Chicago City Council has given its approval to add a public observation deck and a 1,185 foot exterior glass elevator to the Aon Center in downtown Chicago per Curbed Chicago. This will be North America's tallest elevator. The project could begin construction next spring.
The building's owner, 601W Companies, unveiled the proposed changes in May. The design went before the city with minimal changes except for the removal of exterior LED lighting from the elevator and the additon of streetscape improvements.
The addition will cost $185 million and is designed by Solomon Cordwell Buenz, a Chicago architectural firm. Plans call for a new entrance pavilion at the office building's base and will include a rooftop "thrill ride" which will dangle tourists in a glass-bottomed gondola over the tower's edge.
This will become the city's third observation deck, joining the Willis Tower's Skydeck and the 360 Chicago observatory at 875 N. Michigan Avenue, formerly the Hancock Center.
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When this project is completed, Chicago will join New York as the only cities in the country with three or more observation decks.
According to the Aon Center Observatory website, this project will repurpose space at the top of the Aon Center into an observatory and restaurant. In addition, a family-friendly entertainment venue will be added to the lower level of the Aon Center.
This improvement will transform a structure that has largely been used for office space into a vibrant destination, attracting an estimated two million visitors each year after a few years of operation. This will generate more than $900 million in direct economic impact for the city of Chicago over 20 years.
The observation deck will provide panoramic views of Milennium Park, Lake Michigan and Chicago's Loop. Visitors will be able to enjoy these unbelievable views as they ride the country's tallest and fastest external elevator up 82 stories to the observatory. This double deck elevator will be located at the northwest corner of the building. When guests get to the top, they will also be able to enjoy the lounge, restaurant and special event space. There will also be an experience ride that takes them over the edge of the Aon Center's roof and right over Millennium Park.
Also see DataBid Blog titled: Developers Reveal Proposed Aon Center Observatory
