Tall & Urban News

On 13 December, Google unveiled images of its plans to reposition the post-modern James R. Thompson Center that had previously been home to Illinois state government offices. Google announced their intent to puchase the Helmut Jahn-designed building in 2022, and the question on how they will adapt it from its original design had many architecture buffs and local residents waiting in anticipation. The new design eases concerns over the destruction of the atrium and the public has been reassured that it will remain and be reimagined to reflect the present era.

Working with the original architects at Jahn for the design and renovation, it has been shared that the atrium space will remain publicly accessible. The iconic covered colonnade at the base of the building will be redesigned to allow for an enhanced ground floor experience, including opportunities for more food and beverage retail and seasonal activations of the plaza. Google has pledged to upgrade the building to a LEED Platinum, all-electric building, and to do so, the building’s facade and internal systems will have to be completely replaced. A new triple-pane glass exterior will replace the current facade to improve both the thermal performance of the building and the comfort of those inside by requiring less energy to heat and cool. Additionally, it will modernize how the building looks and maximize natural daylight and views. Outdated heating and cooling equipment will also be replaced with high-efficiency systems.

Construction is expected to start shortly into the first months of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

For more on this story, go to Google blog