Most major North American cities have their own distinctive skyline. Coast to coast to coast, from old Quebec City to legendary Los Angeles and from scenic Vancouver to glamorous Miami, urban centers claim their visual identities with gleaming office towers and condominium buildings. Boston is no exception, and, although the city has gained a reputation of being quite recalcitrant to new construction in its preserved historic core, several tall edifices are currently planned or under construction in The Olde Towne. Recognizing Boston's new highrise enthusiasm, we present you with an overview of the tallest skyscrapers under construction in and around the city's central neighbourhoods.

One Dalton Street, Boston, image courtesy of Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, Cambridge Seven Associates

Officially the tallest project under construction in Boston, One Dalton Street, also known as the Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences, will rise 226 meters above street level when completed in 2017. Designed by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and Cambridge Seven Associates, this is also the tallest project in the city since Hancock Place was completed in 1976. The project is composed of a 26-storey office building at 30 Dalton Street and a 61-storey mixed-use tower at 1 Dalton. The 211-hotel room and 180-residence tower is currently in the early stages of construction, but will soon become a landmark in the city's skyline.

Millennium Tower, Boston, image courtesy of Handel Architects

The Millennium Tower, located on Washington Street, steps away from the historic Old South Meeting House, has recently topped out at its final height of 209 meters, and is scheduled for delivery in 2016. Designed by Handel Architects and developed by Millennium Partners MDA Associates, the tower will consist of 442 residences across 60 levels. With a blue-glass curtain wall that contrasts with the surrounding grey and brown concrete and marble buildings, Millennium brings a modern look to the area. The retail component on the first floors of the tower will house a grocery store and a much anticipated sushi bar.

Avalon North Station, Boston, image courtesy of CBT Architects

In the immediate vicinity of the TD Garden, Avalonbay Communities Inc. is developing a $250 million complex, consisting of a 127-meter high tower as the first phase, which includes a passageway between Nashua and Causeway Street, boarded with retail such as bars and restaurants. Designed by CBT Architects, Avalon North Station is scheduled for completion in 2017 and will bring 503 residential units to the area, ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments.

Boston Garden, image via Boston Properties

Other proposed projects will have a dramatic impact on Boston's skyline within the next few years. Indeed, developments such as 226-meters high 111 Federal Street or multi-tower projects like the Boston Garden, the Harbor Garage Complex and the One Congress Street Complex will all bring new office and residential spaces in the form of highrises, while adding a touch of modernity to the almost four-century old metropolis.

Harbor Garage Complex, Boston, image courtesy of Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates

Meanwhile, additional information and renderings can be found in our dataBase pages for each project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment at the bottom of this page.