Willis Tower was $50 million. Since 2007, the building owners considered building a hotel on the north side of Jackson, between Wacker and Franklin, at the plaza that is the entrance to the tower's observation deck. The tower's parking garage is beneath the plaza. Building owners say the second building was considered in the original design. The plan was eventually cancelled as city zoning does not permit construction of such a tall tower there. Although Sears' naming rights expired in 2003, the building continued to be called the Sears Tower for several years. In March 2009, London-based insurance broker Willis Group Holdings
Southwest Tower Building of Texas phone center to Sears Vinyl Siding. When it opened in 1972 it was considered the leading business tower in the city. (Austin American-Statesman November 18, 1972) The Southwest Tower Building was the site of a fire on Sunday, March 6, 2011. No cause has been given for the fire. Southwest Tower Building The Southwest Tower Building is a 12-storey, building at 211 East 7th St. in Downtown Austin, Texas and is located across the street from the historic Driskill Hotel and the modern Omni Hotel. On the edge of the E. 6th Street entertainment district and Congress Avenue,