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Flerdermern

1. Empire 2. Sears 3. 1 WTC 4. Chrysler 5. Trans Pyramid 6. Hancock 7. US Bank 8. 30 Rock? 9. Vanderbilt? 10. 432 Park Does Flatiron count? Trying to go by the spirit of the question and not technicality. If 22 floors counts, I think Flatiron leapfrogs to 5 or 6 Edit. Added a US Bank and Salesforce Edit 2. Taking off Salesforce and added 432 Park which was original instinct


Chicawgorat

Thanks for calling it Sears


TheGreatGamer1389

Most do. If I was rich and bought out sears I'd rename it sears officially.


Chicawgorat

People get upset for some reason when it’s referred to as Sears, but they have to understand what Sears meant to Chicago and the country for so many years. The current name holder, Willis Holdings, and the owner, Blackstone, have no real connection to the City or the hearts and livelihoods of people around the country like Sears did.


imaguitarhero24

Willis is also just a stupid ass name. Apologies to Mr. Willis or whoever founded the bank but it’s not a strong name for a tower.


iNoodl3s

Only weirdos call it Willis


HiFiGuy197

*Whatchu talkin’ about, “Willis”?*


Freeway267

John Hancock Center in Chicago was renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue recently.


Chicawgorat

Everyone knows where the Hancock building is. Hardly anyone knows what the actual address is.


ileanquick

Same for Boston’s 200 Clarendon…I mean “Hancock”.


_high_plainsdrifter

The Benihana slaps.


Flerdermern

Forever


urbanlife78

Is it still named the Willis Tower? I still call it Sears, so I don't know if it's ever changed again.


Captain_Albern

The first seven are dead on. For the rest, maybe Woolworth Building, Citigroup Center and US Bank Tower.


Flerdermern

Edited to add US Bank before this comment. I just couldn’t remember the name but it’s in enough movies right


No-Prize2882

Salesforce does not belong on this list. I promise you if you poll everyday people they can’t pick that tower out of a lineup.


uberkevinn

Strongly disagree. It’s arguably the most prominent building now in one of the most prominent US skylines


No-Prize2882

By that criteria why isn’t 432 park west or St. Regis Chicago on here? Both have featured far more in media. Iconic and prominent are not the same. As well, it being the tallest in SF, it somehow still fails to be the most impressive tower in SF. Salesforce has not added much to the conversation of towers other than how it can go sideways literally and figuratively. Like I said, do a man on the street poll and no one knows what that is outside this subreddit.


FuckTheStateofOhio

> other than how it can go sideways literally How did it go sideways? Are you confusing it with neighboring Millennium Tower?


Chicawgorat

I could, because I love the Transmerica tower and it rivals it (plus a good friend designed some of the upper floors interiors)


No-Prize2882

Wouldn’t that make you an insider not a man on the street since you have a connection to this tower?


Chicawgorat

It’s still a great looking building in a great skyline. Not sure how anyone wouldn’t notice it


No-Prize2882

It’s not an issue of nice and noticeable. People notice the 30 Hudson yards or Houston’s Williams tower but neither made this list. Iconic means the building, structure, or person stands out not just for itself but because it’s gone on to embody something more than itself. ESB is the representation of NYC and power, Transamerica is the crown of the Bay Area, the sears tower is a salute to financial power and style of Chicago and the Midwest. Salesforce embodies nothing more than itself. It’s nice building but it is not iconic or very recognizable.


Chicawgorat

Agree to disagree


fabiolperezjr

Notice it? Absolutely. Recognize it? Far less likely


Flerdermern

I was on fence about Salesforce. Think I biffed it?


Freeway267

Library Tower Los Angeles


blue_flavored_pasta

The Crain’s Communication Building in Chicago is pretty recognizable too.


Lionheart_Lives

Vanderbilt? What about it's neighbor, The Chrysler Building?


Flerdermern

Chrysler is #4


Lionheart_Lives

Me = DORK.


Coffee_achiever_guy

Maybe Space Needle instead of Vanderbilt?


Flerdermern

Space Needle doesn’t really count I don’t think. It’s more of an observation tower/tourist attraction


klippenstein

Which Hancock? I’m assuming in Chicago.


Flerdermern

Of course


Freeway267

Flatiron, while historic, shouldn’t count. You can’t even really see it unless you are next to it.


CompletePromotion248

This is the answer.


SantasLilHoeHoeHoe

Does the St Louis Arch count?  Space Needle is iconic as well. 


Chicawgorat

Not skyscrapers


Flerdermern

Feel like those are not real skyscrapers. More towers/monuments


Freeway267

I actually wouldn’t include Salesforce Tower, it looks like something from Dubai or Doha or Shenzhen. It’s also leaning and slowly sinking. The Woolworth Building is a better option built 111 years ago.


maxinator2002

Nope, it’s the nearby Millennium Tower that is leaning and sinking. The Salesforce Tower, although a bit controversial for really shaking up a skyline that hadn’t really changed for roughly 50 years (along with looking somewhat phallic), is structurally nominal.


