What Happened to the John Hancock Center?

For decades, the building that really made the Chicago skyline was known as the John Hancock Building. Everyone, from lifelong Chicagoans to first-time visitors, knew exactly what it was when you said its name. But what did happen to that iconic structure, and what do we even call it now? You'll still hear plenty of folks referring to it as the "John Hancock," and honestly, who can blame them? But back in 2018, this iconic building was renamed. It ditched the old historical tag for something a bit more… well, let's just say "practical.” Come dive into the story of what used to be the John Hancock Center. Learn about its new name, where it's perfectly situated on Michigan Avenue, just how tall and impressive it is, and all the amazing experiences that await inside.

What is the John Hancock Building called now?

One of the most famous, easily recognizable buildings in Chicago was called the John Hancock Building for decades. It was named after the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company that was a developer and original tenant. But in 2018, “John Hancock” was removed from the building name after the insurance company relocated its headquarters. The building was simply given the name of its address: 875 N. Michigan Avenue. Since the name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, many people still call it the John Hancock Center or simply the John Hancock.

Where is the John Hancock Center?

As its new name suggests, the former John Hancock Center is located on Michigan Avenue in the Magnificent Mile District, which is convenient to public transport. The building is only 10 minutes from the Chicago CTA Red Line station. The closest CTA bus stops are at Michigan Ave. and Delaware Pl or Michigan Ave. and Chestnut St. Both stops are short, two-minute walks from our doors. The former John Hancock Tower is also near numerous restaurants and shops that you can browse for an enjoyable day exploring downtown Chicago.

How tall is the John Hancock Tower?

People mix up the terms John Hancock Tower and John Hancock Center. These are actually two distinct buildings in two different locations. The John Hancock Tower is in Boston, located at 200 Clarendon Street in the Back Bay neighborhood. This building is 60 stories tall and has also been renamed to 200 Clarendon Street, when John Hancock Financial’s lease ended in 2015.

The former John Hancock Center is the one that’s located in Chicago and is an impressive 1,128-foot supertall skyscraper. When it first opened in 1969, it was the tallest building in Chicago and the second tallest in the world. The engineering technique that makes the building an architectural icon is also what allowed it to reach record heights. The distinctive x-brace exterior and tubular system ensures that the building can endure Chicago’s windy days and any potential earthquakes. Bangladeshi-American structural civil engineer Fazlur Khan and chief architect Bruce Graham are to thank for this famous addition to the Chicago skyline.

How Many Floors/Stories Is the John Hancock Building?

The John Hancock Building is 100 stories tall, but the layout and occupants vary greatly between floors. The space below the 44th floor is dedicated to offices while above this floor is home to approximately 700 condos, which extend all the way up to the 92nd floor.

The 44th floor is referred to as the sky lobby. On this floor you can find a swimming pool that’s for residents only. However, there’s also a grocery store that’s available to both residents and office workers.

Come hop on an express elevator, which will take you past the offices and residences, all the way to the 94th floor. Here, you can soak up some of the best city views at the 360 CHICAGO observation deck. You can also enjoy an exhilarating experience on TILT, which leans you out over the street. Then toast the panoramic vistas at Chicago’s highest bar, CloudBar!

The multi-media 360 CHICAGO entry space guides you through the city’s history and construction of the John Hancock Building. Then take a stroll through an immersive art experience at Cloudwalk, which is an outdoor art exhibit at the observation deck that spotlights local artists.

Conclusion

While the famous John Hancock Building may have officially traded its iconic name for the rather mouthful-of-an-address, "875 N. Michigan Avenue," it's clear that for many, its legacy as the "John Hancock Center" lives on. Whether you're visiting for the breathtaking views from 360 CHICAGO and the exhilarating TILT experience, or simply appreciating its distinctive X-braced exterior from street level, the former John Hancock Center remains an undeniable centerpiece of the Magnificent Mile. So, next time you're strolling down Michigan Avenue, take a moment to look up at this architectural marvel, or come on in to be awed by the 94th floor views.