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Sears Tower unveils glass balconies

Friday, July 03, 2009 CHICAGO: Visitors to the Sears Tower's new glass balconies agree that the first step is the hardest.The balconies are suspended 1,353 feet in the air and jut out four feet from the building's 103rd floor. Their transparent walls, floor and ceiling leave visitors with the impression they're floating over the city.The balconies can hold five tons, and the glass is an inch-and-a-half thick, officials said. Sears Tower officials have said the inspiration for the balconies came from the hundreds of forehead prints visitors left behind on Skydeck windows every week. Now, staff will have a new glass surface to clean: floors.The balconies are just one of the big changes coming to the Sears Tower. The building's name will change to Willis Tower later this summer. Last week, officials announced a 5-year, $350 million green renovation complete with wind turbines, roof gardens and solar panels.

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