Editing John Hancock Center

{{Short description|Skyscraper in Chicago, Illinois}}
{{About||the tower in Boston|John Hancock Tower|other similarly named buildings|John Hancock Building}}
{{Use American English|date = April 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox building
| name                = 875 North Michigan Avenue 
| image               = Chicago (22332583569).jpg
| caption             = 875 North Michigan Avenue in 2015, viewed from the [[Willis Tower]]
| start_date          = 1965
| completion_date     = {{start date and age|1969}}
| cost                = [[USD|US$]]100 million<ref name="At a Glance" /><br />(${{formatprice|{{Inflation|US|100000000|1969}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}})
| address             = 875 North Michigan Avenue (additional entrances at 175 East Delaware Place and 170 East Chestnut Street)
| location            = Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
| coordinates         = {{coord|41.8988|-87.6230|region:US-IL|display=inline,title}}
| map_type            = Chicago#Illinois#USA
| highest_region      = Chicago
| highest_prev        = [[Richard J. Daley Center]]
| highest_start       = 1969
| highest_end         = 1973
| highest_next        = [[Willis Tower]]
| status              = completed
| architectural_style = [[High-tech architecture|Structural Expressionism]]
| roof                = {{convert|1128|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}
| top_floor           = {{convert|1054|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=skyscraperCenter>{{cite web|url=http://skyscrapercenter.com/chicago/john-hancock-center/|title=John Hancock Center - The Skyscraper Center|work=Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213022043/http://skyscrapercenter.com/chicago/john-hancock-center/|archive-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref>
| architectural       = {{convert|1128|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=skyscraperCenter />
| tip                 = {{convert|1500|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=skyscraperCenter />
| observatory         = {{convert|1030|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=skyscraperCenter />
| floor_count         = 100<ref name=skyscraperCenter />
| floor_area          = {{convert|2,799,973|sqft|m2|0|abbr=on}}<ref name=skyscraperCenter />
| elevator_count      = 50, made by [[Otis Elevator Company]]<ref name=skyscraperCenter />
| architect           = [[Bruce Graham]] & [[Fazlur Rahman Khan]]<br />[[Skidmore, Owings and Merrill]]
| structural_engineer = [[Skidmore, Owings & Merrill]] LLP (SOM)
| main_contractor     = [[Tishman Realty & Construction|Tishman Construction Co.]]
| developer           = [[John Hancock Insurance]]
| owner               = The Hearn Company
| website             = {{URL|875northmichiganavenue.com}}
| references          = <ref name=skyscraperCenter /><ref name="skyscraperpage">{{skyscraperpage|id=17|name=John Hancock Center}}</ref><ref name="emporis">{{Cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/116876 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119110928/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/116876 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 19, 2016 |title=John Hancock Center |work=[[Emporis]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=John Hancock - Ownership|url=http://www.johnhancockcenterchicago.com/ownership.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326035336/http://www.johnhancockcenterchicago.com/ownership.html|archive-date=March 26, 2016}}</ref>
}}
'''875 North Michigan Avenue''' (officially known until 2018 as the '''John Hancock Center''' and still commonly referred to under that name) is a 100-[[Storey|story]], 1,128-foot<ref name="John Hancock Center">{{cite web|url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=116876|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040415075239/http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu/?id=116876|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 15, 2004|title=John Hancock Center|access-date=May 19, 2009|work=Emporis.com}}</ref> supertall [[skyscraper]] located in [[Chicago]], Illinois. Located in the [[Magnificent Mile]] district, the building was designed by Peruvian-American chief designer [[Bruce Graham]] and Bangladeshi-American structural engineer [[Fazlur Rahman Khan]] of [[Skidmore, Owings and Merrill]] (SOM).<ref>p. 422, ''American Architecture: A History'', Leland M. Roth, Westview Press, 2003, {{ISBN|0-8133-3662-7}}</ref> When the building topped out on May 6, 1968,<ref name="At a Glance">{{Cite press release|title=John Hancock Observatory – At a Glance|publisher=Edelman|year=2008|url=http://www.hancockobservatory.com/pdfs/Media%20JHO%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf |access-date=September 16, 2010}}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> it was the second-tallest building in the world after the [[Empire State Building]], in [[ New York City]], and the tallest in Chicago. It is currently the [[List of tallest buildings in Chicago|fifth-tallest building in Chicago]] and the [[List of tallest buildings in the United States|fourteenth-tallest in the United States]], behind the [[Aon Center (Chicago)|Aon Center]] in Chicago and ahead of the [[Comcast Technology Center]] in [[Philadelphia]]. When measured to the top of its [[Radio masts and towers|antenna masts]], it stands at {{convert|1500|ft|m|0}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/1006/The_John_Hancock_Center.php|title=The John Hancock Center: 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, Illinois|access-date=May 19, 2009|work=Chicago Architecture Info|archive-date=August 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820042414/http://www.chicagoarchitecture.info/Building/1006/The_John_Hancock_Center.php|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The building is home to several offices and restaurants, as well as about 700 [[Condominium (living space)|condominium]]s; at the time of its completion, it contained the highest residence in the world. The building was originally named for [[John Hancock Insurance|John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company]], a developer and original tenant of the building, which itself was named for the U.S. [[Founding Fathers of the United States|Founding Father]] [[John Hancock]].<ref name="chicagotribune.com"/> In 2018, John Hancock Insurance, years after leaving the building, requested that its name be removed; the owner is seeking another naming rights deal.<ref name="chicagotribune.com">[http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ct-biz-john-hancock-center-name-ryan-ori-20180212-story.html "John Hancock Center skyscraper losing its iconic name"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213030015/http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ct-biz-john-hancock-center-name-ryan-ori-20180212-story.html |date=February 13, 2018 }}. ''Chicago Tribune'', February 12, 2018.</ref>

