Permit issued to demolish Thompson Center facade

A permit has been issued to demolish the Thompson Center’s facade and atrium. After renderings of the redevelopment were revealed in December 2021 and Google signed on to acquire the building in June 2022, this permit is the first sign of movement on the reconstruction of the structure at 100 W. Randolph. 

Originally designed by Helmut Jahn and completed in 1985, the architect’s namesake firm Jahn will return to the building to facilitate the redesign for Google’s office space. The work will strip the building down to the structure and rebuild it as a high-tech building with the unique atrium and form that is the Thompson Center. The redevelopment will install a new curtain wall to reduce the building’s high mechanical costs and reduce noise in the atrium. Landscaping will be added to stepped terraces within the curved edifice.

While initial concept renderings were shared back in 2021, the scope of the redevelopment has been kept under wraps. The original sale agreement had The Prime Group buying the building for $70 million and the state would have bought back approximately ⅓ of the 1.2 million square feet to reoccupy the building, paying $148 million. Remaining space inside the building was considered for more offices or as a hotel. 

While permits are underway for the project, final renderings or plans have not been released to show how the redesign has been adjusted since Google announced its plans to enter a build-to-suit lease with The Prime Group which will result in the building being turned over to Google as the eventual occupant and owner. Clark Construction is listed as the general contractor for the $280 million development which is expected to wrap up in 2026.