Metro Tower, Lubbock

The Metro Tower, also known as the NTS Tower, is an office high-rise building located in Lubbock, Texas. Completed in 1955, it is the tallest building in Lubbock at 274 feet. The 20-story building was originally known as the Great Plains Life Building after an insurance company that served as its first occupant. It suffered heavy damage in the 1970 Lubbock tornado, and sat vacant and derelict for several years amid talk of possible demolition. After extensive renovation, the building was reopened in 1975 and has been occupied ever since. It is the second tallest known building to have survived a direct hit by an F5 tornado. The tallest is the ALICO building in Waco, TX which is two stories taller. However, after the tornado, the Lubbock fire department closed some floors due to the worsening condition of the building. ()