The Ledge at Willis Tower, formerly Sears Tower, was created to enhance a classic SOM building with an innovative addition that is in the spirit of the original design. The minimal five-sided glass balconies allow for views in all directions and provide an experience that approximates being suspended in the air. The ledges are approximately 4 feet deep, 10 feet high, and 10 feet wide. They are made of 1.5 inch laminated glass panels hung from a steel frame that rides on rails, allowing it to be retracted into the building for cleaning and maintenance. A multi-disciplinary team at SOM conceived the design, created construction documents for the fixed elements, and worked closely with the design/builder of the movable glass ledges. This unique concept is showing promise as a feature in new towers currently being designed by the firm.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 2009
Project Area: 3,500 ft²

Project Awards

2011 • Architectural Record • Good Design is Good Business
2011 • Chicago Athenaeum • International Architecture Award
2010 • AIA - Chicago Chapter • Honor Award
2010 • Architect Magazine • Annual Design Review: Citation
2010 • Chicago Athenaeum • American Architecture Award
2010 • Chicago Building Congress • Merit Award
2010 • Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards • Special Achievement
2010 • Friends of Downtown • Coolest Thing: Vertigo
2010 • Structural Engineers Association of Illinois • Excellence in Structural Engineering: Jurors' Favorite