Sears Tower 103rd Floor Glass Balconies Unveiled

Thrillseekers have a new destination in the United States now, the Sears Tower and its 103rd floor glass balcony nicknamed "The Ledge." The glass balcony is 1,353 feet in the air and juts out four feet from the 103rd floor's skydeck. Designers say that the Sears Tower Glass can hold five tons, so it has obviously been designed to hold plenty of weight. The glass that surrounds The Ledge is 1 and a half inches thick.

How was this idea first brought up? Actually the idea was thought of because of the constant cleaning of the forehead prints on the glass surrounding all sides of the skydeck from visitors who wanted to see what it looks like below. The designers and Sears Tower property owners say that they decided The Ledge would give them a much better view of below and provide an experience no other building in the country can provide. The John Hancock Center in Chicago provides tourist with a screened-in skywalk, which is a similar idea, but not quite to the eloborate level of The Ledge. The combination of the nation's tallest building with a glass balcony is sure to be a major hit with tourists!

The Ledge is opening to the general public on July 2nd, 2009. If you are brave enough to venture onto the ledge you will be treated to breathtaking views, especially the view of the entire city of Chicago as well as the Chicago River straight below. The new tourist attraction is sure to attract plenty of people of all ages, as just about everyone should be able to appreciate the unique beauty of such an amazing feature.

It turns out that the 103rd floor glass balcony at the Sears Tower isn't the only thing changing about the building this summer. Later this summer the Sears Tower will be renamed the Willis Tower. Willis Group Holdings, from England, is the company who will be moving into the building and bringing quite a few new jobs to the city. Here's betting to Chicagoans this will always be known as the Sears Tower!

The Ledge is now available to the public. If you have ever wanted to know what it feels like to be out in the open (while still being safely surrounded by glass) at 1,153 feet this is your chance. It isn't for the faint of heart or those with serious fears of heights, but this should become a landmark that will be very popular over the years!