The Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower, is a skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois. The spelling of the word "Sears" is represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /sɪərz/, which includes the long "e" sound as in "see" and the "z" sound at the end of the word. The tower was originally named after the Sears, Roebuck and Company but was renamed in 2009. Despite the name change, it remains one of the most iconic buildings in the United States.
The Sears Tower is a skyscraper located in Chicago, Illinois, which held the title of the tallest building in the world upon its completion in 1973 until 1998. It stands as an iconic symbol of architectural prowess and urban development.
With a height of 1,450 feet (442 meters), the Sears Tower is classified as a supertall skyscraper, dominating Chicago's skyline. It features a strikingly distinctive design characterized by a series of black aluminum and bronze-tinted reflective glass tubes, which taper as they ascend, hence its nickname “Big Willie.” The tower comprises a total of 108 floors and 4.5 million square feet of space.
Originally named after the Sears, Roebuck & Company, the Sears Tower has undergone various rebranding efforts throughout its history and is now officially known as the Willis Tower. It serves as a prominent office building, accommodating numerous corporate offices, businesses, and government organizations. Moreover, it is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to admire the panoramic views from its Skydeck observatory.
The Sears Tower has etched its name in architectural history, garnering recognition for its innovation, engineering excellence, and contributions to urban design. Its unparalleled height, coupled with its unique and imposing presence, has solidified its position as an emblem of Chicago's architectural achievements and urbanization.
The word "Sears Tower" originated from the Sears, Roebuck and Company, a retail company established by Richard Warren Sears and Alvah Curtis Roebuck in the late 19th century. The Sears Tower was named after this company, which initially had its headquarters located in the building. The tower itself was designed by architect Bruce Graham and engineer Fazlur Rahman Khan, and it was completed in 1973. In 2009, the building was renamed as the Willis Tower due to a change in ownership, but it is still commonly referred to by its original name, the Sears Tower.