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Space Needle Facts # 1

Architect: John Graham & Co

The Seattle Space Needle Is an Observation Tower

The most basic of Space Needle facts relates to the what, where and why of its creation. The Seattle Space Needle is an observation tower which was built in the city of Seattle, Washington, in 1962. The tower was built in honor of the 1962 World's Fair. When it opened for the fair, the tower drew almost 20,000 visitors per day who ascended the tower via the elevators. It hosted in excess of 2.3 million visitors over the duration of the fair. Nowadays, it receives more than a million visitors annually, and is the most popular tourist attraction in the Northwest USA. The Space Needle was named as a historic landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Board in 1999.

There's more to the tower than just an observation deck. For many years the "halo" of the Space Needle was home to two restaurants, the Eye of the Needle and the Emerald Suite. However, these were closed in 2000 to make way for the revolving SkyCity restaurant. At 500 ft. (152 m) above ground, the restaurant rotates 360 ° in 47 minutes. From the top of the Space Needle, a visitor gets great views of the Seattle skyline, along with the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Elliot Bay and the surrounding islands.

The Space Needle Is 605 ft High

One of the most noticeable and most famous Space Needle facts concerns its impressive height. The tower is 605 ft tall, (184 m) and at the time it was built, it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. It's not just impressively tall − the tower weighs in at 9550 tons, and is 138 ft (42 m) wide. The rotating restaurant is located at 500 ft (152 m), and the observation deck is at 520 ft (158 m). At the very top of the tower's needle is an aircraft warning beacon. To balance this enormous structure, the Space Needle needed a huge foundation. Its concrete foundations go 30 ft (9 m) deep, but the base is only on a 120 by 120 ft (36 by 36 m) area of land, as this is the size of the plot originally purchased for the tower. There are a total of 848 steps in the tower, stretching all the way from the basement to the observation deck.

The Space Needle Was Designed By John Graham

This famous tower came about as a compromise between several different design ideas, and there are many intriguing Space Needle facts about how the current design was conceived. In the early 1960s, Edward Carlson was a Seattle businessman, and chairman of the World Fair, while John Graham was an architect. Carlson had an idea for a giant balloon tethered to the ground, which the eventual sloping base of the tower resembles. Graham, on the other hand, had a concept of a flying saucer on the tower, reflected in the halo which houses the Space Needle's restaurant and observation deck. Graham also suggested that the restaurant should revolve. It was actually another architect, Victor Steinbrueck, who contributed the idea of the tower's hourglass shape.

The Space Needle Was Named "The 400 Day Wonder"

The 120 ft by 120 ft (36 m by 36 m) plot on which the Space Needle was eventually built was purchased in 1961. This led to one of the most extraordinary Space Needle facts − the tower was constructed in just 400 days! It was consequently dubbed the 400 Day wonder, and opened at the 1962 World Fair on schedule.

The land for the tower was bought for $75,000, and construction was financed by the Pentagram Corporation. Construction crews worked around the clock to get the job done. While creating the foundations, 467 cement trucks achieved the largest continuous concrete pour in Western history, taking 12 hours to fill the 30 ft (9 m) deep foundation hole. After the foundation was complete, the main structure was bolted to it with 72 bolts, which were each also 30 ft long.

The Space Needle Is Built To Last

There are numerous Space Needle facts relating to the durability of this structure. The tower sways around 1 inch (2.5 cm) for every 10 mph (16 kph) of wind, but it is actually built to withstand up to 200 mph wind velocity, or 320 kph. This is double the standard set out in the building requirements which were in place in 1962. To further raise safety standards, the Space Needle elevators reduce their travelling speeds whenever there are high winds in the city.

The Space Needle is also designed to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 9.1. This was the strength of the 1700 Cascadia earthquake, which is believed to have caused a great deal of damage in the Pacific Northwest region. In 2001, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake occurred in the area, and jolted the Space Needle, causing water to slosh from the bathroom toilets, but no more serious damage was incurred. The tower's unusually deep foundations help to protect the building. Finally, the tower is adorned with 24 lightning rods plus the Needle itself, which in total form 25 lightning rods to protect the Space Needle from lightning strike.

