Until 1997/98 the Sears Tower was (with its 442 meters) the highest building in the world. The Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur surpassed the height of the Sears Tower and claimed the title.
There was a long discussion if the antennas of the Sears Tower should count or not.
In 2009 it was announced that the Sears Tower would be renamed to Willis Tower.
Including antennas it is actually 527 meters high.
Sears, at the time of building the skyscraper in 1973 the largest retailer in the world, was the eponym of the building.
In 2009 the London-based Willis Group Holdings became main tenant and got the right to rename the building to
Willis Tower (announced March 12, 2009).
The architect Bruce Graham was inspired by an open pack of cigarettes where some cigarettes were coming out. The Sears Tower (Willis Tower) consists of 9 cylinders: two o fthem have 49 stories, two of them reach the top height of 110 and the rest has 65 stories.
What will I see from the Skydeck?
You’ll see the best view and best overview of Chicago. At 1,353 feet (412 meters), the Skydeck is the highest observatory in Chicago.
The view is amazing! You can see 40 – 50 miles (65 - 80 kilometers) on a clear day. Imagine seeing Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin, just by walking around the Skydeck. And there’s no finer view of Chicago architecture.
Learn more on the official Skydeck website, see link below the article.
The “Sears Tower” name carries an 85-year-old company tradition. The building was meant to serve as the corporate headquarters for Sears, Roebuck and Co. The original tower is a 12-story brick historical landmark in Chicago’s Horman and Arthington complex, which housed Sears’ first retail store.
Sears Tower is uniquely designed through a series of stepbacks that allow
a wide base to support the narrower upper tower. Skidmore, Owings &
Merrill designed the building. Beyond its behemoth size, Sears Tower
sets architectural standards, as well. The perimeter of the structure is
covered with an electrically heated walkway for winter snow and ice
removal. The building employs framed-tube construction, which supports
the outside of the building while allowing for column-free space in the
interior.
Additionally, it has one of the most complete life safety systems ever
devised for a high-rise building, to protect against fires and other incidents.
It was designed to withstand Chicago’s high winds and the unlikely event
of an earthquake, by closely spacing the columns that support the
structure.
Famous sculptor Alexander Calder created a special moving mural called “Universe” for the lobby of the Sears Tower. It is a 55 feet high and 33 feet wide composition of many different moving parts. Calder himself turned the switch to activate the sculpture on October 25, 1974.
In addition to the building’s rich nearly 30-year history, the Sears Tower is
a must-see and popular destination for high-profile foreign dignitaries and
celebrities.
August 1970
Groundbreaking on construction of Sears Tower
May 1973
Construction is completed
June 1974
Skydeck officially opens
February 1984 Broadcast Antennas added to structure
June 1985
Sears Tower undergoes revitalization project, receives new
atrium
June 1986
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” movie release adds to Sears Tower fame
April 2000
Unveiling of multi-million dollar renovation project
Watch on YouTube: www.youtu.be/yGg9_mPs5f8
1
-- Willis Tower
Decimal
Lat: 41.8782290 / Lon: -87.6365226
Degree