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The Signature Room Chicago: 5 Shocking Details About Its Closure And The Massive $50 Million Upgrade Coming To The 95th Floor

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The Signature Room on the 95th, once an essential part of the Chicago dining landscape, remains a subject of intense curiosity and nostalgia for locals and tourists alike. As of late December 2025, the iconic restaurant and its sister bar, the Signature Lounge, are permanently closed, a reality that still feels surreal given their three-decade run atop the city. The abrupt closure in late 2023 sent shockwaves through the hospitality industry, but the story of the 95th and 96th floors of 875 North Michigan Avenue is far from over.

The latest and most crucial update is that the space is undergoing a dramatic, multi-million dollar transformation. Instead of a new restaurant, the panoramic views that defined the Signature Room are set to become a massive, multi-story expansion of the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, promising a completely new experience for visitors to the Magnificent Mile. This article dives into the history, the true reasons behind the closure, and the exciting, ambitious future of this legendary Chicago landmark.

The Iconic Legacy of The Signature Room and Signature Lounge

For nearly 30 years, The Signature Room and the Signature Lounge were synonymous with high-end Chicago experiences, offering unparalleled views that stretched across Lake Michigan, the downtown skyline, and four surrounding states on a clear day. Located in the building formerly known as the John Hancock Center, the restaurant occupied the 95th floor, while the more casual but equally famous Signature Lounge sat one floor above on the 96th.

A Dining Experience Above the Clouds

The Signature Room was a fine-dining establishment known for its American cuisine, elegant ambiance, and, most importantly, its 360-degree vistas. It was the quintessential spot for marriage proposals, anniversaries, and celebratory dinners, making it a bucket-list destination for anyone visiting the city. The sheer height—over 1,000 feet up—made it a unique venue globally.

The adjacent Signature Lounge, on the 96th floor, was famous for its more relaxed, cocktail-focused atmosphere. It became legendary for offering the same breathtaking views without the full price of a dinner reservation, often drawing long lines of patrons eager for a drink with a million-dollar backdrop. The ladies' room on the 96th floor, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, was particularly famous for its spectacular view. These two venues were not just businesses; they were cultural institutions that captured the spirit of Chicago's architectural grandeur.

The Abrupt Closure: Severe Economic Hardship and The Final Night

The news of the permanent closure of both The Signature Room and The Signature Lounge hit the public with stunning speed. On a Thursday in late September 2023, the restaurant abruptly announced it was closing its doors immediately.

The Stated Reason for Closing

The official statement released by the management cited "severe economic hardship" as the primary reason for the sudden shutdown. This explanation pointed to the significant financial challenges that had plagued the business, which had been in operation since 1993. The high operating costs associated with a premier location on the Magnificent Mile, especially one so high up in a skyscraper, combined with post-pandemic economic pressures, proved to be an insurmountable hurdle. The unexpected nature of the announcement meant that employees were given no notice, leading to subsequent legal action regarding back pay.

The closure was a stark reminder of the fragility of even the most established and beloved dining institutions in a competitive and costly urban environment like Chicago. The sudden departure left a massive, 26,000-square-foot hole in the city's highest reaches.

The Future: 360 CHICAGO's Multi-Million Dollar Expansion

While the chapter of The Signature Room is closed, the story of the 95th and 96th floors is moving into a dramatic new phase. The space is not sitting vacant; instead, it is undergoing an extensive, multi-million dollar redevelopment to create a brand-new, world-class attraction.

Chicago’s First Multi-Story Observation Deck

The most significant development is the expansion of the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, which currently resides on the 94th floor. The expansion will incorporate the former Signature Room and Signature Lounge spaces on the 95th and 96th floors, creating Chicago's first-ever multi-story observation deck experience.

  • Design Team: The redevelopment is being handled by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the original architects of the iconic tower at 875 N. Michigan Ave. This ensures the new design will be respectful of the building's legendary architecture.
  • New Event Space: The 96th floor, formerly the Signature Lounge, is being transformed into a massive, 14,000-square-foot event and private dining space. This new venue will once again allow the public to host spectacular events with the city as a backdrop, catering to corporate functions and high-end private parties.
  • Observation Deck Expansion: The 95th floor will be integrated into the observation deck, providing new viewing areas and interactive exhibits for visitors. The goal is to enhance the overall visitor experience far beyond what was previously offered.

Expected Opening Date and Investment

This ambitious project represents a major investment in the future of the Magnificent Mile, which has struggled with retail vacancies in recent years. The redevelopment is a multi-million dollar undertaking, signaling a strong commitment to keeping the tower a premier tourist destination. The new, expanded 360 CHICAGO experience, including the event space and new observation areas, is currently projected to open to the public in 2027.

The transformation of the 95th and 96th floors from a private restaurant to a public, multi-story attraction marks a significant pivot. While many mourn the loss of the beloved Signature Room, the new plans promise to democratize the spectacular views, making them accessible to a wider audience through the expanded 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. This next chapter ensures that the spectacular vistas from 875 North Michigan Avenue will continue to be a defining feature of the Chicago experience for decades to come.

The Signature Room Chicago: 5 Shocking Details About Its Closure and The Massive $50 Million Upgrade Coming to the 95th Floor
signature room chicago
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