The cruise is the only tour that will take you from the lakefront, through the locks, and along the Chicago River all the way to Willis Tower. The cruise is perfect for getting up-close views of Chicago’s unique architecture and famous landmarks. You’ll depart on the 75-minute narrated cruise directly from Navy Pier. Start with the Chicago Seadog River & Lake Architectural Tour where you can enjoy Chicago’s iconic skyline while cruising the Chicago River. They include Chicago School (or Commercial Style), the Second Chicago School (more modern), Prairie School (a Midwestern flavor), Late Modernism, Millennium Modern, Art Deco, Postmodernism, and International Style/Miesian Modern.

You’ll get to see the architectural styles that make Chicago the city it is. One of the best ways to see Chicago architecture, including Willis Tower, up close and personal is by taking a Chicago Architecture Cruise. Cruise Chicago to Get Up Close to Top Architectural Spots in the City

There is such a diversity of styles in the city, making it a great destination for anyone who wants to be inspired by Chicago architecture. Not only is the city home to some of the world’s most unique skyscrapers, “Chicago structures also feature a range of genre-defining styles,” according to Chicago Architecture Cruises & Tours (The Ultimate Guide). Willis Tower is so ingrained in Chicago architecture along with other spectacular buildings.

In 2022, renovations were completed, which included Art of the Neighborhood and a rooftop greenspace.

In 2015, Blackstone bought Willis Tower.

In 2009, Sears Tower became Willis Tower.

In 2000, Skydeck, the observation deck on floor 103, was renovated for the first time.

In 1985, Wacker Drive Atrium was added to base of the tower, featuring arched glass.

In 1982 the broadcast antennae were added.

It wasn’t until 2009 that it was renamed after London-based insurance broker, the Willis Group.Īccording to WillisTower, some additional interesting details through the years include: The Sears Tower name continued even after Sears Roebuck and Company sold the building and moved in 1988.

12,000 construction workers, Sears employees, and Chicagoans signed the last beam put in place.

According to Skydeck, “The builders used enough concrete to make an eight- lane highway five miles long.” Some other cool and fun facts about the building include that it has:

Ground broke in 1970, and the building took three years to complete. Interesting and Cool Facts about Willis Tower Architects Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill were commissioned for the design of the building while, “Fazlur Khan, the structural engineer, designed the ‘bundled tube’ design that handled both wind and gravity,” according to The Sky Deck. With roughly 350,000 employees, the company needed a large enough office for many of those staff members. Back in 1969, Sears Roebuck and Company was the bigwig of retailers and the world’s largest at that. You really can’t talk about Chicago architecture history without mentioning Willis Tower and its importance overall. When it was completed with help from more than 2,000 workers in 1973, it was the world’s tallest building.

“At 110 stories high, Willis Tower is also one of the largest skyscrapers in the world,” according to. What was first known as the Sears Tower is iconic in the heart of America. The city is also considered to be “ the birthplace of the American skyscraper.” So, when you think of Chicago architecture, Willis Tower stands out in this Windy City. Chicago architecture is big, a sight for sore eyes, and known the world over.

Sears tower name change