In a move that shakes up the Chicago skyline dining and viewing scene, 360 CHICAGO has acquired the now-vacant 95th and 96th floors at the former John Hancock Center, a space that once housed The Signature Room, a restaurant with a storied history dating back to the building's opening, CBS News Chicago reports. The Signature Room closed its doors in September 2023, citing severe economic challenges, and the recent acquisition has led to speculation about what the observatory will do with the 30,000-square-foot space, though a restaurant is reportedly not on the cards.
While details of the future plans remain as elusive as the clouds surrounding the tower's peak on a gusty day, Nicole Benolken, Managing Director of 360 CHICAGO, affirmed in a news release, "We're exploring a number of options for the space at this time. I can confirm that we're not planning on reopening a restaurant in that space, but beyond that, our team is in the very early development stages, and we’ll have more information to share in the coming months," indicating that while a new dining establishment is off the table, other possibilities are still being weighed.
The Signature Room, known for its upscale dining experiences since 1993, was a go-to destination for Chicagoans and tourists alike, requiring a dress code and offering menu selections complemented by panoramic views of the city. It previously operated as the 95th Restaurant, with its origins dating back to when the skyscraper first welcomed visitors. The adjacent lounge, once dubbed 'Images' on the 96th floor, was later christened The Signature Lounge - both of which are now a part of Chicago's architectural and cultural memory following the unexpected closure.
The former staff of The Signature Room, left without employment after the sudden shutdown, was awarded $1.5 million in back pay, according to a court ruling in March. This settlement stems from a failure to provide notice before ceasing operations, according to CBS News Chicago. Meanwhile, the observation deck on the 94th floor, known as 360 CHICAGO, has maintained its operations, operating its own CloudBar cocktail lounge, which, despite being two floors beneath the former Signature Lounge, boasts the title of the highest cocktail lounge in the city. The organization assures visitors that the ongoing development above will not interrupt the current visitor experience.
With an opening date for the new space tentatively scheduled for 2026, Chicagoans and future visitors have time to speculate and imagine what will fill the void left by The Signature Room. Until then, 360 CHICAGO remains a stalwart attraction on Michigan Avenue, promising to continue its tradition of providing breathtaking views of the city's remarkable landscape and serving as an integral part of the Magnificent Mile's appeal, as noted in a statement obtained by NBC Chicago.
