Due to a variety of circumstances, I missed my chance to experience the Edge Walk a couple years ago when I was in Toronto. The Edge Walk is a 20–30 minute outdoor walk on the roof of CN Tower’s restaurant, 1,168 feet above ground. I have regretted this missed opportunity ever since.

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Chicago has a lesser alternative in the Ledge of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower). The Ledge is a series of glass boxes that extend out 4.3 feet from the building’s exterior. The Ledge’s glass boxes are on the Skydeck on the 103^rd floor, 1,353 feet above ground.

While the Ledge has the height and the views, it lacks the excitement of actually walking around up there. It is just a bit more interesting than looking out a window on the 103^rd floor.

Last week, a rumor surfaced the John Hancock Center was planning a similar attraction to the Ledge. The Hancock’s Tilt would be a glass enclosure that protrudes from the 94th-floor observatory and tilts downward (once visitors are inside).

The reports indicate numbers of visitors to the Hancock Observatory are down while visitors to the Willis Tower Ledge are up. While Tilt should help reverse that trend, I question the attraction, which basically mirrors the Ledge.

If they really want to gain visitors, why not attempt to copycat the Edge Walk of Toronto? I would be totally excited about that. I don’t just want a great view. I want to do something more active with more of an edge (pardon the pun) to it.

It is not too late for the Hancock people to amend their plans. Be different. Be daring. Give Chicagoans something new. I promise I will be first in line.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor