Which is the Tallest Building in America?

Jan 13, 2026, 07:05 EDT

Which is the tallest building in America? The tallest building in the United States right now is the One World Trade Center in NYC. Learn about the tallest building in America, its special features, uses, history, global rank and top U.S. towers.

Tallest Building in America: The tallest building in the United States right now is the One World Trade Center. One World Trade Center is located in New York City and is 1,776 feet tall including its structural spire. 

The One World Trade Center’s symbolic cornerstone was laid down in 2004. Also known as the “Freedom Tower”, it was built to be the safest commercial structure in the world. 

The United States currently has 18 out of 100 of the tallest structures in the Western Hemisphere, according to 2026 CTBUH rankings.

Learn about the tallest building in America, its special features, uses, history, global rank and top U.S. towers.

Which is the Tallest Building in America?

One World Trade Center is the tallest building in the United States, going to a height of 1,776 feet to the tip of its spire.

The structure is situated in Lower Manhattan and broke the height records of the Chicago Willis Tower in 2014 according to the CTBUH architectural height standards. 

At present, there is no completed building taller than this structure in the U.S. as of January 2026, except Oklahoma City’s Legends Tower.

What is so Special about the One World Trade Center?

One World Trade Center is special as it includes its 1,776-foot height to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and its post-9/11 design emphasizing safety features.

  • The building stands 104 stories high, with 71 of these dedicated to offices.

  • The 9/11 Museum, located in the One World Trade Center, features videos of first responders and witnesses, as well as the artifacts from the World Trade Center itself.

  • Its spire illuminates for holidays, while the foundation resists bombs or jets by thick concrete.

  • The Freedom tower reflects the sky blending smoothly due to the diamond-patterned glass used in the building. 

  • The One World Trade Center was built as a commemoration of the lives lost during the terrorist strike of September 11, 2001.

  • It boasts the world’s tallest observation deck at an elevation of 1,268 feet, which allows visitors to witness the city with 360-degree views. 

  • It has the LEED Gold certification in energy efficiency in light of the growing trend in "green building".

  • The building costs around $3.9 billion which was financed in part through Port Authority insurance.

What is One World Trade Center used for now?

One World Trade Center has 104 and serves primarily as commercial office space of 71 floors.

The lower levels feature retail, dining, the Oculus transit hub, and 9/11 Memorial access. 

The 102nd floor has the One World Observatory which draws 4 million visitors yearly.

Floor Range

Primary Use

Notable Tenants/Features

20-60

Offices

Condé Nast, Deloitte

64-102

Offices & Observatory

One World Observatory

1-8

Retail/Transit

Westfield Mall, PATH trains

Basement

Memorial Access

9/11 Museum link

Is One World Trade Center in the List of World's Tallest Buildings?

Yes, the One World Trade Center is currently in the list of world’s tallest buildings. The One World Trade Center is currently the 7th tallest building in the world at a height of 1,776 feet.

Without the roof height alone, it stands at approximately 1,368 feet, but when including its spire, it gains a notable height in rankings.

 

The top five tallest skyscrapers in the world can all be found in Asia, including the towers in Dubai, Shanghai, Mecca, Ping An, and the Lotte Tower. The U.S. ranks 7th in the world’s top 100 tallest skyscrapers.

Conclusion

One World Trade Center is the tallest in America at 1,776 feet, being the symbol of resilience and innovativeness since 2014. Details, offices, observation deck, and the world #7 ranking accounts for the ingenuity in the structure.

Alisha Louis is a US Content Specialist with a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) graduate degree. With over 3 years of experience and a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she specializes in covering trending news and educational developments across the United States. Her articles combine journalistic POV with engaging narratives, making complex topics accessible and relevant for global audiences. Dedicated to delivering timely and trustworthy content, Alisha brings a fresh, insightful perspective to every piece she writes.

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