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About 360 CHICAGO & The John Hancock Tower

Not Just Another Tall Tale

Our building, formerly the John Hancock Tower, is more than just an architectural wonder; it played a fascinating part in the development of modern-day Chicago. Learn more about the history of our building, and our company.

History of the John Hancock Center

Financed by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, the building was originally conceived to be the world's second tallest building. Construction of the tower was interrupted in 1967 due to a flaw that was discovered in an engineering method used to pour concrete in stages.
The engineers got the same soil settlements after the first 20 stories were built as they expected for the entire 99 stories. This problem forced the owner to stop development until it could be resolved. As a result of the problem,  the owner went bankrupt. John Hancock took over the project, and retained the original design, architect, engineer,  and main contractor.
The building was completed in 1969. Its first resident was Ray Heckla, the original building engineer responsible for the residential floors from 44 to 92.
Height and Elevator Speed

The John Hancock Center has a height of 1,500 feet (457.2 m), including its two antennas, making it the fourth-highest building in Chicago and the thirty-third tallest building in the world when measured to pinnacle height. The observation deck elevators were manufactured by Otis, and travel 96 floors at a top speed of 22 miles per hour.

Design & Construction Highlights

  • John Hancock Center is characterized by the distinctive X-shaped external bracing making it an architectural icon. This bracing also eliminated the need for inner support columns, significantly increasing the amount of available floor space.
  • The building’s design allows only five to eight inches of sway in a 60 mph wind; it’s been tested to withstand winds of up to 132 miles per hour.
  • At the peak of construction, more than 2,000 people worked on the project and five million man-hours were required to complete the development.
  • Enough steel to make 33,000 cars was used to make the frame, which took three years to complete and weighs 46,000 tons.
  • Its four corner columns weigh up to 100 tons each.
  • The building's 1,250 miles of wiring carries enough power to supply a city of 30,000 people.
  • There's enough aluminum in the building to cover 12 football fields.
  • The 11,459 extra-thick, bronze windows contain enough glass to produce a single, 5 ft sheet 13 miles long.
  • Because of the John Hancock Tower’s lakeside location, caissons had to be sunk into 10 ft wide holes drilled 190 ft into bedrock.
  • The unusual design required innovative construction methods, including the use of "creeper cranes," previously used only in bridge construction to hoist steel beams into place.
  • Prefabrication of the immense corner joints meant construction proceeded at a rapid pace - up to three floors a week.

Awards and History of 360 CHICAGO

The John Hancock Tower is one of the distinguished members of the World Federation of Great Towers, a prestigious club open only by invitation. 360 CHICAGO is recognized for its iconic architectural design and significant contribution to tourism.

The John Hancock Tower has won various awards for its distinctive style, including the Distinguished Architects Twenty-five Year Award from the American Institute of Architects in May 1999.
In 2014, John Hancock Center began an exciting transformation, including a vibrant new brand identity, a multi-million dollar renovation and the new name— 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck.

About Magnicity

Magnicity is the global leader in elevated urban leisure and one of the only companies in the world specializing in observation deck management. Its portfolio includes 6 venues: 360 Chicago Observation Deck at the former John Hancock Center in Chicago, Illinois, Paris Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower) in Paris France, Berliner Fernsehturm (Berlin TV Tower) in Berlin, Germany, Euromast Rotterdam and Magnicity Rotterdam at Zalmhaven tower, and Magnicity Warsaw at Varso tower.
In 2024, Magnicity will open its 5th site worldwide, taking over exclusive management of the top floors of the tallest tower in the Benelux, De Zalmhaven in Rotterdam. In 2025, its 6th site, the Varso Tower site, will open with a unique experience on the top of the tower.
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