“Lunchbox” pavilion is casualty of Willis Tower’s mega-renovation

The entrance pavilion at the Willis Tower has been torn down as part of the ongoing renovations of the Blackstone Group-owned skyscraper.

Known as the “lunchbox” because of its resemblance to a lunch pail, the pavilion was demolished and the eight-ton globe sculpture that used to sit next to it was removed, according to Curbed.

A new retail and dining annex will replace the old pavilion, and is expected to be open by 2020. It is part of the face-lift that will include new retail space, a fitness center, tenant lounges, updated elevators and an overhaul of the 103rd floor observation deck.

Blackstone recently took out a record $1.3 billion refinancing on the skyscraper. [Curbed] — John O’Brien

Rendering of the redevelopment of the Willis Tower (Credit: Willis Tower)