The Space Needle's Elevators Offer a Joy Ride

One of the more famous Space Needle facts relates to the thrilling ride to the top. The elevators in the tower move at 10 miles per hour, or 16 kph. The trip up the 605 ft (184 m) building takes just 41 seconds. That is, unless it is a particularly windy day, in which case the elevator speeds are slashed in half for safety reasons. The Space Needle's elevators were a part of the original design − indeed, the final elevator car was only delivered on the day before the 1962 World Fair. In 1993, the original elevators were replaced with newer, computerized models.

The Legacy Light Shines From the Space Needle

There are intriguing Space Needle facts relating to the night of New Year's Eve 1999. To celebrate the new Millennium, a powerful beam of light, known either as the Legacy Light or Skybeam, was shone from the tower for the first time. This light is powered by 85 million candela lamps. This idea had first been considered in 1962, but no such light beam was added to the original design. However, it is now an integral part of this famous landmark, and shines vertically from the needle on special occasions in Seattle and on national holidays. Although the light was originally intended to shine for around 75 nights a year, it has generally only been used for around a dozen occasions per year. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the light was lit for 11 consecutive days to honor the fallen.

Many Celebrations Take Place at the Space Needle

With its stunning views and its status as a historic landmark, not to mention its restaurant, the Space Needle hosts many personal celebrations and parties. But it is also a great place to go for more general celebrations, and there are many Space Needle facts to attest to this. Every New Year's Eve, the Space Needle plays host to a popular fireworks display at midnight, synchronized with music. After the University of Washington Huskies won the 1992 Rose Bowl, the team's logo was temporarily painted on the tower, and when Washington State won the Apple Cup, the whole tower was painted crimson.

The Space Needle is also known for celebrating its own landmark moments. As part of the tower's 50th anniversary, the Needle was painted "Galaxy Gold", the same color it had been when originally constructed in 1962. And in 2007, the guest Greg Novoa became the 45 millionth visitor to the Space Needle. He was rewarded with a free trip to Paris.

The Space Needle Requires Some Serious Maintenance

As the Space Needle gets older, certain changes and developments take place to keep the structure safe and popular. In the year 2000, renovations to the structure, which cost around the same as the original construction price, were completed! The observation deck was given an overhaul, and lighting was changed and added. The SkyCity restaurant was also constructed, as was the SpaceBase retail story and the Skybeam installation.

One of the more surprising Space Needle facts is that until 2008, the tower had not been professionally cleaned since its 1962 opening. In May 2008 this all changed, as a professional service was employed to clean the monument. This process included a pressure washing at the pressure of 20000 kilopascals, and a temperature of 194 °F (90 °C).

The Space Needle Is a Symbol of Seattle and the Northwest

One of the most undeniable Space Needle facts is that the structure has had an enormous effect on pop culture. The vast majority of film and television shows which aim to show that they are based in Seattle show a shot of the skyline with the Space Needle clearly prominent. Examples of films which use the Space Needle as a location include It Happened at The World's Fair and Sleepless in Seattle. In the 1999 film Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, the Space Needle is used for comic effect, when the villainous Doctor Evil takes over the tower and makes it his lair.

You Need Legal Consent to Parachute from the Space Needle

There are several Space Needle facts for adrenalin junkies. In total there have been six parachute jumps from the tower since its 1962 opening. Of these, only four were actually legal. These four were carried out for various promotions, but in the other cases it was considered a breach of the law, and the perpetrators were arrested.

