The James R. Thompson Center (JRTC) is a public, postmodern office building commissioned, owned, and occupied by the State of Illinois for government offices and mixed-use retail. Designed by architect Helmut Jahn in Chicago and put into service in 1985, the 17-story building is widely viewed as a threatened cultural asset as state legislators continue to push for the sale of the valuable central Loop property.
The mission of the James R. Thompson Center Historical Society (JRTCHS) includes Generating new affinities for the JRTC among Chicagoans and others by leading tours and producing programming and activities that invites the public to learn about the building and share stories about their experiences.
Thursday, October 17, 12:00 p.m. — Join the JRTCHS for its inaugural tour. The tour will explore the building’s public spaces on the first, second, third floors, as well as atrium level to learn about the cultural context of the State of Illinois Center.
Thursday, October 24, 12:00 p.m. (partnering with Docomomo) — Explore the political, cultural and occupational history of the former State of Illinois Building and the role of the postmodernist architectural movement in Chicago and beyond.
Thursday, October 31, 12:00 p.m. — Bring your favorite ’80s outfit or costume and enjoy a walk through the Thompson Center’s lower level atrium space where visitors will learn about the forgotten history and present peril the building faces.
Tickets are FREE but registration is required at this link
More information at the James R. Thompson Center Historical Society www. PreservationFutures.org