Willis Tower's Antenna Lighting Gets A 21st Century Upgrade

EQ Office completed an upgrade to Willis Tower's antenna lighting system that is comparable to changing the color display on a computer screen from 8-bit color to True Color. The iconic twin antennae atop Chicago's tallest building now have more color options to choose from to light up the night sky during holidays and special events.

EQ Office contracted RGB Lights to install an LED lighting system allowing a single operator to alter the hue and depth of lighting colors in seconds. That is a major upgrade from the two-person crew that used to change the lights, then had to change the lights back to white. It took hours and they could only do it in near-perfect weather conditions: low winds and no precipitation.

The range of colors has greatly increased, from 12 colors to an array that includes colors the human eye can't see. In another upgrade, the colors can now animate up and down along the antennae's spans. The new lights are brighter, emitting 337,248 lumens, equivalent to illuminating the antennae with 337 car headlights.

The lighting system is expected to save EQ Office 70% in energy costs. With the ease of operations, more colors and reduced manpower costs, EQ Office expects the number of requests to change the lighting colors to skyrocket. Currently, Willis Tower receives 30 requests annually. The upgrades are part of Willis Tower's $500M renovation project. Ownership is undertaking a major overhaul of the building's elevator systems. The street-level lobby is being transformed into a new retail hub.

Continue reading this story with a free account

Log in or register
Sign up for more articles like this
Subscribe to Bisnow's Chicago Newsletters
Related Stories

Fertility Provider Opens Clinic At 1900 Lawrence Office Tower: The Denver Deal Sheet

Office Revenues Are Failing To Keep Pace With Expenses

Security Tech Firm Plans Loudoun HQ Move: The D.C. Deal Sheet

Stephen Ross Expands Palm Beach Empire With Massive Boca Raton Campus

25 Years After 9/11, Lower Manhattan Is Finally Firing On All Cylinders

Tishman Speyer Seeks $92M Tax Break For Next Hudson Yards Office Tower

Prologis Acquires 69 Acres For 1M SF Chicago-Area Industrial Development

Charles Cohen Plans $350M Office Project After Resolving Debt Ordeal

First LaSalle Street Reimagined Conversion Opens In Chicago's Loop

Report Finds Hybrid Work Creates New Opportunities For Women In Real Estate

SL Green Selling SoHo Building For $226M

The Difference Between Service And Hospitality That Makes A Flexible Workspace A Success