Google’s $6M Makeover of Thompson Center Approved

The city of Chicago has approved permits submitted by Google to demolish and transform the exterior and atrium of the historic James R. Thompson Center in Chicago’s Loop.

This outward work is the first phase of the tech giant’s $280 million efforts to remake the former state government building into the company’s Chicago headquarters, reported the Chicago Sun-Times. The demolition project is expected to cost $6 million. The permits show that Google will remove the metal and glass facade on the 17-story building located at 100 W. Randolph Street.

Google acquired the Thompson Center for $105 million in 2002, with a build-to-suit agreement between the tech company and JRTC Holdings to redevelop the building, which Google will ultimately buy. The unique postmodern dome property was completed in 1985 and designed by the late famed architect Helmut Jahn.