The Real Reason Washington D.C. Doesn't Have Skyscrapers - Cheddar Explains

The skyline of Washington D.C. is stunted. You've probably heard that D.C. can't build skyscrapers taller than the U.S. Capitol Building or the Washington Monument. But those are both myths from a bygone era. Cheddar tells the real story.


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[korog]

The *Real* reason Washington D.C. Doesn't Have Skyscrapers
The height limit for building blocks is 384.

[xavierdomenico]

I live in DC and most people here want to keep it this way. The skyline from across the river looks like Ancient Rome or Paris and it’s beautiful.

[karlsmith]

I never even realized that Washington D.C. didn't have any skyscrapers until I saw this video

[nicolasr]

I’ve driven through DC at night, and it was one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever been to, how the capital building and monuments light up are amazing, putting a whole bunch of skyscrapers there would honestly destroy the whole aesthetic

[sportyj]

Born in dc raised in nova and i LOVE that dc has no skyscrapers. everything feels much more open and the views are amazing.

[ramiqcom]

me as cities skylines player:
*take notes

[kylehalfevil]

Honestly. I like that D.C. doesn't really have skyscrapers. To me, having low height restrictions makes the city almost resemble itself when the nation began, even if the buildings are modernized. There weren't tall buildings when the country was founded and keeping it that way kind of gives the city its character.

[Lumberjack-frve]

I never asked this question but now this is interesting

Just came back sep 1st to see if my comment was still here

[thebiggumsmac]

The low height of the city also gives a larger percieved importance for the federal buildings. Driving down Constitution Avenue past the EPA or IRS buildings is downright intimidating. They just feel massive and powerful, especially when compared to the rest of the city

[CZsWorld]

Forget skyscrapers. DC needs some roller coasters.

[cruzerblade]

Sounds pretty much like the High-rise Ban policy in Cities Skylines

[pottupatteri]

I like how the thumbnail implies Washington DC isn’t in the US

[SupremeLeaderKimJong-un]

In my city, one hotel towers over the rest of the skyline. Pyongyang is the best. The DC Metro is nothing compared to ours

[Ioannikios]

*Real reason: So the President doesn't get sniped from a rooftop.*

[epicman]

“More skyscrapers and tall buildings would create more affordable housing and office space.”
*Laughs in New York*

[AverytheCubanAmerican]

Even if it doesn’t have skyscrapers, DC is still a beautiful city. Especially during the cherry blossom festival. And I like the architecture of the National Mall

[SBayaya]

when i read the title, the first thing i thought was to prevent sniper hiding in.

[colinwest]

I think it looks cool that DC doesn’t have any sky scrapers. Helps the city feel unique and cozy.

[horizonzz]

As someone who grew up mostly in DC, skyscrapers would ruin the whole feel of the place. The sky-scraperfication of DC would kill its uniqueness

[Terika-]

Love it the way it is . Absolutely no skyscrapers . The city and its surroundings are beautiful like this . It is such a gorgeous sight that from a distance u can clearly see the most famous historical landmarks .