Quote:
Originally Posted by ArchGuy1
From the late 19th century or early 20th century up to the 1970's or 1980's, virtually every high rise building in the United States and Canada built during this time that was the tallest in that particular city had an observation deck on their top floors. This was particularly true during the late 1920's and early 1930's, where observation decks were found on many skyscrapers built during this time period. The UT Tower in Austin built in 1937 was no exception. So, how were things different then compared to now.
|
I think it's a combination of skyscrapers becoming more ubiquitous in cities across the continent, and also a shift in urban living where instead of huge hotels or offices, there are many more residential skyscrapers. The top floors are prime real estate and bring in the $$$ that developers are looking for.
New York and Chicago still get them because their skylines are big and attract tourists on that point alone. Austin, not so much.