You Should Check Your Attic for Space Needle Souvenirs

Pay close attention to these Space Needle facts and you could find something valuable! During the 1962 World's Fair there were over 200 copyrights on souvenir items at the Space Needle. Many of these commemorative items have now become sought-after collectables − a particular bestselling item at the fair was a needle-shaped golden charm containing a light. If you're a first-time visitor on the other hand, the Space Needle now has a shop with plenty of new souvenir items, from key chains to salt and pepper shakers.

On April Fool's Day 1989, the Space Needle "Collapsed"

In 1989, some completely false Space Needle Facts were shared by the Seattle comedy sketch show "Almost Live!" On April's Fools Day they aired a joke report claiming that the Space Needle had fallen over. Their prank backfired, however, when many local residents took them seriously. So many people called 911 that the Emergency Service lines were blocked, and the Space Needle itself received over 700 telephone calls. The channel's Programming Director apologized for the prank the next day.

The Space Needle Almost Hosted a Stork's Nest

In 1962, early plans for the Space Needle included the notion of building a stork's nest, with resident birds which would live at the top of the tower. How this idea made it even as far as it did is one of the more mysterious Space Needle facts, since storks actually only live in warmer climates and would soon have migrated away from the nest. Luckily, someone realized this major flaw in the plan, and the stork's nest was exiled from later drafts of the building plans.

CHEESE Believe the Space Needle Is Used for Contacting Aliens

CHEESE, otherwise known as The Committee Hoping for Extra-terrestrial Encounters to Save the Earth, have a theory about this landmark which might be the very strangest of Space Needle facts. They believe that the Space Needle was constructed to transmit signals to advanced life forms − i.e. aliens − in other solar systems. They also claim to have original plans from 1962 which prove this! The 1962 World's Fair certainly was space-themed, but many will think the rest of this theory a little unlikely.

The Space Needle Makes Snow "Fall Upwards"

A particularly fascinating optical illusion occurs for those using the Space Needle Elevators during a snow storm. Since the elevator cars travel at 10 mph, or 16 kph, they equal the speed at which a raindrop falls to earth. But, more excitingly, they are faster than the rate of a falling snowflake, which is just 3 mph (4.8 kph). So, while journeying up the tower in snowy weather, the snow appears to be falling upwards!

The Beatles Shunned the Space Needle

At a Seattle press conference in 1964, The Beatles were asked if they had visited the Space Needle. But the famous foursome weren't keen on learning any more Space Needle facts − none of them had gone inside. In response to questions about why this was, John Lennon admitted "I don't like heights" and George Harrison said "It looks better from the ground".

A Furry Wheedle Lives on the Needle

In his 1974 book, Wheedle on the Needle, children's author Stephen Cosgrove created a fictional creature called Wheedle. This cute, furry creature lived on top of the Space Needle, and made the light flash. The Wheedle is now a Seattle symbol too, and was even the mascot of the Seattle SuperSonics for a time.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Used the Space Needle to Symbolize Unity

In his 2012 music video for the song Can't Hold Us, Seattle-born rapper Macklemore took his iconic Heist flag all around the world. After travelling across six continents, the music video ends with an image of the flag being flown at the top of the Space Needle.

The City of Fife Tried to Buy the Space Needle for $1 Million

In the late 1970s, the city of Fife, Washington State, reportedly tried to buy the Space Needle from Seattle. They made an offer of $1 million to move the monument to their own downtown area. Luckily, the offer was declined, and today we can talk about Space Needle facts, rather than facts about the tower in Fife. Rumors that if moved, the monument would be renamed the Fiffel Tower are unconfirmed.

Space Needle Facts - Facts about the Space Needle Summary

The Space Needle is an observation tower in the city of Seattle, Washington State. Standing at 605 ft, or 184 m, the tower was once the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River, and is a dominant and famous part of the Seattle skyline. It was built in 1962 for the World's Fair, and construction was completed in a groundbreaking 400 days. The tower is resistant to earthquakes and hurricane force winds. Its elevators travel up the tower at 10 mph (16 km), and there is a rotating restaurant at 500 ft (152 m), which takes exactly 47 minutes to rotate a full 360 °. From the restaurant and observation deck, the tower boasts splendid views of the city of Seattle, and Olympic and Cascade Mountains, along with the bay and surrounding islands.

