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NEWS
Skydeck at Chicago's iconic Willis Tower reopens following redevelopment
POSTED 27 Apr 2021 . BY Tom Walker
The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the 110-storey Willis Tower Credit: SOM
The Skydeck attraction at the Willis Tower in Chicago has opened following a redevelopment
Skydeck forms the centrepiece of a visitor experience which also includes a new interactive exhibition showcasing the city's architecture
Along with the views, guests can indulge in informational videos about the city's growth
The Skydeck was developed and led by EQ Office, the operator of Willis Tower
The Skydeck attraction at the Willis Tower in Chicago – which held the title of the world's tallest building for 25 years – has reopened following an extensive redevelopment.

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Thinc Design, and Chicago Scenic Studios, the Skydeck forms the centrepiece of a visitor experience which also includes a new interactive exhibition showcasing how architecture has shaped Chicago’s history and identity.

On entering the 110-storey Willis Tower, guests are guided through the interactive exhibition, while a fly-through video by Squint/Opera provides an immersive tour of the skyline.

An elevator ride to the 103rd floor then reveals the transformed observation deck.

Interior enhancements, improved lighting and building technology upgrades allow for greatly expanded views across the city, while new interactive screens encourage visitors to learn more about Chicago’s historic architecture.

Along with the views, guests can indulge in informational videos about the city's growth, travel patterns, cultural attractions and the making and history of The Ledge.

Guests are invited to leave a mark on the city by creating drawings or messages on the interactive sequin wall.

The Skydeck was developed and led by EQ Office, the operator of Willis Tower, and constructed by RL Edward Partners and Clark Construction Group.

David Moore, senior VP, portfolio director at EQ Office, said: “Skydeck has always been the best way for locals and visitors to see all of Chicago, and now we have dramatically expanded and elevated the experience beyond what anyone has seen before.

"The new Skydeck experience celebrates hometown traditions and Chicago’s storied history, with incredible views that you can’t find anywhere else."

Randy Stancik, general manager at Skydeck Chicago, said: "With the reimagined attraction, we wanted to take that experience a step further.

"The new Skydeck tells the story of Chicago – from the Great Chicago Fire to iconic city legends – and allows visitors to actively engage with our beloved home in a way that is wholly their own.

"From interactive and educational installations to fun, photo-worthy moments, guests of all ages, backgrounds and geographic locations will leave with a newfound connection to Chicago and the incredible memories of our unparalleled views."
Skydeck forms the centrepiece of a visitor experience Credit: SOM
Credit: SOM
RELATED STORIES
  Gensler launch $500m revamp of Chicago's Willis Tower to create 'must-visit' attraction


Chicago's mayor, Rahm Emanuel, has announced ambitious plans to transform the city’s famous Willis Tower into a civic destination offering 'unique retail and entertainment experiences.'
  Blackstone buys Chicago's Willis Tower for US$1.3bn – will invest US$150m in leisure elements


Blackstone has announced it will buy Chicago’s Willis Tower, the second-tallest building in the US for US$1.3bn (€1.19bn, £800m).
  Cracks appear in Chicago’s Willis Tower Skydeck


Visitors using Chicago’s Willis Tower Skydeck got more of a thrill than expected when the glass wall – which hangs hundreds of feet above the ground below – started to crack.
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Shenzhen art museum opens exhibition showcasing work of MAD Architects
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Timbaland, Platinum Grammy Award-winning music producer, who's worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Madonna, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Drake, has announced a partnership with health and wellbeing music provider, Myndstream.
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NEWS
Skydeck at Chicago's iconic Willis Tower reopens following redevelopment
POSTED 27 Apr 2021 . BY Tom Walker
The Skydeck is located on the 103rd floor of the 110-storey Willis Tower Credit: SOM
The Skydeck attraction at the Willis Tower in Chicago has opened following a redevelopment
Skydeck forms the centrepiece of a visitor experience which also includes a new interactive exhibition showcasing the city's architecture
Along with the views, guests can indulge in informational videos about the city's growth
The Skydeck was developed and led by EQ Office, the operator of Willis Tower
The Skydeck attraction at the Willis Tower in Chicago – which held the title of the world's tallest building for 25 years – has reopened following an extensive redevelopment.

Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Thinc Design, and Chicago Scenic Studios, the Skydeck forms the centrepiece of a visitor experience which also includes a new interactive exhibition showcasing how architecture has shaped Chicago’s history and identity.

On entering the 110-storey Willis Tower, guests are guided through the interactive exhibition, while a fly-through video by Squint/Opera provides an immersive tour of the skyline.

An elevator ride to the 103rd floor then reveals the transformed observation deck.

Interior enhancements, improved lighting and building technology upgrades allow for greatly expanded views across the city, while new interactive screens encourage visitors to learn more about Chicago’s historic architecture.

Along with the views, guests can indulge in informational videos about the city's growth, travel patterns, cultural attractions and the making and history of The Ledge.

Guests are invited to leave a mark on the city by creating drawings or messages on the interactive sequin wall.

The Skydeck was developed and led by EQ Office, the operator of Willis Tower, and constructed by RL Edward Partners and Clark Construction Group.

David Moore, senior VP, portfolio director at EQ Office, said: “Skydeck has always been the best way for locals and visitors to see all of Chicago, and now we have dramatically expanded and elevated the experience beyond what anyone has seen before.

"The new Skydeck experience celebrates hometown traditions and Chicago’s storied history, with incredible views that you can’t find anywhere else."

Randy Stancik, general manager at Skydeck Chicago, said: "With the reimagined attraction, we wanted to take that experience a step further.

"The new Skydeck tells the story of Chicago – from the Great Chicago Fire to iconic city legends – and allows visitors to actively engage with our beloved home in a way that is wholly their own.

"From interactive and educational installations to fun, photo-worthy moments, guests of all ages, backgrounds and geographic locations will leave with a newfound connection to Chicago and the incredible memories of our unparalleled views."
Skydeck forms the centrepiece of a visitor experience Credit: SOM
Credit: SOM
RELATED STORIES
Gensler launch $500m revamp of Chicago's Willis Tower to create 'must-visit' attraction


Chicago's mayor, Rahm Emanuel, has announced ambitious plans to transform the city’s famous Willis Tower into a civic destination offering 'unique retail and entertainment experiences.'
Blackstone buys Chicago's Willis Tower for US$1.3bn – will invest US$150m in leisure elements


Blackstone has announced it will buy Chicago’s Willis Tower, the second-tallest building in the US for US$1.3bn (€1.19bn, £800m).
Cracks appear in Chicago’s Willis Tower Skydeck


Visitors using Chicago’s Willis Tower Skydeck got more of a thrill than expected when the glass wall – which hangs hundreds of feet above the ground below – started to crack.
MORE NEWS
Sony Pictures to launch immersive Wonderverse entertainment destination
Sony Pictures is set to launch an immersive indoor entertainment park at Oakbrook Center in Chicago in December, featuring escape rooms, interactive exhibits, racing simulators, VR attractions, bumper cars and food and drink.
Tourism think tank explores gender equity and male allyship
At a recent think tank, The Tourism Society hosted a panel overseen by its first female chair, Alison Cryer MBE, to discuss the importance of male allyship in the travel and tourism industry.
Shenzhen art museum opens exhibition showcasing work of MAD Architects
Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning (MoCAUP) has opened An exhibition which provides a retrospective of the research and practices of MAD Architects.
Timbaland, music producer to the stars, joins forces with Myndstream to co-create music that improves health and wellbeing
Timbaland, Platinum Grammy Award-winning music producer, who's worked with artists such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliott, Madonna, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake and Drake, has announced a partnership with health and wellbeing music provider, Myndstream.
Accenture says AI is bringing on a decade of deconstruction
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Cedar Fair and Six Flags merge – combined company will operate 51 theme parks and resorts
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+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Alterface

Alterface’s Creative Division team is seasoned in concept and ride development, as well as storyte [more...]
TechnoAlpin

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. Our product portfolio includes all different [more...]
Polin Waterparks

Polin was founded in Istanbul in 1976. Polin has since grown into a leading company in the waterpa [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

08-08 May 2024

Hospitality Design Conference

Hotel Melià , Milano , Italy
04-07 Nov 2024

Global Wellness Summit (GWS)

In person, St Andrews, United Kingdom
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023

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