Chicago-based financial services provider Morningstar will relocate its global headquarters to the James R. Thompson Center, according to a statement released Wednesday.
The announcement comes amid tech giant Google’s ongoing full-scale renovation of the property, and marks the largest downtown office deal in 2026 so far.
Morningstar eyes 2028 timeline
Morningstar plans to move its local workforce to the redeveloped Thompson Center by late 2028.
The relocation signifies a long-term local commitment for Morningstar, which has been headquartered in Chicago for more than 40 years.
Morningstar offers independent investment research, asset management, and investment data throughout North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, while operating subsidiaries in 32 countries.
The firm plans to occupy more than 275,000 square feet of office space at the Thompson Center. Morningstar currently employs 1,500 workers in Chicago and intends to expand local hiring.
$5 million in nonprofit funding
In addition to keeping its headquarters in the Loop, Morningstar plans to allocate $5 million in funding to local nonprofit initiatives over a five-year period.
- $200,000 each year for 5 years, totaling $1 million to civic and economic leadership organization the Commercial Club Foundation of Chicago.
- $800,000 each year for 5 years totaling $4 million in grants local nonprofits that work to facilitate career and finance development for Chicago residents.
The multi-million-dollar donation is aimed at creating avenues towards investing and wealth-building, financial literacy, and occupational development for everyday Chicagoans.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker celebrated the announcement, stating “For 40 years, Morningstar has called Chicago home. Its decision to relocate to the Thompson Center is another vote of confidence in the city and in Illinois as a place where businesses can grow.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson also applauded the news, stating “Morningstar’s $5 million commitment to local nonprofits will also help Chicagoans build financial security and gain the skills to pursue good-paying careers, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth extend beyond downtown and into our neighborhoods.”
