# Glass Balconies 'The Ledge' at Chicago Sears Tower Opens to the Public (UPDATE) By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-07-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-balconies-the-ledge-at-chicago-sears-tower-open-to-the-public References: [chicagobreakingnews](http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/07/skydeck-heights-sears-tower-chicago-tourist.html) & [theskydeck](http://www.theskydeck.com/theledge.asp) [Skydeck Chicago](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-on-the-ledge) opens to the public on the 2nd of July 2009. The [glass-floored architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diller-scofidio-renfro2) is located on the 103rd floor of the Sears Tower. The see-through balconies protrude 4 feet from the building and are 1,353 above the street. While the [clear glass decks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/72-turns) may be a bit frightening, they offer spectacular views of the city below. Trendhunter [reported on the project](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sears-tower-to-open-glass-bottomed-sky-deck)earlier this year and now that it's done, wants to share the views! **Implications** - 'The Ledge' offers a fully immersive tourist experience that extends far beyond a gorgeous view. Complete with educational and interactive activities, the landmark highlights everything the city of Chicago has to offer from architecture to history, food and sports. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Immersive Experiences:** 'The Ledge' at the Chicago Sears Tower offers a fully immersive tourist experience with educational and interactive activities, presenting disruptive innovation opportunities in the tourism and entertainment industries. - **Glass-floored Architecture:** The introduction of glass-floored architecture, like the balconies at the Sears Tower, opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the construction and architectural industries. - **Extreme Tourism:** The glass balconies at the Sears Tower attract thrill-seeking tourists, creating opportunities for disruptive innovation in the tourism and hospitality industries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Tourism:** The immersive experience provided by 'The Ledge' at the Chicago Sears Tower presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the tourism industry. - **Construction:** The introduction of glass-floored architecture, exemplified by the balconies at the Sears Tower, creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the construction industry. - **Hospitality:** The glass balconies at the Sears Tower attract thrill-seeking tourists, offering disruptive innovation opportunities for the hospitality industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Unique Wedding Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-on-the-ledge.md) - [Thrill Ride-Topped Ultra-High Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-torch.md) - [Revamped Observation Levels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cn-tower-renovation.md) - [Optical Illusion Replica Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liberty-science-center.md) - [London-Based Glass Lift Viewpoints](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lift-109.md) - [Dynamic Mall Rooftop Extensions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skybowl.md) - [Dynamic Living Towered Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onze22.md) - [Greenery-Filled Skyscraper Terrarium](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terrarium-cheongdam.md) - [Precast Concrete Toronto Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tower-hill-development.md)