“In this video, we visit Chicago’s most endangered building–the Thompson Center–and discuss issues related to its preservation and impending demolition.”
“Perhaps no building in Chicago is closer to a date with the wrecking ball than the Thompson Center. While those responsible for initiating this threat cite years worth of deferred maintenance and high costs of operation as the primary reasons for their decision, these are not the real reasons for the building’s demise. It suffers from a much more lethal ailment — treating it like a normal building. In this video, Stewart explains why the Thompson Center is definitely not a normal building and offers alternative ways to evaluate it. What if we considered it to be a piece of urban infrastructure or public plaza instead? Relating the building to Rem Koolhaas’ theory of ‘Bigness’, this video builds the case that the Thompson Center should be valued for how it brings people together in space rather than its colors, or material palette, or any other normal ways of evaluating mere buildings.”
The Most Endangered Building in Chicago [Thompson Center], Architecture w/Stewart Hicks
Help Us Save Buildings Like This!
Preservation Chicago advocates with urgency for buildings like this at City Hall, in the press, with owners and developers, with elected officials, and in the community. This work is funded by people who care deeply about Chicago and recognize that historic preservation is the key to unlocking healthy, dynamic, vibrant communities.
Preservation Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax-deductible as permitted by law.
Get monthly updates on advocacy efforts in neighborhoods all across Chicago.
Preservation Chicago: Love Your City Fiercely!®
