When thoughts of a city come to mind, the first image is towering metal buildings. Cities are often associated with tall buildings that symbolize American innovation. Chicago stands out with its modern architecture, making its skyline distinct from other busy cities. It is famous for giving birth to the skyscraper, and the Home Insurance Building, completed in 1885, holds the title of the world’s first skyscraper. It is the third-largest city in the United States and has an impressive skyline featuring 1,397 completed tall buildings. Among them, 56 towers stand taller than 600 feet (183 m). Here is the list of tallest buildings in Chicago.

List of Top 10 Tallest Buildings In Chicago

1. Willis Tower
2. Trump International Hotel and Tower
3. Aon Center
4. John Hancock Center
5. Franklin Center
6. 311 South Wacker Drive
7. Aqua Tower
8. One Prudential Plaza
9. Two Prudential Plaza
10.  900 North Michigan

1. Willis Tower

The Willis Tower is formerly known as the Sears Tower. It stands proudly in Chicago, reaching a height of 1,450 feet. Built in 1973, it held the world’s tallest building title for an impressive 25 years until 1998. The beautiful tower was designed by Bruce Graham and Fazlur Rahman Khan. The skyscraper boasts a unique black aluminum and bronze-tinted glass exterior. With 110 floors and 76,000 tons of steel, it showcases an innovative bundled-tube structural design.

Home to a myriad of businesses, the Willis Tower remains a vital part of Chicago’s skyline. Its Skydeck attracts millions of visitors annually, daring them to step onto “The Ledge,” a glass-floored platform that extends beyond the building’s edge. Visitors can enjoy the Skydeck on the 103rd floor, offering stunning views of Chicago and Lake Michigan. A testament to architectural ingenuity, the Willis Tower remains an enduring symbol of Chicago’s urban landscape.

2. Trump International Hotel and Tower

The Trump International Hotel and Tower, soaring majestically along the Chicago River, stands as a testament to architectural prowess and urban sophistication. This iconic structure was completed in 2009. It was designed by Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and reaches a staggering height of 1,389 feet (423 meters), making it the second-tallest building in the Windy City and the fourth-tallest building in the United States.

Boasting a sleek, modern design, the Trump Tower features a distinctive glass façade that reflects the cityscape with elegance. Its construction required a colossal investment of approximately $847 million. Rising prominently above the Chicago skyline, the tower comprises 98 floors and houses a luxurious hotel and a variety of retail spaces.

The construction of the Trump Tower faced numerous challenges, including navigating the complex zoning regulations of the city. However, its completion marked a significant addition to Chicago’s architectural heritage. The building’s prominent location along the Chicago River contributes to its visual impact, creating a stunning interplay of light and reflections.

Beyond its architectural significance, the Trump International Hotel and Tower has become a symbol of luxury and opulence in Chicago, attracting visitors and residents alike. Its striking presence in the cityscape continues to captivate and inspire, solidifying its place as a defining feature of the Chicago skyline.

3. Aon Center

The Aon Center stands tall and proud in the heart of Chicago’s skyline. It is an architectural marvel that has left an indelible mark on the cityscape. Completed in 1973, this iconic skyscraper held the title of the city’s tallest building for over two decades, until the completion of the Willis Tower in 1974. Designed by architect Edward Durell Stone, the Aon Center soars to a height of 1,136 feet, comprising 83 floors of sleek and modern design.

One of the distinctive features of the Aon Center is its exterior facade, clad in white granite and adorned with bronze-tinted glass, giving it a timeless aesthetic. The tower serves as the headquarters for the Aon Corporation, a global insurance and professional services firm, adding to its significance in the business landscape. Renowned for its structural elegance, the Aon Center has weathered the test of time, withstanding the challenges posed by Chicago’s harsh climate.

In 1993, the Aon Center underwent a major renovation, enhancing its resilience and reinforcing its position as a symbol of Chicago’s architectural prowess. The building’s unique blend of form and function continues to capture the imagination of both locals and visitors, solidifying its place as a cornerstone in the city’s architectural narrative.

