Monday, September 19th, 2016
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is the perfect place to catch the best views of the Chicago skyline with its very own Skydeck. Located in the Loop, this 1,350 ft.- high deck, peers out into the city as a main attraction for Chicagoans and tourists alike. Here’s the scoop on what you need to know about the famous Willis Tower.
#1 The Willis Tower is the second tallest building in America!
At one point, starting in 1973, it was the tallest building in the world — surpassing the World Trade Center for nearly 25 years. Standing at approximately 1,720 feet at the very tip-top, the Willis Tower is now the 2nd tallest building in the U.S. and its the 14th tallest in the world!
#2 More than 1 million people visit the Skydeck every year!
The Ledge, the glass balcony that extends four feet from the tower on the 103rd floor, is infamous in Chicago. With breaktaking views spanning over 4 states, standing on The Ledge is a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience. Inside Skydeck, you’ll find interactive touch-screens exhibits, trivia games, and much more!
#3 Two real-life “Spider-men” climbed the Willis Tower!
In 1981, a man named Dan Goodman made his very own Spider-man suit and decided to scale the building. Using suction cups, sky hooks, and camming devices, he began his 7-hour climb to the top of the tower. Another man, Alain “Spiderman” Robert, followed suit in 1999. This French urban climber made it all the way to the top using his bare hands and feet!
Late Night with Conan O’Brien, Monk, Kenan and Kel, Stargate SG-1 — these are just a few of the TV shows that the tower’s been featured in. The Willis Tower was also a focal point in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, I-Robot, Man of Steel, Divergent, and many others!
With 4.5 million sq.ft. of floor space, the Willis Tower is massive. It took 2,000 workers and 3 years of construction to make it into the iconic structure that it is today. Wonder how they keep the tower sparkling? There are 6 roof-top mounted robotic machines that keep all 16,000 windows of the Willis Tower clean.
Ready to live in the Loop neighborhood? Then call us or stop by our office at 180 N. Wacker. We’d be happy to keep you in the loop!
