The transformation of the Thompson Center into the new Google HQ in The Loop continues, as the new glass skin continues to wrap around the building’s skeleton. As is well known by now, the Prime Group is renovating the former state office building, with a deal in place to sell it to Google upon completion. Google plans to move employees in next year.
Glass progress near the top of the north façade, and rooftop work. Photo provided.
Photo provided.
Rendering of the Thompson Center redevelopment by JAHN
Rendering of the Thompson Center redevelopment by JAHN
We last checked in on the installation in March when a permit was issued to renovate the CTA station that connects to the building, and glass had just gotten started at that point. Now, nearly six months later, the west and north façades are mostly completed, there’s a giant swath of new windows on the front of the building facing Randolph and Clark Streets, and progress is underway to enclose the first floor.
JAHN, the original designer of the Thompson Center, also drew up the renovation plans. Clark Construction is the general contractor and Construction Manager At Risk.
The future Google HQ, at the corner of Randolph and Clark Streets in The Loop. Photo by Daniel Schell
Sporadic glass along Clark Street, facing east-ish. Photo by Daniel Schell
Looking northwest from Randolph Street toward the southwest corner of the building. Photo by Daniel Schell
Full glass along LaSalle Street. Photo by Daniel Schell
The northwest corner at Lake and LaSalle Streets. Photo by Daniel Schell
The west façade, with glass installation nearly complete. Photo by Daniel Schell
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So bland and boring, Helmut Jahn did it right with by varying the colors
I think the failure of the original design was the “post-modern” attempt at making the building unique with the colors which came off as cheesy. The reglazing is far more sophisticated albeit less activated.
It wasn’t an ‘attempt’ to be post-modern; it was post-modern. Full stop. The tomato soup red faded pretty quickly but that could have been fixed.
It’s a much better look using a consistent color palette. It allows for the glass/structure to stand out in a more prominent manner, and celebrate it’s unique form!
Additionally, the clear glass/structure beautifully mirrors the buildings surrounding it!
I think it looks lovely, but it will be a fortress of a building as their other urban offices are.
Many birds will die…
But I do like that the building is still standing. i wonder how it will feel inside.
The new facade features “bird friendly” glass, with special frits and/or coatings that will help prevent birds from colliding with the glass. This facade might be more bird friendly than the previous facade.
haha, “Google Glass”. Can’t believe those never took off.