A Complete Neighborhood Guide To Andersonville
March 17, 2025
The image of Chicago’s skyline is one that is immediately recognizable by people all over the world. The city’s towering skyscrapers set against the backdrop of the picturesque Lake Michigan makes for one of the beautiful examples of modern cityscapes that exists today.
Chicago has the 11th most skyscrapers out of any city on earth, and among them are several that rank amongst the tallest in the Western Hemisphere. This article explores the six tallest buildings in Chicago, providing some insight into their design, history, and the impact they have on the city’s landscape.
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1451 Feet
1974
233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
The Willis Tower has dominated Chicago’s skyline since it was completed in 1973. Many Chicagoans still prefer to call it by its former name the Sears Tower, proof of how endearing the building is to the city. The Willis Tower stands at 1,450 feet tall, and was the world’s tallest building from its opening in 1973 until it was finally overtaken in 1998. The tower was designed by the architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and was created with a bundled-tube structure that gives it a greater resistance to the wind while providing the maximum amount of office space.
On the 103rd floor is the Skydeck, which offers visitors breathtaking views of Chicago and places as far away as Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. The Skydeck is the highest observation deck in the United States, and draws millions of visitors each year.
1,388 Feet
2009
401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Adrian Smith
Chicago’s second tallest building is The Trump International Hotel and Tower and became one of the most prominent features of the city’s skyline since it was completed back in 2008. The tower is known for its sleek glass facade, and stands at 1,388 feet tall. Another design from the architects at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower features luxury condominiums, a hotel, retail space, and dining establishments, across its 98 floors.
You may also like: How Chicago’s Sports Teams Got Their Names
1,198 Feet
2020
401 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Studio Gang Architects
One of the most unique innovative additions to Chicago’s skyline is The St. Regis Chicago, formerly known as the Vista Tower. Designed by Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects, the tower features a unique, rolling form that resembles a stack of crystal blocks. The 1,198 foot tall tower was completed in 2020 and is the tallest structure in the world designed by a woman. Inside the St. Regis are luxury residences, a five-star hotel, and several high-end amenities.
1,189 Feet
1973
200 E. Randolph St. Chicago, Illinois 60601
Edward Durell Stone
The monolith-like Aon Center opened its doors in 1973, and stands as the fourth tallest building in Chicago at 1,136 feet. When the building was originally completed it was the world’s tallest building with a marble facade. This distinction would be eventually lost after ongoing safety issues forced the building to be reclad in granite nearly 20 years after its opening. Originally known as the Standard Oil Building, the Aon Center was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone and features a minimalist style that contrasts with the more intricate buildings that surround it.
1,128 Feet
1969
875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Bruce Graham & Fazlur Rahman Khan
Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
One of the most defining buildings in Chicago’s skyline is 875 North Michigan Avenue, formerly known as the John Hancock Center. Yet another production by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the tower stands at 1,128 feet and was completed in 1969. 875 North Michigan is well known for Its X-braced exterior that acts as both an architectural statement and as a functional design feature. The brace allows for better wind resistance without the need for interior columns, a design choice that helped to maximize the building’s space efficiency.
Today, the mixed-use building houses offices, residences, and retail spaces. The 360 Chicago observation deck on the 94th floor is also popular with tourists and offers panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan.
1,007 Feet
1985
227 W Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60606
Adrian D. Smith, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
Rounding out our list is the postmodern Franklin Center, completed in 1989 and standing at a height of 1,007 feet. Although not as well known as many of its peers, the building is still identifiable due to its distinctive crown adorned with Gothic-inspired spires. The Franklin Center is a mixed-use complex, but primarily serves as an office building.
Many of Chicago’s tallest buildings are architectural feats that inspired the super tall towers found in other cities. The city’s skyline continues to evolve to this day, and its new additions highlight the creativeness and innovation that you would expect from the original home of the skyscraper.
