Las Vegas, Nevada, is renowned for its dazzling lights and vibrant nightlife, but its skyscrapers also contribute significantly to its captivating skyline. The city and its surrounding communities boast over 160 high-rises, including 42 that soar above 400 feet.
The tallest structure in the city is the iconic Strat tower, standing at a majestic 1,149 feet. While this impressive tower holds the title of the tallest observation tower in the United States, it’s not considered a building since most of it is not habitable.
The tallest building in Las Vegas is the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, reaching a height of 735 feet. This architectural masterpiece was completed in 2008 but faced delays due to the economic downturn and finally opened its doors in December 2023.
Resorts World, standing tall at 673 feet, takes the second spot among the city’s tallest habitable buildings. Its completion in 2021 further enhanced the Las Vegas skyline.
A Vertical City: Las Vegas’s Skyscraper Boom
The Las Vegas Strip, a renowned entertainment destination, has witnessed a dramatic transformation with the emergence of high-rise hotels since the 1960s. The New York-New York Hotel & Casino, standing at 529 feet, was the first to break the 492-foot mark in 1997.
This marked the beginning of a sky-high construction boom that continues to this day. Since 1997, Las Vegas has added 39 of its 40 tallest skyscrapers, showcasing the city’s ambition to reach new heights.
As of 2012, Las Vegas’s skyline ranked 66th worldwide and 18th in the United States, with a total of 176 completed high-rises.
The Future is Up: New Projects in the Making
Las Vegas isn’t resting on its laurels. Dubbed the “Manhattanization wave,” a wave of new construction projects is transforming the city. Over 30 skyscrapers are planned, approved, or currently under construction, each aiming to touch the sky at over 400 feet.
The World Jewelry Center stands out as the tallest building approved for the city. This ambitious project plans to create a global hub for the jewelry industry in Downtown Las Vegas. With a proposed height of 815 feet, this tower will be a landmark addition to the city’s skyline.
The Fontainebleau Las Vegas, currently under construction, holds the title of the tallest building under construction in Las Vegas. Despite facing delays, this skyscraper continues to be a symbol of Las Vegas’s commitment to ambitious projects.
Defining the Skyline: Measuring Heights and Classifications
This list focuses on completed and topped-out skyscrapers in Las Vegas that reach at least 400 feet in height, employing standard height measurement techniques. These measurements include spires and architectural details, but exclude antenna masts.
While freestanding observation towers, like the Strat, are not classified as habitable buildings, they are included for comparison purposes. However, they are not ranked in the list.
Beyond the City Limits: A Wider Perspective
While many of Las Vegas’s skyscrapers are located on the Las Vegas Strip, which primarily lies outside the city limits, this list includes all skyscrapers located within the city limits of Las Vegas and its surrounding communities.
The United States Postal Service designates “Las Vegas, NV” as the official mailing address for Paradise, Winchester, and Spring Valley, blurring the lines between the city and its neighboring communities.
Looking Ahead: Future Sky-high Projects
This list showcases the buildings planned for construction in the Las Vegas Valley, with a minimum height of 100 meters (328 feet).
This section also features buildings that have held the title of tallest building in Las Vegas, including the current titleholder, Fontainebleau Las Vegas. While the Strat observation tower has held the title of tallest free-standing structure in the city since 1996, it is not included in this list due to its non-habitable nature.
Conclusion: A City in Perpetual Ascent
Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant energy and constant innovation, continues to push boundaries both on the ground and in the sky. The city’s impressive collection of skyscrapers is a testament to its ambition and relentless pursuit of progress. From the iconic Strat tower to the newly opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Las Vegas’s skyline is a dynamic landscape that continues to evolve and inspire. As the city continues its “Manhattanization wave,” the future of Las Vegas will undoubtedly be shaped by the ambitious projects reaching for the sky.