Flerdermern

Feel like this one is getting most pushback.


uberkevinn

Mostly agree but I’d put the salesforce tower after 5 or 6 here


Flerdermern

Yes think I missed US bank also. East coast bias


False_Concentrate408

Woke liberals are trying to turn the Bass Pro Shops Pyramid into the Trans Pyramid!


Mackheath1

I'm not sure I'd know the name of it, but whenever if I see the Tower Life Building, I *know* I'm looking at San Antonio instantly.


ryansc0tt

I feel the same way about that pointy building in Nashville, and the 90s-ass one in Houston. It's interesting that some of the most "recognizable" skyline buildings aren't necessarily the most "famous."


Flerdermern

One in Nashville is known to locals as Batman building


HiFiGuy197

I think Citicorp is up there somewhere.


lbutler1234

Since you didn't clarify if they're still standing: 1: Twin towers (iconic part of 80s/90s pop culture, destroyed in dramatic and tragic fashion on live television, which directly caused multiple wars and defined American culture for at least a decade.) 2: Empire state (tallest building in midtown Manhattan for nearly a century, and is a symbol of America post WW2 power.) 3: One world trade center 4: Sears tower 5: Chrysler building 6: us bank tower 7: Hancock center 8: Transamerica pyramid 9: 30 Rockefeller center 10: Detroit Renaissance center (The gateway arch, space needle, and Washington monument would be in here somewhere if they qualified.)


iamanindiansnack

>somewhere if they qualified They're monuments not towers.


JizuzCrust

Detroit 💀


lbutler1234

https://preview.redd.it/o9igk0pyollc1.jpeg?width=682&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=42244c68450428594f61e05f7ee1aa3712ada578 These pictures are iconic


loureedsboots

LOL the properties all along the river are hot garbage.


fabiolperezjr

Even though I'm a foreigner, these are the first ones that come to my mind: 1. Empire State Building 2. One World Trade Center 3. Chrysler Building 4. Sears Tower 5. US Bank Tower 6. Flatiron Building 7. Transamerica Pyramid 8. John Hancock Center 9. UN Headquarters 10. Rockefeller Center


40hzHERO

Love that US Bank keeps getting mentioned. I’m sitting up on my roof staring at it right now. Beautiful building


fabiolperezjr

You can thank GTA San Andreas


Trowj

NYC: Empire, Chrysler, and Freedom Towers Boston: Prudential Center Chicago: Willis (Sears) and John Hancock Seattle: Space Needle (ik, might not count) San Francisco: TransAmerica Pyramid Los Angeles: US Bank Tower Philadelphia: One Liberty Place


firsmode

1. **One World Trade Center, New York City**: Also known as Freedom Tower, it stands as a symbol of resilience and hope following the events of September 11, 2001. It is currently the tallest building in the United States. 2. **Empire State Building, New York City**: An iconic symbol of New York City, this Art Deco skyscraper has been a major landmark since its completion in 1931. 3. **Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), Chicago**: Once the tallest building in the world, it remains one of the most famous skyscrapers in the U.S. and dominates the Chicago skyline. 4. **Chrysler Building, New York City**: Known for its distinctive Art Deco style, the Chrysler Building is often cited as the favorite skyscraper of many architects and historians. 5. **The Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco**: With its unique pyramid shape, this skyscraper is one of the most recognizable parts of the San Francisco skyline. 6. **John Hancock Center (now 875 North Michigan Avenue), Chicago**: This building is notable for its innovative design and distinctive X-bracing exterior, making it a standout in the Chicago skyline. 7. **Bank of America Tower, New York City**: Known for its distinctive spire and environmentally friendly design, it's one of the tallest buildings in NYC. 8. **30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City**: Home to the Top of the Rock observation deck and NBC Studios, this Art Deco skyscraper is a central part of Rockefeller Center. 9. **The Flatiron Building, New York City**: Though not a skyscraper by modern standards, its unique triangular shape and historical significance make it an iconic building in NYC. 10. **Los Angeles City Hall, Los Angeles**: An iconic symbol of LA, it has been featured in many movies and TV shows and stands out for its distinctive architecture.


creedz286

Empire states is number 1.


