Google has secured an $85 million permit to begin extensive interior renovations at Chicago's iconic Thompson Center, marking a major step in transforming the building into its new regional headquarters. The permit, issued on December 17, details plans for the lower nine floors as the building's exterior glass replacement nears completion.
This phase of construction signals the project's shift from exterior revitalization to the creation of a modern workspace for thousands of Google employees, who are expected to move in later this year. The work will be managed by general contractor Skender, while Clark Construction continues to finalize the new energy-efficient facade.
Key Takeaways
- Google has been issued an $85 million permit for interior construction at the Thompson Center.
- The permit covers floors B1, 1, and 3 through 9, with plans for offices, cafes, a food hall, and lab space.
- The building's new energy-efficient and bird-friendly glass exterior is nearly fully installed.
- Google plans to consolidate its Chicago workforce from other Loop offices into the renovated building this year.
Interior Transformation Begins
With the building's futuristic new skin almost entirely in place, attention now turns to its vast interior. The recently issued permit officially names Google as the building's owner and outlines the first major stage of the internal fit-out. The scope of work is substantial, focusing on creating a modern and collaborative environment within the structure's famous atrium design.
The architectural plans, led by Scott R. Becker of partners by Design, aim to repurpose the building's unique layout for a new era. This initial $85 million investment covers a significant portion of the 17-story building, suggesting that a subsequent permit will be required to address the upper floors.
A Detailed Look at the Plans
The permit provides a clear roadmap for the lower levels of the future Google campus. The renovation will establish a foundation of amenities and workspaces designed to support a large workforce.
The permit specifies alterations for a total of 10 floors, from the basement to the ninth story, laying the groundwork for Google's Chicago operations.
Key areas detailed in the construction plans include:
- Lower Level (B1): A central kitchen and dedicated bike storage facilities.
- Ground Floor (Level 1): A new tenant lobby and main entrance.
- Floors 3-9: Build-out of modern office spaces.
- Amenity Levels: A cafe, food hall, and restaurant are planned for levels 3 and 8.
- Specialized Spaces: Level 4 will house dedicated lab space, while open conference areas are designated for floors 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9.
This layout indicates a focus on creating a multi-functional environment that blends traditional office areas with extensive collaborative and social spaces, a hallmark of modern tech campuses.
Exterior Revamp Nears Finish Line
While interior work gets underway, the exterior transformation of the Thompson Center is a visible sign of progress for Chicagoans. The original, single-pane glass panels have all been removed and replaced with a modern, high-performance curtain wall. This new facade features bird-friendly glass designed to significantly improve the building's energy efficiency for heating and cooling.
Crews have installed the new panels across nearly the entire structure, including its signature curved facade along Randolph and Clark Streets. Only a few gaps remain, primarily at the street level, as the project moves toward a complete enclosure.
From State Building to Tech Hub
The James R. Thompson Center, designed by architect Helmut Jahn and opened in 1985, served as a state government building for decades. Known for its polarizing postmodern design and massive 17-story atrium, the building faced threats of demolition before being sold to The Prime Group. Google's decision to purchase and occupy the building is seen as a landmark commitment to Chicago's downtown core, preserving an architectural icon while adapting it for future use.
Consolidating Chicago Operations
The move to the Thompson Center is a strategic one for Google, allowing the company to bring its entire Chicago workforce under one roof. Currently, Google's main office is located at 1000 West Fulton in the Fulton Market district, with its Google Cloud staff situated at 210 North Carpenter Street.
The consolidation into the renovated Thompson Center will create a unified campus, streamlining operations and fostering greater collaboration among its various teams. The company has stated its intention to begin moving employees into the new space sometime in 2026, pending the completion of the extensive renovations.
Infrastructure Upgrades in Tandem
The revitalization project extends beyond the building itself. Work is also underway to upgrade the adjacent Clark/Lake CTA station, one of the busiest transit hubs in the city, which connects directly to the Thompson Center. These renovations are crucial for accommodating the thousands of employees who will commute to the new headquarters.
Further enhancing transit in the area, the nearby State/Lake platform, one stop to the east, was recently closed for a complete overhaul. That station is expected to reopen in 2029, ensuring the entire transit corridor surrounding Google's new campus is modernized and prepared for increased traffic.