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Construction

John Hancock Center

John Hancock Center

John Hancock Center The John Hancock Center (now 875 North Michigan Avenue) is a 100-story skyscraper on Chicago's Magnificent Mile, completed in 1969. The building was constructed during a peak period of asbestos use in high-rise construction, with spray-on fireproofing and insulation materials containing asbestos applied throughout its structural and mechanical systems.

Last verified: 2026-03-09
Written by Paul Danziger, J.D. & Rod De Llano, J.D.
•
Legally reviewed by Michelle Whitman, Mesothelioma Litigation Specialist
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30+ years of mesothelioma litigation experience
Location
Chicago, IL
Industry
Commercial Construction
Exposure Era
1965–1969
Primary Asbestos Products
Spray-on fireproofing, Pipe insulation, Floor tiles, HVAC insulation, Elevator shaft insulation
Job Categories at Risk
Construction workers, Maintenance workers, Electricians, Plumbers, HVAC technicians, Elevator mechanics

History & Asbestos Use

Built between 1965 and 1969, the John Hancock Center was one of the tallest buildings in the world at its completion. The mixed-use tower was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and constructed using standard high-rise materials of the era, including asbestos-containing spray-on fireproofing on structural steel. The building's complex mechanical systems serving both residential and commercial spaces required extensive insulation. Asbestos abatement has been conducted during renovation projects in subsequent decades.

Exposure Details

Spray-on asbestos fireproofing was applied to structural steel throughout the 100-story tower during construction. Pipe insulation, duct insulation, and floor tiles containing asbestos were installed in both commercial and residential portions of the building. Maintenance workers servicing mechanical systems, elevator mechanics, and renovation contractors encountered asbestos materials in utility corridors, mechanical floors, and elevator shafts.

Workers at Risk

The following job categories at John Hancock Center had the highest risk of asbestos exposure:

  • Construction workers
  • Maintenance workers
  • Electricians
  • Plumbers
  • HVAC technicians
  • Elevator mechanics

Health Effects

Construction workers who built the John Hancock Center and maintenance workers who have operated the building's systems face elevated risks of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The tower's dual residential-commercial nature means that maintenance workers must access asbestos-containing areas while managing exposure risks for building occupants. Workers from the 1960s construction era faced the highest exposure levels.

Health information is based on established medical research on asbestos exposure. Asbestos is classified as a known human carcinogen by the National Cancer Institute, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Consult a physician for medical advice specific to your situation.

Compensation May Be Available

Workers exposed to asbestos at John Hancock Center may be entitled to compensation through asbestos trust funds, personal injury lawsuits, or veterans benefits. Mesothelioma patients and their families have recovered billions in compensation from companies that manufactured or used asbestos products.

Find Out If You Qualify

Were You Exposed to Asbestos at John Hancock Center?

Workers who were employed at John Hancock Center between 1965–1969 may have been exposed to asbestos-containing materials. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may have legal options including trust fund claims and lawsuits.

Speak with an Attorney — Free Request a Free Case Evaluation

Related Exposure Sites

Construction

Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower)

Chicago, IL

Treatment Centers in Illinois

If you were exposed to asbestos at John Hancock Center and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, these specialized treatment centers in Illinois may be able to help.

University of Chicago Medicine

University of Chicago Medicine

Chicago, IL

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile
Northwestern Medicine (Lurie Cancer Center)

Northwestern Medicine (Lurie Cancer Center)

Chicago, IL

Comprehensive Cancer Center
View Full Profile

Browse all treatment centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the John Hancock Center built with asbestos?

Yes. The John Hancock Center was built between 1965 and 1969, during a period when asbestos-containing spray-on fireproofing and insulation were standard materials in high-rise construction. These materials were used throughout the tower's structural and mechanical systems.

Is the building still called the John Hancock Center?

The building was officially renamed 875 North Michigan Avenue in 2018, but is still widely known as the John Hancock Center or Hancock Building. Regardless of name, the asbestos exposure history from its 1960s construction remains relevant for former workers.

Who is at risk from asbestos exposure at this building?

Construction workers from the 1965-1969 building period, building maintenance engineers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and renovation contractors who have worked in mechanical spaces and utility areas throughout the building's history.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one worked at John Hancock Center and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, lung cancer, or asbestosis, our attorneys can help you explore your legal options. There is no cost, no pressure, and no obligation.

Free & Confidential No upfront costs, no hidden fees. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
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Over 25 Years of Experience Our attorneys have recovered over $2 billion for mesothelioma patients and families.
Fast Results Trust fund claims can resolve in as few as 90 days. We move quickly for our clients.

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Sources:

  • EPA records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • OSHA compliance records — accessed 2026-03-09
  • Chicago Department of Buildings records — accessed 2026-03-09
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