The Making of an American Icon

Learn how Chicago’s tallest tower became known the world over.

  • Construction Begins
  • Construction Completed
  • Antenna Added
  • Atrium Added
  • Skydeck Renovations
  • Renamed to Willis
  • Blackstone Purchase
  • Renovation Plan Begins
  • Renovations Complete
The Evolution of a Landmark

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower has been an iconic part of the Chicago skyline since 1973. At 110 stories high, Willis Tower is also one of the largest skyscrapers in the world.

In 2017, Willis Tower underwent a massive transformation to be reimagined for the future of work. Today, Willis Tower is a welcoming anchor in the heart of downtown Chicago, offering a wide array of amenities for everyone in the community to enjoy.

The Tower by Numbers:

The 12th tallest building in the world

1970

Construction begins on Sears Tower

Construction begins on Willis Tower

1973

With the efforts of over 2000 workers, construction is completed on what is then the tallest building in the world.

Completed tower

1982

The tower’s iconic broadcast antennae are added.

1985

The Wacker Drive Atrium is added to the base of the tower, featuring a distinctive arched glass construction.

Wacker atrium

2000

The Skydeck undergoes its first renovations

Skydeck view

2009

‘Sears Tower’ is renamed ‘Willis Tower’

Willis tower from a distance.

2015

Blackstone purchases Willis Tower

2017

The five-year-long renovation plan begins

Renovation rendering

2022

Renovations complete, featuring Catalog, the Art of the Neighborhood, rooftop greenspace and more.

Catalog wide view.
Present day Willis Tower

A beacon for the world to see

When you’re watching your favorite shows or listening to the radio on your drive home from work, you might just be picking up a signal from Willis Tower — our broadcast facility is one of the world’s most prominent, serving the needs of large television and radio stations in Chicago.

The tower's antennas also feature rotating colors that light up the sky each night, celebrating everything from holidays to awareness, sports teams and celebrations. If you are interested in partnering with Willis Tower on an antenna lighting please contact [email protected]

Visit Willis Tower on Instagram to learn
more about the antennae color schedule ↗

Visit the Tower

Visit and Contact
Willis Tower

233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

Questions

Contact our management team
1 (312) 875-0066

See Map ↗

get directions to the tower from anywhere

Hours and Attractions
Tower Hours

9:00am to 10:00pm
365 days per year

Visit Skydeck ↗

Willis Tower’s stunning top-floor with views of Chicago and beyond

Visit Catalog

Our five-story retail and dining experience with rooftop terrace

Entrances
Wacker Drive Entrance

5:00am - 11:00pm M-F
Main entrance for tenants and visitors

Jackson Boulevard Entrance

7:00am - 11:00pm Daily
Main entrance for Skydeck Catalog

Franklin Street Entrance

Open 24 hours daily

Media Kit

For Press Inquiries, please email: [email protected]
Download Media Kit
Willis tower in the distance
The EQ Promise

With 50 years of experience and an industry-leading breadth of spaces, design resources, and partners across the country, we give clients limitless options and the expertise to bring their vision to life.

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