Willis Tower | Favorite Architecture

Share Top Five February 8, 2019

The Willis Tower, built as and still commonly referred to as the Sears Tower, is a 110-story, 1,450-foot (442.1 m) skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois.At completion in 1973, it surpassed the World Trade Center in New York to become the tallest building in the world, a title it held for nearly 25 years; it remained the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere until the completion of a new building at the rebuilt World Trade Center site in 2014. The building is considered a seminal achievement for architect Fazlur Rahman Khan. The Willis Tower is currently the second-tallest building in the United States and the Western hemisphere – and the 16th-tallest in the world. More than one million people visit its observation deck each year, making it one of Chicago’s most popular tourist destinations. The structure was renamed in 2009 by the Willis Group as a term of its lease,More info:wiki

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#10 Willis Tower,More info:getyourguide

#9 Blackstone to unveil its big renovation plans for Chicago’s Willis Tower this week,More info:chicago.curbed

It’s been nearly two years since Blackstone Group purchased the Willis—formerly Sears— Tower for $1.3 billion with the intention of transforming the Chicago icon into an even more profitable destination for both office workers and tourists. While ongoing upgrades to the 1,451-foot-tall skyscrapers elevator system and tenant amenities have been fairly well-documented, more grandiose plans to reposition the building have remained elusive. The longterm future of the SOM-designed tower should become much more clear this week when ownership is expected to take the wraps off the next phase of renovations.

Last year, Crain’s referenced Blackstone’s plans to build a low-rise retail complex at the tower’s base. The new addition would likely replace the underutilized plaza facing Jackson as well as the low-rise “lunchbox” structure fronting Wacker. The design could include a new grocery store/food court and see the entrance to the tower’s observation deck moved below ground. Upgrades to the popular 103-floor “Skydeck Chicago” were also mentioned.

On Wednesday, Blackstone and partner Equity Office plan to flesh-out the details of the renovations and present never-before-seen renderings showcasing their vision of a fully modernized and reimagined building. The changes will “reinforce Willis Tower as a civic destination and the ultimate place to work with unique retail and entertainment experiences,” said a Blackstone and Equity Office spokesperson via email.

#8 Uh Oh! Glass Skydeck at Chicago’s Willis Tower Shows Cracks,More info:time

#7 WILLIS TOWER NAMES NEWEST TENANT,More info:willistower

CHICAGO, March 27, 2018 — Equity Office, the U.S. office portfolio company wholly-owned by Blackstone’s real estate funds, announced today that Capco will be the newest tenant in the Willis Tower.

Capco, a global management and technology consultancy for the financial services industry, recently signed a long-term office lease for more than 7,900 square feet on the 41^st floor of the Willis Tower.

“We’re thrilled to have Capco join us in the building,” said David Moore, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Director at Equity Office. “Their fast-growing, forward-thinking team is a fantastic addition to our transforming community, and we’re pleased to welcome them to Willis Tower.”

Approximately 90 Capco employees have transitioned from an office space in the Franklin Building at 227 West Monroe (Chicago) to the Willis Tower. With the building’s convenient location and new renovations, Willis Tower is the ultimate Chicago workplace and an attractive destination that boasts a neighborhood atmosphere and energetic feel.

#6 Willis Tower Skydeck Chicago – 103rd floor,More info:Michal Bella

#5 Willis Tower: The Latest Architecture and News. The Chicago Tribune Tower Might Have a New Neighbor: The City’s Second-Tallest Skyscraper,More info:archdaily

#4 Blackstone buys Chicago’s Willis Tower for US$1.3bn – will invest US$150m in leisure elements,More info:attractionsmanagement

Blackstone has announced it will buy Chicago’s Willis Tower, the second-tallest building in the US for US$1.3bn (€1.19bn, £800m).

Previously known as Sears Tower, the Willis Tower is an iconic structure – designed by Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill – it dominates the Chicago skyline. Vendors, 223 South Wacker, said Blackstone will be an “excellent steward of this world famous building”.

Blackstone has plans to improve the leisure offerings in the iconic skyscraper. It’s been widely reported that the company will spend at least US$150m (€137m, £100m) “sprucing up” the existing Skydeck observatory on the 103rd floor which currently attracts 1.6 million visitors a year.

Jason Werner, managing director in Blackstone’s real estate group, said: “There’s great potential to further improve both the building’s tourist experience and retail operations in what is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Chicago.”