Google Unveils Revamped Thompson Center Headquarters

Google has released new images of its revamped headquarters in the Thompson Center, showcasing an updated look for the building's interior. The 17-story atrium, designed to evoke a sense of open government, will remain intact but with some changes. Gone are the escalators that greeted visitors as they entered from the plaza; instead, stairs and terraces with seating have taken their place.

The Thompson Center, formerly owned by the state of Illinois, is being renovated by Google. The tech giant says it will feature shops, dining areas, space for seasonal events, and access to public transportation within its 1.2 million-square-foot space. The building's design was originally conceived by Helmut Jahn.

The plaza outside the center will also see some changes with the installation of a 30-foot-tall sculpture called Vector, made from glazed terracotta tiles. Artist Sanford Biggers, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, designed the piece, drawing inspiration from 19th-century quilts in local collections.

Google plans to reopen the Thompson Center in 2028, not this year as initially thought. The company also intends to install more artwork inside the building, including a piece created by teens working with After School Matters.