James R. Thompson Center

The James R. Thompson Center is a modern office tower featuring a distinctive curved glass exterior and a large central atrium that floods the interior with daylight. The 17-story structure creates open, airy interior spaces that allow views across multiple work areas.

The building was designed in 1985 by architect Helmut Jahn and initially served as the home of Illinois state government. It was renamed in 1993 to honor Governor James R. Thompson, who had championed its creation.

The building displays artworks commissioned through the Illinois State Art-in-Architecture Program, which supports local creative practitioners. You can encounter these pieces in the public spaces while experiencing how the state promotes contemporary art.

The building sits at the corner of Randolph and Clark Streets with easy access to the Clark/Lake station and the Chicago Pedway tunnel system. Its central location and multiple transit connections make visiting straightforward at any time of day.

Google purchased the building in 2022 and is currently investing in a major transformation project that will reshape it significantly. The renovation demonstrates how tech companies are adapting traditional government buildings for contemporary work environments.

Location: Chicago

Inception: 1985

Architects: Helmut Jahn

Floors above the ground: 17

GPS coordinates: 41.88530,-87.63220

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:01