From the 95th-floor restaurant, which closed in late 2023, diners were able to look out at Chicago and [[Lake Michigan]]. The observatory (360 Chicago),<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/john-hancock-observatory-to-rebrand-as-360-chicago |title=John Hancock Observatory to rebrand as 360 Chicago |newspaper=Time Out Chicago |first=Jake |last=Malooley |date=January 30, 2014 |access-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-date=June 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053450/https://www.timeout.com/chicago/things-to-do/john-hancock-observatory-to-rebrand-as-360-chicago |url-status=dead }}</ref> which competes with the Willis Tower's [[Willis Tower#Skydeck|Skydeck]], has a 360° view of the city, up to four states, and a distance of over {{convert|80|mi|km}}. 360 Chicago is home to TILT, a moving platform that leans visitors over the edge of the skyscraper to a 30-degree angle,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kuhrt Brewer |first1=Carole |title=TILT Chicago: A Thrill Ride One-Thousand Feet in the Sky Atop 360 CHICAGO |url=http://www.chicagonow.com/show-me-chicago/2014/05/tilt-chicago-a-trill-ride-one-thousand-feet-in-the-sky-atop-360-chicago/ |website=Chicago Now |publisher=Chicago Tribune |access-date=22 April 2019 |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422152009/http://www.chicagonow.com/show-me-chicago/2014/05/tilt-chicago-a-trill-ride-one-thousand-feet-in-the-sky-atop-360-chicago/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> a full bar with local selections,<ref>{{cite web |title=360 CHICAGO and BAR 94 Announce Neighborhood Takeover with KOVAL Distillery |url=http://www.chicagofoodmagazine.com/news/360-chicago-announces-neighborhood-takeover-with-koval-distillery |website=Chicago Food Magazine |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> Chicago's only open-air SkyWalk, and also features free interactive high-definition touchscreens in six languages.<ref>{{cite web |title=Plan Your Visit to John Hancock Observatory Deck - 360 Chicago |url=https://360chicago.com/plan-your-visit#interactive-technology |website=360 Chicago |access-date=22 April 2019}}</ref> The 44th-floor [[sky lobby]] features the highest indoor swimming pool in the [[United States]].<ref> {{cite web |title=How Did They Build That? John Hancock Center |url=https://www.beck-technology.com/blog/how-did-they-build-that-john-hancock-center-chicago?hs_amp=true |website=Beck Technology |access-date=5 October 2023}} </ref>

==History==
=== 20th century ===
[[File:19680817 09 Michigan Ave. @ Chestnut St. (6101565370) (1).jpg|thumb|The John Hancock Center under construction, August 1968]]

The project, which would become the world's second tallest building at opening, was conceived and owned by [[Jerry Wolman]] in late 1964. The project was financed by John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. Construction of the tower was interrupted in 1967 due to a flaw in an innovative engineering method used to pour concrete in stages, that was discovered when the building was 20 stories high.<ref>''Jerry Wolman: The World's Richest Man'', Joseph Bokol, Richard Bokol, 2012</ref> The engineers were getting the same soil settlements for the 20 stories that had been built as what they had expected for the ''entire'' 99 stories. This forced the owner to stop development until the engineering problem could be resolved, resulting in a credit crunch. The situation is similar to the one faced during the construction of 111 West Wacker, then known as the [[Waterview Tower]]. Wolman's bankruptcy resulted in John Hancock taking over the project, which retained the original design, architect, engineer, and main contractor.

The building's first resident was Ray Heckla, the original building engineer, responsible for the residential floors from 44 to 92. Heckla moved his family in April 1969, before the building was completed.

The 1988 film ''[[Poltergeist III]]'' was set at the John Hancock Center and was filmed in early 1987.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095889/locations | title=Poltergeist III (1988) - IMDb | website=[[IMDb]] }}</ref>

=== 21st century ===
On December 10, 2006, the non-residential portion of the building was sold by [[San Francisco]]–based [[Shorenstein Properties]] for $385 million{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|385,000,000|2006}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}} and was purchased by a joint venture of Chicago-based Golub & Company and the Whitehall Street Real Estate Funds.<ref>[http://www.golubandcompany.com/pages/golub_whitehall_acquire_john_hancock_center/121.php Golub Real Estate Investment and Development] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183836/http://www.golubandcompany.com/pages/golub_whitehall_acquire_john_hancock_center/121.php |date=March 3, 2016 }}</ref> [[Shorenstein Properties]] had bought the building in 1998 for $220 million.{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|220,000,000|1998}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}}

Golub defaulted on its debt and the building was acquired in 2012 by [[Deutsche Bank]], who subsequently carved up the building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20130420/ISSUE01/304209979/carving-up-the-hancock|title=Carving up the Hancock|access-date=July 8, 2016|date=April 20, 2013|work= [[Crain's Chicago Business]] |author=Ori, Ryan}}</ref> The venture of Deutsche Bank and New York–based NorthStar Realty Finance paid an estimated $325 million{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|325,000,000|2012}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}} for debt on 875 North Michigan Avenue in 2012 after [[Shorenstein Properties]] defaulted on $400 million{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|400,000,000|2012}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}} in loans.<ref name="chicagobusiness.com" /> The observation deck was sold to Paris-based [[Montparnasse 56 Group]] for between $35 million and $45 million{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|35,000,000|2012}}}}{{ndash}}${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|45,000,000|2012}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}} in July 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120718/BLOGS08/120719757/boul-mich-deck-with-la-view|title=Boul Mich deck with la view|access-date=July 8, 2016|date=July 18, 2012|work= [[Crain's Chicago Business]]}}</ref> That same month, Prudential Real Estate Investors acquired the retail and restaurant space for almost $142 million.{{efn|equivalent to almost ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|142,000,000|2012}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20120723/CRED03/120729943/hancocks-retail-restaurant-space-sells-for-almost-142-million|title=Hancock's retail, restaurant space sells for almost $142 million|access-date=July 8, 2016|date=July 23, 2012|work= [[Crain's Chicago Business]]|author=Oberlander, Marissa}}</ref> In November 2012, Boston-based American Tower Corp affiliate paid $70 million{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|70,000,000|2012}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}} for the antennas.<ref name="chibusinessantennas">{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20121121/CRED03/121129969/how-much-for-the-antennas-atop-hancock-center|title=How much for the antennas atop Hancock Center?|access-date=July 8, 2016|date=November 21, 2012|work= [[Crain's Chicago Business]]|author=Oberlander, Marissa}}</ref> In June 2013, a venture of Chicago-based real estate investment firm Hearn Co., New York–based investment firm Mount Kellett Capital Management L.P. and San Antonio–based developer Lynd Co. closed on the expected acquisition of 875 North Michigan Avenue's {{Convert|856,000|ft2|m2}} of office space and 710-car parking deck. The Chicago firm did not disclose a price, but sources said it was about $145 million.{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|145,000,000|2013}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}}<ref name="chicagobusiness.com">[http://www.chicagobusiness.com/realestate/20130624/CRED03/130629902/new-owners-of-hancock-office-space-plan-45-million-rehab# New owners of Hancock office space plan $45 million rehab]. ''chicagobusiness.com''</ref> This was the last step in that piecemeal sale process.<ref name="chicagobusiness.com" /> In May 2016, Hearn Co. announced that they were seeking buyers for the naming rights with possible signage rights for the building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-john-hancock-naming-rights-0521-biz-20160520-story.html|title=John Hancock Center shops naming rights to fund plaza redevelopment|access-date=July 8, 2016|date=May 20, 2016|work= [[Chicago Tribune]]|author=Channick, Robert}}</ref>

