Celebrating Fifty Years: Chicago’s Iconic Tower Continues to be a Community Hub
In 1973, the very last construction beam was set in place at Willis Tower, marking a historic moment as it claimed its spot as the city of Chicago’s architectural centerpiece. Formerly known as the Sears Tower and standing at a total of 110 stories high, it reflected the efforts of over 2,000 workers and three years of labor. Once the construction was completed, on what was then the tallest building in the world, it changed the city’s skyline forever.
Fifty years later, Willis Tower remains one of the most prominent skyscrapers in the world. A true American legend and Chicago landmark, Willis Tower continues to welcome tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, who marvel at the breathtaking views of the city from Skydeck. It is an anchor in the heart of downtown Chicago, offering a wide array of amenities for everyone who steps inside it.
In 2017, EQ Office embarked on the demolition and construction process of a $500M transformation. The vision was to open the Tower up and create a real Chicago-born environment that reinforces a highly active, neighborhood-scaled experience.
Officially unveiled in 2022, the project put on display a fully modernized workplace with an unprecedented 150,000 square feet of new tenant amenities, four stories of unique dining, entertainment, and retail spaces, and a publicly accessible 30,000 square foot landscaped roof garden. Thus, transforming Willis Tower into a top destination for the surrounding community and travelers from around the globe.
The redesigned Willis Tower signaled the next era for the skyscraper and brought a whole new meaning to term “office space.” Willis Tower now offers an inviting and vibrant pedestrian experience. It does this while reminding those around it of the important role it has played in history, forever creating a significant sense of place and allowing its inhabitants to make their own memories within the Tower’s walls.
Willis Tower’s 50th anniversary celebration cements the site’s original commitment to Chicago and the neighborhood known as the Loop through the preservation and promotion of local culture, creation of enriching experiences for the general public, and the Tower’s impressive ability to make meaningful connections between downtown denizens and those in the greater Chicago area.
Bustling with business, tourism and culture, Willis Tower’s reputation is much more than its place as Chicago's tallest building. It is home to large, well-known companies, as well as thriving homegrown businesses being run by smart, innovative and passionate people.
At Willis Tower, we celebrated the kickoff of our 50th anniversary with an Open House event on June 15. The evening’s festivities were anchored in Catalog and our outdoor terrace, spotlighting several dining and entertainment options, which honored the building’s rich past and bright future at this free event held for the enjoyment of our tenants and neighbors.
The largest part of our celebration put the spotlight on local talent such as acrobatic team Chicago Boyz, who fittingly performed a trick called the “Skyscraper,” which saw members of the troupe stacked three-high on each other’s shoulders, and country musician Joey Kar, both of whom were featured on “America’s Got Talent.” The iconic Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, renowned local jazz ensemble Sam Thousand Trio, and award-winning band Maggie Speaks rounded out the event’s lineup.
It was an event that featured Chicago’s unique flair and style and drew appearances from multiple mascots representing the city’s most famous sports teams. Staley Da Bear of the Chicago Bears charmed children, Tommy Hawk representing the Chicago Blackhawks made a dramatic entrance in a flurry of confetti and Southpaw of the Chicago White Sox posed for selfies with the crowd.
Guests mixed and mingled at the event in the lobby of Catalog in front of a collage of archival photos and a model of Willis Tower, all while trying their luck at the “Wheel of Willis,” which offered winners prizes including a retro camera and products made from the Tower’s urban beehives on the 4th floor terrace.
Catalog is a dedicated community space that acts as a hub for conversation, dining, entertainment, and more. We are proud to have the following vendors involved:
Sushi-san
Shake Shack
Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken
Tortazo
sweetgreen
Foxtrot
Joe & the Juice
Market Creations
Kindling
The Metropolitan
“As we experience this new era for Willis Tower, this is a moment to recognize our historic past while celebrating the future,” said Kirsten Ekdahl Hull, SVP, Portfolio Management, EQ Office. “Between our state-of-the-art office spaces, new restaurant options, sustainability enhancements and re-imagined Skydeck experience, we have approached this building as stewards of our community to ensure the Tower remains a fixture in Chicago for decades to come.”
As we look at what’s to come, we are finding new ways to celebrate this milestone and the legacy of Chicago’s landmark Tower.
This year and beyond, our team looks forward to every opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Chicago’s landmark Tower. The June 15 celebration kicked off the second annual Summer Concert Series—a free 5-part concert featuring local performers. On the digital front, we’re spotlighting stories and characteristics of the building that capture the uniqueness of Willis Tower through the #BehindTheScenes Instagram series. And later this year, we look forward to welcoming all to see the transformed Tower during the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House.
A lot has changed at Willis Tower in 50 years—expanded offerings, modernized amenities and new sustainable designs — but one constant remains the same, Willis Tower is a treasure worth celebrating.