Newby-McMahon Building
Building Smallest 'skyscraper' constructed in a land-sale scam
Built in 1929 in downtown Wichita Falls, the Newby-McMahon Building became famous as a con-artist’s ‘skyscraper’-today tourists photograph the tiny building and read the story of the fraud.
The Newby-McMahon Building is a very small commercial building in downtown Wichita Falls, Texas, widely known as the “World’s Littlest Skyscraper.” It dates to the early 20th century and is famous because its construction followed a widely publicized building fraud.
The main attraction is the building’s unusually small scale compared with surrounding commercial blocks, which makes it a novelty and frequent subject for photographs. The compact exterior and signage are the primary points of interest; there is limited interior access.
The structure was erected after a notorious early 20th-century real-estate fraud in which investors expected a much larger office building; the small completed structure gave rise to the building’s popular nickname. It has since remained as an eccentric downtown landmark.
It stands in the historic commercial district of Wichita Falls, Texas, amid other early 20th-century downtown buildings.
- Nickname: Known locally as the "World's Littlest Skyscraper," it is a popular quick photo stop in downtown Wichita Falls.
How to Get to Newby-McMahon Building #
Located in downtown Wichita Falls at the corner of 9th and Lamar Streets. From US-287 follow signs into downtown; on-street parking and small public lots are available. The building is a short walk from the Wichita Falls Transit downtown stops.
Tips for Visiting Newby-McMahon Building #
- The best photographs are taken from the opposite corner of the intersection on a clear day to capture the full scale of the joke.
- Read the historical plaque on the sidewalk - it tells the con in a few hilarious lines and is worth the minutes it takes to find.
- Visit during daylight; the novelty is exterior-only so one wants good light to appreciate the narrow façade and small windows.
Best Time to Visit Newby-McMahon Building #
Downtown Wichita Falls is straightforward year-round; spring and fall are most comfortable for strolling.
Weather & Climate near Newby-McMahon Building #
Newby-McMahon Building's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 36°C. Moderate rainfall (750 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of -2°C. The driest month with just 28 mm.
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February
February is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (106 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
