The Thompson Center’s years-long renovation is in full swing, ahead of Google’s plan to move its Chicago headquarters to the Helmut Jahn-designed building in 2026.
However, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, as newly updated renderings—recently shared by Google and first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times—offer a glimpse into the structure’s brighter, eco-friendly future.
Preserving Jahn’s Legacy
JAHN, the architectural firm behind the Thompson Center’s original design in the early 1980s, is spearheading the building’s revival.
Alongside Google, they aim to restore and preserve many of its defining features, including the historic 17-story atrium and direct access to the Clark-Lake Blue Line station.
The newly updated renderings show a lighter, organically hued atrium floor, accented by robust greenery and ample natural light. The design includes multiple levels of public seating as well as spaces for food and retail.
A Sustainable Future
Sustainability is at the forefront of the renovation. Google is pursuing LEED Platinum certification, with a fully electric energy system, high-performance glass paneling, and a bird-safe facade.
The renovation extends to the center’s exterior, with a rendering showing a redesigned Randolph Street plaza. According to Jahn, the plaza will be outfitted with native plants and public seating areas.
Saved From the Brink of Demolition
The project marks a significant shift from just under a decade ago when former Gov. Bruce Rauner pursued development plans which would have demolished the Thompson Center entirely, according to the Sun-Times.
The building’s adaptive reuse is a triumphant win for both sustainability and historic preservation in Chicago.