I’ve been to NBC Tower a few times. Once for a very early TV spot. Another time to meet a friend who works upstairs. Each time felt a little different, but the building kept the same cool vibe.
If you want the full play-by-play, you can read my honest visit to NBC Tower, Chicago where I spill every last detail.
Curious about its backstory and stats? The NBC Tower Wikipedia page gives a neat summary of when it went up, who designed it, and why those Art Deco lines feel so familiar.
First glance: tall, shiny, a little old-school
The tower looks classic, like a movie set from the 1930s. It’s tall, with clean lines, and that proud peacock sign near the entrance. Chicago has a few other skyscrapers that hit the same retro note—Prudential Plaza in the Loop is a prime example—and seeing those parallels made NBC Tower’s details pop even more. I took a quick photo, of course. The plaza out front gets windy, though. The lake air hits that corner hard. My hair did not love it.
Architecture buffs who want a deeper dive into the style can find a handy overview at Areco. For the nitty-gritty on square footage, floor plates, and leasing options, the building’s official digital brochure lays everything out in crisp detail.
Inside, the lobby is bright and polished. Security sits right there. It’s calm, quiet, and kind of formal. Not cold, but not cozy either. Think office, not mall.
Getting in: bring your ID, bring your patience
Here’s the thing: you need a photo ID. You check in at the desk. They print a pass, and you tap through a turnstile. It’s smooth when the line is short. But I once got stuck behind a school group, and it took ten minutes. Not the end of the world, just plan for it. The place runs a tight ship, and after my own run-ins outlined in this real-life review of Chicago building violations, I appreciate the no-nonsense approach.
The elevators run fast. I blinked and we were up. The hallways are clean, and you can smell coffee somewhere. Always a good sign.
My TV morning: lights, mic, sweater
I came in for a short morning segment to talk about a book drive. A production assistant met me at the elevator. She walked fast. I tried to keep up while not looking lost. The studio felt bigger than it looks on TV—yet also tighter once the cameras rolled. TV is funny like that.
They clipped on a tiny mic. It pinched my collar a bit. I could hear light chatter, crew talk, and a quick “two minutes.” The lights were bright. Like, “I should’ve blotted my face” bright. And the room was cold. Bring a sweater, even in July. I wrapped my hands around a paper cup of tea to warm up. That cup saved me.
The host was kind, sharp, and quick. We did the chat in one take. The floor manager gave a small countdown with fingers. Then we were done, just like that. I grabbed a selfie by a wall with the peacock logo. Yes, I know. But I earned it.
Food and nearby stuff: easy wins
There’s usually a small café in or near the lobby. I’ve grabbed a latte there after a shoot. If you step outside, more spots sit along Illinois Street and toward the river. I like a simple egg sandwich and a walk by the water. The Riverwalk is close, and the view of the Tribune Tower across the way is a nice bonus. On sunny days, that plaza glows.
Speaking of getting the inside scoop on neighborhood eats, sometimes the best intel comes from locals willing to chat in real time—consider hopping onto sextlocal.com to strike up conversations with Chicagoans who can point you toward hidden-gem cafés, share candid parking tips, or even join you for a quick Riverwalk stroll.
If business or leisure later whisks you out east toward New Jersey, a fast way to get the lay of the land is the well-organized listings on Backpage Morristown—here you’ll find up-to-date posts for nightlife, personal services, and local events, helping you maximize a short stay without endless Googling.
Parking isn’t cheap. If you can, walk from the Red Line at Grand. It’s about ten minutes. My shoes thanked me. My wallet did too.
What I loved
- The Art Deco look. It feels classic and a little glam.
- The staff. Security was firm but friendly; the studio crew was warm.
- The views from higher floors. River. Boats. A slice of lake if you’re lucky.
- The fast elevators and clean restrooms. Small things matter.
- That peacock logo wall. Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, it made my day.
What bugged me
- The wind tunnel outside. Hold onto your hat.
- The lobby vibe. A bit stiff. Not much seating for guests.
- Lines at check-in when groups arrive.
- Pricey parking. Rideshare drop-offs can clog the plaza.
- No real public tours now, which is a shame if you love TV.
Little tips that helped me
- Bring a photo ID and arrive 10–15 minutes early.
- Pack a light sweater. Studios run cold.
- Keep hair simple. Wind and TV lights don’t play nice.
- Snap your photo outside fast, then move—security likes clear walkways.
- If you’re meeting someone, ask for the exact floor and suite first. Saves time at the desk.
So, should you go?
If you’re going for work, a taping, or a meeting, yes. It runs smooth once you’re checked in. If you’re a TV nerd like me, it’s fun to stand under that peacock and feel the buzz. If you want open tours or big public spaces, you might feel let down.
You know what? I still smile when I think about that chilly studio and the quick countdown. It’s not flashy like Navy Pier, but it’s real Chicago—polished, busy, and a little tough on your hair. I’d go back in a heartbeat, sweater in hand.