From Sears to Willis: Chicago's famous skyscraper

by erinichristine
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July 16, 2009

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It's part of our picturesque skyline that makes Chicago truly Chicago. Not to mention it is now the largest skyscraper in the United States and the 5th tallest freestanding building in the world. No matter what you call it, this 108-floor building is an impressive part of Chicago's history.

What's in a name?

A lot. Many Chicago residents aren’t happy about the name change from Sears Tower to Willis Tower. You could say that I’m one of them, as to me it’ll always be the Sears Tower. (I’m always sad when major landmarks change their names… though well, I guess after a few years we get over it. Anyone remember Marshall Fields?)

“Although Sears’ naming rights had expired in 2003, the building has continued to be called Sears Tower. However, in March 2009 London-based insurance broker Willis Group Holdings, Ltd., agreed to lease a large portion of the building and as part of the agreement obtained the building’s naming rights. On July 16, 2009, at 10:00AM, the building was officially renamed Willis Tower.” [From Wikipedia]

The naming rights are valid for 15 years. So maybe we can get it back to the Sears Tower (officially again) in 2024.

What’s your opinion?

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What a feat to climb!

“Spiderman” Dan Goodwin, known for his love (and knack) for climbing the world’s tallest buildings.

On May 25, 1981, Goodwin used suction cups, camming devices, and sky hooks, made the first successful outside ascent of the Sears Tower — despite several attempts by the Chicago Fire Department to stop him. After his 7 hour climb, Goodwin was arrested charged with trespassing. After a lengthy interrogation, Goodwin was eventually released.

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The city seems so peaceful from up here...

Classic “Farris Bueller’s Day Off”, filmed in Chicago, had a scene up in the observation deck located on the 103rd floor — that’s 1,353 ft (412 m) above the ground.

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A view from 1,353!

The Skydeck was opened on June 22, 1974. On July 2, 2009 the Willis company opened it’s newest addition to the observation deck: glass balconies that extend four feet. They’ve got glass bottoms allowing visitors to see all the way down to Wacker Drive below. No fears about safety though, these can bare about 5 tonnes of weight. Given that the Skydeck sees about 1.3 million tourists annually, this is definitely important!

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With 108 Floors, this building stands above the rest at 1,450 feet (442 m).

From 1974 to 1998, the Sears Tower held the record for the World’s tallest building. The Burj Dubai in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (slated to begin occupancy this year) now holds that title at 2,684 ft (818 m). [Shown below with the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada]

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About The Author

erinichristine

Lakeview

I'm a 20-something in Chicago spending my time balancing work, a social life, attempting to date, kittens, creative outlets, and the interwebs. I love video games and dancing in my apartment, and would rather eat junk food for a month than do my dishes (which I have done)... I blog, I tweet, and...

From Sears to Willis: Chicago's famous skyscraper