction tower in Oklahoma is projected to exceed Devon Tower’s height.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are concise answers to common questions about Oklahoma’s tallest tower.
- Is Devon Tower the tallest in Oklahoma since 2012? Yes, Devon Tower has held the title of tallest tower and tallest high-rise in Oklahoma since its completion in 2012.
- Does the height include spire? Yes, the 1,101 ft figure follows CTBUH guidelines and includes permanent architectural spire elements but not temporary signage or flagpoles.
- Are there taller structures in Oklahoma? Yes, certain broadcast masts and industrial structures are taller, but Devon Tower remains the tallest occupied building and true tower.
- Where is Devon Tower located exactly? It is located at 500 Park Avenue in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
- Has its ranking changed with new construction? As of now, no approved or completed project has surpassed Devon Tower’s height.
Summary and Takeaways
The tallest tower in Oklahoma is Devon Tower in Oklahoma City, with an architectural tip height of 1,101 feet (336 meters) and 50 stories. Completed in 2012, it remains the tallest occupied high-rise and true tower in the state, even though taller broadcast masts exist. Its sustained title is due to a combination of its height, urban prominence, and the lack of taller approved competing structures.