Pressure Points discussed The Littlest Skyscraper in S5E43 - The Curse of the Wichita Falls' Skyscraper - listen now!
The city of Wichita Falls, Texas, is home to a unique and fascinating piece of architecture known as the "World's Littlest Skyscraper." Despite its small size, this four-story building has a big story to tell.
The "World's Littlest Skyscraper" story begins in the early 20th century during the oil boom that swept through Texas. Wichita Falls was a bustling city then, and there was a desperate need for office space to accommodate the growing number of businesses and workers.
Enter J.D. McMahon, a Philadelphia oil man, and promoter who saw an opportunity to make a quick profit. McMahon claimed to have a plan for a new office building that would be "the finest skyscraper west of the Mississippi." He convinced local investors to put up $200,000 for the project, and construction began in 1919.
However, it soon became apparent that something was amiss. The building being constructed was not the impressive skyscraper McMahon had promised but rather a tiny, four-story structure that looked more like a "birdhouse" than a skyscraper. The building stands at 40 feet tall and is only 18 feet deep and 10 feet wide. The investors were outraged, but McMahon had covered his tracks well. The blueprints listed the dimensions not in feet but in inches, and the investors did not realize this until the building was completed. The investors tried to sue McMahon, but he had already left town with the money.
Despite the scandal, the "World's Littlest Skyscraper" has endured as a beloved landmark in Wichita Falls. It has been used for various purposes, including as a doctor's office, a beauty salon, and a museum. In 1986, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, visitors to Wichita Falls can still marvel at the "World's Littlest Skyscraper" and its fascinating history. It serves as a reminder of the city's past and the colorful characters who helped shape it.
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