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The History Of The Aon Center: From Chicago’s Tallest Building To Modern Landmark
For generations, the Aon Center has been a defining part of Chicago’s skyline. But what is the story behind this iconic structure? From its completion in 1973 until the 1974 completion of the Willis Tower (formerly named the Sears Tower), the Aon Center was Chicago’s tallest completed building. In this article, we’ll explore the history of this modern landmark and discover how it has come to define Chicago’s skyline.
Introduction
When the Aon Center Chicago was first built in 1973, it was the tallest building and remained the city’s tallest for 25 years. The 1,136-foot-tall skyscraper is located in the heart of the city’s Loop district and is a prominent fixture on the Chicago skyline. Designed by noted architects Perkins+Will, the Aon Center is a prime example of late 20th-century International Style architecture.
Despite its towering height, the Aon Center is actually quite slender, with a width of only 130 feet at its base. The building’s exterior is clad in over two acres of reflective glass, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. Its interior features include a three-story atrium lobby and a sky deck on the 103rd floor that offers stunning views of Chicago.
The Aon Center has been through several name changes over the years – it was originally known as the Standard Oil Building, then the Amoco Building after Standard Oil merged with Amoco in 1985. In 1999, British insurance company Aon plc purchased the building and renamed it after itself. In recent years, the Aon Center has undergone an extensive renovation that has updated its look and feels while still maintaining its original architectural integrity.
The Construction of the Aon Center Chicago History
The Aon Center was originally constructed as the Standard Oil Building in 1973. It was designed by noted architect Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and rose to a height of 1,136 feet (346 meters), making it the tallest building in Chicago at the time. The building’s exterior is clad in white Italian Carrara marble and its signature feature is the series of 72 vertical fins that adorn its sides.
In 1987, the building was renamed the Aon Center after the insurance company Aon Corporation moved its global headquarters into the building. Today, the Aon Center is home to a variety of businesses and organizations and remains an iconic presence on Chicago’s skyline.
The Building’s Design and Features
The Aon Center is a modern, sleek skyscraper that stands as a symbol of Chicago’s skyline. The building was designed by renowned architect Edward Durell Stone and completed in 1974. It stands 1,136 feet tall and has 73 floors. The Aon Center Chicago history is made up of two rectangular towers that are connected at their base by a sky bridge. The exterior of the building is covered in reflective glass that gives it a mirrored appearance. The building’s design is unique and its features make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Chicago.
Successful Tenants and Events in the Aon Center Chicago
The Aon Center is a modern landmark in the heart of Chicago. But it wasn’t always this way. The building has a long and storied history, dating back to when it was first built as the Standard Oil Building in 1973.
At 1,136 feet (346 meters), the Aon Center was the tallest building in Chicago when it was completed. It remained the tallest building in the city until 1998 when the Sears Tower (now Willis Tower) was built.
The Aon Center has been home to many successful businesses and events over the years. Some of the tenants that have called the building home include IBM, Microsoft, Lehman Brothers, and KPMG. The building has also hosted numerous high-profile events, such as presidential visits, international summits, and concerts by top musical acts.
Refurbishment and Upgrades to the Building Over Time
The Aon Center Chicago was originally built in 1973 as the Standard Oil Building. At 1,136 feet (346 meters), it was the tallest building and the fourth-tallest in the world. The building underwent a major renovation in 1992 when it was renamed the Aon Center. The most notable change during this renovation was the addition of two new floors, which made it the tallest building in Chicago once again.
In 2009, the Aon Center Chicago underwent another significant renovation. The most noticeable change during this renovation was the addition of a new LED lighting system on the exterior of the building. This lighting system is capable of displaying a wide range of colors and patterns and has been used to display messages of support for various causes and organizations.
The Aon Center is currently the third-tallest building in Chicago and the seventh-tallest in the United States. It is an important part of Chicago’s skyline and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
The Aon Center’s Relationship with Chicago Culture
The Center has long been a part of the Chicago skyline, and it has also been a part of the city’s culture. The building was originally designed by noted architect Edward Durell Stone, and it was completed in 1974. The Aon Center Chicago is 1,136 feet tall, and it is the third-tallest building. The building is located at 200 East Randolph Street in the Loop community area of Chicago. The Aon Center is adjacent to Millennium Park and Lake Michigan.
The building has 70 stories, and it is one of the most recognizable buildings in Chicago. The Aon Center Chicago history is currently the global headquarters for the insurance company Aon plc. The company relocated its headquarters to the Aon Center in 1999. The Center has long been a part of Chicago’s skyline, and it has also been a part of the city’s culture. The building was originally designed by noted architect Edward Durell Stone, and it was completed in 1974. The Aon Center is 1,136 feet tall, and it is the third-tallest building in Chicago. The building is located at 200 East Randolph Street in the Loop community area of Chicago.
Conclusion
The Aon Center Chicago’s skyline has come a long way since its completion in 1973, becoming an iconic landmark. It is not only the tallest building in Chicago but one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. With its grand architecture and modern design features, it is easy to understand why so many people are drawn to this incredible structure. Whether you are visiting or living here, be sure to check out all that the Aon Center has to offer – from beautiful views of Lake Michigan and beyond to amazing restaurants and shops located within its walls!
