This is the tallest building in the "Loop proper" as defined by the loop in Chicago's elevated train tracks. The site is also the geographic center of the loop.

The large terraced plaza south of the building is one of 3 major plazas between Clark and Dearborn Streets. See also Richard J. Daley Center and the Chicago Federal Center.

The plaza is two levels deep, with several staircases and a large fountain at the bottom.

The fountain in the plaza is formed by nine square tubes of water rising to varying heights (similar to the Sears Tower).

A colorful mosaic by Marc Chagall titled "Four Seasons" is located on the mid-level terrace of the plaza.

The building sweeps from a 200-foot wide base to 95 feet at the top. The east-west length is 300 feet.

An unusual sensation can be experienced by placing a foot on one of the curving piers, then looking up to the top:  this gives the illusion that it's possible to run up the building.

First National Chairman Gaylord Freeman began construction of the building without building permits from Chicago City Hall.

The building replaced six older skyscrapers, including the Morrison Hotel which was the tallest building ever demolished at the time.

The old First National Bank Building remained standing until the bank moved into this building, then was torn down to build the plaza.

The granite for the facade was quarried at Marble Falls, 50 miles northwest of Austin, Texas.

Like the GE Building in New York City, this building is set behind a popular sunken plaza in the very heart of the business district. Both buildings also have the same height.

Other skyscrapers with a similar shape include the Sompo Japan Head Office Building in Tokyo and the W.R. Grace Building and Solow Building in New York.

The walls of the fifth-floor employee cafeteria are painted with an extensive mural by Karl Wirsum (famous for his whimsical firefly on Block 37) with abstract shapes resembling masks, bees, notes, machines, and flowers.

U.S. President Barack Obama met his wife Michelle in this building in 1989 when both worked for the law firm Sidley & Austin.