Sears Tower Renamed

America's tallest skyscraper has a new name. What was the Sears Tower is now Willis Tower. Willis Group Chairman and CEO Joseph Plumeri and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley unveiled the new signage at 233 S. Wacker on Thursday. The imposing building, opened in 1972, has 4.5 million square feet of office and retail space. In March, the Chicago Tribune reported the lease called for 140,000 square feet at $14.50 per square foot and will house nearly 500 associates. The Wall Street Journal reports current tenants include Schiff Hardin LLP, Bank of America, and Williams Montgomery & John. Sears Holding Corporation moved out of the building in 1992.

According to the New York Times, the name of the building isn't the only thing slated to change. The Willis Tower will undergo the one of the largest green retrofittings ever attempted. The additions, including rooftop wind turbines, upgrades to the glass exterior, as well as changes to the heating and air conditioning systems are expected to reduce energy consumption by 150,000 barrels of oil each year and will help offset the costs of renovations. Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture designed the changes.

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