Hustle up the Hancock is an annual stair climb race up the 94 floors from the Michigan Avenue level to the observation deck. It is held on the last Sunday of February. The climb benefits [[Respiratory Health Association]]. The record time as of 2007 is 9 minutes 30 seconds.

The building is home to the transmitter of [[Univision]]'s [[WGBO-DT]] (channel 66), while all other full-power television stations in Chicago broadcast from [[Willis Tower]]. The [[City Colleges of Chicago]]'s [[WYCC]] (channel 20) transmitted from the building until November 2017, when it departed the air as part of the 2016 FCC spectrum auction.

On February 12, 2018, John Hancock Insurance requested that its name and logos throughout the building's interior be removed immediately; John Hancock had not had a naming-rights deal with the skyscraper's owners since 2013. The building's name was subsequently changed to its street address as 875 North Michigan Avenue.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ori |first1=Ryan |title=John Hancock Center skyscraper losing its iconic name |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ori/ct-biz-john-hancock-center-name-ryan-ori-20180212-story.html |access-date=November 19, 2018 |work=Chicago Tribune |date=February 13, 2018 |archive-date=May 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522222242/https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/columnists/ori/ct-biz-john-hancock-center-name-ryan-ori-20180212-story.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Incidents ===
On November 11, 1981, [[Veterans Day (United States)|Veterans Day]], high-rise firefighting and rescue advocate [[Dan Goodwin]], for the purpose of calling attention to the inability to rescue people trapped in the upper floors of skyscrapers, successfully climbed the building's exterior wall. Wearing a wetsuit and using a climbing device that enabled him to ascend the I-beams on the building's side, Goodwin battled repeated attempts by the [[Chicago Fire Department]] to knock him off. Fire Commissioner William Blair ordered Chicago firemen to stop Goodwin by directing a fully engaged fire hose at him and by blasting fire axes through nearby glass from the inside. Fearing for Goodwin's life, Mayor [[Jane Byrne]] intervened and allowed him to continue to the top.<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9502EEDC1F39F936A25752C1A967948260 Headliners Higher and Higher Published: 15 November 1981, New York Times]</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Willis Tower |url=http://www.justonebadcentury.com/chicago_cubs_history_47.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320062017/http://www.justonebadcentury.com/chicago_cubs_history_47.asp |archive-date=March 20, 2012 |access-date=July 4, 2011}}</ref>

On December 18, 1997, comedian [[Chris Farley]] was found dead in his apartment on the 60th floor of the building.<ref name="farley">{{cite web |title=Chris Farley: Trivia |url=http://www.tv.com/chris-farley/person/50825/trivia.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114111957/http://www.tv.com/chris-farley/person/50825/trivia.html |archive-date=January 14, 2009 |access-date=April 17, 2008 |work=TV.com |publisher=CNET Networks}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Chicago Ghosts |url=http://www.chicagohauntings.com/hancock.html |access-date=April 17, 2008 |publisher=Chicago Hauntings Tours |archive-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727113706/http://www.chicagohauntings.com/hancock.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On March 9, 2002, part of a scaffold fell 43 stories after being torn loose by wind gusts around {{convert|60|mph|km/h|-1|abbr=on}} crushing several cars, killing three people in two of them. The remaining part of the stage swung back-and-forth in the gusts repeatedly slamming against the building, damaging cladding panels, breaking windows, and sending pieces onto the street below.

On November 21, 2015, a fire broke out in an apartment on the 50th floor of the building. The [[Chicago Fire Department]] was able to extinguish the fire after an hour and a half; five people suffered minor injuries.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 21, 2015 |title=5 Injured in 2-Alarm Fire at John Hancock Building |url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Fire-Reported-at-John-Hancock-Building-352707061.html |access-date=November 21, 2015 |website=[[WMAQ-TV]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal]] Media, LLC}}</ref>

On February 11, 2018, a fire in a car on the seventh floor required approximately 150 firefighters to extinguish.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Malagon |first1=Elvia |date=February 11, 2018 |title=Car fire at John Hancock Center extinguished without injuries |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-car-fire-hancock-20180211-story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181120055146/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-car-fire-hancock-20180211-story.html |archive-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref>

