If you’re walking down Michigan Avenue and ask a local for directions to "875 North Michigan," you might get a blank stare for a second. Then their face will light up. "Oh, you mean the Hancock!" Even though the name officially changed back in 2018, Chicagoans are stubborn about their landmarks. It’s like the Willis Tower—nobody actually calls it that; it’s the Sears Tower.
The building at 875 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL 60611 is more than just a 100-story skyscraper. It’s a brawny, dark, X-braced giant that basically redefined how we build tall things. Honestly, it’s the most "Chicago" building in the city. It doesn't try to be pretty with glass curves or flashy lights. It just stands there, looking like it could take a punch from a tornado and keep on ticking.
The Identity Crisis of 2018
So, what happened to the name? The John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company was the original developer and tenant. When they left and their naming rights deal expired, the owners decided to just go with the address. For a while, the building was "nameless" in a corporate sense, which feels kinda weird for such an icon.
The Hearn Company, which owns the office and parking portions, has been pretty chill about the fact that the general public refuses to stop saying "Hancock." It’s baked into the city's DNA. If you’re visiting, just know that 875 North Michigan and the John Hancock Center are the exact same place.
Those Famous "X" Braces Aren't Just for Show
You’ve seen them on every postcard. Those massive steel diagonals that crisscross the exterior.
👉 See also: Flights from San Diego to New Jersey: What Most People Get Wrong
In the 1960s, a genius named Fazlur Rahman Khan and architect Bruce Graham from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) were trying to figure out how to build a 100-story tower without it becoming a wobbling mess in the wind. Khan’s solution was the "trussed tube" system. Basically, the exterior of the building acts like a giant hollow column.
- Wind Resistance: The building can sway 5 to 8 inches in a 60mph wind.
- Space Savings: Because the exterior does the heavy lifting, they didn't need as many columns inside.
- Efficiency: They used about the same amount of steel as a 50-story building, which was unheard of at the time.
There’s a famous story—well, more of a fact—that the project almost died during construction. They were 20 stories up when they realized the soil wasn't settling right. They had to stop, rethink the foundation, and the original owner, Jerry Wolman, ended up going bankrupt. Hancock Insurance took over, and the rest is history.
Living at 875 N Michigan Ave: A Vertical Neighborhood
Most people don't realize that people actually live there. It's one of the world's most successful mixed-use buildings.
The lower floors are retail and office space. Then you hit the "sky lobby" on the 44th floor, which has a private grocery store and a swimming pool for residents. The condos run from the 44th floor all the way up to the 92nd.
✨ Don't miss: Woman on a Plane: What the Viral Trends and Real Travel Stats Actually Tell Us
Living there is a flex, but it’s also a lifestyle choice. Imagine waking up and looking down at the clouds. Or seeing the weather change over Lake Michigan before the people on the ground even know it’s raining. It’s a "vertical neighborhood" where you can technically live your whole life without ever stepping outside if you really wanted to.
360 Chicago and the New Expansion
The 94th floor is where the tourists go. It's called 360 Chicago now.
If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ve probably heard of TILT. It’s this glass-enclosed platform that literally tilts you 30 degrees out over the Magnificent Mile. It’s terrifying. It’s also one of the best views you can get of the city’s grid system.
As of 2026, things are changing at the top. The legendary Signature Room on the 95th floor sadly closed its doors, but the silver lining is a massive expansion. Magnicity, the company that runs the observation deck, is taking over floors 94, 95, and 96. They’re building a multi-story "experiential" space. Think of it as a sky-high lounge and event space that connects the floors with a massive atrium.
🔗 Read more: Where to Actually See a Space Shuttle: Your Air and Space Museum Reality Check
What to Do When You Visit
If you’re heading to 875 N Michigan Ave, don't just go to the top and leave. There’s a lot happening at the base too.
- The Cheesecake Factory: It’s in the basement level (the concourse). It's always packed, but it’s a classic Chicago stop.
- The Plaza: There are often art festivals or seasonal displays out front. It’s a great spot for people-watching.
- CloudBar: Located on the 94th floor, it’s a much better vibe than just standing at a window. You can grab a locally-inspired cocktail and actually soak in the view.
- The Stairs: If you’re feeling crazy, look into "Hustle Chicago." It’s an annual stair-climb race. 1,632 steps to the top. Most people take the elevator, which takes about 40 seconds.
Why This Building Still Matters
Architecturally, the Hancock is the big brother of the Willis Tower. The lessons Fazlur Khan learned here—like the tube-frame structure—are what allowed him to design the Sears Tower later on. Without 875 North Michigan, the modern supertall skyscraper might not exist.
It’s also a symbol of Chicago’s resilience. It survived a bankruptcy during construction, a name change that nobody likes, and the ever-shifting retail landscape of the Magnificent Mile. It’s still the fifth-tallest building in the city, but in terms of personality, it’s still number one.
Actionable Tips for Your Trip:
- Book 360 Chicago Online: It’s almost always cheaper than buying at the door, and you can skip the ticket line.
- Go at Twilight: If you time it right, you get the daytime view, the sunset, and the city lights all in one visit.
- Check the Weather: If it’s a "low ceiling" day, you’ll literally be inside a cloud. It’s cool, but you won't see the ground.
- Walk the Neighborhood: You’re right on the Magnificent Mile. Water Tower Place is directly across the street, and the lakefront path is just a few blocks east.
The building at 875 N Michigan Ave Chicago IL 60611 is a masterclass in honesty. It shows you its bones, it tells you its history, and it offers the best seat in the house for the Chicago skyline. Just don't feel bad if you still call it the Hancock—everyone else does too.