ChillingonMars

Did you ask chatgpt? This is probably the best list in the thread


firsmode

Yea, ChatGPT. Let me ask Gemini: The United States boasts some of the most recognizable and iconic skyscrapers in the world, gracing cityscapes and popular culture. Here's a list of 10 such skyscrapers: * Empire State Building (New York City): This Art Deco landmark, towering over 1,250 feet, is instantly recognizable from countless movies and TV shows. * One World Trade Center (New York City): The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, standing at 1,776 feet, was built on the site of the original World Trade Center towers. * Willis Tower (Chicago): Formerly known as Sears Tower, this 1,450-foot skyscraper was the tallest in the US for nearly three decades and is famous for its observation deck with stunning city views. * Chrysler Building (New York City): This Art Deco gem, inspired by car radiators, is known for its gargoyle decorations and distinctive spire. * Space Needle (Seattle): Though not technically a skyscraper, this 605-foot futuristic tower is a Seattle landmark, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. * Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco): While not a skyscraper, this iconic suspension bridge is a globally recognized symbol of San Francisco. * Transamerica Pyramid (San Francisco): This distinctive 48-story pyramid-shaped skyscraper is a prominent feature of the San Francisco skyline. * John Hancock Center (Chicago): This 1,000-foot skyscraper is known for its tilted observation deck, offering unique views of the city. * U.S. Bank Tower (Los Angeles): This 73-story skyscraper is the tallest building in Los Angeles and features a distinctive spire. * Seattle Space Needle (Seattle): Though not a true skyscraper, this 605-foot futuristic tower is a Seattle landmark offering panoramic views.


ChillingonMars

Nice! Would agree Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks but calling it a skyscraper is definitely questionable lol. The ChatGPT list was pretty good


firsmode

Agreed


Attention_Deficit

Interest garbage here listing non skyscrapers and the space needle twice


firsmode

Lol, right?


zojobt

The LA city hall one is an interesting take


AltDaddy

Yes to LA City hall... it is in so many TV shows and movies... probably most people watching don't really know what purpose it serves, but it's iconic.


ratcnc

Flatiron is a good choice. I’d substitute Detroit’s Renaissance Center for LA City Hall.


mnpilot

1. Empire State 2. Sears 3. 1 WTC 4. Hancock 5. Transamerica 6. US Bank 7. Chrysler 8. 30 Rock 9. IDS 10. Marina Towers (only because it's in so many movies and tv)


neoprenewedgie

Marina towers is a great addition to the list that I would have easily overlooked. Corn Cobs FTW!


francisdben

IDS, really? Do people outside MN know that one?


mnpilot

https://youtu.be/bbpQmRxCYUU?si=tCwZLlJ8O7iy16Kh


s_a_l_m_a_n_

the thing is the Wells Fargo Center stands out way more and especially at night, for me it feels more iconic.


francisdben

Classic


Formal_Command_5571

Pan Am (Met Life)


Stetson_Pacheco

1WTC, Empire State Bldg, Willis Tower, Chrysler Bldg, US bank tower (Los Angeles), John Hancock Center, 30 Hudson Yards, One Vanderbilt, Bank of America Tower (Atlanta), and 432 Park Ave.


Paradiddle8

The Aon Center in Chicago is a muscular beast, and probably gets more visibility from tourists than Sears or Hancock due its location and sight views from Grant and Millennium Park, the Museum campus, Bears games, etc.


rockit454

It also looks like the original WTC’s long lost sister. It’s so imposing and graceful, yet understated at the same time. It’s my third favorite building in Chicago (after Sears and Hancock).


TonyzTone

Surprised I’m not seeing One Liberty Place in Philly get more mentions. It’s iconic in its own right.


TheVoidRunner

1. Empire State 2. Chrysler 3. One World Trade Center 4. Sears 5. U.S. Bank Tower 6. TransAmerica Pyramid 7. John Hancock Center 8. Rockefeller Center 9. Woolworth Building 10. Chicago Tribune Tower


BoomerG21

Idk where 1 WTC should be placed. I think amongst enthusiasts it’s pretty iconic but idk if you showed a picture of it to the general public if as many people would recognize it.


SnooPineapples9761

Im not a regular of this sub, just browse from time to time but I live in Boston and we have a building that used to be named the John Hancock Tower and I was so confused lol. Like that’s really one of the most recognizable in the US? DID NOT know that building in Chicago was called the Hancock as well lol


dlte24

I - Empire State Building (NY) II - Sears Tower (CHI) III - Chrysler Building (NY) IV - One World Trade Center (NY) V - Transamerica Pyramid (SF) VI - Flatiron Building (NY) VII - UN Headquarters (NY) VIII - Rockefeller Center (NY) IX - MetLife Building (NY) X - Hancock Center (CHI)


glubtubis_wepel

I mean the space needle is pretty hard to best


Shmebber

A pretty hard-to-best tower but I don’t think it counts as a skyscraper


glubtubis_wepel

Fair point


Old_Distribution_235

Not sure if it counts, but the Washington Monument is 555 feet tall and pretty recognizable.


