Introduction
Chicago is known for its impressive skyline, iconic monuments, and tall skyscrapers. The city is home to some of the tallest buildings in the world, and it continues to grow with new skyscrapers constantly being added to the skyline. In this blog, our readers have the list of the Top 8 Tallest Buildings in Chicago.
Top 8: Tallest Buildings in Chicago
1. Willis Tower
Total Height: 1,451 ft (442.3 m)
Known For: Skydeck, Anodized aluminum and black glass made Façade
Alternatives Name: Sears Tower
Total Stories: 110 – 108 – Standard, 1 – Main Roof, 1 – Mechanical Penthouse Roof
Building Cost: More than $150 million
Architectural Type: International Style
Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Fazlur Rahman Khan, Bruce Graham
Location: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago
Fun Facts: World’s Tallest Building in 1973 – 1998, 3rd Tallest Building in the Western Hemisphere, 3rd Tallest Building in the US, 23rd Tallest Building in the World.
Chicago’s Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, is one of the tallest buildings in Chicago. From 1973 until now, this iconic skyscraper has dominated the city’s skyline. For nearly 25 years, the Willis Tower held the title of the tallest building in the world. Until 1998, when the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur surpassed it.
In fact, Willis Tower Skydeck is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chicago with over 1.7 million people visiting it every year, making the building among Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions.
Also Read:- Top 12 Tallest Building in the US
2. Trump International Hotel and Tower
Total Height: 1,388 ft (423.2 m)
Known For: Permasteelisa curtain wall, Luxurious residential condominiums
Alternatives Name: Trump Tower Chicago
Total Stories: 98
Building Cost: $847 million
Architectural Type: Modern
Architect: Adrian Smith
Location: 401 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago
Fun Facts: Known as the commercial and residential skyscraper of Chicago, One of the tallest residential buildings in the world.
In our blog related to the tallest buildings in Chicago, we include The Trump International Hotel and Tower in 2nd position. This skyscraper is located on the Chicago River and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. This skyscraper is more than just a luxurious hotel, the building also includes 486 residential units and several high-end restaurants and shops.
Despite its popularity, the Trump International Hotel and Tower have been subject to controversy due to its namesake. Many have criticized the tower for being associated with former President Donald Trump, who has faced numerous allegations of misconduct during his time in office. However, the tower’s impressive architecture and prime location continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
3. St. Regis Chicago
Total Height: 1,198 ft (365 m)
Known For: Wind Resistance Design
Alternatives Name: Vista Tower, Wanda Vista Tower
Total Stories: 101
Building Cost: nearly $1 billion
Architect: Jeanne Gang from Studio Gang Architects
Location: 363 East Wacker Drive, Chicago
Fun Facts: World’s Tallest Structure Designed by a Woman, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified.
In my list, St. Regis Chicago is the third-tallest building in Chicago. This skyscraper is popularly known for its curvilinear design and luxurious condo. This skyscraper is designed by Jeanne Gang.
Chicago Tribune’s blair kamin said that this is the world’s tallest building designed by a woman (Jeanne Gang) and it is a remarkable architectural masterpiece of Chicago.
St. Regis Chicago has 393 condominiums, 191 hotel rooms, high-end restaurants, bars, and lounges. Moreover, this is a LEED-certificated skyscraper.
4. Aon Center
Total Height: 1,136 ft (346 m)
Known For: Aon Center Observatory, Carrara Marble Cladded Skyscraper
Alternatives Name: Standard Oil Building, Amoco Building
Total Stories: 83
Building Cost: US$120 million
Architectural Type: Modern Architecture
Architect: Edward Durell Stone
Location: 200 East Randolph St. Chicago
Fun Facts: Chicago’s Tallest Building When Completed, Designed by Two Famous Architectural Firms Of That Era.
Aon Center stands out among the other “Tallest Buildings in Chicago” because of its impressive height and marble-clad design. When it was built, it was only the sixth supertall tower. This skyscraper was originally covered in Carrara marble, but in 1990 Aon Center “one of the tallest buildings in Chicago” was recladding in white granite as a safety precaution.
5. 875 North Michigan Avenue / John Hancock Center
Total Height: 1,128 ft (344 m)
Known For: 360 Chicago Observation Deck, One of the Fastest Elevators
Alternatives Name: 875 North Michigan Avenue, John Hancock Center
Total Stories: 100
Building Cost: US$100 million
Architectural Type: Structural Expressionism
Architect: Fazlur Rahman Khan, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
Location: 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
Fun Facts: Popular Attraction of Magnificent Mile, A Multi-Purpose Skyscraper, Designed by the Father of Tubular Designs.
875 North Michigan Avenue, also known as the John Hancock Center, is one of the tallest buildings in Chicago and a beloved landmark of the city’s skyline.
The John Hancock Center’s unique design, spectacular views, and modern amenities make it an important part of the city’s architectural heritage.
The x-bracing and tubular system of John Hancock Center provides structural support and enhances resistance against wind and seismic forces. Also, you get a spectacular view of the city from the 360 Chicago Observation Deck.
6. Franklin Center
Total Height: 1,007 ft (307 m)
Alternatives Name: AT&T Corporate Center, The Franklin Center, The Franklin
Total Stories: 62
Architectural Type: Postmodern Architecture
Architect: Adrian D. Smith
Location: 227 West Monroe Street, Chicago
Fun Facts: 6th Tallest Building in Chicago, 27th Tallest Building in the US, Postmodern Architecture Style Building.
The Franklin Center’s construction began in 1981 and was completed in 1985. The tower’s innovative granite-clad steel-framed design makes this building an iconic role model for all future skyscrapers.
Different colors like deep red and rose beige colored granite are used in Franklin Center. This building is famously known for its exterior lights. Also, this is the LEED EBOM Silver certified skyscraper.
7. Two Prudential Plaza
Total Height: 995 ft (303 m)
Known For: Distinctive Chevron Setback Building Shape
Total Stories: 64
Architect: Stephen T. Wright
Location: 180 N Stetson Ave, Chicago
Fun Facts: In its time, It was the tallest reinforced concrete building.
Chicago’s Two Prudential Plaza is one of the tallest buildings in the city and is located in the Loop area of the city.
This building was designed by Loebl Schlossman & Hackl and Stephen T. Wright led the design team. It was thanks to the hard work and dedication of this team that Two Prudential Plaza won the “Best Structure Award” in 1995 from the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois.
Additionally, Two Prudential Plaza is popularly known as the new home for Tribune Publishing Company and Chicago Tribune.
8. One Chicago
Total Height: 971 ft (296 m)
Known For: Eye catchy and Impressive building design
Alternatives Name: One Chicago Square [formerly]
Total Stories: 76
Architect: Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture and Goettsch Partners
Location: 1 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago
Fun Facts: 8th Tallest Building in Chicago.
Located in the River North neighborhood of the city, One Chicago is one of the most iconic buildings in Chicago.
In the city’s skyline, this newly added skyscraper is gaining popularity as a premium location for luxurious living and rentals.
One Chicago has two towers, with one tower having 76 stories and the other tower having 49 stories.
That’s why we include this skyscraper in our list of “The Tallest Buildings in Chicago”.
Chicago’s 8 Most Outstanding & Tallest Buildings [Design-Wise]
1. NEMA Chicago
2. Aqua
3. Legacy At Millennium Park
4. One Museum Park
5. Lake Point Tower
6. OneEleven
7. Accenture Tower
8. Cirrus