On November 16, 2018, an express elevator cable broke. Initial reports stated that an elevator with six passengers plunged 84 stories from the 95th to 11th floor. Since express elevators are not accessible from floors within the express zone, a team of firefighters had to break through a brick wall from the parking garage to extricate the passengers, none of whom suffered injuries. Elevators to the 95th/96th floor were closed thereafter pending investigation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Elevator in former Hancock building fell 84 floors before rescue |url=https://wgntv.com/2018/11/19/elevator-in-former-hancock-building-fell-84-floors-before-rescue/ |access-date=November 19, 2018 |work=WGNTV |publisher=Associated Press |date=November 19, 2018 |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119214626/https://wgntv.com/2018/11/19/elevator-in-former-hancock-building-fell-84-floors-before-rescue/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Subsequent investigation documented only a controlled descent from the 20th floor to the 11th floor.<ref>{{cite news |title=Former Hancock building broken elevator cable never caused 'freefall,' 3rd party inspection report says |url=https://abc7chicago.com/former-hancock-building-broken-elevator-cable-never-caused-freefall-inspection-report-says/5264740/ |access-date=January 3, 2020 |work=ABC7 |date=April 23, 2019}}</ref>

On January 5, 2022, a piece of [[Cladding (construction)|cladding]] fell from the building.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Liederman |first1=Mack |title=A Piece Of The Hancock Building Fell Off In 'Freak Incident,' Terrifying Neighbors |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2022/01/07/a-piece-of-the-hancock-center-fell-off-amid-high-winds-frightening-neighbors-it-terrified-me/ |access-date=12 January 2022 |work=Block Club Chicago |date=7 January 2022 |language=en}}</ref>

==Architecture==
[[File:John Hancock Center, Chicago, Illinois. Exterior. Night view (1974).jpg|thumb|John Hancock Center in 1974]]
[[File:John Hancock Center 2.jpg|thumb|upright|[[X-bracing]] on the tower's façade]]

One of the most famous buildings of the [[High-tech architecture|structural expressionist]] style, the skyscraper's distinctive [[X-bracing|X-braced]] exterior shows that the structure's skin is part of its "[[tube (structure)|tubular system]]". This is one of the engineering techniques which the designers used to achieve a record height; the [[tube (structure)|tubular system]] is the structure that keeps the building upright during wind and earthquake loads. This X-bracing allows for both higher performance from tall structures and the ability to open up the inside floorplan. Such original features have allowed 875 North Michigan Avenue to become an architectural icon. It was pioneered by Bangladeshi-American structural civil engineer [[Fazlur Khan]] and chief architect [[Bruce Graham]].

The interior was remodeled in 1995, adding to the lobby [[travertine]], black granite, and textured [[limestone]] surfaces. The elliptical-shaped plaza outside the building serves as a public oasis with seasonal plantings and a 12-foot (3.7&nbsp;m) waterfall. A band of white lights at the top of the building is visible all over Chicago at night, and changes colors for different events. For example, at Christmas time the colors are green and red. When a Chicago-area sports team goes far in the playoffs, the colors are changed to match that team's colors.

The building is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers. It has won various awards for its distinctive style, including the Distinguished Architects [[Twenty-five Year Award]] from the [[American Institute of Architects]] in May 1999.<ref>{{cite web|title=Twenty Five Year Award Recipients|url=http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/AIAS075247|publisher=American Institute of Architects|access-date=July 3, 2013|archive-date=November 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119035829/http://www.aia.org/practicing/awards/AIAS075247|url-status=dead}}</ref> In celebration of the 2018 Illinois Bicentennial, the John Hancock Center was selected as one of the Illinois 200 Great Places<ref>{{cite news|last=Waldinger|first=Mike|title=The proud history of architecture in Illinois|url=https://springfieldbusinessjournal.com/2018/01/the-proud-history-of-architecture-in-illinois/|access-date=January 30, 2018|newspaper=Springfield Business Journal|date=January 30, 2018}}</ref> by the [[American Institute of Architects]] Illinois component (AIA Illinois) and was recognized by USA Today Travel magazine, as one of AIA Illinois' selections for Illinois 25 Must See Places.<ref>{{cite news|title=25 Must See Buildings in Illinois|url= https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2017/08/09/25-must-see-buildings-illinois/551011001/|access-date=January 30, 2018|newspaper=USA Today|date=August 9, 2017}}</ref>

The building is only partially protected by a fire sprinkler system,<ref>John Hancock Center [http://www.johnhancockcenter.info/pdf/contractors.pdf "Contractor & Vendor Rules and Regulations, June 2013"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053826/http://www.johnhancockcenter.info/pdf/contractors.pdf |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> as the residential floors do not have sprinklers.<ref>Fire Sprinkler Times [http://www.firesprinklerassocnewsletters.org/index.php/residential-floors-of-john-hancock-center-not-protected-with-fire-sprinklers-2/ "Residential Floors of John Hancock Center Not Protected With Fire Sprinklers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824010341/http://www.firesprinklerassocnewsletters.org/index.php/residential-floors-of-john-hancock-center-not-protected-with-fire-sprinklers-2/ |date=August 24, 2017 }}</ref> Including its antennas, the building has a height of {{convert|1500|ft|m|0}}, making it the thirty-third tallest building in the world when measured to pinnacle height.<ref name="dominate">{{Cite news |title=Asian Skyscrapers Dominate A New List Of The World's Fastest Elevators |language=en |work=Business Insider |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/the-8-fastest-elevators-in-the-world-2013-1 |access-date=September 26, 2017}}</ref>

==Interior spaces==
===44th floor sky lobby===
[[File:The John Hancock Center- 44th Floor Lobby (9694649474).jpg|thumb|The 44th floor skylobby in 2013]]

The 44th level [[skylobby]] is the floor where the building transitions from offices to residential, with offices occupying floors below and residences occupying floors above.<ref name="April1965Time">{{cite magazine |title=The City: Above the Hurly-Burly |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,941019,00.html |magazine=Time |access-date=21 February 2023 |date=2 April 1965}}</ref>

====Swimming pool====
On its 44th floor, the John Hancock Center has a resident [[swimming pool]]. The pool area has double-height ceilings.<ref name="Curbed1pool">{{cite web |last1=Spula |first1=Ian |title=Harbor Point v. Hancock: Who's Got the Edge in Indoor Pools? |url=https://chicago.curbed.com/2011/12/15/10415388/harbor-point-v-hancock-whos-got-the-edge-in-indoor-pools |website=Curbed Chicago |access-date=21 February 2023 |language=en |date=15 December 2011}}</ref> 

