The man who designed Chicago’s Willis Tower and John Hancock Center has died.
Architect Bruce Graham’s work is iconic. He helped Chicago develop its distinct city skyline. Graham was a senior designer from 1951 to 1989 at the Chicago-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill. That’s where he designed the Sears Tower, now known as the Willis Tower. The building opened in 1974 and was the world’s tallest building until 1996 when the Petronas Twin Towers opened in Malaysia. The Willis still remains the tallest building in the U.S.
Graham died on Saturday at his home in Florida of complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease. He was 84. A private funeral will be held in Florida. A memorial service is scheduled for later in Chicago.