OUR STORY

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. In this section, you’ll learn more about the history of our building, you also learn how the 360 CHICAGO observatory became the go-to destination for visitors who want to experience the best views of the city and its historic lakefront. And best of all, you’ll also learn more about the making of TILT! – A true architectural achievement.

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 innovative engineering method used to pour concrete in stages. The engineers were getting the same soil settlements after the first 20 stories had been built as they expected for the entire 99 stories. This forced the owner to stop development until the engineering problem could be resolved, and resulted in a credit crunch. The owner went bankrupt, which resulted in John Hancock taking over the project, which 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.

Including its two antennas, the John Hancock Center has a height of 1,500 feet (457.2 m), 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 in the John Hancock Center, were manufactured by Otis, and travel 96 floors at a top speed of 1,800 ft/min (20.5 mph).

The observatory is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers. It 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.

360 CHICAGO recently installed a brand new interactive display The Stories and Photos of Michigan Pete, that pays tribute to Evald Peterson, aka “Michigan Pete,” a head caisson inspector for construction of the John Hancock Tower who captured his personal experiences in a journal that brings to life the architectural building feats and challenges recorded in his own words and pictures.

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION HIGHLIGHTS

  • John Hancock Center is characterized by the distinctive X-shaped external bracing that made it an architectural icon. This bracing also eliminated the need for inner support columns, greatly increasing 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 132 miles-per-hour.
  • At the peak of construction, more than 2,000 people worked on the project; some 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.
  • Its 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.

HISTORY OF 360 CHICAGO

With its unique location and breathtaking 360° views, our 94th floor observation deck has long been acknowledged as a favorite place to see Chicago at its best. Originally known as the John Hancock Observatory (JHO) when it was first opened in 1969, the observation deck has enthralled hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

Montparnasse 56 Group, a Paris-based company that specializes in the operation and development of tourist sites, purchased the John Hancock Observatory in 2012. Bolstered by its success, results, and financial resources, the company is implementing a policy of active external growth by creating or acquiring exceptional sites.

The group now has five outstanding tourist sites including the 56th floor and panoramic terrace of the Montparnasse Tower in Paris, the Berlin TV Tower, Crocodile Zoo and Nature Preserve in the south of France, One Liberty Philadelphia, and 360 CHICAGO Observation deck.

Visit 360 CHICAGO

875 N Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor

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