4. John Hancock Center

The John Hancock Center is an iconic skyscraper gracing the Chicago skyline completed in 1969. This 100-story marvel was initially designed by architect Bruce Graham and structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan. Soaring to a height of 1,128 feet (343 meters). The building held the title of the tallest in Chicago until the completion of the Willis Tower in 1973.

The John Hancock Center, now officially known as 875 North Michigan Avenue, features a distinctive X-bracing system on its exterior, a revolutionary design that enhances structural stability. The observatory, aptly named 360 Chicago, offers beautiful panoramic views of the city and Lake Michigan. In 2018, the building underwent a major renovation, unveiling a reimagined observatory experience and a thrilling attraction called TILT—a series of outward-facing, tilting windows, that provide visitors with a unique and exhilarating perspective of the city.

Beyond its architectural significance, the John Hancock Center has become an integral part of Chicago’s cultural landscape. Its sleek design, coupled with its historical importance, cements its status as a symbol of the city’s ambition and architectural ingenuity. The John Hancock Center continues to be a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists, a living testament to Chicago’s ever-evolving skyline.

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5. Franklin Center

Franklin Center is also known as the AT&T Corporate Center. It is a towering symbol of architectural prowess and corporate prominence. Designed by the renowned architect Adrian Smith of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, this skyscraper reaches a staggering height of 1,007 feet (307 meters), making it one of the tallest structures not only in Chicago but also in the entire United States.

The Franklin Center was Completed in 1989 and comprises two distinct structures. The first one is the stunning 60-story South Tower and the second one is the elegant 30-story West Tower. The South Tower, with its sleek, postmodern design, was the eighth tallest building in the world at the time of its completion. The West Tower, on the other hand, offers a harmonious balance to the overall architectural composition.

Beyond its impressive height, the Franklin Center is distinguished by its innovative use of materials and cutting-edge design elements. The exterior features a combination of granite, glass, and aluminum, creating a visually striking facade that reflects the surrounding urban landscape. The building serves as a prominent office space, housing various corporate entities and contributing significantly to Chicago’s dynamic business environment. With its enduring presence, it remains a testament to Chicago’s architectural legacy and the city’s ongoing commitment to vertical innovation.

6. 311 South Wacker Drive

311 South Wacker Drive was completed in 1990 and this skyscraper reaches a staggering height of 961 feet (293 meters), making it one of the tallest buildings in the city. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the building boasts a distinctive step and contributes to its unique visual appeal.

The construction of 311 South Wacker Drive was a monumental feat, with a total floor area of approximately 1.3 million square feet. It serves as a prominent office space, housing various corporate entities and contributing significantly to the city’s bustling business landscape. The tower’s strategic location along the Chicago River enhances its prominence, providing beautiful views of the water and the surrounding urban landscape.

Not only is 311 South Wacker Drive an architectural marvel, but it also reflects the economic vitality of Chicago. It remains an integral part of the city’s skyline, symbolizing Chicago’s continued growth and development. With its sleek design and commanding height, 311 South Wacker Drive remains an enduring symbol of Chicago’s architectural excellence and urban sophistication.

7. Aqua Tower

The Aqua Tower stands as an iconic architectural marvel in the Chicago skyline. Completed in 2009 and designed by the architect Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang. This 82-story skyscraper is a testament to innovative design and sustainability. Soaring to a height of 876 feet (267 meters), it not only claims the title of the tallest building in Chicago’s Lakeshore East neighborhood but also holds the distinction of being the tallest woman-designed building in the world.

Aqua Tower’s unique undulating facade is characterized by its fluid, wave-like balconies that not only add an aesthetic dimension but also serve a practical purpose by providing shading and reducing wind loads. The 215,000-square-meter structure houses a mix of residential units, hotel rooms, and retail spaces, making it a vibrant hub within the city.

