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The Google Thompson Center in Chicago, a 17-storey, glass fronted building set to a backdrop of cars and greenery. Image courtesy: Jahn
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Georgia Wright
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Project overview

How do you reinvent a city landmark as a modern workplace?

Google is transforming the James R. Thompson Center into its new Chicago home. Working with the building’s original architects, Jahn, the project brings the centre into the 21st century while retaining the design qualities that make it such a distinctive part of the city. The redevelopment preserves key features, including the iconic atrium, while providing around 1.15mn sq ft of workspace designed for hybrid working and future growth.

Improvements at street level, alongside new public areas and places to eat and meet, open the building up to the city and strengthen its connection to the surrounding area. It's a new chapter for one of Chicago's most recognisable buildings.

Highlights
Iconic adaptive
reuse

Revitalising a postmodern landmark into a high-performing modern workplace.

Major urban
impact

A catalyst for the ongoing renewal of Chicago’s Loop neighbourhood.

Strategic support

Cost, commercial and procurement services giving clarity on budget and sourcing.

Sustainability ambition

Targeting LEED Platinum, supported by improved building systems and exceptional public transport connectivity.

Supplier diversity

Procurement prioritises local, minority-owned businesses.

Project story

Managing costs and widening opportunity

We were appointed in 2023 to provide cost and commercial management and procurement oversight for the redevelopment. Our early work focused on setting the budget, securing key funding approvals and aligning processes with the developer.

A key milestone was negotiating the guaranteed maximum price agreement, which secured significant savings and allowed construction to start in May 2024. The procurement strategy prioritises local minority-owned suppliers, supporting diversity and strengthening participation across the project.

A low-carbon workplace in the heart of the city

Sustainability is central to the Thompson Center’s transformation. A redesigned high-performance glass façade and upgraded heating and cooling systems will improve energy efficiency and help the project meet its LEED Platinum target.

The building’s location, where six L train lines meet, gives employees and visitors exceptional access to public transport, helping cut emissions from daily travel. Construction is also generating local jobs and community benefits while creating a low-carbon workplace for the future.

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