Sears Tower Name Change Official: Welcome to Willis Tower

On the somewhat terrifying -- and certainly earpopping -- ride back down from the Sears Tower Ledge, myself and several others in the crammed elevator noticed that the term "Willis Tower" was being thrown around. This was no surprise as a Sears Tower name change had been previously tossed around.

However, it seemed safe to say that Chicago natives wouldn't warm up to that idea, no more than renaming Wrigley Field "The Tribune Stadium at Wrigleyville" or something silly like that. But, it appears as if the new owners of America's tallest building are going ahead with the renaming process and as of this Thursday, the Sears Tower will be no more.

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the WILLIS TOWER. Cue the angry mob of Chicago natives demanding that they get to keep their piece of history in addition to the "What you talking about Willis?" jokes. Sigh.

Man Overcomes Fear of Heights in Worst Way Possible: the Sears Tower Ledge

And yes, that "man" = "me." So you know you're in for some excitement. Or, instead of "excitement", how about "watching a grown man terrified of heights to the point that he is somehow impressed he didn't lose a bowel/start crying while standing out on a 4.5 foot glass ledge 103 stories above the ground"? Does that work? Excellent. Because I was in Chicago last week and managed -- thanks to the kind folks at the Sears Tower Skydeck -- to summon the courage to walk onto THE LEDGE, the new addition to one of the world's biggest buildings.

Sears Tower No More: Willis Tower Is the New Name of Chicago's Biggest Building

The Sears Tower will, in all likelihood, become the Willis Tower. That's based on a press release that Willis Group Holdings, a London-based international insurance broker and the newest owner of the building, released today.

"We are proud to add the Willis name to the tower," said John Huston, executive vice president of American Landmark Properties, Ltd., part of the real estate investment group that owns the building.

"Having our name associated with Chicago's most iconic structure underscores our commitment to this great city, and recognizes Chicago's importance as a major financial hub and international business center," said Joseph J. Plumeri, chairman and chief executive officer of Willis Group. 

No one from Willis would actually confirm that the name of Sears Tower will change immediately, however; the most likely action seems to be that Willis will test the possibility of changing the name and gauge the reaction of Chicago residents. If it's overwhelmingly negative, it's possible that "Sears Tower" will remain. 

But if Chicagoans, like the rest of America, are completely fed up with the "customer service," the "great values," and everything else suprmely awesome that relates to the Sears company, than there's a decent chance that they'll embrace the new name.