Key Points
- Great American Tower (665 ft) remains Cincinnati's tallest building since 2011.
- Carew Tower is undergoing residential conversion by Victrix Investments.
- Convention District sees $800M redevelopment, including a 700-room Marriott.
Tallest building in Cincinnati, Ohio: The skyline of the Queen City is changing a lot as we move into 2026. It is combining its long history of architecture with its modern business goals. The Great American Tower in Queen City Square is still the tallest building in Cincinnati. It is 665 feet tall.
However, the narrative of Cincinnati skyscrapers is shifting; iconic landmarks like the Carew Tower are currently seeing new life through massive residential conversions, while the downtown Convention District is undergoing an $800 million redevelopment.
These changes, including the brand-new Marriott Headquarters Hotel and the First Financial Center’s rebranding, reflect a city that is growing vertically and economically. Whether you’re a skyline enthusiast or a local resident, understanding these structural giants is key to navigating the city's modern identity.
What are the top 5 Tallest Buildings in Cincinnati?
The current hierarchy of the Cincinnati skyline is dominated by a mix of postmodern glass towers and Art Deco masterpieces. The Great American Tower is still the only skyscraper in the city that is taller than 600 feet. The historic Fourth and Vine Tower is still a symbol of the city's high status in the early 20th century.
| Rank | Building Name | Height (ft) | Floors | Year Built | Primary Use |
| 1 | Great American Tower | 665 ft | 41 | 2011 | Office / Corporate HQ |
| 2 | Carew Tower | 574 ft | 49 | 1931 | Residential (Conversion) |
| 3 | Fourth and Vine Tower | 495 ft | 31 | 1913 | Mixed-Use (Sky Central) |
| 4 | Scripps Center | 468 ft | 36 | 1990 | Commercial Office |
| 5 | Fifth Third Center | 423 ft | 32 | 1969 | Financial Services |
Source: Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) and City of Cincinnati Planning Records.
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Is there a New Tallest Building in Cincinnati being built?
While the Great American Tower at Queen City Square hasn't been dethroned since its completion in 2011, the city is buzzing with vertical growth.
The most significant recent activity involves the $536 million Convention Headquarters Hotel project, which is set to add a massive 700-room Marriott to the skyline, connected directly to the newly renovated First Financial Center (formerly Duke Energy Convention Center).
Additionally, the Carew Tower’s transition into high-end residential units by Victrix Investments is breathing new life into what was the city's tallest structure for over 80 years.
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How does the Cincinnati skyline compare to other Ohio cities?
Cincinnati remains a powerhouse in the Midwest, though it currently sits behind Cleveland in terms of sheer height. The Great American Tower is the third-tallest building in Ohio, following Cleveland’s Key Tower (947 ft) and Terminal Tower (708 ft).
However, Cincinnati’s unique topography along the Ohio River gives its skyscrapers a distinctive tiered appearance that is frequently cited by urban planners as one of the most aesthetically balanced skylines in the United States.
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The skyline of Cincinnati is more than just steel and glass; it is a living history of how the city has bounced back from economic problems. These buildings, from the Great American Tower's "tiara" to the historic spires of the 1930s, will continue to shape the future of the Queen City. As 2026 brings more people to live and work in the downtown core, these huge buildings will always be the best examples of Cincinnati's long-term goals.
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