Architects in Chicago have built some fairly impressive and towering buildings. They’ve changed the city’s skyline.
In the 1920s, some of the world’s most brilliant architects were behind Chicago’s tallest buildings. Among them are the Tribune Tower and Wrigley Building. Both buildings stand between 400 and 500 ft. (0.15 km) tall.
Chicago’s growth transformed its skyline as single-family homes and small shops gave way to large structures. Today, these skyscrapers dominate the city’s landscape. Next time you’re in town, be sure to check out the 12 tallest buildings in Chicago. Each of these majestic buildings provide stunning views and visiting them is amongst some of the best things to do in Chicago.
1. Willis Tower (Formerly Sears Tower)
Willis Tower, a building that towers above Chicago's skyline at 1,451 feet, remains the tallest in the city. Known for being the 12th-tallest skyscraper globally, this architectural marvel didn't rise until 1973.
Make your way to Willis Tower’s marvelous Skydeck on the 103rd floor for breathtaking views; the swift 70-second elevator ride to the top will pop your ears. But a little discomfort on the ride up is a minor and fleeting inconvenience for awaits you at America’s highest observation deck, offering a vista of 40 to 50 miles on clear days.
- Height: 1,451 ft (442 m)
- Floors: 110
- Year completed: 1974
- Observation deck: Yes (Skydeck on 103rd floor)
- Address: 233 S Wacker Drive, Loop, Chicago
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2. Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago
Trump International Hotel & Tower enhances Chicago’s skyline with its impressive presence on the waterfront. This towering structure features ninety-two stories, providing 5-star service and a luxurious 23,000-square-foot spa, making every guest feel esteemed.
Initially designed by Adrian Smith, Trump International Hotel & Tower was originally supposed to become the tallest building in the world.
Trump International Hotel & Tower is located strategically along the Chicago River, overtaking the surrounding area, including the bustling Chicago Riverwalk.
- Height: 1,388 ft (423.1 m)
- Floors: 98
- Year completed: 2009
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 401 N Wabash Avenue, Chicago
3. St. Regis Chicago
St. Regis Chicago is an architectural giant in the Windy City. Completed in 2020, this towering edifice stretches 1,198 feet (365 m) high with 101 stories, making it the third-tallest building in Chicago.
St. Regis Chicago impresses with its distinctive structure, featuring three interconnected towers that ripple like waves against the skyline. The use of alternating glass shades on the windows enhances its visual appeal and transforms the entire area's aesthetic. Functioning as both a hotel and residential space, it stands as a testament to futuristic design and practical utility.
💡 Did you know? This is tallest skyscraper globally designed by a woman. Celebrated architect Jeanne Gang is the mastermind behind this design, earning well-deserved praise for her innovative vision.
- Height: 1,198 ft (365 m)
- Floors: 101
- Year completed: 2020
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 401 E Wacker Dr, Chicago
4. Aon Center
Aon Center is something of a monumental beacon in Chicago. It was initially erected as the headquarters for the Standard Oil Company of Indiana. Known for its architectural significance, this towering structure was designed by Edward Durell Stone, famed for his work on Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center.
Over the decades, the Aon Center has endured many changes, notably in its external facade. The building's initial covering of 43,000 slabs of Italian Carrara marble proved unsuitable, as the harsh Chicago winters led to cracking. By the early 1990s, a more durable granite was chosen to replace the marble, ensuring the Aon Center maintained its iconic status amid Chicago's evolving skyline.
- Height: 1,136 ft (346.3 m)
- Floors: 83
- Year completed: 1973
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 200 E Randolph Street, Chicago
5. 875 North Michigan Avenue (Formerly John Hancock Center)
875 North Michigan Avenue, formerly known as the John Hancock Center, commands Chicago's skyline and offers some of the best views in the city—you might even say breathtaking.
This iconic building hosts 360 Chicago’s TILT, where visitors can experience the thrill of leaning out over the city. At the CloudBar, guests can steady their nerves with a martini or margarita while taking in the breathtaking sights of the Magnificent Mile.
Developed in the mid-1960s by Jerry Wolman, and financially backed by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, 875 North Michigan Avenue hit early engineering and financial challenges.
- Height: 1,128 ft (344 m)
- Floors: 100
- Year completed: 1969
- Observation deck: Yes (360 CHICAGO and TILT on 94th floor)
- Address: 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago
6. The Franklin Center
The Franklin Center, a definitive fixture in the Chicago skyline, has been a prominent feature since its introduction in the late 1980s. Locally known simply as “The Franklin”, the building plays an integral role in the city’s architectural heritage.
The Franklin Center is a significant presence in the Loop, just a short distance from the Chicago River. Its architectural design includes setbacks that enhance the area with cascading sunlight off its granite-clad exterior.
Initially a singular entity, The Franklin Center evolved into a more complex landmark when the former AT&T Corporate Center merged with the adjacent USG Building. These structures are now connected by a 16-story atrium, which forms a breathtaking and functional fusion of space, design, and historical significance at The Franklin Center.
