Chicago's skyline is one of the most recognizable in the world. It was one of the first industrial cities in the U.S. in the mid to late 1800s. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire burned the majority of the city down, so the city began rebuilding itself using steel and other new materials from the Industrial Revolution. The first skyscraper in the world was built in Chicago in 1885, called the Home Insurance Building, which was 10 stories tall. Throughout the 1900s, buildings continued to be built, and started to get taller as the century progressed.
Willis Tower, called the Sears Tower until 2009, was completed in 1973 and held the title of World's Tallest Building until 2004, when Taipei 101 was built in Taiwan. Including the antennas, however, Willis Tower was still taller than any other building in the world until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai opened in 2010. Willis Tower is 108 stories high. Offices fill most of the building space, but residents live there too. It is a popular destination for tourists in Chicago. Visitors to Willis Tower can ride an express elevator to three different observation decks: floors 33 and 34, 66 and 67 and 103.
Willis Tower
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
willistower.com
The Trump International Hotel and Tower joined the Chicago skyline in 2009, and at 92 stories tall it is the second tallest building in the U.S. and in Chicago. It is the 10th tallest building in the world (as of summer 2010). Most of the building is occupied by hotel and residential units, but some office space can be found in the building as well. With its unique "spire" shape, the building looks different from different angles.
Trump International Hotel and Tower
401 North Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
trumpchicagohotel.com
John Hancock Center, built in 1970, is located in the heart of Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, a stretch of Michigan Ave. in downtown Chicago that features world class shopping, dining and other attractions. Before the Sears Tower was competed, the John Hancock Center was the tallest building in the world. It is used mostly for residential units, though some offices and retail space are in the building as well. It currently (summer 2010) has the world's highest indoor pool on the 44th floor. At the top of the building (on the 95th and 96th floors), visitors can enjoy a fine dining meal or a cocktail at the Signature Room restaurant. An observation deck is on the 94th floor.
John Hancock Center
875 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
johnhancockcenterchicago.com
