The Signature Room in former John Hancock building closes, wedding planned at venue this weekend

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A restaurant that has long overlooked the city of Chicago has closed its doors.

A sign posted on the elevator outside the Signature Room at the 95th, in the building formerly known as Hancock at 875 N. Michigan Ave., said the restaurant is closed, effective Thursday.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the permanent closing of our beloved Signature Room at the 95th effective Thursday, September 28, 2023," the sign said.

The panoramic view of Lake Michigan from the restaurant nestled atop one of Chicago's most storied skyscrapers is iconic and had become a staple of the Mag Mile.

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The restaurant and bar cited hardships since closures during the COVID-19 pandemic as its reason for shutting down.

"For over 30 years, we have had the privilege and honor of serving Chicagoans and visitors from all over the world," the sign said. "From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for your support over the years."

It's not the tallest skyscraper in the city. But at the top, with its location near the lake and overlooking the Magnificent Mile and the Gold Coast, the former John Hancock building might offer the most scenic views.

And those views are part of what made the Signature Room at the 95th floor so popular.

Married couple-to-be Andrea Rossi and Eric Jara said they have already paid thousands of dollars in full for their wedding reception that was supposed to be held at the venue this coming Sunday.

"We found out today that the Signature Room closed by seeing it on Facebook," bride Andrea Rossi said. "They have not reached out to us at all. We haven't received a phone call, email. We have tried to call them and we have had no response."

The bride even received an email from their wedding coordinator just Wednesday night saying everything was good to go.

"She wrote 'Good evening Andrea, we are looking forward to Sunday night.' She was just confirming some details about the tables that we'll have in the room and the size," Rossi said.

Less than 24 hours later, a relative sent the couple a Facebook post from the Signature Room announcing the restaurant's immediate closure.

"They have a great reputation," Rossi said. "I could have never foreseen this happening."

"This adds to this run of closures there, mostly retailers like GAP and Macy's, T-Mobile and others along the Mag Mile that closed during the pandemic," said Danny Ecker with Crain's Chicago Business.

The 95th floor restaurant's closure adds to the 30% vacancy rate along the dwindling Magnificent Mile.

It was reportedly one of the highest-grossing restaurants not only in Chicago but in the U.S.

"I think there's some shock here when you look at such an institution that so many people knew. Locals and out-of-towners, abruptly shutting its doors," said Danny Ecker, with Crain's Chicago Business.

According to Crain's, the vacancy rate on Michigan Avenue is now close to 30%, and foot traffic in the tourist mecca is also down significantly.

The owners of the Signature Room recently extended their lease on the property through 2031. Now the building will look to find a new tenant.

"Everyone knows this has some of the coolest views of the city from up there, and I would think there would be someone interested in occupying that space," Ecker said.

360 CHICAGO released a statement Thursday, saying "Like many, all of us at 360 CHICAGO were shocked and saddened by the sudden closure of the Signature Room. For 30 years we've not only shared our own dedicated elevators with the Signature Room, but they've been wonderful neighbors and partners, and their presence in the building will be missed," said Nichole Benolken, Managing Director, 360 CHICAGO.

"At 360 CHICAGO, just one floor down from the Signature Room, please know that it remains business as usual. Though there was sometimes confusion, the Signature Room and 360 CHICAGO are two entirely separate entities with different ownerships. We remain open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., 7 days a week, and continue to operate our cocktail lounge- CloudBar and thrill ride- TILT, host a variety of events, and offer the very best views of Chicago. More information about 360 CHICAGO can be found on our website at 360CHICAGO.com or @360CHICAGO."

"This adds to this run of closures there, mostly retailers like GAP and Macy's, T-Mobile and others along the Mag Mile that closed during the pandemic," said Danny Ecker with Crain's Chicago Business.

The 95th floor restaurant's closure adds to the 30% vacancy rate along the dwindling Magnificent Mile.