The pool is the highest pool in the United States when measured by distance above ground level.<ref name="Curbed1pool"/>

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' Images of the swimming pool '''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:John Hancock Center swimming pool 2011 07.png|Pool, captured in 2011
File:Water Tower, Chicago, Illinois.jpg|Pool and its south-facing view of the city, photographed in 2016
</gallery>
|}

====Resident/office tenant grocery store====
On its 44th floor, the building has a {{convert|5200|sqft|sqm}} [[grocery store]] accessible only to apartment residents and office tenants. In 2007, operation of the grocery store was taken over by the local Potash chain of grocery stores.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Boss |first1=Donna |title=Potash Opens a Store With a View |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-amp-financial/potash-opens-store-view |website=Supermarket News |access-date=21 February 2023 |language=en |date=22 October 2007}}</ref> As of February 2023, Potash continues to operate the grocery store.<ref>{{cite web |title=Locations {{!}} Chicago |url=https://www.potashmarkets.com/locations |website=Potash Markets |access-date=21 February 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

===Upper floors===
====Express elevators====
[[File:The John Hancock Observatory (16628953301).jpg|thumb|The interior of one of the [[Otis Elevator Company]]-manufactured express elevators that serving the 94th floor observation deck, 95th floor restaurant, and 96th floor cocktail lounge]]

The elevators that serve the top three public floors are credited as the fastest in both North America and the Western Hemisphere.<ref name="dominate"/><ref>{{cite web|title=History of the John Hancock|url=http://www.360chicago.com/building-history/|website=360 Chicago|access-date=January 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304213600/http://www.360chicago.com/building-history/|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Manufactured by [[Otis Elevator Company|Otis]], the elevators travel 96 floors at a top speed of {{convert|1800|ft/min|mph m/s|abbr=on}}. It has been said that they would be capable of reaching the 95th floor in 38 seconds if they could run the entire trip at their top speed.<ref name="dominate"/>

====360 Chicago Observation Deck====
[[File:360 Chicago Observation Deck (38047755906).jpg|thumb|left|400px|Panoramic photograph showing the southeast interior corner of the observation deck in 2017]]
Located on the 94th floor, 360 Chicago Observation Deck is 875 North Michigan Avenue's horizon observatory. The floor of the observatory is {{convert|1,030|ft|m}} above the street-level below. The entrance can be found on the concourse level of 875 North Michigan Avenue, accessible from the Michigan Avenue side of the building. The observatorywas  previously named "John Hancock Observatory". It has been independently owned and operated since 2014 as an subsidiary of the [[Paris]], [[France]]-based observation deck company Magnicity (formerly known as the "Montparnasse 56 Group"). After its acquisition of the observation deck, the company extensively renovated the space in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Plan Your Visit|url=http://www.360chicago.com/plan-your-visit/|website=360 Chicago|access-date=January 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150117105218/http://www.360chicago.com/plan-your-visit/|archive-date=January 17, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Stefanski |first1=Matt |title=What's Next for the Signature Room Space at Former John Hancock Center? |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/whats-next-for-the-signature-room-space-at-former-john-hancock-center/3460121/ |website=NBC Chicago |date=10 June 2024}}</ref> 

The observatory boasts more floor space than its direct competitor, Skydeck at the Willis Tower.<ref name="cafe1">{{cite web|title=Cafe at 360 Chicago|url=http://www.360chicago.com/cafe/|website=360 Chicago|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014152556/https://360chicago.com/cafe/|archive-date=October 14, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The observation deck currently includes a cocktail lounge named the "CloudBar". After the closure of the building's 96th floor cocktail lounge, 360 CHICAGO has advertised it as being the highest cocktail lounge in the city.<ref name="Harrington1"/> It was formerly named "BAR 94".<ref name="cafe1"/> In the summer of 2014, 360 Chicago added its TILT attraction. TILT, which requires an additional fee to experience, features a series of floor-to-ceiling windows that slowly tilt outside the building to 30°.<ref>{{cite web|title=TILT|url=http://www.360chicago.com/tilt/|website=360 chicago|access-date=January 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118050330/http://www.360chicago.com/tilt|archive-date=January 18, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> The observation deck also features an open-air "skydeck" area.

For several years in the 2010s, during its winter season, the observation deck would feature the "world's highest skating rink", with an [[artificial ice rink]] being seasonally installed.<ref name="CraveLocal1"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Skating In The Sky: Hancock Center Offers An Ice Skating Rink On The 94th Floor |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ice-skate-sky-high-at-the_n_801924 |website=HuffPost |access-date=20 March 2023 |language=en |date=28 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Tamboer |first1=Andrea |title=Chicago's John Hancock Center opening 94th floor skating rink |url=https://www.mlive.com/travel/2010/12/chicagos_john_hancock_center_o.html |website=mlive |access-date=20 March 2023 |language=en |date=29 December 2010}}</ref> At one point, observation deck had a [[mascot]] named Seemore Miles.<ref name="CraveLocal1">{{cite web |title=Chicago's John Hancock Observatory Launches Skating in the Sky |url=https://cravelocal.com/all-events/event-category-special-events/chicagos-john-hancock-observatory-launches-skating-in-the-sky/ |website=Crave Local |access-date=20 March 2023 |date=27 February 2013 |archive-date=March 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320032806/https://cravelocal.com/all-events/event-category-special-events/chicagos-john-hancock-observatory-launches-skating-in-the-sky/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{clear}}
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' General images of the 360 Chicago Observation Deck '''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:360 Chicago Observation Deck (37392067734).jpg |Tourists enjoy north-facing observation deck views in 2017 
File:360 Chicago Observation Deck (38069805222).jpg |Tourists enjoy views at the southwest corner of the observation deck in 2017
File:The Hancock Observatory -5 (44164528).jpg | Tourists enjoy south-facing views in 2005
File:The John Hancock Observatory (16007884224).jpg |Southeast corner of the observation deck in 2015
File:The Hancock Observatory -6 (44164587).jpg|Northeast corner of the observation deck in 2005
File:Xtraice 193 (6788613021) (1).jpg | Children skate on an [[artificial ice rink]] erected on along the north-facing end of the observation deck in late-2011
File:John Hancock Center Observatory, Chicago, Illinois (11004228245).jpg|Plaza-level entrance to the observatory photographed in 2013 (when it was known as the "John Hancock Center Observatory")
</gallery>
|}
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' Images of the TILT Thrill Ride'''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:Chicago, July 2014 (14455462830).jpg | 2014 interior view of tourists on the TILT Thrill Ride, with the attraction in its outward-leaning position
File:TILT (14993635707).jpg | 2014 interior view of tourists on the TILT Thrill Ride, with the attraction in its outward-leaning position
File:Chicago, July 2014 (14455458490).jpg | 2014 interior view of the TILT Thrill Ride in its non-tilted position
File:20140802 29 Tilt @ 360 Chicago (20641549770) (2).jpg | Exterior view showing tourists on the TILT Thrill Ride in 2014
</gallery>
|}
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' Images of the SkyWalk '''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:Todd, Open Air Skydeck, John Hancock Center Observatory, Chicago, Illinois (11004497513).jpg | Tourists in the observation deck's [[Window screen|screen]]-protected open-air SkyWalk area in 2013
File:20140802 29 (20641549770) (skywalk exterior).jpg|Exterior view of the SkyWalk area in 2014
File:The Hancock Observatory -17 (44165355).jpg|Entrance to the open-air SkyWalk in 2005
</gallery>
|}

