description Willis Tower Overview
The Willis Tower is a prominent skyscraper in Chicago’s downtown area. It was formerly known as the Sears Tower and once held the record for the world's tallest building. The structure offers panoramic city views from its Skydeck observation deck, including the unique glass-floored Ledge experience. It remains an iconic landmark attracting tourists and visitors interested in modernist architecture and Chicago’s history.
insights Ranking position
Willis Tower ranks #55 of 129 in the Landmark ranking, behind Peter and Paul Fortress, ahead of Shanghai Skyline.
help Willis Tower FAQ
Why do people still call Willis Tower the Sears Tower?
The Chicago skyscraper was known as the Sears Tower from its 1970s opening era until the Willis naming rights took effect in 2009. Many locals still use the old name because Sears was tied to the building for decades.
What floor is Skydeck Chicago on?
Skydeck Chicago is on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower. The observation deck sits more than 1,300 feet above the street, giving views across Chicago and Lake Michigan on clear days.
What is The Ledge at Willis Tower?
The Ledge is the set of glass boxes that extend out from the Skydeck so visitors can look straight down. The glass balconies opened to the public in 2009 as part of a Skydeck renovation.
Was Willis Tower once the tallest building in the world?
Yes, the tower opened as the Sears Tower in 1973 and held the world's tallest building title for nearly 25 years. It was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with Fazlur Rahman Khan's bundled-tube structural system central to the design.
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