Google's planned headquarters in Chicago's Loop is affecting the local infrastructure as construction proceeds with a notable alteration to the sidewalks at the James R. Thompson Center. The city’s Committee on Transportation and Public Way has granted permission to extend the building’s overhangs onto La Salle and Clark streets, leading to a reduction in sidewalk width, although compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act will be maintained, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.
The change is part of a larger redevelopment project by Prime/Capri Interests, a collaboration between Chicago developers Michael Reschke and Quintin Primo III which will see the iconic Thompson Center refreshed and reconfigured for its future as Google's new Chicago hub, notably the CTA's Clark/Lake station will be modified for better public use, while staying operational throughout the renovation process Google previously teased a "new and improved CTA experience," but specific details remain under wraps, this redevelopment also includes the introduction of triple-pane glass which will replace the existing facade while maintaining its transparent aesthetic, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Chicago’s Assistant Commissioner for the Department of Transportation, Bill Higgins, assured that the ordinance passed to allow these changes was "thoroughly reviewed" and would enhance the public's interest, emphasizing the renovation's role in upgrading accessibility at the CTA stop. The project, which includes a total investment of $280 million for the redevelopment, is anticipated to wrap up by 2026 and will potentially bring 2,000 Google employees to the area, affirming the importance of the tech giant's investment in the city center as both local Ald. Brendan Reilly and Ald. Bill Conway has expressed their endorsement for the amendments, as obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
In a reflection of the city's support for the project, Mayor Brandon Johnson shared his views at a news conference stating, "Chicago really is truly the greatest city in the world," and hailed Google's investment as an affirmation of the city's status and its commitment to an environment where "both employers and employees can actually thrive," as reported by Block Club Chicago. The Thompson Center, a hallmark of postmodern architecture by Helmut Jahn, further underscores the project's significance, with Prime Group CEO Michael Reschke stating its priceless location, iconic architecture, and irreplaceable atrium justify the investment and effort despite the challenges it presents. Reschke's comments, along with those of Gov. JB Pritzker, who remarked that the deal represents a "win-win-win" scenario for the public sector, private business, and taxpayers, were obtained from a Block Club Chicago interview.
As the Thompson Center's transformation commences, an important aspect includes managing the aesthetic of the construction zone, with fencing showcasing artwork from local artists rather than plain barriers, on Monday officials marked the start of the transformation by signing pieces of the dismantled facade in a ceremony, highlighting the significance of the project for the city's dynamics. Notably, the famed "Monument with Standing Beast" sculpture by Jean Dubuffet, affectionately known as "Snoopy in a Blender" and a staple outside the Thompson Center since 1984, is being moved to the Art Institute of Chicago, a transition marked by a careful process of de-installation and restoration, according to a museum spokesperson cited by Block Club Chicago.
