In 1955, Chicago’s future began right here at 130 East Randolph with the era-defining erection of One Pru. In 1990, that same air of legend continued to flourish next door amidst the striking postmodernist tower of Two Pru. Separately, each building stands as a landmark of its own, but together? They comprise a 2.3-million-square-foot powerhouse of both influence and inspiration. 

At the presently named two-tower office building of One Two Pru, companies are instilled with a sense of purpose and pride that trickles from past to present, making up one of Chicago’s most iconic places to work to date. Below, discover a complete historical timeline of how it all started for us — and where it undoubtedly continues to go. 

1951

Globally renowned insurance company Prudential announced plans for One Prudential Plaza in 1951, consisting of a 41-story skyscraper on the northeast corner of Randolph and Michigan that would be the first building erected over the old Illinois Central Railroad yards. 

1952

One Two Pru broke ground in 1952 and ended a two-decade hiatus of skyscraper construction following The Great Depression and the economic strain of World War II, which demanded the bulk of the nation’s steel production.

1955

One Two Pru was completed in 1955, making it the tallest office building in Chicago and containing the highest escalator system in the world. This same year, One Two Pru welcomed its first tenant: the western advertising offices of Reader’s Digest. 

1956

In 1956, Acclaimed Chicago ad agency Leo Burnett moved into One Two Pru, becoming the building’s largest tenant occupying five full floors.

1988

In 1988, construction broke ground on Two Prudential Plaza, which would soon be a 58-story skyscraper with a distinct architectural stacked chevron setback designed by firm Loebl Schlossman & Hackl. 

1990

Two Pru was completed three years later, setting a record as the tallest concrete reinforced building on the planet. 

1995

In 1995, Two Pru won “Best Structure Award” from the Structural Engineers Association of Illinois.

2013

One Pru underwent extensive exterior restoration in 2013 to refurbish each window frame and spandrel panel to its original luster. 

2018

In 2018, an ambitious revitalization effort of the two buildings was set in motion, marking Chicago’s largest office building sale since 2015. 

2019

In 2019, the $4 million amenity transformation was completed, activating a 15,000-square-foot, eleventh-floor indoor/outdoor amenity space with additional improvements to the facade, retail space and lobby. 

2021 – 2022

To ensure a best-in-class response to COVID-19, One Two Pru partnered with the world’s leading experts in health, safety and air quality to guarantee a comfortable return to the office. 

As a result, One Two Pru became one of the first buildings in the country to achieve the WELL Health-Safety Rating — an evidence-based, third-party rating system that underscores enhanced performance in cleaning and sanitation, emergency preparedness, health service resources, and air and water quality management. Evidence-based improvements included ABM Enhanced Cleaning™, upgraded HVAC systems, enhanced tenant communications, new traffic patterns and helpful signage, and forthcoming UVGI technology. 

In 2022, One Two Pru was renewed for its WELL Health-Safety Rating and, for the second year in a row, achieved RESET Air Certification for Core & Shell. 

Today, with its landmark address, coveted amenity spaces and wellness-focused vision, the two interconnected buildings continue to deliver the progressive office environment that Chicago’s evolving workforce craves. 

Make Chicago’s most iconic office destination your company’s new home. Inquire about leasing today.