====Former 95th floor restaurant and 96th floor cocktail lounge====
[[File:Signature Room - 95th Floor of John Hancock Center - Chicago - Illinois - USA (33002573285).jpg |thumb |Southeast corner of the Signature Room in 2017]]

Separate from its observatory, 875 Michigan Avenue formerly had a restaurant space on its 95th floor and a cocktail lounge space on its 96th floor. The combined space on these floors was approximately {{convert|30000|sqft|sqm}}.<ref name="Harrington1">{{cite web |last1=Harrington |first1=Adam |title=360 Chicago Buys Old Signature Room Space at Former John Hancock Center - CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/360-chicago-buys-signature-room-space-former-john-hancock-center |website=CBS News |access-date=19 November 2024 |date=7 June 2024}}</ref> The original restaurant in this space was named "The 95th restaurant", which operated from the 1970s until 1993. Its accompanying 96th floor cocktail lounge was named "Images".<ref name="Vettel1">{{cite web |last1=Vettel |first1=Phil |title=Hancock's the 95TH Signs Off On Signature Room Beginning July 9 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-06-25-9306250008-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=25 June 1993}}</ref><ref name="HD1">{{cite web |last1=Harrington |first1=Adam |last2=Dupree |first2=Steffanie |title=Original Building Architects to Redesign Signature Room Space at Former John Hancock Center - CBS Chicago |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/original-building-architects-signature-room-john-hancock-center/ |website=www.cbsnews.com |access-date=19 November 2024 |date=1 October 2024}}</ref> From 1993 until 2023, the 95th floor was home to a restaurant named the "Signature Room", with the accompanying cocktail lounge on the 96th floor being named the "Signature Lounge".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ravenstel |first1=PeterOc |title=The Views Still Stun at the Signature Lounge |url=https://www.chicagomag.com/dining-drinking/october-2019/the-views-still-stun-at-the-signature-lounge/ |website=Chicago Magazine |date=October 3, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NBCSept282023a">{{cite web |title=Signature Room on 95th floor of former Hancock building abruptly closes |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/signature-room-chicago-john-hancock-building-95th-floor-closing/3238322/?amp=1 |website=NBC Chicago |access-date=29 September 2023 |date=28 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/signature-room-at-the-95th/Location?oid=1023595 |title=Signature Room at the 95th |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=www.chicagoreader.com |publisher=Chicago Reader |access-date=August 20, 2017 |archive-date=August 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821002825/https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/signature-room-at-the-95th/Location?oid=1023595 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The name alluded to the famous [[signature]] of early American figure [[John Hancock]].<ref name="Vettel1"/> The restaurant was an upscale establishment that offered patrons scenic views. It enforced a [[dress code]] for patrons.<ref name="NBCSept282023a"/> It received numerous awards. In April 2023, the restaurant and bar were listed for sale.<ref name="ChicagoStar1">{{cite web |last1=Keller |first1=Brennan |title=Iconic Signature Room listed for sale |url=https://www.chicagostarmedia.com/news/iconic-signature-room-listed-for-sale/article_2adf7980-d32a-11ed-b445-ebb5183307fb.html |website=Chicago Star Media |language=en |date=4 April 2023}}</ref> In September 2023, the Signature Room abruptly ceased operations, with ownership citing "severe economic hardship" that they attributed to the impact of the earlier [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 28, 2023 |first1=Kaitlin |last1=Washburn |first2=Isabel |last2=Funk |title=Skyscraper heartbreaker? Romantic Signature Room atop former Hancock Center closes due to 'severe economic hardship' |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/business/2023/9/28/23894588/signature-room-closes-magnificent-mile-john-hancock-center |access-date=2023-09-29 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=September 28, 2023 |first1=Tia |last1=Ewing |first2=Maggie |last2=Duly |url=https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/the-signature-room-iconic-chicago-restaurant-closes-doors-for-good |title=The Signature Room, iconic Chicago restaurant, closes doors for good |access-date=2023-09-29 |work=[[WFLD|Fox 32 Chicago]]}}</ref>

In June 2024, 360 CHICAGO (operators of the building's observation deck) acquired the 95th and 96th floors, announcing that while their plans for the floors were not yet finalized they do not intend to operate a restaurant.<ref name="Harrington1"/> Months later, it was announced that Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (the architectural firm that designed the building in the 1970s) would be involved in re-imaging the two floors.<ref name="HD1"/>

