Explore the world’s most historic skyscrapers – from newest to oldest | World news

Chicago and New York were pioneers in the skyscraper revolution, setting the stage for other cities around the world. However, some of the oldest cities were also pioneers in the skyscraper revolution, setting the stage for other cities around the world. Skyscrapers The buildings on our list may surprise you. From their humble beginnings to their great accomplishments, check out these historic structures that have defined the skyline for more than a century.

The oldest skyscrapers in the world

It’s hard to imagine Dubai without its skyscrapers, but in 1979, the Dubai World Trade Centre marked the city’s first foray into skyscraper architecture. Inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II, this 39-story tower stands 488 feet (149 meters) tall. It held the title of the UAE’s tallest building until 1999 and now serves as an event and exhibition venue.

A bold architectural move, ICI House challenged Melbourne’s height restrictions, reaching 265 feet (80 m) and becoming the city’s first skyscraper. Designed by Bates, Smart and McCutchen, its glass ‘curtain wall’ earned it the nickname the Glass House. Now known as Orica House, it is listed on Australia’s National Heritage List.

Still standing since its construction in 1956, the Torre Latinoamericana has withstood several major earthquakes, including the 2017 earthquake. With a height of 597 feet (182 meters), it was Mexico City’s first significant skyscraper built on seismic ground and remains a prominent landmark in downtown Mexico City.

The iconic Empire State Building, at 1,472 feet (448 meters) tall, was the world’s tallest building for 40 years. Designed by Shreve, Lamb and Harmon Associates, this Art Deco masterpiece took 20 months to complete and is famous for its 200-foot (60-meter) high peak.

Completed in 1924, Düsseldorf’s Wilhelm-Marx-Haus is considered one of Germany’s first skyscrapers. The 187-foot (57 m) tall building has a façade made of limestone and red brick. However, there is some debate as to whether Frankfurt’s Mousonturm should also be recognized as a pioneer skyscraper.

Known as the ‘Cathedral of Commerce’, the Woolworth Building was the world’s tallest building until 1930. Designed by Cass Gilbert, the building reflects the Gothic Revival style with a terracotta façade and pointed turrets. At 792 feet (241 meters), the building is an example of early skyscraper technology.

The 300 feet (90 m) high Royal Liver Building, designed by Walter Aubrey Thomas, houses Britain’s largest clock. Completed in 1911, the building served as the headquarters of the Royal Liver Assurance.

Previously the world’s tallest building, the MetLife Building stood at 698 feet (213 meters) tall until 1913. Designed by Napoleon LeBrun, it was influenced by Venice’s Campanile di San Marco and is known for its prominent clock.

The New Zealand Express Company Building, now known as Consultancy House, is New Zealand’s oldest skyscraper. Built in 1909, it is 133 feet (41 m) high and originally served as the headquarters of a national road carrier.

Warsaw’s PAST Building, completed in 1910, was the city’s tallest building until the Art Deco Prudential House was built in 1933. Originally used by Polish telephone operator PAST, the building was rebuilt in the 1950s after suffering damage in World War II.

Winnipeg’s Union Bank Building, built between 1903 and 1904, was Canada’s first skyscraper. It stands 156 feet (48 m) tall and features a Chicago-esque style with decorative elements. It now houses Red River College’s Culinary Institute.

The 141-foot (43 m) high Witte Huis is Europe’s oldest skyscraper. Built in 1898, it was the tallest building in Europe at the time and was built using iron, steel, and cement. It survived the bombing of World War II and remains a notable example of early skyscraper design.

Boston’s Ames Building, completed in 1893, stands 196 feet (60 meters) tall. Originally serving as the headquarters for the Ames family’s agricultural equipment company, the building now serves as student housing for Suffolk University.

The Manhattan Building is Chicago’s oldest skyscraper, built in 1891. The 170-foot (52 m) tall building has a granite and brick façade and reflects early concerns about the safety of tall buildings.

Completed in 1889, the New York Times Building was the newspaper’s headquarters until 1903. Designed in the Romanesque Revival style, the building stands 212 feet (65 m) tall and is now owned by Pace University with modern renovations.

Originally the headquarters of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Old Chronicle Building, completed in 1889, now operates as the Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences. Originally 218 feet (66 m) tall, it has been expanded to 312 feet (95 m).

Montreal’s New York Life Insurance Building, completed in 1888, is considered Canada’s first skyscraper. This 132-foot (40 m) tall Romanesque Revival building housed law and financial firms and also featured a clock tower.

The Rookery Building in Chicago, built in 1888, is 181 feet (55 meters) tall. The building is known for its dark brick facade and Art Deco renovation. It was designed by Burnham and Root and is a major historic site.

Completed in 1888, the Wilder Building is Rochester’s first skyscraper. Standing 167 feet (51 m) tall, the building features Romanesque Revival architecture and is noted for having one of the earliest mail chutes.

Completed in 1887, the Sun Building was the tallest building in Washington, D.C. at a height of 116 feet (35 m). Designed by Alfred B. Mullett, the building housed a variety of tenants, including a law firm headed by future president Woodrow Wilson.

The Home Insurance Building in Chicago, built in 1885, is considered the world’s first modern skyscraper. The 180-foot (55 m) tall building had a steel frame, which revolutionized the design and construction of skyscrapers.

The Osborne, completed in 1885, was one of the first luxury apartment buildings. Standing at 162 feet (49 m), the building features luxurious interiors and is located near Carnegie Hall, making it a prestigious residence.

Completed in 1884, the Hotel Chelsea stands 144 feet (44 m) tall and is noted for its Queen Anne Revival and Victorian Gothic architecture. It has hosted many famous residents and remains a cultural landmark.

Built between 1881 and 1883, the Temple Court Building is often cited as the oldest surviving skyscraper. Standing 150 feet (46 meters) tall, it features a mix of architectural styles and is now part of the luxury Beekman Hotel.

Shibam, Yemen, is home to the world’s oldest skyscraper city, known as the ‘Manhattan of the Desert.’ Built in the 16th century, its mud-brick minarets range from five to 11 stories tall, representing some of the earliest examples of multi-story buildings.
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