Oceanwide Plaza in LA – Source: washingtonpost.com
Ghost skyscrapers are those that became empty at some point after completion, even many years later, or which were never completed and/or never occupied after construction concluded. In some other cases, skyscrapers lie in ruins due to war or natural disasters. Others are abandoned during an economic crisis.
Plaza Tower in New Orleans – Source: pinterest.com
A ghost skyscraper can be a detriment to a city’s economic health, as it is a towering reminder of a failed project in some manner. As the structure decays, it also impacts the aesthetics and viability of the surrounding vicinity. The eyesore can also be target of vandals, as well as become a safety hazard if not properly cared for and maintained.
Empty Amanauz Hotel in Dombay, Russia – Source: reddit.com
Thankfully, a few towers that once would have made this list have been restored and reopened with new tenants. These include the Book Tower in Detroit, the PacBell Building in San Francisco, and the Old Central National Bank Building in Richmond, Virginia. Several others that remain on the list may soon reopen to new tenants after renovation is completed. Hopefully, these efforts will be successful and bring life back to them.
Some of the tallest ghost skyscrapers globally are listed below. As always, any additions, corrections, or suggestions to this list are most welcome. Peace!
Ryugyong Hotel in Pyongyang, NK – Source: archdaily.mx
Goldin Finance 117 (construction halted in 2015) – Tianjin, China = 1,959 feet/128 stories2. Ryugyong Hotel (never opened) – Pyongyang, North Korea = 1,080 feet/105 stories
3. Oceanwide Plaza 1 (construction halted in 2019) – Los Angeles, CA, USA = 675 feet/49 stories
4. Torre David (construction halted 1994) – Caracas, Venezuela = 623 feet/45 stories
5. Sathorn Unique Tower (construction halted in 1997) – Bangkok, Thailand = 607 feet/49 stories
6. Plaza Tower (1969/empty since 2002) – New Orleans, LA, USA = 531 feet/45 stories
7-8. Oceanwide Plaza 2 and 3 (construction halted in 2019) – Los Angeles, CA, USA = 530 feet/40 stories
9. Burj el Murr (construction halted in 1975) – Beirut, Lebanon = 459 feet/40 stories
10. 100 North Main (1965/empty since 2014) – Memphis, TN, USA = 430 feet/37 stories
11. Torre Insignia (1962/empty since 1985 earthquake) – Mexico City, Mexico = 417 feet/25 stories
12. Holiday Inn (1974/empty since Civil War began in 1975) – Beirut, Lebanon – 387 feet/26 stories
13. Sterick Building (1930/empty) – Memphis, TN, USA = 365 feet/29 stories – under renovation with work to be completed in 2025
14. Torre Abraham Lincoln (construction halted in 1972) – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil = 341 feet/36 stories
15. Old JEA Tower (1955/empty since 1999) – Jacksonville, FL, USA = 260 feet/19 stories
16. Hotel National (1978/empty since 2006) – Chisinau, Moldova = 240 feet/17 stories
17. Bank of the West Tower (1963/empty since post 2012) – Albuquerque, NM, USA = 213 feet/17 stories – renovation has been proposed to residential
18. Hotel Amanauz (construction halted in the 1980s) – Dombay, Russia = ? feet/16 stories
19. Baker Hotel (1929/empty since 1972) – Mineral Wells, TX, USA = 180 feet/14 stories – scheduled to be renovated and reopened in 2026 after multiple delays
20. Florida Life Building (1912/empty since ?) – Jacksonville, FL, USA – 149 feet/11 stories
21. Spivey Building (1927/empty since 1980) – East St. Louis, IL, USA = 138 feet/12 stories
Torre Insignia in Mexico City – Source: pinterest.com
SOURCES:
https://panethos.wordpress.com/2024/07/28/towering-ghost-skyscrapers/
#architecture #cities #geography #ghostBuildings #ghostTowers #history #landUse #skyscrapers #travel
Maria Marinou
Panethos
