DOWNTOWN — New renderings for Google’s future office at the Thompson Center show that it’ll have lush greenery — even on the inside, where plants are seen dripping down the walls.
A rendering from the technology company show plans for a multi-terrace atrium with a lot of greenery, as well as a multitude of seating along what is planned to be retail and restaurant space.
Another rendering shows what the Thompson Center renovation is slated to look like from the corner of Randolph and Clark streets. It features a second-floor balcony and updated landscaping.
Renovations began this year and are slated to be completed in 2026.
the Thompson Center showing restaurants from Randolph St. Credit: Google and Pixelflakes
Permits issued in October 2023 allowed Google to remove metal and glass siding that covered the building’s exterior and atrium. Instead, the building will have a glass facade that is more opaque than the previous one, according to renderings Google released in December.
Company spokespeople previously said Google will keep the atrium open to the public. Google plans to redesign the covered colonnade at the base of the building, which will have opportunities for restaurants, retail and “seasonal activations” of the plaza.
Google announced in July 2022 it would take over the Thompson Center, saying it’d buy the building for $105 million after it is renovated by The Prime Group and Capri Investment Group.
The Thompson Center was designed by famed postmodern architect Helmut Jahn and opened in 1985 as the State of Illinois Center. It was used for governmental offices, but it struggled with costly infrastructure issues for years that led to several attempts to sell it before the 2022 redevelopment deal.
As part of the deal, the state was to receive $30 million in cash for the Thompson Center and will move state employees to a renovated building at 115 S. LaSalle St.
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