The construction of Aqua Tower required approximately 83,000 cubic yards of concrete and 14,000 tons of reinforcing steel. Its completion marked a significant addition to Chicago’s architectural landscape and contributed to the city’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of design. Beyond its striking appearance, it has earned LEED certification for its environmentally conscious features, including energy-efficient systems and a green roof. Aqua Tower continues to stand as a symbol of Chicago’s commitment to cutting-edge design and sustainable urban development.

8. One Prudential Plaza

One Prudential Plaza was completed in 1955. It is a 41-story masterpiece that holds a distinct position as one of the Windy City’s tallest buildings. Rising to an impressive height of 601 feet (183 meters). One Prudential Plaza has been a defining feature of Chicago’s landscape for decades.

Designed by the famous architects Naess & Murphy, the building boasts a sleek design that reflects the architectural trends of its time. Its construction marked a significant milestone in Chicago’s architectural history, contributing to the city’s reputation as a global hub for innovative design and engineering.

One Prudential Plaza is a commercial skyscraper, providing over 2.2 million square feet of office space. Throughout its storied existence, the building has been home to various prominent businesses, further solidifying its status as a key player in Chicago’s economic landscape.

Beyond its architectural significance, One Prudential Plaza has witnessed the evolution of Chicago’s skyline and urban development. Its enduring presence serves as a symbol of the city’s resilience and commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural innovation. Today, One Prudential Plaza stands tall, a living testament to Chicago’s rich architectural heritage and its continued embrace of modern design.

9. Two Prudential Plaza

Two Prudential Plaza stands tall as one of Chicago’s architectural marvels, dominating the city’s skyline with its distinctive presence. Soaring to a height of 995 feet (303 meters) and comprising 64 floors completed in 1990. This iconic skyscraper is a testament to the city’s rich architectural history. Helmed by the renowned architecture firm Loebl, Schlossman & Hackl, the building showcases a sleek, postmodern design that seamlessly blends into the surrounding urban landscape.

Strategically located at 180 North Stetson Avenue in the heart of Chicago’s Loop district, Two Prudential Plaza serves both as a commercial hub and a striking visual landmark. The structure’s exterior is adorned with a unique chevron pattern, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and setting it apart from neighboring buildings. Boasting over 1.2 million square feet of office space, the skyscraper has become a key player in Chicago’s business district.

Notably, the tower’s construction marked a significant milestone in the city’s architectural evolution. Its completion in 1990 coincided with Chicago’s resurgence as a global financial and commercial hub. Two Prudential Plaza, along with its neighboring structures, contributes to the city’s reputation as a beacon of architectural innovation. 

10. 900 North Michigan

900 North Michigan Avenue, also known as the Bloomingdale’s Building, stands proudly as one of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers. Soaring to a height of 871 feet (265 meters), this architectural marvel graces the city’s skyline with its distinctive presence. Completed in 1989, the building is a product of the renowned architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates.

Its construction marked a significant moment in Chicago’s architectural history, contributing to the city’s reputation as a global hub for innovative skyscraper design. The tower’s sleek, postmodern aesthetics reflect the era in which it was built, seamlessly blending with the surrounding skyline while maintaining a unique identity.

900 North Michigan houses a mix of retail spaces, offices, and luxury condominiums, adding to its multifaceted significance. The skyscraper’s prime location on the city’s prestigious Magnificent Mile enhances its allure, offering unparalleled views of Lake Michigan and the bustling city below.

Over the years, 900 North Michigan has become a symbol of Chicago’s architectural prowess, contributing to the city’s narrative of urban development. As a testament to its enduring appeal, the building continues to stand tall, a testament to the city’s commitment to architectural innovation and excellence.

Conclusion

Chicago’s tallest buildings showcase the city’s modernity and progress. From the iconic Willis Tower to the John Hancock Center, these structures stand tall, reflecting Chicago’s dynamic spirit and ongoing development. They not only shape the skyline but also embody the city’s commitment to growth and innovation. 

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