John Hancock Center

:Several buildings bear this name. They were all built by John Hancock Insurance, named after John Hancock. For the John Hancock Tower in Boston, Massachusetts, see John Hancock Tower.

Related Topics:
John Hancock Insurance - John Hancock - Boston, Massachusetts - John Hancock Tower

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The John Hancock Center at 875 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago, Illinois is a one-hundred-story, 1,127 ft. (344 m)-tall skyscraper designed by structural engineer Fazlur Khan of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and, when completed in 1969, was the tallest building in the world outside of New York City. It is the third tallest skyscraper in Chicago and the fourth largest in the United States. The building is home to offices and restaurants, as well as more than 700 condominiums and contains the highest residences in the world. The first residential lease for the Hancock building was signed by Benjamin Gingiss who lived in the building until his death.

Related Topics:
Chicago - Illinois - Story - Skyscraper - Fazlur Khan - Skidmore, Owings and Merrill - 1969 - New York City - United States - Restaurant - Condominiums - Benjamin Gingiss

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The 95th floor has long been home to a fine restaurant, the latest incarnation being called "The Signature Room on the 95th Floor." While patrons dine, they can look out the windows overlooking Chicago and Lake Michigan. One of the best views of the city can be seen from the restaurant's ladies' restroom. Oftentimes men are invited in to see the view. The Hancock Center's observation facilities compete with the Sears Tower Skydeck across town. The Hancock Center is located in a commercial district, while the Sears Tower is located in the financial district. The Hancock Center 94th floor observation deck displays exhibits about the city of Chicago. Maps explain the view in each direction and a special meshed in area allows the visitors to feel the winds 1,000 feet above ground level. On the 44th floor, there is a skylobby containing America's highest indoor swimming pool.

Related Topics:
Lake Michigan - Sears Tower - Swimming pool

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The skyscraper's distinctive X-bracing exterior eliminates the need for inner support beams which greatly increases the usable floor area. This has made the John Hancock Center an architectural icon. The interior was remodeled in 1995, adding to the lobby travertine marble and textured limestone surfaces. The elliptical-shaped plaza outside the building serves as a public oasis with seasonal plantings and a 12-foot waterfall. A band of white lights at the top of the building is visible all over Chicago at night and changes colors for different holidays.

Related Topics:
1995 - Marble - Limestone - Light

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The building is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers. It also has won various awards for its distinctive style, including the Distinguished Architects 25 Year Award from the American Institute of Architects in May of 1999.

Related Topics:
World Federation of Great Towers - American Institute of Architects - 1999

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On March 9, 2002, a scaffold fell 43 stories after being torn loose by 60 mph wind gusts. It crushed several cars and killed three people on the street.

Related Topics:
March 9 - 2002

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The John Hancock Center was erected on the site of Cap Streeter's 19th century steamboat shanty.

Related Topics:
Cap Streeter - 19th century

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