Are you going on the Ledge?
Written by DJ Special Blend from Chicago on July 2, 2009
The Ledge gives visitor’s the opportunity to step out onto a thin sheet of glass dangling from the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower.
Real talk.
SUNTIMES:It promises patrons the sense of standing in space, free to admire the unobstructed view of a city 1,353 feet straight below.
Of course, the word “dangling” may be a bit strong, but then again maybe not considering this is 103 stories above the ground.
The young lady visiting from Atlanta in the picture looks like she’s straight with just looking, without actually stepping onto The Ledge.
This sounds and looks like a tragic accident waiting to happen, but the engineers advise that the five extended glass sheets will hold up to five tons.
The Ledge delivers. The effect is spectacular, even on a cloudy and drizzly day.
Would-be daredevils stand in enclosures with glass on five sides. All have visible pins and connections, so the eye has a reassuring reference point that you’re in a real structure.
WGN gives video shots that may give a better video perspective on the goings on:
I don’t like heights, but I’m gonna grab my $15 and meet you there:
The technical team behind the Skydeck’s four new glass bays, which open to the public today as part of the Skydeck’s standard $14.95 admission, was headed by Ross Wimer, partner in the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, and Lou Cerny, vice president of MTH Industries in Hillside.
