Expanded 360 Chicago Observation Deck Coming to Former Hancock Center

New multilevel attraction to replace shuttered Signature Room restaurant and lounge

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A bold, geometric illustration depicting the sweeping, monumental architecture of the former John Hancock Center, conceptually representing the grand scale and views of the expanded 360 Chicago observation deck.The expanded 360 Chicago observation deck aims to reinvigorate the iconic Hancock Center and draw more visitors to the Magnificent Mile.Chicago Today

Construction is set to begin on an expanded 360 Chicago observation deck that will take over the 95th and 96th floors of the former John Hancock Center, now known as 875 North Michigan Avenue. The $17 million project will add a three-story atrium, a new 14,000-square-foot private event space, and a bar on the 95th floor, replacing the shuttered Signature Room restaurant and lounge.

Why it matters

The redevelopment of the iconic Hancock Center's upper floors aims to boost tourism and energy on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, which has struggled with high retail vacancies in recent years due to the pandemic and shift to online shopping.

The details

Workers have spent the past year stripping out the interiors of the 95th and 96th floors, which previously housed the Signature Room restaurant and Signature Lounge. The new 360 Chicago observation deck will expand from the existing 94th floor up to the 95th floor, and the 96th floor will become a 14,000-square-foot private event space. Hundreds of windows are also being replaced to reduce glare and provide clearer views of Lake Michigan and the city.

  • Construction is about to begin on the expanded 360 Chicago observation deck.
  • The Signature Room restaurant and Signature Lounge closed in September 2023.
  • Magnicity, the French company that owns 360 Chicago, bought the 95th and 96th floors in 2024.
  • The three-floor reconstruction project is expected to be completed by mid-2027.

The players

360 Chicago

The observation deck on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Center, now owned by Magnicity.

Magnicity

The French company that owns 360 Chicago and is investing $17 million to expand the observation deck to the 95th and 96th floors.

Nichole Benolken

The managing director at 360 Chicago.

Signature Room

The legendary restaurant that previously occupied the 95th and 96th floors, which closed in 2023.

SOM

The architectural firm that designed the 100-story 875 North Michigan Avenue building, formerly known as the John Hancock Center.

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What they’re saying

“We feel confident that the experience we deliver to Chicago will boost tourism.”

— Nichole Benolken, Managing Director, 360 Chicago

“Window technology has come a long way in six decades. Replacing the windows is the final step of this first phase.”

— Nichole Benolken, Managing Director, 360 Chicago

What’s next

The three-floor reconstruction project is expected to be completed by mid-2027, with the addition of a new bar on the 95th floor.

The takeaway

The redevelopment of the iconic Hancock Center's upper floors represents a significant investment to revitalize Chicago's Magnificent Mile, which has faced challenges in recent years. The expanded 360 Chicago observation deck aims to boost tourism and energy in the area.