One of the tallest buildings in the world, the Willis Tower-formerly the Sears Tower-is a Chicago, Illinois, landmark that does the city proud. Visitors to the Skydeck on the Tower's 103rd floor will find captivating views of the Chicago Cityscape as well as Lake Michigan, outlying towns, and on clear days, four different states. This historic Chicago attraction is not to be missed.
The Silversmith Hotel & Suites -
Treat yourself to upscale accommodation in the historic Silversmith Hotel & Suites, just a short walk from the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sear Tower. This boutique hotel offers charming hotel rooms and suites that are long on luxury and comfort, with amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, premium cable television channels, CD players, in-room safes and refrigerators. Plus, we're easily accessible and offer onsite services including a business center for guests and fitness equipment. Whether you're coming to Chicago for business or pleasure, the Silversmith Hotel is the ideal lodging choice.
Chicago's Sears Tower -
For 25 years, the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, dominated the globe as the world's tallest building. This monumental skyscraper, at 110 stories and 1,451 feet tall, continues to attract visitors from all over the world. It is still the tallest building in the western hemisphere and has over 3.8 million square feet of retail as well as office space. Built in the 1970s for then retail giant Sears, Roebuck & Company, the office tower is located on Chicago's Wacker Drive in the West Loop.
Today's Willis Tower -
In 2003, the Sears Tower naming rights expired. Although the building continues to be known informally as the Sears Tower to some, in 2009, Willis Group Holdings, a global insurance group, obtained the rights to the building's name. The building is also home to over 100 other companies, mostly in insurance, law, finance, and transportation. Naturally, as the third tallest building in the world, the Tower is a Chicago tourist attraction on just about every visitor's must list, particularly the Skydeck.
Willis Tower Skydeck -
The Chicago Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower, which is 1,353 feet high. Plexiglas ledges allow visitors-over 1.3 million each year-to get a feeling of what it would be like to walk on air above Chicago. In addition to incredible Chicago city views, the Skydeck offers a great place to see the sunset. From October to March, the Skydeck is opening until 8 PM, and until 10 PM April through September.
The Future of the Tower -
Willis Tower is a place that continues to change and grow. The twin antennae on the Tower's roof were added after the Tower was built, bringing the total height of the structure to 1,730 feet. Improvements are being made to make the Tower green so that it can remain sustainable for generations to come. Projects include a recycling program, low flow water fixtures, shaded windows to reduce the need for air conditioning, and less use of harmful chemicals in cleaning products.
