Chicago is renowned for its stunning skyline, adorned with some of the world’s tallest and most iconic skyscrapers. As a hub of architectural innovation and urban development, the city boasts an impressive array of towering structures that dominate its skyline. From historic landmarks to modern marvels, Chicago’s skyline is a testament to human creativity and engineering prowess.
In this Height Comparison article, we’ll explore the 10 tallest buildings in Chicago, showcasing the architectural wonders that define the city’s skyline. From the towering heights of the Willis Tower to the sleek lines of the Trump International Hotel and Tower, each building on this list represents a unique blend of design, technology, and vision.
Whether you’re a visitor marveling at the skyline from afar or a local navigating the bustling streets below, these skyscrapers command attention and inspire awe. Join us as we take a closer look at the tallest buildings in Chicago, highlighting their architectural significance, historical context, and enduring impact on the city’s skyline.
Whether you’re a skyscraper enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply curious about Chicago’s iconic landmarks, this list offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s vertical landscape.
List of Tallest Buildings in Chicago
Chicago, renowned for its architectural marvels, boasts a skyline adorned with towering skyscrapers that define its identity. Here’s an in-depth look at the ten tallest buildings in Chicago, each contributing to the city’s dynamic urban landscape:
| Skyscraper Name | Height | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Willis Tower (Formerly Sears Tower) | 1,450 ft | Iconic skyscraper that held the world’s tallest building title for nearly 25 years. Features distinctive black aluminum and bronze-tinted glass facade, with breathtaking views from its observation decks. |
| Trump International Hotel and Tower | 1,389 ft | Designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. A 98-story mixed-use skyscraper comprising luxury hotel rooms, condominiums, world-class amenities, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. |
| Aon Center | 1,136 ft | Third-tallest buildings in Chicago with a sleek, modernist design including granite-clad exterior and a prominent spire, adding to the city’s skyline. |
| John Hancock Center | 1,128 ft | Boasts a distinctive X-braced exterior design and an observatory on the 94th floor offering panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. |
| Franklin Center | 1,007 ft | Formerly AT&T Corporate Center, featuring a postmodern design with stepped setbacks and a granite-clad facade. Serves as the headquarters for major corporations. |
| Two Prudential Plaza | 995 ft | Designed by Loebl, Schlossman & Hackl, known for its imposing presence with setbacks and a distinctive crown that illuminates at night. |
| 311 South Wacker Drive | 961 ft | Notable for its triangular shape and green-tinted glass curtain wall, offering modern office spaces and retail amenities. |
| 900 North Michigan | 745 ft | Mixed-use development on Magnificent Mile, housing luxury condominiums, Four Seasons Hotel, and upscale retail shops. |
| Water Tower Place | 74 stories | Mixed-use complex with a 74-story residential tower, luxury retail spaces, and a hotel. Features a soaring atrium and an iconic eight-story glass facade. |
| Chase Tower | 850 ft | Formerly First National Bank Building, a 60-story skyscraper known for its sleek, modern design and prime location in the Loop area. |
1. Willis Tower (Formerly Sears Tower)
Standing at an impressive height of 1,450 feet, the Willis Tower held the title of the world’s tallest buildings in Chicago for nearly 25 years. This iconic skyscraper dominates the Chicago skyline with its distinctive black aluminum and bronze-tinted glass facade.
Visitors can experience spectacular views of the city and beyond from the Skydeck on the 103rd floor. The Skydeck features glass balconies extending 4.3 feet from the building, allowing visitors to step out and feel like they are floating above the city. The Willis Tower symbolizes Chicago’s architectural prowess and is a must-visit destination for visitors and residents alike.
2. Trump International Hotel and Tower
Designed by renowned architect Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the Trump International Hotel and Tower is a stunning 98-story mixed-use skyscraper that reaches a height of 1,389 feet.
This architectural marvel features a sleek, contemporary design with a glass and stainless steel exterior. The building comprises luxury hotel rooms, high-end condominiums, world-class amenities, and a Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a luxurious experience for guests and residents.
Its prime location along the Chicago River provides unobstructed views of the city and Lake Michigan. The Trump International Hotel and Tower is a testament to Chicago’s commitment to innovative architecture and luxury living.
3. Aon Center
Soaring to a height of 1,136 feet, the Aon Center is the third-tallest buildings in Chicago. Its sleek, modernist design features a granite-clad exterior and a prominent spire, making it a notable feature of the city’s skyline.
The building’s minimalist aesthetic and clean lines exemplify the International Style of architecture. Originally named the Standard Oil Building, the Aon Center has experienced several ownership changes and renovations throughout its history.
Today, it is a prime office location for various companies and offers stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan from its upper floors. The Aon Center’s timeless design and impressive stature contribute to Chicago’s reputation as a hub for architectural innovation.
4. John Hancock Center
The John Hancock Center, a 100-story skyscraper standing at an impressive 1,128 feet, is known for its distinctive X-braced exterior design. This architectural feature adds visual interest to the building and provides structural support, allowing for more open floor plans and unobstructed views.
The building’s observatory, 360 Chicago, on the 94th floor, offers breathtaking scenic views of the city and Lake Michigan. Visitors can also experience TILT, an exhilarating attraction that tilts visitors out over the edge of the building for a unique perspective of the city below. The John Hancock Center’s innovative design and iconic presence make it one of Chicago’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks.
