Google Reveals Vision for Thompson Center Renovation, Preserving Atrium and Mosaic
Google released renderings of its renovated James R. Thompson Center in Chicago, showing plans to keep the 17‑story atrium and its black‑and‑white mosaic while updating interiors for a future Loop headquarters. The public will gain access to a courtyard with a grand staircase, terraced seating, and new restaurants and retail as thousands of Google employees move in over time. The project, which began in 2024 after Prime Capri bought the building in 2022 for $105 million, now targets a 2028 opening. Exterior updates include triple‑paned glass for light and energy efficiency; a 30‑foot sculpture by Sanford Biggers will grace the plaza, and After School Matters will host student artwork. Preservation Chicago welcomed the preservation of key architectural features amid the renovation, which follows the building’s 1985 design by Helmut Jahn.