News and Press

Personal Journal Kept During Historic Construction of “Big John” Unveiled

Chicago, Ill. – February 14, 2017 – Chicago is world-renowned for its skyscrapers, but how often do the workers behind these buildings get a starring role in the story? In 1965, Evald Peterson, aka “Michigan Pete,” worked as head caisson inspector for construction of the John Hancock Building and captured his personal experiences and photos in a journal. After years of archiving this treasure, 360 CHICAGO unveils Building Hancock: The Stories and Photos of Michigan Pete, a new interactive display that pays tribute to his work, and brings to life the architectural building feats and challenges recorded in his own words and pictures.

The exhibit will be dedicated on February 23rd during a private reception that includes notable guest introductions by William F. Baker representing the building architects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Lynn Osmond, president and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Foundation, and Michigan Pete’s own son, Gerald, who worked as a construction laborer on this project.

“The John Hancock Center is an iconic building and considered a monumental achievement in the world of architecture. Our new exhibit allows our visitors to learn about the building project through the eyes of Michigan Pete, and to gain a better appreciation for the hands and hearts that went into constructing the project,” says Nichole Williamson, general manager of the attraction owned by Montparnasse 56 Group.

The exhibit designed by Provost Studio and fabricated by Chicago Scenic Studios transforms Michigan Pete’s handwritten, spiral-ringed notebook into an interactive exploration of important Chicago history. A touch-pad app designed by Gramercy Tech allows users to easily flip through the journal’s pages and photos. Rather than organizing the content sequentially, content developed by Fleming Museum Consulting is intended to pique the visitor’s curiosity to learn more by offering a unique, self-navigating, ‘un-filtered’ experience through Michigan Pete’s personal collection of photos, notes and facts.

The exhibit is now available to all general admission ticket holders and located in the northwest corner of the 94th floor observation deck.

Exhibit Design Credits

(Experience/Exhibit Design)

Provost Studio Inc.
Peter Provost- Exhibit Design

Stephanie Parrish- Graphic Design

(Content Development)

Fleming Museum Consulting Inc.

Bethany Fleming- Content Curation & Development

(Exhibit Fabrication)

Chicago Scenic Studios Inc.

Dan Clodfelter-Project Manager

(Media Production)

Gramercy Tech Inc.

Maggie Seay- Project Manager

Andrey Kats- App Development & Programming

Observation Deck Hours and Pricing

Open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., the last ticket is sold at 10:30 p.m.General admission: $20.50 for adults (ages 12+); $13.50 for youth (3-11); Chicago 606 Resident Appreciation Rate: $10.25 adults (ages 12+); $6.75 for youth (3-11).TILT costs $7 per person and tickets do not include admission to the observation deck. Additional pricing packages can be found at www.360chicago.com.

360 CHICAGO is located at 875 N. Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor in Chicago, IL.For information, weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., call 312-751-3681.All other times, please call 312-654-2892. Follow on social media through Twitter and Instagram: @360ChiViews; Facebook: 360 Chicago. Visit www.360chicago.com for information.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Kelly Wisecarver at 773-218-7285 or Natalie Stanichuk at 312-420-2225

Visit 360 CHICAGO

875 N Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor

Daily: 9 AM - 11 PM
Last entry is 1 hour prior to closing