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The tallest skyscraper in the world.
By MikMull | April 30, 2008
When it was built, Sears Tower was the tallest skyscraper in the world. It still lays claim to that title, being as its extended radio masts stretch up higher than any other building, but officially the Taipei 101 building has sneaked into the lead. Sears Tower does, however, at 412 m (1,353 ft) up, have the highest observation deck of any other skyscraper, and it remains the tallest skyscraper in the Americas, and the tallest building in the US. All those titles are the main reason for visiting Sears Tower.
It’s not a particularly beautiful building. It’s architects came up with its design when looking at a popped packet of cigarettes, and seeing how each cigarette gave the higher cigarettes support. The result was a staggered black monolith that stretches up literally into the clouds. It is a massive building, it was a massive undertaking. It was also a massive failure. Sears built it hoping it would spark a huge demand for real estate, but it never happened. It’s fame also attracts the crowds. It wasn’t a particularly nice day when I went up. In fact it had started to rain just as I entered. Despite this the queues were unbelieveable. I was warned of an hour wait just to get into the lift. There were so many people trying to get in that my entire experience of the Sears Tower became one long queue.
Even at the observation deck, I made my way around the top taking pictures… while standing in the queue to get out. If you want to save some time queuing: book online before you go. This should get you past at least the first queue, for the tickets, but you will still have to queue for the lifts both up and down. It could save you about 15-30 minutes.
Topics: Travelers Tips |
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