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Architect: John Graham & Co The most basic of Space Needle facts relates to the what, where and why of its creation. The Seattle Space Needle is an observation tower which was built in the city of Seattle, Washington, in 1962. The tower was built in honor of the 1962 World's Fair.

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Space Needle Facts: everything you ever needed to know about the Needle

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Yellowstone National Park was established on March 1, 1872.

Yellowstone is the world's first national park.

No area figures have been scientifically verified. Efforts to confirm the park's total area continue.

3,472 square miles (8,991 km2)

2,221,766 acres or 899,116 hectares.

63 air miles north to south (102 km)

54 air miles east to west (87 km)

96% in Wyoming, 3% in Montana, 1% in Idaho

Highest Point: 11,358 feet (3,462 m; Eagle Peak)

Lowest Point: 5,282 feet (1,610 m; Reese Creek)

Larger than Rhode Island and Delaware combined

About 5% covered by water; 15% by grassland; and 80% by forests

Annual precipitation ranges from 10 inches (26 cm) at the north boundary to 80 inches (205 cm) in the southwest corner. Learn more about weather in Yellowstone.

Record High: 99ºF (37ºC), 2002 (Mammoth Hot Springs)

Record Low: -66ºF (-54ºC), 1933 (West Entrance, Riverside Station).

Average daily at Mammoth Hot Springs: January: 9ºF (-13ºC); July: 80ºF (27ºC)

Learn more about weather in Yellowstone.

National Park Service (January 2020)

Permanent: 386 total

Full time, year-round: 170

Career seasonal: 213

Part-time: 3

Term (variable duration): 4

Seasonal: 348

Concessioners
About 3,200 people work for concessioners in Yellowstone at summer peak.

Fiscal Year 2019 (in millions)
Total: $74.5
Federal Funding-
Congressional Annual Appropriations

Operations and staff (base): $40.9

Other Appropriations: $5.6

Other Funding:

Donations and Grants: $1.7

Fees: $19.2

Utilities & Agreements (Reimbursable): $6.0

Distribution of Budget

Park Support: 9% Includes human resources, contracting, budget and fnance, partnerships, telecommunications, and information technology.

Facility Operations and Maintenance: 44% Includes utilities, roads, trails, structures, historic preservation coordination, construction management.

Park Protection: 20% Includes law enforcement, emergency medical services, search and rescue, entrance station operations, structural fre activities.

Resource Stewardship: 17% Includes management operations and monitoring of natural and cultural resources, invasive species management, research coordination.

Visitor Services: 10% Includes interpretation and education, and park concessions management.

The park recorded more than 4 million visits in 2019; down 2.3% from 2018. The last time the park recorded fewer than 4 million annual recreational visits was in 2014, with 3.5 million visits. Detailed park visitation information is available at https://irma.nps.gov/Stats/
Top 10 Visitation Years
1. 2016 4,257,177
2. 2017 4,116,524
3. 2018 4,115,000
4. 2015 4,097,710
5. 2019 4,020,287
6. 2010 3,640,185
7. 2014 3,513,484
8. 2012 3,447,729
9. 2011 3,394,321
10. 2009 3,295,187

Read answers to many frequently asked questions.

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Park Facts - Yellowstone National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Yellowstone National Park was established on March 1, 1872. Yellowstone is the world's first national park. No area figures have been scientifically verified. Efforts to confirm the park's total area continue. 3,472 square miles (8,991 km2) 2,221,766 acres or 899,116 hectares.

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Yellowstone National Park is the first established national park in the United States, and is widely held to be the first established national park in the world.

Yellowstone National Park spans an area of over 3,450 square miles that is made up of lakes, geysers, canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges.