5. Franklin Center
Formerly known as the AT&T Corporate Center, the Franklin Center is a 1,007-foot-tall skyscraper that showcases a postmodern design with stepped setbacks and a granite-clad facade.
The building’s unique design creates a visual effect of multiple towers stacked upon each other, adding depth and interest to the city’s skyline. The Franklin Center is the headquarters for CNA Financial and other major corporations, offering modern office spaces and amenities.
Its central location in the Loop provides easy access to public transportation and nearby attractions. The Franklin Center’s striking architecture and prominent position significantly contribute to Chicago’s dynamic urban landscape.
6. Two Prudential Plaza
Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Loebl, Schlossman & Hackl, Two Prudential Plaza is a 64-story skyscraper that rises to 995 feet. Its imposing presence on the skyline is characterized by setbacks and a distinctive crown that illuminates at night, creating a captivating visual display.
The building’s modern design incorporates energy-efficient features and advanced technology, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable work environment for its occupants.
Two Prudential Plaza is part of the larger Prudential Plaza complex, which includes its sister building, One Prudential Plaza, and a shared outdoor plaza. The complicated offers a range of amenities, including retail shops, dining options, and green spaces, creating a vibrant and convenient location for tenants and visitors alike.
7. 311 South Wacker Drive
311 South Wacker Drive is a 65-story office tower that reaches a height of 961 feet, making it a prominent addition to Chicago’s skyline. Its unique triangular shape and green-tinted glass curtain wall create a distinctive and modern appearance.
The building’s design maximizes floor space and allows for flexible office layouts, attracting diverse tenants. The tower’s lobby features a stunning 85-foot-tall glass atrium, which floods the space with natural light and creates a welcoming atmosphere.
311 South Wacker Drive offers a variety of amenities, including a fitness center, conference skills, and retail spaces, enhancing the convenience and comfort of its occupants. Its prime location in the heart of the Loop provides easy access to public transportation and nearby attractions, making it a sought-after business address.
8. 900 North Michigan
Located on the prestigious Magnificent Mile, 900 North Michigan is a mixed-use development epitomizes luxury and sophistication. The complex features a 66-story tower that houses high-end condominiums, a Four Seasons Hotel, and upscale retail shops.
The building’s elegant design incorporates limestone and granite exteriors, creating a timeless and refined appearance. The condominiums offer spacious floor plans, top-of-the-line finishes, and breathtaking views of the city and Lake Michigan.
The Four Seasons Hotel provides guests with world-class accommodations, exceptional dining options, and a spa, ensuring a luxurious experience. The retail component of 900 North Michigan includes a selection of high-end boutiques and flagship stores, attracting shoppers worldwide.
With its prime location, lavish amenities, and architectural excellence, 900 North Michigan is a symbol of prestige and exclusivity in the heart of Chicago.
9. Water Tower Place
Water Tower Place is an iconic mixed-use complex along North Michigan Avenue in the heart of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The development features a 74-story residential tower, luxury retail spaces, and a hotel, creating a vibrant and all-encompassing destination.
The building’s distinctive design includes a soaring atrium that spans multiple floors, allowing natural light to flood the interior and create a spacious, airy atmosphere. The residential tower offers high-end condominiums with stunning views of the city and Lake Michigan.
At the same time, the retail component boasts a diverse mix of upscale brands, dining options, and entertainment venues. The complex also includes a Broadway-style theater, adding to its cultural appeal. Water Tower Place’s prime location, luxurious amenities, and architectural grandeur make it a landmark destination for residents, visitors, and shoppers alike.
10. Chase Tower
Formerly known as the First National Bank Building, Chase Tower is a 60-story skyscraper that stands at a height of 850 feet. Its sleek, modern design features a curtain wall of stainless steel and glass, creating a striking visual contrast against the surrounding buildings.
The tower’s minimalist aesthetic and clean lines exemplify the International Style of architecture. Chase Tower’s prime location in the heart of the Loop is within walking distance of key business, financial, and government institutions, making it a sought-after address for companies seeking a prestigious and convenient location.
The building offers efficient floor plates, advanced technology, and various amenities, including a fitness center and conference facilities. Chase Tower’s iconic presence and strategic location solidify its position as a prominent fixture in Chicago’s architectural landscape and business community.
These ten tallest buildings in Chicago showcase the city’s architectural prowess and contribute to its rich cultural heritage and economic vitality.
Conclusion
The towering skyscrapers that grace Chicago’s skyline are architectural marvels and symbols of the city’s progress and innovation. The ten tallest buildings in Chicago highlighted in this list stand as testaments to Chicago’s vibrant urban landscape, drawing admiration from residents and visitors alike.
From the iconic Willis Tower to the sleek Trump International Hotel and Tower, each structure contributes to the city’s dynamic identity and is a testament to human ingenuity and ambition.
As Chicago continues to evolve and grow, these skyscrapers will remain integral to its skyline, representing its rich history, thriving economy, and cultural diversity.
Whether admired from afar or experienced up close, these tallest buildings in Chicago inspire awe and fascination, inviting all to marvel at their beauty and significance.
