Willis Tower is a proudly erected construction on the skyline of Chicago, Illinois, that depicts the exultation of creativity and ingeniousness before the world. Reputed as a home to the commuter rail stations, the tower incorporates steel beams and columns constructed in ‘mega module’ fashion. This superlative attraction of the city comes with unbelievable 110 stories that display uttermost modernism. The strategically structured tower accomplished its construction work in 1973.
Willis Tower Skydeck
Unveiled to the ordinary public on June 22, 1974, the Skydeck is a renowned observation deck of the famed Willis Tower. Reputed as one of the most celebrated travel spots of the third most populous city of America named Chicago, the Skydeck acts as a prideful crown for the tower. Erected at a height of 412 meters or 1,353 feet, the Skydeck is firmly settled on the 103rd floor of the glorious Willis Tower. In an unobstructed setting or atmosphere, the visitors get a chance to watch the fabulous sights of Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, and the water beauty – Lake Michigan from the observation deck of the tower. On the other hand, they can also take hold of the one time opportunity of viewing the plains of Illinois from such a great height.
The observation deck seems to triumph over the battle of standing the tallest with the observation floor of John Hancock Center by 98 meters, that is, 323 feet. The elevators are specifically designed to bring on the excitement and thrilling nervousness as they climb up the tower. The visitors make up to the apical of the tower in nearly one minute with the help of the elevators. The tower incorporates another observation deck on its 99th floor if in case the one of the 103rd floor in not in operation. The observation deck successfully draws in appropriately 1.3 million travelers on an annual basis.
Next to the Jackson Boulevard, on the southern side of the building is the entranceway for this illustrious observation deck. From the 103rd level, stretching up to a height of 4 feet above the Wacker Drive, the proprietors decided to set up some retracting balconies made up of glass material to increase the fascination of the tower. This was one of the major redevelopments of the tower which commenced in the month of January 2009. The all-glass boxes of the observation deck permit the travelers to get brilliant visuals of the city from an altitude of 412 meters or 1,353 feet. Exposed to the general population on July 2, 2009, these all-glass boxes of the observation deck weigh just about 4.5 metric tons.
Willis Tower Broadcasting
Broadcasting has been a major activity in the tower since a long time. The utilization of a diplexer, a passive technological device, in the commonly distributed antenna is displayed by the tower broadcasting stations. These stations are usually settled on the similar mast and at similar heights in the tower. The FM stations are quite finite in terms of power output because of the intensified height of the tower. Radio stations namely WLIT FM 93.9 MHz main, 4.0 kW, AMFM and WFMT FM 98.7 backups are located at highest points in the tower on the eastern and western mast respectively. Likewise, WPWR TV 51 digital, 1000 kW, Fox TV and WLS TV 7 analog, 55 kW, Disney ABC are television stations of the west and east mast in the tower.
Willis Tower Technology
The tower is observed to incorporate master technological features making it a great tech-friendly structure. It displays its magnificent electrical capacity with two emergency generator of 2100 KW, each of them powered by diesel. Besides, it houses four powerful transformers that have the ability of rendering a potent distribution system of 13.2 KV possessing a surplus capability. Each of these 150 MVA transformers are mounted betwixt two distinct risers facilitating the tower. The tower has a good hand at displaying contemporary elevator technological service. Along with a first rate ride quality, the tower elevators possess great transmitting speeds. For the purpose of ensuring effective transportation services, the tower elevators are made to function based on the 104 car elevator system, which is fragmented in three different zones.
With a view to ensure efficient communication and power, the tower uses an under floor duct system for its floors. Separated in different column free squares of 75 feet, the four distinguishable floor plates demonstrate splendid floor flexibility of the tower. Apart from displaying impressive telecommunication risers, the tower provides an unbroken access for manifold competitive local exchange carriers, abbreviated as CLECS. Moreover, the tower does not hold back in showcasing brilliant broadcasting services.
Willis Tower Architecture
The tower is observed to exhibit a state of the art structural and architectural work in both of its internal and external infrastructure. A professional work with the use of Aluminum and glass is seen to be displayed on the curtain walls of the tower in a modish style. Emphasizing the lowest level facade of the tower on the south, north, and east structural ascents, the granite panels are fabulous attractions to watch. These panels come with storefront windows with Aluminium confined glasses. The lobby area is decorated with a mobile artwork, the Universe composed by Alexander Calder, an American sculptor. This engrossing feature comes with different colors, sizes, and shapes demonstrating varied motions.
Willis Tower Amenities
The tower is famous for supplying an extensive suite of amenities that incorporate seven major outlets that include Salseria Grill & Cantina, Starbucks, Venice Cafe, Corner Bakery, The Met Club Cafe, French Accent, Dunkin Donuts, and Market Creations. Situated on the 66th and 67th level of the tower, the Metropolitan Club makes available some awe-inspiring eyeshots for the visitors. The club is known to provide some top corporate meeting and dining services in the whole of Chicago. With a capability of housing nearly 1,000 invitees, the personal dining rooms (17 in number) of the club are the best settings for organizing special events. Besides, it renders 4 dining options for the visitors.
The tower takes care of the well-being of the visitors by providing some appreciable wellness and health facilities. Dr. Allen Moses, D.D.S, whom the visitors can consult for receiving health and wellness services, is made available on lower level 1 of the tower. The visitors also have an option of visiting the Meridian Chiropractic Health Center, Massage Therapy (MCFC), and Metropolitan Club Fitness Center on lower levels 1 and 3, where they can utilize the health facilities of the tower.
Other important amenities of the tower include the Fifth Third Bank, where the visitors can exercise the banking services. Gateway Newstands and Barbara’s Bestsellers on lower level 1 are fabulous extensions of the tower that supply newspapers, magazines, and books. For purchasing the tower memorabilia and gifts, the visitors can walk up to outlet named Event Network, which is placed on lower level 2. Outlets like Rosexpressions Flowers and A Cut Above furnish excellent florist and hair salon service to the visitors. Besides, Beehive Shoeworks, Drive Cleaning, and Inplex make available professional shoe shining, dry cleaning, and copy services for their visitors.
Experience the enthralling features of the United States’ jubilant skyscraper- the Willis Tower and get yourself involved into an extraordinary tour worth appreciating.