Chicago
Sights to See - The Sears Tower Now the Willis Tower
For many years the world's tallest skyscraper, the Willis Tower, although many still call it the Sears Tower, is
really nine buildings combined into one massive structure. Completed in
1974, it was erected to consolidate offices housing 6,500 Sears
employees from all over the city.
Close to the famed Chicago
'L', also known as the "El", the elevated train and Chicago Transit Authority
buses, it would have been taller but the Federal Aviation Authority was
concerned about plane safety on routes to and from O'Hare.
The buildings are comprised of a set of "bundled tubes" in which each
tower supports others. Owing to the strong winds in Chicago,
produced by its proximity to Lake
Michigan, any tall building has to take careful account of
stresses produced by wind shear. With its special design, the perimeter
can shed winds and reduce sway, while the interior provides structural
support.
A series of setbacks above the 50th floor give the structure its unique
look, along with the black glass that provides both light and
temperature control and an impressive facade. As a result, it forms a
significant addition to an already magnificent skyline in one of
America's premier cities.
Visitors to the Willis Tower can take the elevator to the Skydeck to see the view at the
103rd floor. The entrance is on Jackson Boulevard and 1.5 million
visitors pass through it every year.
First step on the tour after you get your tickets is a video that
explains the history and unique construction of the building, very
interesting all on its own. Then it's on to the SkyDeck elevators
where you are whisked to the top. Elevators are equipped with 50-inch
flat screen monitors with views of the Earth from the Space Shuttle,
compliments of NASA.
On a clear day visitors can see for dozens of miles and, thanks to the
high winds, the sky is often clear. The view is entangled by other
structures nearby, but you'll see not only the other buildings but
parts of Michigan,
Indiana
and Wisconsin
stretching into the distance.
There are interactive computer displays that give you tons of information about the history of Chicago and its world famous
buildings. Cut-out windows allow the kids to see as well as the adults. High-powered telescopes provide for a closer look at some of the other
sights of the city.
The Tower also offers several restaurants to choose from including Mrs. Levy's Delicatessen,
a New York style deli, Mia
Torre for Italian cuisine and Dos Hermanos
offering a Mexican menu.
The surrounding space at the base of the tower is somewhat plain, but
the view looking up is spectacular. In order to relieve the blandness
of the plaza, a 4-story atrium was erected on Wacker Drive that is
worth a look.
Lines can be very long and there are often long waits not only for
tickets but elevators in both directions. Be sure to allow plenty of
time to get to the top or bottom. Aim for a Sunday morning or other
low-traffic time.
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