Prudential Building Observation Deck and Restaurant

[Nyc1664]

Originally Posted by jmgg

During my first trip to Chicago when I was about 12 years old we went to the top of the Prudential Building. At that time, the tallest building in the city. We took the El to just below Marshall Fields. The biggest building I had seen prior to downtown Chicago was the Foshay Tower in Minneapolis, which really wasn't comparable. I was awestruck.

I vaguely remember looking down at the construction of the John Hancock Building.

How the times have changed.

Have you been up the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center. Also, do you think it would be a good economic decision to reopen the observation deck and restaurant at the Prudential Building to the public, considering that the Foshay Tower is still open to the public despite being dwarfed by taller skyscrapers.

[GWoodle]

Originally Posted by Nyc1664

Have you been up the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center. Also, do you think it would be a good economic decision to reopen the observation deck and restaurant at the Prudential Building to the public, considering that the Foshay Tower is still open to the public despite being dwarfed by taller skyscrapers.

I'd have to look of there is any view of the Loop. IIRC the Standard/Aon building to the east may be in the way. Also check if there is any view over Grant/Millennium Park. Generally you need a view to & over the lake.

May be better to someday replace the Soldier Field stadium monster to some kind of mixed use development with some condo/apartments, a Taste of Chicago area.

[Nyc1664]

Originally Posted by Nearwest

The Prudential Building was significant in that it was the first office building to be constructed in downtown Chicago after World War 2.

At the time of its opening in 1955, the Prudential Building became the tallest structure in Chicago. The second tallest was the Board of Trade Building, which was topped with a statue of Ceres (Roman Goddess of Grain).

The Chicago Board of Trade Building also had a public observation deck on the 44th floor until the early 1970's and that building was built in 1930.

[ChiGuy2.5]

Originally Posted by Curly Q. Bobalink

My BIL had his own name for the 95th Restaurant in the John Hancock Building in the 70's. They refused service to him once because he wasn't wearing a tie, so he re-named it for them, not sure how widespread it became.

The new name not-so-coincidentally rhymed with the Prudential Building's "Top of the Rock", LOL. My guess is that the dress code is a bit more relaxed today, based on how I've seen people get on planes, show up for jury duty, etc..

I can confirm they are no longer strict in any sense, at least not to my knowledge. I've been there multiple times without a tie, but never looking like total garbage so I can't confirm there is zero dress code.

[personone]

Originally Posted by ChiGuy2.5

I can confirm they are no longer strict in any sense, at least not to my knowledge. I've been there multiple times without a tie, but never looking like total garbage so I can't confirm there is zero dress code.

I think this is the general state of almost all restaurants nowadays. I'm sure there are a very few that have required attire, but in my experience, even at some of the nicest restaurants that enforce a "dress code," it's more that they don't allow "athletic gear" (including baggy jeans) and in some cases "t-shirts."

If you have a collared shirt, nice pair of jeans, and non-athletic shoes, you won't have a problem at 99% of the restaurants, even if they have a "dress code" nowadays.

Even 10 years ago, there were many more restaurants that were enforcing more strict dress codes. But there have been so many high profile incidents, and since 2020 (the pandemic) restaurants have been struggling in general, so many have done away with them.

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by Nyc1664

Have you been up the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center. Also, do you think it would be a good economic decision to reopen the observation deck and restaurant at the Prudential Building to the public, considering that the Foshay Tower is still open to the public despite being dwarfed by taller skyscrapers.

I've been to the top of the Willis (Sears) Tower a couple of times. Never been to the top of the John Hancock Center.

I can't say if opening the restaurant on the top of the Prudential Building is a good idea. Having only been to the top of this building once when I was a kid, I can honestly say that I don't remember the restaurant.

[deeman7]

Originally Posted by Nyc1664

Have you been up the Sears Tower and John Hancock Center. Also, do you think it would be a good economic decision to reopen the observation deck and restaurant at the Prudential Building to the public, considering that the Foshay Tower is still open to the public despite being dwarfed by taller skyscrapers.

The AON building was considering adding an observation deck/event space/restaruant with elevators basically riding up the exterior of the building in one of the corners. I think they may have just recently broken ground, so that'll be interesting to see how that turns out.

[Nyc1664]

Originally Posted by deeman7

The AON building was considering adding an observation deck/event space/restaruant with elevators basically riding up the exterior of the building in one of the corners. I think they may have just recently broken ground, so that'll be interesting to see how that turns out.

The plans are still taking place, but they have been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

[Nyc1664]

Admission to the Prudential Building when it was open from 1955 to 1976 was 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children 6-12 years of age. The hours of operation in about 1958 were 10 am-10 pm Monday-Thursday, 10 am-12 am Friday and Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday.