Highrises are the iconic elements of American cities. Reaching radical new heights in technological advancement, skyscrapers fused Classical, Renaissance, and Gothic motifs onto steel and defined a new architectural language with Art Deco and International.

The Highrises project reveals hidden details of remarkable buildings, including many that are underappreciated. The images showcase structures that reflect the values and ideals animating the early 20th century. The stories provide historical context and deepen our understanding of their importance and value.

Highrises

**Fidelity Building**

**Art by:** Chris Hytha

**Story by:** Mark Houser

When the federal reserve system was created in 1914, Kansas City was chosen for a reserve bank, and its financial sector reaped the rewards. That ultimately was no help for the bank whose name is carved into the limestone facade of this towering slab.

"I'd rather be a lawyer than a banker any day," said the president of Fidelity National Bank & Trust, Henry Flower, in a 1930 interview as construction got underway on a new headquarters. Flower had practiced law in town for 15 years before a New York financier persuaded him to charter Fidelity in 1899. 

The bank resided in the old main post office for three decades, leading to the slogan "Under the Old Town Clock." When that was razed for this highrise, the four clock faces were removed, refurbished, and reinstalled on pointed towers at either end. But a year after opening, Fidelity was in liquidation amid rumors that construction costs had helped speed its demise.

In a complete reversal, the government then moved into the old bank building, which was a federal office complex for many decades. It is now residential, with large windows in place of the clocks, removed more than 50 years ago.