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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
Number of visits to UK attractions are bouncing back says ALVA
Visitor numbers at the UK’s leading attractions have bounced strongly, getting to 78 per cent of pre-pandemic numbers.
World's first Play-Doh attractions to be built in Saudi Arabia by Thinkwell and Seven
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) has revealed plans to develop and operate the world’s first Play-Doh attractions in Saudi Arabia.
Elev8Fun to expand FEC portfolio - will feature Triotech rides
A new family entertainment centre will open in Tampa, Florida, US, this month (March 2023).
Opening date of US$1bn George Lucas museum set for 2025
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Jobs    News   Products   Magazine
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
Number of visits to UK attractions are bouncing back says ALVA
Visitor numbers at the UK’s leading attractions have bounced strongly, getting to 78 per cent of pre-pandemic numbers.
World's first Play-Doh attractions to be built in Saudi Arabia by Thinkwell and Seven
Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) has revealed plans to develop and operate the world’s first Play-Doh attractions in Saudi Arabia.
Elev8Fun to expand FEC portfolio - will feature Triotech rides
A new family entertainment centre will open in Tampa, Florida, US, this month (March 2023).
Opening date of US$1bn George Lucas museum set for 2025
A US$1bn museum funded by legendary director, George Lucas, will look to become the world's first to focus exclusively on storytelling through images.
Florida governor strips Disney of special tax district status
The row between Florida's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, and The Walt Disney Company has escalated, leading to Orlando's Walt Disney World losing its special tax district status.
First ever IAAPA North America Trade Summit to focus on VR and 'authentic reality'
Attendees to IAAPA’s first-ever North America Trade Summit will hear about how the visitor attractions industry has evolved from a service economy into an experience economy.
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COMPANY PROFILES
Red Raion

Founded in 2014, Red Raion is the CGI studio specialized in media based attractions. [more...]
Antonio Zamperla Spa

Founded in 1966, the Antonio Zamperla SPA is privately owned by Mr Alberto Zamperla. Located in Vi [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
Mather & Co

We lead the world in incredible museum, exhibition, and attraction design. We work across the herita [more...]
+ More profiles  
VIDEO GALLERY

Red Raion - Testimonial Richard Needham - SimEx-Iwerks Entertainment
Last July 7th, Red Raion took part in the opening event of FICO Eataly World, the Italian theme park dedicated to food - the only one worldwide! Find out more...
More videos:
ProSlide's all-in-one waterplay entertainment center – Proslide Tech Inc
Keynote | Moby Dick - Friends to the rescue! – Red Raion
+ More videos  

CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

10-12 May 2023

Asia Pool & Spa Expo

China Import & Export Fair Complex, China
24-27 Oct 2023

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Palmaïa, The House of Aia, Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2023

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS