One Shell Square

The Hancock Whitney Center, originally known as One Shell Square, is the tallest building in New Orleans and Louisiana, rising 51 stories and 212.45 meters (697 feet). Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and completed in 1972, its architecture stands out for a facade of Italian travertine and bronze-colored glass. A dominant office building, it houses prominent companies such as Shell Oil Company, while the ground floor is given over to retail. Despite initial concerns about the weather resistance of the limestone, the tower came through Hurricane Katrina almost unscathed. You can admire the striking landmark, which has also served as a film location, from the outside and take in the city skyline from above.