The Ledge

Engineering “The Ledge”: defying gravity at Willis Tower.

For the globally recognized Skydeck Chicago “The Ledge” at the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower), MTH Industries served as the lead glass and architectural metal contractor. Their team was responsible for the high-stakes installation of the four retractable glass observation boxes that cantilever 4.3 feet out from the 103rd floor. Each box is a feat of extreme engineering, composed of three layers of half-inch, low-iron tempered glass laminated into a single, 1,500-pound structural unit.

MTH’s precision was vital in integrating the motorized “LinearBeam” system, which allows the five-sided pods to retract into the building for maintenance. Despite the dizzying height of 1,353 feet, our artisans executed the project with such seamless clarity that visitors are left with the heart-pounding illusion of standing on thin air, safely supported by a structure designed to hold up to five tons.