“Google will refashion the ground floors of the former Thompson Center atrium into a hotel lobby-like space with restaurants, retail, seating and greenery, according to a new rendering obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.

“The image shows the building’s main concourse and lower level being turned into an almost single bi-level space linked by open stairs, bleacher seating and overlooks.

“Most notable: Google said the atrium would be open to the public — not just tenants — during business hours, just as it was during the building’s days as the Thompson Center.

“‘These new design elements align with the identity of the Loop, while honoring the building’s legacy as a symbol of transparency for all to enjoy,’ Google’s Chicago Site Lead Karen Sauder said in a statement to the Sun-Times.

“But Google appears to have kept the physical openness of the atrium, a 17-story public space that was one of Chicago’s noblest of civic gestures when the building was built and owned by the state.

“The atrium was a public square under glass, filled with art, life, sound and color. It’s good to see it retained, especially under a redesign that looks to invite even more people to sit, gather, meet, drink and eat.

“‘We are focused on restoring the structure and legacy of the original building, which includes the elevator bay and cars, as well as the stairway connections,’ said Google spokesperson Ryan Lamont.

“Google is adding a second-floor terrace on the Randolph Street side of the atrium. The glassy terraces would overlook the entry plaza and the atrium. Google said it is seeking a restaurant for the space. (Bey, Chicago Sun Times, 10/31/24)

“Prime | Capri Interests, a venture led by Chicago developers Michael Reschke and Quintin Primo, bought the Thompson Center in 2022 from the state of Illinois for $105 million. Google then agreed to take it over after the duo completes the renovation.

“Workers are also replacing the building’s glass facade with triple-paned glass, which will let in more natural light, cut energy use and reduce bird collisions. The Thompson Center’s train station at 100 W. Lake St., where six Chicago Transit Authority lines converge, will remain open throughout construction.

“Historic preservationists say they’re thrilled Google and the development team came up with a plan to save the building, which for years seemed a likely candidate for demolition. But they are concerned because the renderings show several features — including the building’s futuristic color scheme and Jahn’s ground floor mosaic, designed to mirror the ceiling of a state capitol dome — could be lost.

“’The renderings show the building would be painted in more neutral colors, but its beautiful industrial red was what allowed it to sing and pop,’ said Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago. ‘These are important aspects of the building we should try to save.’” (Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 11/1/24)

Read the full story at the Chicago Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune

• Redeveloped Thompson Center will offer public gathering spaces, new renderings released by Google show, Brian Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 11/1/24
• New Google rendering gives an early glimpse of former Thompson Center atrium’s future; The rendering obtained by the Sun-Times is the first look Google has provided of its vision for the remade interior of the Helmut Jahn-designed icon,  Lee Bey, Chicago Sun Times, 10/31/24
• New Google rendering gives an early glimpse of former Thompson Center atrium’s future; The rendering obtained by the Sun-Times is the first look Google has provided of its vision for the remade interior of the Helmut Jahn-designed icon, Lee Bey, WBEZ Chicago,  10/31/24
• Google reveals plans for revamped Thompson Center atrium, Danny Ecker, Crain’s Chicago Business, 10/31/24
• Google’s Thompson Center Overhaul Adds Patio, Greenery, Even More Light In New Renderings; New renderings reveal a closer look at Google’s plans for the building’s atrium., Melody Mercado, Block Club Chicago, 11/1/24
• Google reveals renderings of Thompson Center atrium; The interior space will be open to the public during business hours, Lukas Kugler, Urbanize Chicago, 11/4/24
• Renderings Revealed For Thompson Center Lobby Redevelopment, Ian Achong, Chicago YIMBY, 11/1/24
• Redeveloped Thompson Center will offer public gathering spaces, new renderings released by Google show, Brian Rogal, Chicago Tribune / AOL, 11/1/24
• Editorial: Thanks to Google, Chicago has an amazing new tourist attraction. Temporarily, The Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, 10/4/24
• Renovation Work at Thompson Center, Daniel Schell, Chicago YIMBY, 9/13/24
• Google shares new renderings for refurbishment to Thompson Center’s atrium, Daniel Jonas Roche, The Architect’s Newspaper, 9/7/24
• Construction on Google’s Chicago headquarters bringing changes to surrounding sidewalk; Developers of the Thompson Center plan to extend the building’s overhangs, which would narrow the sidewalk on La Salle and Clark streets, Abby Miller, WBEZ Chicago, 9/5/24