The project was announced by an organization known as the Aurora Building Corporation through Herbert P. Heiss of the First Illinois Company.

Philip K. Wrigley, fan dancer Sally Rand, and the singing cowboy Gene Autry are some of the famous names seen there.

Recordings were made there by such famous blues musicians as John Lee "Sonny Boy" Williamson.

The tower subsequently housed microwave transmitter link of defunct WLXT-TV Channel 60, an Aurora TV station which signed on in 1969.

Leland Tower is also known locally for its elaborate holiday decorations, including an 8-story tall shooting star and Christmas tree on the roof.