Yellowstone National Park is so large that is covers three states, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. The majority of the national park is located in Wyoming and is truly one of America's greatest treasures.

Activities & Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park

Day Hiking: Yellowstone National Park encompasses over 2 million acres and boasts more than 900 miles of hiking trails.

When hiking in Yellowstone National Park make sure you are prepared with your own water source, tell someone your hiking plans, including the destination, route, and estimated time of return. This is because the majority of hiking trails are classified as "backcountry" and "wilderness."

This means that there will be unpredictable wildlife, changing weather conditions, and potentially dangerous natural formations such as cold lakes, thermal areas, and loose rocks.

Yellowstone National Park is a wonderful place, if you come prepared, you may just have the time of your life!

Wildlife Viewing: There are over 67 species of mammals and 330 species of birds within the park!

Some of the larger species include bears, wolves, the American bison, bobcats, moose, and elk.

As wildlife viewing is a wonderfully awing and enriching experience, remember, approaching on foot within 100 yards of bears or wolves or within 25 yards of other wildlife is strictly prohibited and could lead to serious injury and you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law if found guilty.

So it is always better to remain within a safe distance of all wildlife when visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Boating: Private Boating is permitted on most of Yellowstone Lake and on Lewis Lake. Only non-motorized boating is allowed on most of the other lakes in Yellowstone National Park. The Lewis River channel between Lewis and Shoshone lakes is the only river that is open to non-motorized boating.

When boating in Yellowstone National Park each person must have a Coast Guard approved floatation device and have the appropriate permits for their vessel.

Ranger Led Activities:Yellowstone offers ranger-led walks and talks, in various locations throughout the summer months. Summer ranger-led programs run from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.

These ranger-led programs are a great way to learn about the park in an interactive setting, the kids will love them!

Yellowstone National Park is so large and there is so much to do there we couldn't fit all the activities on one page. For more activity based information please visit our friends at the National Parks Service here.

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Yellowstone National Park | Information & Facts | Tiverton Foundation

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Yellowstone National Park is the first established national park in the United States, and is widely held to be the first established national park in the world. Yellowstone National Park spans an area of over 3,450 square miles that is made up of lakes, geysers, canyons, rivers, and mountain ranges.

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14 Things You Might Not Know About Ben & Jerry's

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During a trip to Ben and Jerry's HQ in Vermont, I learned a lot of interesting facts about the company (between ice cream feedings). For instance, did you know Ben & Jerry's employees get three free pints a day every day? Oh yes, it's true. Read on for more.

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Visit the Ben & Jerry's Waterbury Factory and learn how Ben & Jerry's gets so much deliciousness into every scoop! Take our 30-minute guided factory tour and learn how we make ice cream and how we put our values into action at every step of the process. It's great for all ages, and a fantastic activity for the family. Plus, enjoy your favorite flavor - or try a new one! - at our full-service Scoop Shop. And don't forget the swag! Bring a little piece of Ben & Jerry's magic home with you with quirky gifts such as t-shirts, hats, flavored lip balm, and so much more in our Gift Shop. Cap off your visit with a walk through the Flavor Graveyard and pay your respects to the dearly de-pinted flavors of years past. We hope to see you soon!
Tours leave at least every 30 minutes
Holiday hours:
Closed November 23, 2017
December 24, 2017 - last tour leaves at 2:00 p.m., close at 3:00 p.m.
Closed December 25, 2017
Closed January 1, 2018

Holiday hours:
Closed November 22, 2018
December 24, 2018 - last tour leaves at 2:00 p.m., close at 3:00 p.m.
Closed December 25, 2018
Closed January 1, 2019

30-Minute Guided Factory Tour

Tours run 7 days a week, 362 days a year. All Tours are guided, last 30 minutes and are offered (including the sample!) whether or not we are producing ice cream. Ice cream is typically produced daily although the schedule can change without advanced notice.

Same day reservations or reservations for groups of less than 10 are not necessary or accepted. Please call 802-882-2040 if you have a group of 10 or more and would like to make a reservation. The only days we are closed are Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Tour capacity is 40 people. Tour Tickets are available on a first-come first-serve basis. This means we do occasionally sell out of tours in our busier season (summer, fall, and holidays). Please plan accordingly.

Tour Tickets:
$4 Adult (Ages 13 - 59)
$3 Senior (Ages 60 & up)
FREE Kids (12 and under)

Directions & Parking

Physical address: 1281 Waterbury-Stowe Rd Waterbury, VT 05676

We are located on route 100
1.2 miles North of I-89 Exit 10

Driving directions: Take exit 10 off of I-89 in Vermont. Go 1 mile north on Route 100 toward Stowe. Factory is located on the left.

Parking: Onsite parking is available in the lower parking area as well as the upper, upper parking area near the playground and Flavor Graveyard. At the top of hill once you enter the site the drop-off area is at the end of the covered boardwalk. Handicapped, RV & coach parking are marked and located to the immediate left of the drop off area. During the summer and fall, staff parking attendants will greet RVs and coaches. There is no overnight parking available.

Flavor Fanatic Experience - Your Immersive Participation!

The Flavor Fanatic Experience at our ice cream factory allows for hands-on ice-cream making fun with one of our employees, in our very own Flavor Lab! This opportunity is available Saturdays at 10:00am, 11:30am or 2:30pm by appointment only. The experience is designed for 2-3 participants at a time.

Reservations:
To inquire, call (802) 882-2040 or email Amy W. Please know we are not able to accommodate same-day appointments.

Details:
* One (1) Regular factory tour ticket
* One (1) 30 minute session in the Flavor Lab helping to make a bulk of ice cream - includes tasting but not taking!
* One (1) Flash drive containing digital photos of your visit
* One (1) T-Shirt of your choice from the Gift Shop
* One (1) Ice cream cone from the Waterbury Scoop Shop
* One (1) Pint Coupon

Group Tour Information

We do not accept same day reservations or reservations for fewer than 10 people. Reservations are not required. If you are unable to make a reservation you are welcome to come by and purchase tickets for the next available tour time that can accommodate the number of people in your group.

The cost is $4 adult, $3 senior. Kids 12 and younger are free. Escort and driver receive a free tour and cone coupon. For US student groups grades K-12 and non profit 501c3 groups the cost for the tour is $2.00 over age 12.

To make a reservation, please call Monday-Friday 802-882-2040 or email Amy W.

While you're here, be sure to swing into our gift shop for all things Ben & Jerry's. T-shirts, bowls, ice cream flavored lip balms, stickers, hats and of course, our famous pint locks that will protect your pint from poachers! We source the best possible products the most responsible way, so you can feel good about anything you buy. Want to bring ice cream home for your pals? We also have pint certificates that won't melt in your bag! For phone orders, please call 802-882-2035.

April 10, 2018. Free cones and free tours! Come celebrate with us!

At our full service Scoop Shop, enjoy your favorite flavors in freshly baked waffle cones, legendary milkshakes and sundaes with all the toppings, including our mini-Vermonster and Vermonster sundaes. For special occasions we have ready-to-go and custom made ice cream cakes.

Guest Services

Guest Services: Handicapped parking. ADA accessible. Wheelchairs available for on-site use; please come inside to the ticket desk to borrow a wheelchair. Tour movie is open captioned. International language assistance: Multiple language versions of the tour script are available upon request at the tour ticket desk. Onsite Area information booth stocked full of brochures, maps and local happenings.

Lost & Found: All found items are taken to the gift shop register and logged. Please call 802-882-2035 to inquire about a lost item.

Pet Policy: Service dogs only. During the warmer seasons please take into consideration that the duration of a typical visit is 1.15 hours. We ask you do not leave your pet in the car unattended.

Smoking: We are a tobacco-free site.

Seasonal picnic area and playground.

Hearing assistance available.

Tours: 802-882-2047

Scoop Shop: 802-882-2034

Gift Shop: 802-882-2035

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Visit the Ben & Jerry's Waterbury Factory Tour, one of the happiest places in Vermont.

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Visit the Ben & Jerry's Waterbury Factory and learn how Ben & Jerry's gets so much deliciousness into every scoop! Take our 30-minute guided factory tour and learn how we make ice cream and how we put our values into action at every step of the process.

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Skip the ticket line and treat yourself to unparalleled 360-degree views of up to four states from the top of the world-renowned Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), the Western Hemisphere's second-tallest building. Take a deep breath and step out onto The Ledge - glass floor balconies 103 floors over Chicago!

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What Do You Know About The Willis Tower?

Willis Tower is 1,450 feet (443 meters) high - 1,730 feet (520 meters) including twin antenna towers.

Willis Tower is the twelfth-tallest building in the world; it is the second tallest building in the North America and the Western Hemisphere, standing 1,450 feet and 110 stories tall.

The Skydeck is the highest observation deck in the United States.

Willis Tower is home to the highest public viewing area in the United States.

The Skydeck is 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the ground.

The lowest level of Willis Tower is 43 feet (13 meters) below the Franklin St. elevation.

The combined weight of the building is 222,500 tons - that's 445,000,000 lbs., 201,849,000 kg, or almost 20,000 city buses!

The cost of building Willis Tower was in excess of $150 million.

Willis Tower opened in 1973 and took 2,000 workers 3 years to build. It took the Ancient Egyptians 20 years to build the pyramids at Giza.

The building has 4.5 million gross square feet (418,064 gross square meters) of floor space; or roughly 101 football fields.

On a clear day, you can see four states - Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan. Visibility from the Skydeck is approximately 40-50 miles (65 - 80 kilometers).

The average sway of the building is approximately 6 inches (152 millimeters) from true center, but the building is designed to sway up to 3 feet.

Willis Tower has approximately 16,100 bronze-tinted windows.

6 roof-mounted robotic window washing machines clean all 16,100 windows.

Willis Tower elevators operate as fast as 1,600 feet (488 meters) per minute - among the fastest in the world.

Willis Tower contains 25,000 miles (40,223 kilometers) of electrical cable.

Approximately 43,000 miles (69,200 kilometers) of telephone cable runs through the building - enough to stretch across the continental United States 15 times!

Willis Tower was designed for more than 12,000 occupants.

Approximately 25,000 people enter the building each day.

Approximately 1.5 million tourists visit the Skydeck each year.

The Ledge's glass boxes extend out 4.3 feet from the skyscraper's Skydeck on the 103rd floor. Each box weights 7,500 lbs.

The Ledge's glass boxes are comprised of three layers of half-inch thick glass laminated into one seamless unit.

The Ledge's boxes have a thin film over the top layer of glass that assures a clear view 1,353 feet straight down!

The Ledge's glass boxes are designed to retract into the building, allowing easy access for cleaning and maintenance.

The Ledge is built to withstand four tons of pressure and can hold 10,000 lbs!

The Ledge has what is called "heat tracing" to melt snow off the glass.

Click here or call (312) 875-9447 to make a reservation.

Tummy tuck surgery abdominoplasty

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Willis Tower is 1,450 feet (443 meters) high - 1,730 feet (520 meters) including twin antenna towers. Willis Tower is the twelfth-tallest building in the world; it is the second tallest building in the North America and the Western Hemisphere, standing 1,450 feet and 110 stories tall.

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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - City Information, Fast Facts, Schools, Colleges, and More

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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Introduction to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, in Sussex county, is 53 miles S of Vineland, New Jersey (center to center) and 85 miles S of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The city is a popular tourist destina...

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Welcome to Rehoboth Beach! Our one square mile community is located in the mid-Atlantic and is the largest beach resort in the State of Delaware.

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Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory (Vermont)

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Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory (Vermont)