John Hancock Center (875 N Michigan): History, Height, and the 12 Best Gift Ideas Inspired by Big John
The complete guide to the John Hancock Center (875 N Michigan Avenue) — its 1969 construction, its 1,128-foot height, its X-braced exterior, and the best gift ideas tied to Chicago's most distinctive tower.
John Hancock Center (875 N Michigan): History, Height, and the 12 Best Gift Ideas Inspired by Big John
Quick answer: The John Hancock Center, renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue in 2018, was completed in 1969, stands 1,128 feet (344 meters) to the roof and 1,506 feet to its antennas, and was the second-tallest building in the world when built. Chicagoans call it "Big John." Designed by Bruce Graham and Fazlur Khan of SOM, its trussed-tube X-braced exterior became one of the most influential structural designs of the 20th century. The 12 best gift ideas inspired by the building: a 3D-printed Chicago skyline featuring Big John's distinctive X-braces, a vintage 1960s construction photograph, jewelry with its coordinates (41.8989°N, 87.6233°W), or a book on Fazlur Khan's structural revolution.
The John Hancock Center is the building Chicagoans secretly love more than Willis Tower. Its X-braced exterior — the visible structural skeleton — is unique among supertall buildings. Walk down Michigan Avenue and the trussed silhouette is the silhouette you remember.
This guide covers the essential history, the building's facts, and the twelve best gift ideas inspired by the tower.
Essential facts about John Hancock Center
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Architect | Bruce Graham (SOM) |
| Structural engineer | Fazlur Khan (SOM) |
| Construction | 1965 to 1969 |
| Opened | May 1969 |
| Height to roof | 1,128 feet (344 meters) |
| Height with antennas | 1,506 feet (459 meters) |
| Floors | 100 |
| Structural innovation | Trussed-tube system (X-braced exterior) |
| World ranking when built | 2nd tallest building (1969) |
| Currently in Chicago | 4th tallest |
| Renamed | 2018, from John Hancock Center to 875 N Michigan |
| Observation deck | 360 Chicago, 94th floor |
| Signature Lounge | 96th floor |
| Nickname | Big John |
| Address | 875 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago |
| Coordinates | 41.8989°N, 87.6233°W |
The X-braces visible on the exterior aren't decorative. They are the structural system. The building uses 50% less steel per square foot than a comparable conventional skyscraper — Fazlur Khan's trussed-tube innovation made the height economically possible.
Why the John Hancock Center remains iconic
Three reasons the building's cultural place is permanent:
- The X-braces. Most supertall buildings hide their structure behind cladding. Big John shows the bones. This is rare and visually unforgettable.
- The mixed-use breakthrough. When built in 1969, Hancock was the first skyscraper to combine offices, residential apartments, restaurants, and retail in a single tower. The mixed-use vertical neighborhood concept started here.
- The Magnificent Mile anchor. The building sits at the north end of Michigan Avenue's premier shopping district. Walking south, Big John is what you see in the distance.
The 12 best gift ideas inspired by John Hancock Center
1. A 3D-printed Chicago skyline featuring Big John's silhouette
A hand-finished sculpture of the actual Chicago skyline — Willis Tower, John Hancock Center, Trump Tower, Aon Center, 875 N Michigan. Big John's distinctive tapered shape is unmistakable. Medium $69, Large $99. Chicago collection. Hand-printed, ships in three to five days, free US shipping over $50.
2. A framed vintage 1960s Hancock construction photograph
Photos from 1965-1969 showing the X-braces being installed. Archival prints from $40–$120 framed.
3. A signed print from a Chicago architectural photographer
Hancock's lower-angle perspective with the X-braces dominant. $80–$300 framed.
4. A book about Fazlur Khan's structural revolution
Engineering Architecture: The Vision of Fazlur Khan (Yasmin Sabina Khan). Covers Hancock's trussed-tube innovation. $35–$60.
5. Jewelry with the building's coordinates (41.8989°N, 87.6233°W)
A necklace or bracelet engraved with Big John's latitude and longitude. $60–$150 from Etsy jewelers.
6. A 360 Chicago observation deck experience
The 94th-floor TILT! ride that physically tilts visitors outward. $30–$45 per person.
7. A Signature Lounge gift card
The 96th-floor cocktail bar with floor-to-ceiling Lake Michigan views. $50–$200.
8. A vintage 1960s Chicago postcard or memorabilia
Authentic postcards from the building's opening era. $15–$40.
9. A book about Chicago architecture
The Chicago School of Architecture (Carl Condit). Building the New Chicago. $20–$60.
10. A custom illustration of Big John at sunset
Bespoke artwork showing the X-braces against pink-orange Chicago sky. $80–$200.
11. A Chicago Architecture Center boat tour gift card
The CAC river cruise is the best way to see Big John in context. $50–$80.
12. A high-quality black-and-white photograph print
Hancock photographs especially well in winter fog. $60–$200 framed.
FAQ
How tall is the John Hancock Center?
The John Hancock Center (now 875 N Michigan) stands 1,128 feet (344 meters) to the roof and 1,506 feet (459 meters) including antennas. It has 100 floors. When completed in 1969, it was the second-tallest building in the world.
Why was the John Hancock Center renamed?
In February 2018, the building was renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue after John Hancock Insurance terminated the building's naming rights and ownership transferred to Hearn Company. Locals still overwhelmingly call it "John Hancock Center" or "Big John" — the rebrand has not displaced the original name.
Who designed the John Hancock Center?
Bruce Graham was the lead architect and Fazlur Khan the lead structural engineer, both of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). It was the same team that would later design Willis Tower in 1973. Khan's trussed-tube system for Hancock was the precursor to his bundled-tube system at Willis Tower.
Why is the John Hancock Center called Big John?
The nickname dates to the building's 1969 opening. It comes from the building being the first skyscraper to combine offices, residences, retail, and restaurants in a single vertical structure — making it a "big" mixed-use neighborhood — and from John Hancock Insurance being the original naming tenant. The X-braced exterior also gives the building a muscular, oversized presence.
What is the best gift for someone who loves the John Hancock Center?
A 3D-printed Chicago skyline where Big John's distinctive tapered shape and X-bracing show clearly — context makes the building meaningful. Pair with Yasmin Khan's book on Fazlur Khan's structural work, or jewelry with the building's exact coordinates. See the Chicago collection.
Where is the John Hancock Center located?
875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, between East Chestnut and East Delaware Place. The building is at the north end of the Magnificent Mile shopping district, two blocks south of Oak Street Beach and Lake Michigan.
Related reading
- Chicago skyline buildings guide
- Willis Tower history
- Best gifts for someone from Chicago
- Chicago souvenirs that aren't tacky
- Unique Chicago gifts under $100
Browse the Chicago skyline collection. Medium $69 most-shipped, Large $99 statement piece. Free US shipping over $50.