In the midst of Google renovations, the Thompson Center scores a tower crane permit

The City of Chicago issued a tower crane permit for 171 N LaSalle Street in The Loop on Wednesday, July 3. That address is for Google’s renovation of the Thompson Center. As the general contractor, Clark Construction is the main benefactor of the permit. It allows them to do some serious heavy lifting as they continue knocking holes in the Helmut Jahn-designed office building.

Though fenced off (obviously), demolition work has the Thompson Center atrium open to the street. Photo by Daniel Schell

Photo by Daniel Schell

Photo by Daniel Schell

The tower crane permit, issued 07/03/2024. Via Chicago Data Portal

As you can see in the photos, much of the ground level is open to the street, as demolition work continues throughout the building. The most striking of changes comes on the east elevation, where a gaping chasm extends from the street to the top floors.

Photo by Daniel Schell

Photo by Daniel Schell

Photo by Daniel Schell

Chicago has nine tower cranes at work now. The Thompson Center’s will be our 10th, if erected before the month of July comes to a close, We’re keeping an eye out for the base to be planted. Perhaps on the Clark Street side of the building? That would allow for it to be tied in to the concrete core through that large east-facing opening.

For more on Google’s plans for the Thompson Center, here’s our post from December of last year.

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