“The Thompson Center is keeping its name, with Google set to move into the historic and newly renovated Loop office building next year, according to the tech company.

“Google announced in July 2022 it would take over the Thompson Center, saying it would buy the building for $105 million after it is renovated by The Prime Group and Capri Investment Group. Demolition of the building’s exterior began in 2024.

“The building will keep its name, Thompson Center — shortened from its official name, the James R. Thompson Center — in honor of its legacy, Google spokesperson Ryan Lamont confirmed in an email Tuesday.

“This week, Google also launched a website for the project, advertising leasing space and sharing several new renderings.

“Previous renderings show plans for a multi-terrace atrium with greenery as well as a multitude of seating along what is planned to be retail and restaurant space. The atrium will remain publicly accessible.

“Another rendering showed what the renovated building is slated to look like from the corner of Randolph and Clark streets. It features a second-floor outdoor space and updated landscaping.

“Designed by famed postmodern architect Helmut Jahn, the Thompson Center opened in 1985 as the State of Illinois Center. It was renamed in honor of former Gov. James R. Thompson in 1993.

“Google said in an email that it expects interior construction to continue through 2027, with hopes to move in later that year. The tech giant is slated to bring about 2,000 employees to its new Chicago headquarters. (Mercado, Block Club Chicago, 3/17/26)

The Thompson Center was a Preservation Chicago 7 Most Endangered in 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The preservation advocacy effort was long and challenging, but ultimately proved to be highly worthwhile. The building is being fully comprehensively modernized and will become a home to Google.

Governor Thompson wanted the State of Illinois Building (later renamed the Thompson Center) to stimulate the Central Loop in the early 1980’s. Thanks to a long and successful preservation campaign, and visionary developers and decision makers, 40 years later, the Thompson Center as Google HQ will again have a huge beneficial impact on the Central Loop.

From ‘Impossible to Inevitable,’ the Thompson Center reuse is a perfect example of the incredible power of preservation to generate economic development.

Read the full story at Block Club Chicago

• Thompson Center Will Keep Its Name, With Google Planning A 2027 Move-In
  Leasing is now open for retail and office space in the iconic Loop building, which will serve as the tech giant’s new Chicago headquarters for 2,000 workers, Melody Mercado, Block Club Chicago, 3/17/26
• Thompson Center website 
• Inside Google’s $280 Million Plan to Save a Chicago Landmark (12:48), MegaBuilds, 2/27/26
• Google makes progress on Chicago headquarters with windows update; The new exterior glass is expected to help keep the building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. But it certainly changes the structure’s look and feel,  Lee Bey, Chicago Sun-Times, 8/22/25
• Google’s high-profile renovation of iconic Chicago building gives new look to heart of city; Tech giant’s Thompson Center project drives conversations about downtown, Ryan Ori CoStar News, 7/16/25
• 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