SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower

Above us looms the SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower. Have you ever wondered what secrets it holds? SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower, originally Sears Tower, started as a dream of Sears Roebuck and Company in 1969. They needed a massive office for their 350,000 employees. Architects Skidmore, Owings and Merrill took on the challenge. The innovative “bundled tube” design by structural engineer Fazlur Khan tackled both wind and gravity. Construction began in 1970. SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower was completed in 1973. It took three years and enough concrete to build a five-mile, eight-lane highway. The building boasts 25 miles of plumbing, 1,500 miles of electrical wiring, and 80 miles of elevator cable. There are even 796 restroom faucets and over 145,000 light fixtures. The final beam, signed by 12,000 people, marked a momentous occasion. Sears eventually moved out in 1988. The name, however, stuck until 2009, when it became the SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower. Today, SkyDeck Chicago is the highest observation deck in the United States, offering views of up to four states on a clear day. Step out onto The Ledge, glass boxes extending 4.3 feet out from the building, for a truly thrilling experience. SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower also underwent a massive renovation, adding a fifth Ledge and a museum showcasing Chicago’s history and culture. Explore interactive exhibits on Chicago’s origins, architecture, neighborhoods, and iconic figures. Don’t miss the full-scale ‘L’ train replica and the chance to pose on a giant deep-dish pizza. SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower continues to evolve. The Catalog, a five-level urban destination, offers new dining and shopping experiences. From its humble beginnings as an office building to its current status as a Chicago icon, SkyDeck Chicago Willis Tower is a testament to human ingenuity and a must-see for any visitor.