Get to Know the Dallas City Skyline's Most Prominent Buildings

As you drive into Dallas, Texas, the skyline comes into view little by little. At first, a glowing green light is all you can see. Then, one by one, the buildings begin to appear across the sky. Each one is unique, and even locals who pass the Dallas city skyline every day still find it impressive. Together, they tell the story of a city that has worked hard, grown fast, and never stopped building. 

Dallas has changed a lot in recent years. In the last three decades, its population has grown three times faster than the average across the country’s 50 largest cities. The downtown area alone has grown by 71% in the past 10 years, with nearly 100,000 residents living within a two mile radius of the city center. As the city has expanded outward, its skyline has also gotten taller and more distinct, with new towers joining the older ones that have defined the view for generations. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the Dallas skyline, including an overview of the most iconic buildings, the best places to enjoy the view, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next. 

A Brief History of the Dallas City Skyline

The original Dallas city skyline started to take shape in the 1920s when oil discoveries and banking helped turn the city into a major business hub. The very first skyscraper, originally called the Magnolia Petroleum Building, reached 29 stories when it was completed in 1922. At the time, it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River and one of the first high-rises to have air conditioning. In 1934, a flying red horse was added to the top of the building, which became a symbol of the city. That same sign still glows above the Dallas city skyline today, now mounted on a nearby structure after a full restoration. 

In the 1950s and 1960s, the city added modernist buildings with clean lines and other minimalist designs. By the 1970s and 1980s, Dallas was building more skyscrapers than ever, fueled by oil wealth and real estate investment. Some of the most infamous buildings were added during this time, including Bank of America Plaza, Fountain Place, and Chase Tower. Architects favored bold shapes, mirrored glass, sharp edges, and neon lights that stood out at night—making the Dallas city skyline easily recognizable in photos. 

In the years that followed, Dallas continued to grow, and the skyline did the same. New towers came with rooftop terraces, energy-efficient systems, and a mix of work and living spaces. Today, the Dallas city skyline is both a local landmark and a pop culture symbol, with new additions serving as a reminder of where the city has been and where it’s headed now. 

The Most Iconic Buildings in the Dallas City Skyline

Reunion Tower

Built in 1978, Reunion Tower stands at 561 feet and looks unlike anything else in the Dallas city skyline. Its signature dome, made of triangular panels and 259 LED lights, turns slowly above the Hyatt Regency Hotel, making it one of the most popular and heavily photographed buildings in the city. The dome lights up at night in bright patterns that change with the seasons, from hearts in February to fireworks displays in July. There are also custom displays whenever the Mavs or Stars win a game, making the tower feel closely connected to the daily lives of residents. 

At the top, the GeO-Deck offers 360° sights of the city below, along with telescopes, interactive touch screens, outdoor viewing areas, and special events like magic shows and live entertainment. On a clear day, you can even see as far as neighboring Fort Worth. Visitors can also dine at Crown Block, a fine dining restaurant featuring prime steaks and fresh seafood that’s ideal for romantic dinners and special occasions.

Bank of America Plaza

At 921 feet, Bank of America Plaza is the tallest building in Dallas. Completed in 1985, it’s instantly recognizable for the green LED lighting that outlines its edges from top to bottom. The lights stretch more than a mile in total and change colors during holidays and citywide events. Whether you’re downtown or miles away on I-30, the building’s glow is easy to spot after dark. 

Inside, it holds 72 floors of commercial office space, mostly used by banks, law firms, and tech companies. The building first became the center of attention in the 1980s and still stands as one of the main focal points of the Dallas city skyline. 

Renaissance Tower

Originally built in 1974 and re-designed in the 80s, Renaissance Tower (known as Ren Tower by locals) stands at 886 feet and features large white lights in the shape of an “X” across its sides. Built with mirrored glass, the building has a bold appearance, especially at night. It once held the title of tallest in Dallas and appeared in the opening credits and main storyline of the popular TV show “Dallas.” Ren Tower has long served as a major office space, but is now home to various restaurants and retailers as well.

Fountain Place

Designed by the legendary architects I.M. Pei and Harry Cobb, Fountain Place was built in 1986 and stands 720 feet tall, set on a plaza with more than 170 bubbler fountains. The building changes in color and appearance depending on where you’re standing, thanks to its green glass exterior and angular shape. That makes it one of the most architecturally celebrated skyscrapers in the Dallas city skyline, and the fifth tallest. 

Right beside it, AMLI Fountain Place brings a fresh take on the original design. Finished in 2021, it has the same sharp angles and glass exterior, but offers luxury apartments and rooftop amenities instead of the newly renovated office space found in the original building.  

Comerica Bank Tower

First known as Momentum Place, Comerica Bank Tower opened in 1987 and rises to 787 feet, making it the third tallest skyscraper in the city. The top of the building has curved edges, much like a crown, and instead of being one smooth rectangle, it has parts that stick out and rise at different heights. This postmodern design gives it a layered look, which was popular during the 1980s. 

The building sits in the middle of Dallas’s business district, which used to be even busier back in the day, and is still filled with offices today. Due to its size, location, and historical significance it’s an important part of the Dallas city skyline. 