{{Clear}}
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' Images of the Signature Room '''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:Restaurant (14591432074).jpg|Northeast corner of the Signature Room in 2014
File:Signature lounge (2836792210).jpg|East-facing view of The Signature Room in 2008
File:Views from the John Hancock Center building (45174390754).jpg|South-facing view showing patrons dining in The Signature Room at night in 2018
</gallery>
|}
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' Images of the Signature Lounge '''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:Signature Lounge - 96th Floor of John Hancock Center - Chicago - Illinois - USA - 01 (32876681451).jpg|The Signature Lounge facing south in 2017
File:Signature Lounge - 96th Floor of John Hancock Center - Chicago - Illinois - USA - 02 (32876678301).jpg|Patrons of Signature Lounge enjoying north-facing views in 2017
File:Signature Lounge - 96th Floor of John Hancock Center - Chicago - Illinois - USA - 03 (32157384264).jpg|Patrons of The Signature Lounge enjoy west facing views in 2017
File:Views from the John Hancock Center building (30959365177) (adjusted).jpg|The Signature Lounge facing west at night in 2018
</gallery>
|}

===Parking garage===
Housed within several of the lower levels of the building is a [[parking garage]], which cars enter and depart via a spiral vehicle ramp.<ref>{{cite web |title=Hancock Center Garage |url=https://www.chicagoobservations.com/chicago-observational-ramblings/2017/6/2/garage |website=Show and Tell |publisher=www.chicagoobservations.com |access-date=21 February 2023 |date=June 2, 2017}}</ref>
{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' Images of the parking garage '''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:JHC in the morning (18735946774).jpg|Spiral vehicle ramp to the parking garage, photographed in 2015
File:John Hancock Center (7703294634).jpg|Spiral vehicle ramp to the parking garage, photographed in 2012
File:DSC1964 (27413152406).jpg|Spiral vehicle ramp to the parking garage, photographed in 2016
File:Spinning Hancock Building Parking Garage (2130125302).jpg|Spiral vehicle ramp to the parking garage, photographed in 2007
</gallery>
|}

==Other features==
===Retail plaza===
[[File:20070513 Hancock Center Lower Concourse.JPG|thumb|Plaza in 2007]]

The building features a two-level outdoor plaza along its Michigan Avenue face. The plaza contains retail and dining tenants. The top level of the plaza is at street level, while the lower level is sunken below the street level.<ref name="Channick2016a"/>

Current tenants include [[The Cheesecake Factory]] and [[The North Face]].<ref name="John Hancock Center Chicago">{{cite web|url=http://www.johnhancockcenterchicago.com/Index3.htm|title=John Hancock Center Chicago|access-date=May 19, 2009|work=Benihana|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090717074627/http://www.johnhancockcenterchicago.com/Index3.htm|archive-date=July 17, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> Past tenants have included [[Best Buy]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ori |first1=Ryan |title=Best Buy closing store in former John Hancock Center, creating another Mag Mile vacancy |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/columns/ryan-ori/ct-biz-best-buy-leaving-mag-mile-ryan-ori-20190722-tm6a5fnzkzei7pujgb6jewwe2q-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=21 February 2023 |date=July 22, 2019}}</ref>

The plaza was originally rectangular in shape.<ref name="KaminRules1"/> Per the ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'', the plaza was modeled after the plaza at New York City's [[Rockefeller Center]]. The plaza's design featured a fountain pool that would be turned into an ice rink in colder weather.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pools, Fountains, Greenery Creep Into Chicago Business District |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/376630558 |via=Newspapers.com |publisher=Chicago Tribune |url-access=subscription |access-date=27 February 2023 |language=en |date=March 16, 1969}}</ref> 

In 1988, plans were unveiled by the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company (the owners of the building at the time) to replace the plaza with a "$20 million{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|20,000,000|1988}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}} glass and marble three-story atrium". One rationale cited by building's management was they claimed that access to the building's ground level was complicated by the need of pedestrians to circumnavigate around the courtyard in order to reach the street-level entrance to the building's lobby. They also cited a belief that the building's entrance was too understated for a building of its level of prominence. This atrium proposal faced backlash from local residents who felt that such an addition would mar the appearance of the landmark building.<ref name="Joravsky1988a">{{cite web |last1=Joravsky |first1=Ben |title=The John Hancock Center Atrium: Are the owners trying to fix something that ain't broke? |url=https://chicagoreader.com/news-politics/the-john-hancock-center-atrium-are-the-owners-trying-to-fix-something-that-aint-broke/ |website=Chicago Reader |access-date=21 February 2023 |date=3 November 1988}}</ref> In 1989, newly-elected mayor [[Richard M. Daley]] criticized the proposed atrium and the plans were ultimately abandoned.<ref name="KaminRules1"/>

In 1994, the plaza was renovated, with the sunken portion transforming from its previous rectangular shape to an elliptical shape. In 1999, ''Chicago Tribune'' architecture critic [[Blair Kamin]] wrote that this renovation had made the plaza a more "welcoming" space.<ref name="KaminRules1">{{cite web |last1=Kamin |first1=Blair |title=Plain and Simple, Hancock Rules |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1999-01-17-9901170245-story.html |access-date=21 February 2023 |date=January 17, 1999}}</ref> This renovation came after the more dramatic late-1980s renovation plans were abandoned.<ref name="KaminRules1"/>  A further $10 million renovation for the plaza was considered by the building's owners in the mid-2010s which would have added features such as video screens and decorative prisms to the plaza.<ref name="Channick2016a">{{cite web |last1=Channick |first1=Robert |title=John Hancock Center shops naming rights to fund plaza redevelopment |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-john-hancock-naming-rights-0521-biz-20160520-story.html |website=Chicago Tribune |access-date=21 February 2023 |date=May 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Landmark status could delay Hancock Center renovations |url=https://www.bdcnetwork.com/landmark-status-could-delay-hancock-center-renovations |website=www.bdcnetwork.com |publisher=Building Design + Construction |access-date=21 February 2023 |language=en |date=15 July 2015}}</ref>

