Google releases renderings of Thompson Center redevelopment

Google today has released new renderings of their planned redevelopment of the Thompson Center. Google has called Chicago home since 2000 and it continues to invest in the city as it emerges as one of the nation’s most diverse and vibrant tech hubs with many of their partners and customers based there. 

With the redevelopment being led by The Prime Group and Capri Investment Group, Google plans to honor the postmodern legacy of the building. Working with Jahn, the building’s reimagining will bring it into the 21st century while maintaining its iconic form. The Thompson Center’s signature 17-story, light-filled atrium will remain. Additionally, the 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.

When it opened, the Thompson Center was intended to be a new kind of gathering space for Chicagoans. After all, it’s the only building in the city where six L train lines converge, connecting Chicago’s South, West and North sides. With a new and improved CTA experience, the Thompson Center will continue to serve commuters and will be perfectly positioned to welcome current and future employees from every corner of Chicago. Google hopes the reimagined building will become a thriving community destination for all Chicagoans in a revitalized Loop neighborhood.

With a goal to operate on 24/7 carbon-free energy by 2030, Google plans to run their offices on clean energy with an important first step of making their offices require less energy in the first place. In order to achieve their pledge of creating a LEED Platinum, all-electric building, the building’s facade and internal systems will be completely replaced. The new triple-pane glass exterior will 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 the way the building looks, and maximize natural daylight and views. Outdated heating and cooling equipment will be replaced with high-efficiency systems as well.

At the southeast perimeter of the structure, covered terraces along three levels will offer new greenspaces. With more natural light, access to greenspace, and biophilic design elements that borrow from nature, the original design’s ode to transparency and openness will live on. 

Construction activity at the site of the Thompson Center is expected to begin soon, starting with fencing going up around the perimeter early next year. The upcoming improvements will take several years to complete and Google plans to share more about their plans in the future, according to a release shared with the media.