Dallas Arts Tower (formerly Chase Tower)

Finished in 1987 and originally known as Chase Tower, this 55-story skyscraper stands 738 feet and helped solidify Dallas as a major financial hub. Designed by famous architect Richard Keating, it has a smooth glass exterior and a unique open arch near the top, earning it the nickname the “Keyhole Building.” 

In 2023, the tower was renamed Dallas Arts Tower to match its central location in the Arts District and establish a stronger connection to the city’s culture and community. A major renovation is underway that will add an art gallery, updated interiors, and two new restaurants by Milkshake Concepts.

With 1.2 million square feet of office space and a long list of corporate tenants, the Dallas Arts Tower remains one of the most iconic and easily recognizable buildings in the Dallas city skyline. 

Upcoming Additions to the Dallas City Skyline

The Dallas city skyline continues to grow both upward and outward, with several major high-rises currently underway in Downtown, Uptown, and the Design District. 

• Hi Line Square (Design District): Two companies are teaming up on a major mixed-use development called Hi Line Square, with construction set to begin in 2026. Once complete, it will include a 30-story residential tower and a 17-story office tower, along with 45,000 square feet of retail and dining space. 

• Chalk Hill Towers (Uptown): Scheduled to break ground in 2025, Chalk Hill Towers will bring two new towers to the edge of Victory Park. One will be an office building, and the other will have both hotel rooms and condos inside. Plans include a fitness center, full-service spa, pool deck, and other high-end amenities focused on wellness. 

• Bank of America Tower at Parkside (Uptown): Construction has begun on Parkside Uptown, which will serve as the new office space for Bank of America once completed in 2027. At that time, it will become the tallest skyscraper in Uptown Dallas, standing at 30 stories and overlooking Klyde Warren Park. The tower is set to have a sky lobby, outdoor terraces, and ground-floor shopping. Its 93% walk score will make it a perfect addition to the area, where a high number of residents choose to go on foot to get from place to place. 

• Field Street Tower (Downtown): At 38 stories, Field Street Tower will be one of the tallest additions to Downtown Dallas in years. The mixed-use development is being built near the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, bringing over 500,000 square feet of office space along with skyline terraces, restaurants, fitness facilities, tenant lounges, a coffee bar, and modern conference areas. Perhaps its most anticipated amenity is a half-acre park offering greenspace for locals to unwind in the heart of the city.  

Together, each of these towers hints at a new phase of growth for Dallas. They’ll not only enhance the Dallas city skyline and add a sense of modern luxury, but also give residents more ways to live, work, and connect.

Best Views of the Dallas City Skyline

If you want to see the Dallas city skyline in all its glory, here are some of the best places to go:

• Reunion Tower GeO-Deck: This observation deck sits at the top of Reunion Tower and gives you a full 360-degree view of the city. You can look out over downtown, spot landmarks, and even see Fort Worth on a clear day. It’s a great spot rain or shine due to its indoor and outdoor viewing areas. 

• Trinity Overlook Park: Located on the west side of downtown, this small park offers one of the best skyline views across the river. It’s peaceful and less crowded, perfect for sunset walks or taking photos with the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in the background.

• Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge: Walking or driving over this large, white, arched bridge will give you an incredible view of the Dallas city skyline. It connects West Dallas to downtown and is especially pretty at night when the buildings are all lit up.

• Canvas Hotel Dallas: Located just south of downtown in the Cedars neighborhood, Canvas Hotel has a rooftop bar and pool called The Gallery Lounge with one of the best full-skyline views in the city. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors who want a drink with a clear view of the high-rises.

• Happiest Hour: Near the American Airlines Center in Victory Park, just outside Uptown, the Happiest Hour bar has a huge rooftop patio with views that stretch across downtown. It’s a popular pre-game hangout spot that always draws a crowd of people for the photo ops.

• Hank’s Hideaway (The Henry): Set in the heart of Uptown, The Henry has an upstairs patio called Hank’s Hideaway that features cozy seating, string lights, and a view of the Dallas city skyline. The atmosphere and upscale setting makes it a popular place for both food and drinks. 

• Te Deseo: Te Deseo is a Latin-inspired rooftop restaurant known for its upscale vibe and skyline views just west of Uptown. The atmosphere is stylish, and the view is especially stunning when the city lights come on. 

No matter where you are in the city, it’s easy to find a spot with a clear view of the Dallas city skyline. 

Final Thoughts: Getting to Know the Dallas City Skyline

The Dallas city skyline stands as a reminder of how far the city has come. From the early towers built for banking to today’s modern high-rises, each one was created intentionally and holds a piece of history within it. As the city continues to expand, its skyline is changing too, with taller, greener, and more luxurious buildings on the rise. 

If you haven’t taken the time to see it in person, it’s worth the visit. Take a walk through downtown, visit a rooftop, or just look up the next time you’re driving in. Even longtime residents notice that the view never stays the same for long. 

At Evernest, we make it easy to turn the Dallas city skyline into your permanent view. Whether you’re looking to rent a home or need help managing a property, our local property management team is here to help. Browse available rentals now and reach out whenever you’re ready to schedule a tour!