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' Images of the plaza '''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:20070513 Hancock Center - Westin Hotel (cropped).JPG|Plaza in 2007
File:Christmas in Chicago (6561814389).jpg|[[Christmas tree]] in the plaza in December 2011
File:John Hancock Center -2 (44165692).jpg|Plaza from Michigan Avenue street level in 2005
File:John Hancock plaza. (14194962494).jpg|Plaza in 2015
File:Sunken plaza in front of the John Hancock Building (51720661696) (1).jpg|Black and white photograph of the plaza in 2021
File:John Hancock Center (14181752368) (plaza).jpg|Plaza from Michigan Avenue street level in 2014
</gallery>
|}

===Antennas===
[[File:Top of the John Hancock Center - 2009 (3610660545).jpg|thumb|Antennas and the top of the building in 2009]]

Since its completion, the tower has been topped by two antenna structures. These antenna superstructures support a large number of broadcast antenna equipment. At the time of the tower's completion, both antenna structures were {{convert|350|ft|abbr=off}} in height, and [[RCA]]{{what|date=April 2023}} had given the architects of the building an estimate that 700 feet of antenna structure would be required to accommodate all of the city's radio and television stations. In 2002, the eastern antenna tower was extended to a height of {{convert|378|ft|abbr=off}} in order to enable [[WBBM-TV]] to add new digital antenna equipment at a height greater than the roof height of the Sears Tower (Willis Tower). Subsequently, the western antenna tower was reduced to a height of {{convert|285|ft|abbr=off}}.<ref name="WTTW1antennas1">{{cite web |last1=Gunderson |first1=Erica |title=Ask Geoffrey: What's Up With These Mismatched Tower Toppers? |url=https://news.wttw.com/2018/05/23/ask-geoffrey-what-s-these-mismatched-tower-toppers |website=WTTW News |access-date=20 March 2023 |language=en |date=May 23, 2018}}</ref>

For a long time, the antenna towers utilized [[incandescent]] red lights and a red and white paint scheme to provide a visibility to aviation in compliance with federal regulations. However, in order to forgo the expense and effort of annually reapplying striped paint to the antenna towers, the tower instead installed red [[strobe light]]s atop the tower and eliminated the striped paint scheme, as striped paint is not required if structures are topped by such lights.<ref name="WTTW1antennas1"/>

A sizable number of television and radio stations utilize the antenna towers. Many stations maintain broadcast equipment on both the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower's antenna structures in order to have both a primary and backup broadcasting point.<ref name="WTTW1antennas1"/>

In November 2012, Boston-based American Tower Corp affiliate paid $70 million{{efn|equivalent to ${{formatprice|{{inflation|US|70,000,000|2012}}}} in {{inflation/year|US}}{{inflation/fn|US}}}} to acquire ownership of the antennas.<ref name="chibusinessantennas"/>

{| role="presentation" class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
| ''' Images of the antennas '''
|-
| <gallery widths="200px" heights="135px">
File:1974-GM050-895 (4158371980) (top).jpg|John Hancock Center in 1974, with the original striped paint scheme visible on its antenna towers
File:John Hancock Antenna (3542717263).jpg|Closeup view of an antenna in 2009
File:Chicago in 2022 John Hancock Center (52054925135) (top).jpg|View of antenna towers in 2022
File:John Hancock Center antennas (23220071285).jpg|Antennas in 2015
File:Chicago-illinois-skyline-skyscrapers-161963 (antenna closeup).jpg|Antennas in 2016
</gallery>
|}

==See also==
{{Portal|Chicago|Illinois|Architecture}}
* [[Architecture of Chicago]]
* [[List of buildings and structures]]
* [[List of buildings with 100 floors or more]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in the world]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in Chicago]]
* [[List of tallest buildings in the United States]]
* [[List of tallest buildings and structures in the world]]
* [[List of tallest freestanding structures in the world]]
* [[List of tallest freestanding steel structures]]

==Footnotes==
{{noteslist}}
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
The Cloudbase Chronicles, Life at the Top -  An engineers Tale by Harry W. Budge III<ref>Outskirts Press 2010</ref>

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://875northmichiganavenue.com/}}
* [https://360chicago.com 360 Chicago], formerly Hancock Observatory
* [http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/875-north-michigan-avenue/345 875 North Michigan Avenue] on [[CTBUH]] Skyscraper Center
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.emporis.com/buildings/116876 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160119110928/https://www.emporis.com/buildings/116876 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=January 19, 2016 |title=875 North Michigan Avenue |work=[[Emporis]]}}
* {{Structurae|id=20000034|title=John Hancock Center}}
*[http://www.illinoisgreatplaces.com/#detail/john_hancock_center-170/type=commercial/chapter=aia_chicago/city=chicago John Hancock Center]
*[http://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/IL-01-031-0043 Society of Architectural Historians SAH ARCHIPEDIA entry on John Hancock Center]

{{S-start}}
{{s-ach|rec}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Richard J. Daley Center]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of tallest buildings in Chicago|Tallest building in Chicago]]|years=1969–1972<br /><small>1,128&nbsp;ft</small>}}
{{s-aft|rows=2|after=[[Aon Center (Chicago)|Aon Center]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Prudential Tower]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=Tallest building in the United States outside of New York City|years=1969–1972<br /><small>1,128&nbsp;ft</small>}}
{{s-end}}
{{Supertall skyscrapers | current}}
{{Chicago Skyscrapers}}
{{John Hancock}}
{{Buildings in Chicago timeline}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bangladeshi inventions]]
[[Category:Colombian inventions]]
[[Category:High-tech architecture]]
[[Category:Peruvian inventions]]
[[Category:Residential buildings completed in 1970]]
[[Category:Residential condominiums in Chicago]]
[[Category:Residential skyscrapers in Chicago]]
[[Category:Skidmore, Owings & Merrill buildings]]
[[Category:Skyscraper office buildings in Chicago]]
[[Category:Streeterville, Chicago]]
[[Category:1970 establishments in Illinois]]
[[Category:Fazlur Khan buildings]]