Willis Tower/Skydeck Chicago

Tower Story

A bustling community of business, tourism and culture, Willis Tower is so much more than North America's second tallest building. It’s home to large well-known companies as well as hundreds of thriving businesses. It is a cultural landmark and iconic Chicago tourist attraction. Willis Tower is a pivotal point of reference – from across town, from financial centers on both coasts, and from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. It’s a building with retail and commercial office space at heart, but also inspires millions of visitors to take in the amazing views of the city and experience the breathtaking Ledge.

Observation Deck

No trip to Chicago is complete without a visit to the The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago! Enjoy 360 degree views spanning up to 50 miles and 4 states and our most spectacular view-1,353 feet straight down. The Skydeck attracts over 1.7 million guests from all over the world. The Ledge - glass balconies extending 4.3 feet outside the building provide a thrilling, once in a lifetime experience with another unforgettable view over Wacker Drive and the Chicago River.

Facts and Statistics

Architects

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Inauguration Date

September 1973

Construction Time

3 years

Construction Cost

Over 175 million

Total Height

1,450 feet, 1730 including twin antennae

Weight

222,500 tons

Cables

25,000 miles of electrical cable, 43,000 miles of telephone cable

Concrete

2 billion cubic feet

Depth below ground

43 feet below street elevation

Number of windows

16,100

Number of Elevators

104

Elevators capacity

15-28

Elevators speed

1,200 feet per minute

Elevator manufacturer

Westinghouse

Max people working on tower at any one time during construction

2,000

Number of broadcasting facilities

Proprietary

Number of steps upto the top

2,232

Steel quantity used for construction

76,000 tons

Length of antenna

280 feet

Sway of antenna from core

Building sways 6 inches from true center; designed to withstand up to 3 feet

Unique features of the tower

9 bundled tube design to handle both wind and gravity, two signature white antennae, The Ledge, sleek black building with bronze tinted windows

Gallery

Contact Info

Randal Stancik

VP/ General Manager

rstancik@willistower.com

233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 3530, Chicago, IL 60606 Telephone: 13.128.753.643