New renderings reveal how Google will renovate Thompson Center
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New plans released by Google on Wednesday reveal how the tech giant plans to transform the James R. Thompson Center in the Loop.
Why it matters: After Google's announcement last year that the company intends to buy the Thompson Center, preservationists and architecture enthusiasts were worried the postmodern, Helmut Jahn-designed building would lose its distinctive look.
Yes, but: Not everyone is a fan of its 17-floor, open-concept design, and years of disrepair have led to several issues.
Driving the news: The newly released images of Google's renovation plans for the building's exterior are the first renderings offered to the public since 2022.
Details: The iconic shape and the atrium will remain, Google's Karen Sauder said Wednesday in a blog post.
- Google says they will replace the outdated heating and cooling systems and add triple-pane glass to help make the building more energy efficient.
- There will be covered terraces with greenery on the southeast side.
What they're saying: Sauder says working with the late Helmut Jahn's namesake architecture firm will "bring the design into the 21st century while maintaining its iconic form."
- A Google spokesperson tells Axios that interior renderings are not yet available.
Meanwhile: Landmarks Illinois president Bonnie McDonald tells Axios that the preservation group sees "the reuse of this once endangered building as a preservation success and a win for the Loop,"
- "Google has not reached out to Landmarks Illinois in their design process, but we would be happy to discuss creative solutions to adapt and revitalize this historic building. As for the interior, we are happy to see the atrium will be retained."
What's ahead: Renovations are scheduled to begin in February.
- A CTA spokesperson tells Axios there are no planned closings of the Thompson Center station while construction is underway.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to add comment from Landmark Illinois' president.