Chicago is a city known for its impressive skyline and towering skyscrapers. From the iconic Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower) to the sleek and modern St.Regis, there are plenty of impressive structures to marvel at in the Windy City. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the eight tallest buildings in Chicago, along with some interesting facts about each one.
1. Willis Tower (Formerly The Sears Tower)
Formerly known as the Sears Tower, the Willis Tower has been a fixture of the Chicago skyline since its completion in 1973. At 1,450 feet tall, it held the title of the world’s tallest building for nearly 25 years. Today, it remains the tallest building in Chicago and the second-tallest in the United States. The tower has 110 floors and boasts a Skydeck on the 103rd floor, which offers stunning views of the city below.
2. Trump International Hotel and Tower
Located just a few blocks away from the Willis Tower, the Trump International Hotel and Tower is the second-tallest building in Chicago. It stands 1,388 feet tall and has 98 floors. The tower is home to both a hotel and a number of luxury condos, as well as a restaurant and spa. Its distinctive design features a facade of glass and stainless steel, and it offers breathtaking views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
3. St.Regis Chicago
St. Regis Chicago is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city’s downtown area. This stunning high-rise building stands at over 1000 feet tall and boasts 101 floors of luxurious accommodations, including 191 guest rooms and suites. The hotel features world-class amenities such as a rooftop bar and lounge, a fitness center, and a chic restaurant serving up delicious cuisine. St. Regis Chicago also offers guests access to a state-of-the-art spa, perfect for unwinding after a long day of exploring the city.
4. Aon Center
The Aon Center, formerly known as the Standard Oil Building, was completed in 1974 and stands at 1,136 feet tall. It has 83 floors and is the third-tallest building in Chicago. The tower is home to a number of businesses, including the headquarters of insurance company Aon. Its unique design features a sloping roofline and a massive atrium at the base of the building.
5. 875 N.Michigan (Formerly The John Hancock Center)
Completed in 1969, 875 N. Michigan, formerly the John Hancock Center, has been a beloved landmark in Chicago for over 50 years. It stands 1,127 feet tall and has 100 floors. The tower is home to a mix of residential units, offices, and retail space, as well as an observation deck on the 94th floor. Its unique exterior features X-shaped braces that provide both structural support and an eye-catching design element.
6. Franklin Center
The Franklin Center, also known as the AT&T Corporate Center, stands at 1,007 feet tall and has 60 floors. Completed in 1989, it was briefly the tallest building in Chicago until the completion of the nearby Two Prudential Plaza. The tower is home to a number of offices and a food court, as well as an observatory on the 80th floor that offers views of the city skyline.
7. Two Prudential Plaza
Completed in 1990, the Two Prudential Plaza stands at 995 feet tall and has 64 floors. It is the sixth-tallest building in Chicago and features a distinctive exterior design that includes a series of setbacks and terraces. The tower is home to a variety of office spaces and restaurants, as well as an observation deck on the 41st floor.
8. One East Chicago Tower
Completed in 2021, One East Chicago Tower is a luxury skyscraper that stands tall at 971 feet on what used to be the parking lot of the Holy Name Cathedral situated across the street. This building features 812 residential units as well as retail, shopping, and other amenities.
There you have it – a closer look at the eight tallest buildings in Chicago! Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the city, these impressive structures are definitely worth checking out. For more information on Chicago’s many landmarks and attractions, be sure to check out some of the resources below.
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