Which building is considered the first skyscraper due to its steel frame structure?

The Wainwright Building is recognized as the first skyscraper largely due to its pioneering use of a steel frame structure in its construction. Completed in 1891 in St. Louis, Missouri, the Wainwright Building showcased the advantages of steel as a material that allowed for greater height and more flexibility in design compared to traditional load-bearing walls made of masonry. This innovative approach to architectural design not only facilitated the construction of taller buildings but also influenced the development of future skyscrapers.

Steel framing allowed for larger windows and a more open interior layout, characteristics that became hallmarks of modern architecture. The building's design emphasized verticality and was a significant departure from earlier architectural styles, marking a turning point in urban architecture. While other options like the Frederick C. Robie House and the Seagram Building also contribute to architectural history, they do not hold the same designation as the first skyscraper due to their different structural focuses and design intentions. The Burj Khalifa, while being the tallest building in the world today, is a product of a much later period in architectural evolution which builds on the advancements made by earlier structures like the Wainwright Building.