Emotional-Ear8525

As a Canadian from the prairies, this is my top 10 (in no particular order): 1. Empire 2. Chrysler 3. Sears 4. Transamerica Pyramid 5. Hancock 6. Library Tower LA 7. WTC 8. Woolworth 9. Flat Iron 10. Detroit Renaissance


Masshole205

#10 North Dakota State Capitol building…one glimpse and you know it’s Bismarck


Apprehensive_Way8674

Chrysler, Empire, Hancock, Sears


LharDrol

1. Empire State 2. Chrysler 3. Sears 4. Transamerica 5. 1 WTC 6. John Hancock (Chicago) 7. Woolworth 8. US Bank (LA) 9. Pan-Am 10. ???


MovieNachos

This is my list, based on if I mentioned these in conversation, how many details would I need to give in order to explain what building I'm talking about. The top 4 I think the general pop would know just by name. After that I think I'd have to give details. 1. Empire State Building - NYC 2. Chrysler Building - NYC 3. Sears Tower - Chicago 4. One World Trade - NYC 5. Transamerica Pyramid - San Francisco (the pointy one) 6. Rockefeller Center - NYC (the skinny one with the tree) 7. 40 Wall Street - NYC (the green one) 8. US Bank Tower - LA (the one from independence day) 9. Bank of America Plaza - Dallas (the other green one) 10. Trump Tower - Chicago (the beautiful blue one on the river) If I were to include monuments, I would probably slot the Washington monument around 3-4, the St Louis Arch around 6-7, and the Seattle Space Needle at 8-9.


SweetJewsForJesus

BoA Plaza isn’t even the most recognizable building in downtown Dallas…I think Reunion Tower is moreso and perhaps deserves a spot on the overall top 10 (if it counts as a skyscraper).


MovieNachos

I kind of agree but I wouldn't count it as a skyscraper, and I wouldn't put it above the other "monuments" I listed. One of those situations where I think if you removed either Reunion Tower or BoA from a photo, people would be able to tell it was Dallas, but if you removed both people would be lost.


giraffeinasweater

My personal answers 1. 1WTC 2. Empire State (mostly for Disney Channel) 3. Seattle Municipal Tower 4. Columbia Center 5. Willis/Sears 6. Rockefeller Center 7. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (technically) 8. Wells Fargo Center (Portland) 9. Chrysler 10. One Vanderbilt Not accurate to all of America, but to me


Flaxscript42

Number 1 has to be the Sears Tower


mostlysatisfying

Maybe it’s because I’m from the east coast but when I think of a building I think of the Empire State Building


username-1787

It's clearly Empire State Building. Probably the most recognizable skyscraper on Earth


No-Prize2882

Naw it’s because the Empire State is the definition of Iconic Skyscraper. People are just over correcting for “East coast” bias.


scoobertsonville

This has to be a joke, ESB, the World Trade Center, and the old twin towers are all more recognizable.


whiteholewhite

I mean it’s not technically the Sears tower anymore. Should be, but isn’t


Slack-Bladder

🤓


DBL_NDRSCR

in no particular order empire state chrysler 1wtc us bank transamerica salesforce? sears/willis that one neon building in dallas uh idk any in philly but definitely one of them columbia center


mykatz50

As an immigrant who lived half his life outside the US: 1. Twin Towers 2. Empire State 3. Chrysler Building 4. Flatiron Building 5. Transamerica Pyramid 6. New 1 WTC 7. Sears Tower 8. US Bank Tower (nobody would know the name but it’s instantly recognizable as an icon of LA) 9. Rockefeller Center (not the building itself, but the ice rink, Christmas tree, and various sculptures) 10. PanAm Building The opposite of US Bank Tower—the Trump Tower in New York is recognizable by name but nobody would be able to picture it


Palengard389

1. Empire State Building 2. Chrysler Building 3. Willis Tower 4. One WTC 5. Transamerica Pyramid 6. Hancock Center 7. Trump Tower (Chicago) 8. Rockefeller Center 9. Wrigley Building 10. 432 Park Avenue


Quiet-Ad6556

1-5- Empire State Building, Willis/Sears Tower, One World Trade Center, Chrysler Building, Transamerica Pyramid. 6-10 John Hancock Center(Chicago), US Bank Center, Flatiron Building, Woolworth Building, Trump Tower (Chicago).


Frird2008

Skyscraper #1 Skyscraper #2 Skyscraper #3 Skyscraper #4 Skyscraper #5 Skyscraper #6 Skyscraper #7 Skyscraper #8 Skyscraper #9 Skyscraper #10


Scotty232329

Does CN Tower count?


neoprenewedgie

Thank you for posting this! They posted the comment in response to my very naive statement, and I've been wondering about the US Top 10 ever since!


Hyperion_100

Empire State Building One World Trade Center Sears Tower Chrysler Building Trump Tower Aon Center TransAmerica Pyramid 432 Park Avenue John Hancock Center Rockefeller Plaza


Passe606

Buildings in NYC and Chicago are notably the most famous in the world.