How Tall Is Oklahoma City's Tallest Building?

Devon Tower stands as Oklahoma City's tallest building at 850 feet (52 stories), completed in 2012. Located at 333 W. Sheridan Avenue in the Bricktown district, the glass-and-steel structure serves as the headquarters for energy company Devon Energy and includes office space, a restaurant, and a public observation deck open to visitors.

Height and Physical Specifications

Devon Tower reaches 850 feet from ground level to its roof, with an additional spire bringing total height to approximately 1,002 feet if measured to the very tip. The 52-story structure contains 1.3 million square feet of space. Its distinctive diamond-pattern exterior uses about 4,300 glass panels and was designed by Cesar Pelli and Associates, the same firm behind other recognizable skyline structures worldwide.

For comparison, the second-tallest building in Oklahoma City is the Citadel, which measures 450 feet across 30 stories. This 200-foot difference makes Devon Tower substantially more dominant on the skyline. Most other major downtown structures fall between 300 and 400 feet, making Devon Tower roughly twice the height of typical Oklahoma City office buildings.

Public Access to the Observation Deck

Devon Tower's observation deck sits on the 50th floor and is open to the public. Visitors can access the deck during business hours, typically Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., though these hours may shift seasonally. Admission is free, and no reservation is required for small groups, though large tour groups should contact the building's management in advance.

The observation deck offers 360-degree views across Oklahoma City and the surrounding area on clear days. On the north side, you can see into Canadian County and toward the Arbuckle Mountains roughly 60 miles south. The deck's interior includes informational panels about Oklahoma City's geography and development. The experience takes 20 to 30 minutes for most visitors.

Access requires entering through the main lobby at street level on Sheridan Avenue. A security screening process similar to airport procedures applies, so visitors should arrive 10 to 15 minutes before their intended visit time. Metal detectors and bag checks are standard. Strollers and large backpacks may face restrictions; check with lobby security if you're uncertain.

Context Within Oklahoma City's Skyline

Oklahoma City's skyline developed heavily between 1980 and 2015, with most towers appearing in the downtown core and along the Bricktown corridor. Devon Tower's 2012 completion coincided with significant reinvestment in Bricktown, an old industrial area that now houses restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The tower's height and position make it visible from almost anywhere in the central metro area and from highways approaching the city from the north and south.

The building's architectural significance extends beyond height. Its diamond-patterned facade was engineered to withstand Oklahoma's severe weather, including high winds and occasional hail. This design consideration is particularly relevant given Oklahoma's geographic exposure to the Great Plains; the building's form reduces wind loads compared to a simple rectangular tower of equal height.

Visiting Devon Tower as a Tourist

If you're in Oklahoma City and want to experience the building, plan for a downtown visit that includes the observation deck, ground-level dining, and nearby attractions. The Bricktown district itself spans several blocks with restaurants and galleries within a 10-minute walk. Parking is available in several lots and garages within two blocks; hourly rates typically range from $2 to $5 depending on the lot.

The observation deck does not include a restaurant or cafe at elevation, so plan accordingly. The building's ground-floor restaurant and cafe options are available to the public and offer an alternative way to spend time in the space if observation deck hours don't align with your schedule.

Weather matters significantly for observation deck visits. Clear mornings typically offer better visibility than late afternoons, especially during hazy summer months. Winter visits often provide the clearest sight lines across the city.

Related Questions

What are the other tallest buildings in Oklahoma City? The Citadel (450 feet, 30 stories) ranks second, followed by structures like the First National Center and Skirvin Tower, both in the 400-foot range. Most of these buildings date between 1980 and 2000.

Can I visit Devon Tower if I'm not going to the observation deck? Yes. The ground-floor lobby is open to the public, and the building includes a restaurant accessible without passing through security screening.

Is there parking near Devon Tower? Multiple surface lots and parking garages operate within two blocks of the building at standard downtown Oklahoma City rates, typically $2 to $5 per hour.