It’s been a hectic 48 hours for the Sears Tower, the beloved and linchpin in Chicago’s skyline. On Thursday, London-based Willis Group Holdings announced it would move into the tower and, as part of the deal, rename it Willis Tower. RedEye caught up with the Sears Tower to get its thoughts on this development.
Let’s get right to the point: What do you think about the new name?
I mean, when I think “Willis,” I think “Bruce Willis,” which takes me to “Die Hard” and “yippee-kai-yay!” That has a nice ring to it. But then it takes me to “his ex-wife is intimate with Ashton Kutcher,” and that makes me nervous.
You don’t sound like you’re in love with it.
(Shrugs.) “Willis” — it’s kind of stuffy. And “Willie” is just … awkward. I gotta check these Willis guys out.
Do you think the new name hurts your status at all?
Whoa, slow down there, Debbie Downer. I’m still me, baby. Still the tallest building in the nation. It’s not like they’re turning me into a food court.
But clearly it’s bound to have an impact. Are other buildings saying anything?
(Shows some agitation.) No. 1: Who cares? It hurts my neck to bend my antennae low enough to pick up their little chit-chatting. No. 2: Any of them would trade their lobbies for a name like Willis. Who wants a name like “Carbide & Carbon Building”? Or “John Hancock Center.” Seriously, when did that guy die? Two centuries ago?
What about the rumor you’re to be painted silver?
No comment. Not a flattering color.
Does the move-in by Willis solve some of the occupancy problems you’ve had?
This interview is over.
