The Sears Tower In Illinois Was Once The Tallest In The World

Once upon a time, the tallest building in the country was right here in Illinois, specifically Chicago. Today, One World Trade Center in New York City has the distinction as the tallest skyscraper in the United States, but that accolade once belonged to the Sears Tower in Illinois. Now known as Willis Tower, the Sears Tower is an incredible feat of engineering, especially during the time it was built.

The year was 1970 when the ground was broken in downtown Chicago and construction began on what would become the world’s tallest building. This was the new home for Sears Roebuck and Company at the time.

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The building was completed in 1973 and its Skydeck was opened as well that year. It had taken over 2,000 workers over three years to complete construction.

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In 1984, the iconic broadcast antennas were added to the top of the 110-story tower giving it its striking appearance.

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After 18 years, Sears sold the building but it remained the Sears Tower until 2009 when it was renamed the Willis Tower after Willis Group Holdings that made its home here.

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It’s certainly hard not to notice the Willis Tower and its striking design. You can see it from just about everywhere in the city.

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If you really want an experience, book a ticket for The Ledge, a series of glass windows that extend out from the building…103 stories from the ground! The views from a glass box so far above the ground are surely stomach-dropping!

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Here’s a view you can enjoy from The Ledge. What do you think?

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Have you experienced the views from The Ledge yet? What do you think about the Sears Tower in Illinois (now the Willis Tower)? Let us know in the comments. For more information, visit the Willis Tower website.