Exterior Glass Elevator Coming to Chicago's Aon Center?

Posted by Leo Clark. on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 at 12:22pm.


No longer wowed simply by ordinary observation decks, a proposed new deck topping Chicago’s Aon Center intends to transport guests via a glass-walled, exterior elevator. It’s been reported that the double-decker lift will ascend the 1000-foot tall building on its northwest edge.

City leaders haven’t officially signed off on the plan, which is said to still be in the planning stage. If it happens, though, it could draw in tourists from Maggie Daley and Millennium parks, bringing in potentially millions in revenue.

It would also face some competition from other observation decks in the city. The Willis Tower Skydeck already allows visitors to step out onto a glass box called the Ledge, while future plans there could add on a glass staircase and possibly even a rappelling attraction. In addition, the 360Chicago observatory has the Tilt, providing a glass view of the street below from 1000 feet high in the air.