Willis Tower Skydeck Closed Due To Wind, But Hancock Observatory Open
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Strong winds forced officials at the Willis Tower to close its Skydeck for the day on Tuesday, but the observation deck on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Center remained open for business.
"We've had people calling all day to see if we are open. With the Willis Tower closed, people are intrigued," said Hancock general manager Daniel Thomas.
Thomas said Hancock's architecture makes it unique.
"The unique thing is the cross-bracing. The distinct architecture, on days like today, stabilizes it," Thomas said.
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He said another difference between the Hancock and the Willis is the location of the elevators.
"The location of the elevators located in the center of the building, coupled with the strength of the building from the outside, enables our elevators to operate under normal circumstances," he said.
The Hancock can withstand up to 132 mile-per-hour winds. People visiting the Hancock Observatory said they felt no sway Tuesday, but were able to have quite the view of the wind-whipped waves below.