- Height: 1,007 ft (307 m)
- Floors: 62
- Year completed: 1989
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 227 W Monroe Street, Chicago
7. Two Prudential Plaza
Two Prudential Plaza is the 28th-tallest building in the United States. Completed in 1990, this architectural marvel is instantly recognizable by its art deco-inspired chevron setbacks, which stack to form a sharply tapered pyramid.
It forms the uniquely dubbed One Two Pru alongside its sibling, One Prudential Plaza. This complex boasts high-end office spaces and luxurious amenities, attracting prestigious tenants including the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, key local AM and FM radio stations, and the Chicago Tribune, highlighting its desirability and elite status.
- Height: 995 ft (303 m)
- Floors: 64
- Year completed: 1990
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 180 N. Stetson Av., Chicago
8. One Chicago
One Chicago, formerly known as One Chicago Square, is the 8th tallest skyscraper in Chicago and ranks 35th across the United States. This dual-tower complex, now a bustling hub, incorporates approximately 800 residential units alongside retail outlets, office spaces, a fitness center, and an event venue.
One Chicago’s introduction helped transform both the city's skyline and the ambiance of its surrounding locale. The primary tower is set back approximately 45 ft. from the street, paving the way for a serene urban park that provides a tranquil retreat from the city's dynamic pace.
- Height: East Tower, 971 ft (296 m) / West Tower, 574 feet (175 m)
- Floors: East Tower, 76 / West Tower, 49
- Year completed: 2022
- Observation deck: No
- Address: River North, Chicago
9. 311 South Wacker Drive
311 South Wacker Drive, completed in 1990, was once the tallest reinforced concrete building in the world. Though it’s now been surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, it’s still an iconic structure to this day.
The skyscraper features a unique crown with five cylinders, a 105-foot central cylinder surrounded by four smaller ones. These structures are illuminated by 1,852 fluorescent tubes, which create an eye-popping light display that switches colors depending on the celebrate holidays and special events.
311 South Wacker Drive's tenants enjoy 360-degree views of Grant Park, the Chicago River, and Lake Michigan. The five-story Wintergarden lobby, with its glass ceiling, fountain, palm trees, and Raymond Kaskey’s sculpture “Gem of the Lakes”, serves as a commuter link and an aesthetic marvel.
For those who enjoy greenery but crave a rugged nature experience, the surrounding areas offer trails for hiking near Chicago, perfect for a day trip outside the urban landscape.
- Height: 961 ft (293 m)
- Floors: 65
- Year completed: 1990
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 311 South Wacker Dr., Chicago
10. NEMA Chicago
NEMA Chicago is the tallest all-rental residential building in the city. It boasts 800 apartments spread over 76 floors. This fascinating structure pays homage to the Willis Tower with its sculpture-like design.
The middle section of NEMA Chicago, known for its cutaways, transforms the central part into a steel and concrete staircase. The upper section, characterized by its indentations, houses 70,000 square feet of amenities. These amenities include coworking spaces, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, basketball and squash courts, a kids' room, and a ballroom.
- Height: 896 ft (273 m)
- Floors: 76
- Year completed: 2019
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 1210 South Indiana Av., Chicago
11.900 North Michigan
900 North Michigan is Chicago's 11th-tallest skyscraper. It embodies luxury living and urban shopping. This 871-foot structure is clad in limestone and green glass, which adds a reflective quality. Four color-changing lanterns at the top enhance its luminescence.
900 North Michigan is known for its green roof, which was designed by Hoerr Schaudt. What was once a barren rooftop is now a lush, multipurpose area. Tenants can enjoy the greenery, host cookouts, or gaze over the city from this transformed space.
- Height: 871 ft (266 m)
- Floors: 66
- Year completed: 1988
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 900 North Michigan Av., Chicago
12.Aqua Tower
Aqua Tower exemplifies Jeanne Gang's architectural brilliance. This Chicago landmark, built on a former rail yard, features white concrete balconies that extend up to 12 ft., creating a rippling effect. These balconies offer residents expansive views and are designed to mimic topographical features around the Great Lakes.
Aqua Tower's design prioritizes sustainability, with terrace extensions providing solar shading. The building boasts energy-efficient lighting and water-efficient irrigation, contributing to its LEED-NC certification. These efforts reflect Gang's commitment to environmentally conscious design.
- Height: 859 ft (262 m)
- Floors: 82
- Year completed: 2009
- Observation deck: No
- Address: 225 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago
Explore the Skyline of Chicago
Chicago's skyscrapers are impressive, showcasing the city's architectural evolution. Like the former John Hancock Center, Chicago’s skyline offers breathtaking views and a taste of the city's vibrant history. Staying at places like the NEMA immerses visitors in the city's architectural marvels.
When planning your skyscraper-hopping adventure, make time for these cultural highlights. Our shows in Chicago are known for their creativity and are as iconic as the city's buildings. Enjoy a perfect blend of entertainment and architectural beauty in this dynamic Midwestern city.