CHICAGO — Blackstone and Equity Office have unveiled a $500 million investment plan to remake Willis Tower in downtown Chicago. The tower will be transformed with office, retail and entertainment space. This will be the first renovation for the tower, constructed in 1973. Approximately 460,000 square feet of existing space within the tower will be reconfigured. This includes 150,000 square feet of space for exclusive tenant use, including a full-service fitness center, expansive tenant lounges, private event space and concierge services. The plan also calls for more than 300,000 square feet of new retail, dining and entertainment space to be added to the base of the building, and a new 30,000-square-foot outdoor deck and garden space. Part of the investment will also focus on enhancing the tower’s 103rd floor Skydeck Chicago experience. Work to transform the tower is scheduled to begin this month, and will create an additional 2,500 jobs. San Francisco-based design firm Gensler designed the renovation. Gonzalez Architects designed the tenant-only office amenities, and Los Angeles-based Hetzel Design is overseeing the design concepts for the Skydeck enhancements. Design-build firm Turner Clayco will oversee the construction of the new Willis Tower.
