How Tall is Aon Center?
Quick Facts
- Name: Aon Center (formerly Standard Oil Building)
- Height: 1,136 feet (346 meters)
- Floors: 83 floors
- Completion Date: 1973
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Use: Office
- Architectural Style: Modernist, white marble facade
Physical Characteristics of Aon Center
Aon Center reaches 1,136 feet (346 meters) as one of Chicago's most iconic skyscrapers. When completed in 1973, it remained the city's fourth-tallest building and one of the most visually striking towers due to its all-white marble-style facade.
Height Comparisons
When compared to other famous structures, Aon Center's height:
- Aqua Tower (876 feet / 267 m) - 260 feet shorter
- Cayan Tower (1,004 feet / 306 m) - 132 feet shorter
- Central Plaza (1,174 feet / 358 m) - 38 feet taller
- Bank of China Tower (1,205 feet / 367 m) - 69 feet taller
- 23 Marina (1,289 feet / 393 m) - 153 feet taller
- Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower (1,972 feet / 601 m) - 836 feet taller
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height (Feet) | 1,136 feet |
| Height (Meters) | 346 meters |
| Floors | 83 floors |
| Completion | 1973 |
| City Ranking | 4th tallest in Chicago |
Modernist Design and White Marble Facade
Initially named Standard Oil Building, the structure was later renamed Aon Center after its primary tenant. Its minimalist modernist design reflects early 1970s architectural style while remaining timeless in Chicago's skyline.
Architectural Features
- White Marble Facade: Visually striking, distinctive all-white appearance
- Modernist Style: Clean, minimalist lines of 1970s architecture aesthetic
- Vertical Dominance: Prominent presence in Chicago skyline
- Timeless Design: Iconic stance for 50+ years
Chicago Skyscraper Legacy
Tourists frequently search for nearby Skydeck-style viewing platforms for panoramic city shots. The building's height positioned it among the tallest towers worldwide when completed.
Historical and Cultural Significance
- 1973 Completion: Among the tallest buildings worldwide at the time
- Standard Oil Legacy: Symbol of American corporate power
- Aon Rebranding: Transition to modern financial services era
- Chicago Identity: Part of the city's rich skyscraper heritage
Office Tower and Business Hub
At 346 meters, Aon Center continues to be a dominant office skyscraper representing Chicago's rich skyscraper heritage. The building primarily houses corporate offices and is centrally located in the city's financial district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Aon Center white?
Aon Center is clad with a distinctive all-white marble-style facade. This modernist design choice makes the building visually striking and easily recognizable in Chicago's skyline. The white facade reflects the clean, minimalist architectural aesthetic of the early 1970s.
What was Aon Center's former name?
Aon Center was initially named Standard Oil Building when completed in 1973. The building was renamed Aon Center in 1999 after its primary tenant Aon Corporation. The name change reflects shifts in Chicago's corporate landscape.
What is Aon Center's ranking in Chicago?
Aon Center at 1,136 feet (346 meters) is Chicago's fourth-tallest building. Willis Tower (1,450 feet), Trump International Hotel & Tower (1,388 feet), and St. Regis Chicago (1,191 feet) are taller. When completed in 1973, it was among the tallest buildings worldwide.