You’re walking down Michigan Avenue, shopping bags in hand, and you look up. There it is. A massive, dark, tapering obelisk with giant white X-braces that look like they’re holding the sky together. Most people call it the John Hancock Center Chicago, though technically its name changed to 875 North Michigan Avenue back in 2018. Honestly? Nobody in Chicago actually calls it that. To us, it’s just "Big John."
It isn't just another skyscraper. While the Willis Tower (Sears Tower for the purists) is taller, the Hancock has a soul that the other glass boxes just can’t replicate. It’s a 100-story titan of Structural Expressionism that basically redefined what a "mixed-use" building could be. You’ve got offices, a grocery store on the 44th floor, and people literally living their lives a thousand feet in the air.
The Engineering Genius of the John Hancock Center Chicago
When construction kicked off in 1965, the world hadn't seen anything like this. The architect, Bruce Graham, and the legendary structural engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan—a man who essentially invented the way we build tall today—teamed up to solve a massive problem. How do you build 100 stories without the whole thing swaying like a blade of grass in a Chicago gale?
Their answer? The tube.
Instead of a heavy internal skeleton, they moved the support to the outside. Those iconic X-braces aren't just for show; they’re the building's muscles. By bracing the exterior, they used way less steel than a traditional building of that height, saving something like $15 million at the time. It was revolutionary.
A Near Disaster Underground
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. During construction, the project almost went bankrupt. They discovered a massive flaw in the caissons—the deep concrete pillars that hold the building up. One of them had a huge void in it because of a bad concrete pour. Work stopped for months.
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Jerry Wolman, the original developer, actually lost the building because of the delays. The John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company ended up taking over, which is how it got its famous name.
Living in the Clouds: The World's Highest Residences
Imagine waking up and the first thing you see is the curvature of the earth over Lake Michigan.
The John Hancock Center Chicago houses some of the highest condos in the world. Floors 44 through 92 are strictly residential. There are about 700 units in there. If you live there, you have your own private sky lobby on the 44th floor, complete with the highest indoor swimming pool in the United States.
There's a persistent myth that the building sways so much the residents get seasick. Totally false. While all skyscrapers sway a bit to avoid snapping, the Hancock is famously stiff. You might see the water in your toilet bowl ripple during a 60-mph gust, but you aren't going to be reaching for the Dramamine.
One quirky detail: the X-braces actually pass right through some of the apartment windows. You’d think that would make them cheaper, right? Nope. Real estate agents turned it into a "character feature," and those units often command a premium because they look so cool from the inside.
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360 Chicago vs. The Skydeck: Which One Wins?
If you’re a tourist, this is the big debate. Do you go to the Willis Tower or the Hancock?
Look, the Willis Tower is higher, and "The Ledge" is terrifying. But the John Hancock Center Chicago has the better view. Period.
Because it’s right on the lake, you get this incredible transition from the deep blue of the water to the urban grid. Plus, you get to look at the Willis Tower. It’s the centerpiece of your photos. If you're standing on top of the tallest building, you can't see the tallest building.
TILT: For the Adrenaline Junkies
The 94th floor is home to 360 Chicago. Their big gimmick is TILT. You stand against a window, grab some bars, and the entire glass pane tilts outward at a 30-degree angle over the Magnificent Mile.
It is 1,000 feet of "absolutely not" for some people.
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But if you can stomach it, it’s one of the most unique thrills in the city. After you've had your heart rate spiked, you can grab a drink at CloudBar. Pro tip: go at "Golden Hour." The way the sun hits the lake and the city glass is basically a religious experience.
What Happened to the Signature Room?
For decades, the move was to skip the observation deck and go to the Signature Room on the 95th floor for dinner or the lounge on the 96th for a cocktail. It was the "free" way to see the view (well, the price of a $20 martini).
Sadly, the Signature Room closed abruptly in late 2023. It was a massive blow to Chicago’s dining scene.
However, the 360 Chicago team recently took over those floors. They’re expanding the observation experience upward. It’s a bit of a bummer that the old-school white-tablecloth vibe is gone, but the views aren't going anywhere.
Survival Guide: Tips for Visiting "Big John"
If you’re planning a trip to the John Hancock Center Chicago, don't just wing it.
- Check the clouds: If it’s a "socked-in" foggy day, don't bother. You’ll be standing in a white void. Check the 360 Chicago webcams before you buy a ticket.
- The Red Line is your friend: Take the CTA Red Line to the Chicago Avenue stop. It’s a short, pleasant walk east to the building.
- The Cheesecake Factory Trap: There is a Cheesecake Factory in the basement. It’s always packed. Unless you have a desperate craving for 40-page menus, explore the local spots in Streeterville instead.
- The Plaza: Take a second to hang out in the sunken plaza at the base. It’s a great spot to people-watch and realize just how small you are compared to the steel X's above you.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Book the "TILT & View" ticket online: You'll save a few bucks and skip the primary ticket line.
- Visit on a Monday or Tuesday: The crowds are significantly thinner than on weekends.
- Bring a wide-angle lens: If you’re a photographer, the proximity to the lake means you’ll want to capture the massive scale of the shoreline.
- Look for the antennas: At night, the two massive antennas on top are often lit up in different colors for holidays or sports wins. It’s the city’s mood ring.
The John Hancock Center Chicago is more than just steel and glass. It’s the embodiment of "Chicago School" architecture—brawny, honest, and incredibly sophisticated. It doesn't hide how it works; it wears its skeleton on the outside for everyone to see. That's about as Chicago as it gets.