Rauner Says He Wants To Sell Thompson Center in Chicago
The James R. Thompson Center, housing state government offices in downtown Chicago. https://www.flickr.com/photos/kenlund/
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner wants hold a public auction to sell the James R. Thompson Center, which houses state government offices in downtown Chicago.
Rauner made the announcement Tuesday morning in the 16-story glass-paneled building's large atrium. He called the building "ineffective'' and a "very wasteful, very inefficient use of space.'' The governor said selling the building and moving state workers elsewhere could save the state between $6 million and $12 million a year.
Earlier this year, Rauner's administration asked for an appraisal of the building. Rauner said the center "can be replaced by a very positive, very impactful new building.''
The 30-year-old Thompson Center was designed by architect Helmut Jahn. It's named for James R. Thompson, who served as Illinois governor from 1977 to 1991.
With its all-glass, sloped exterior and lattice of red, steel beams inside, the 17-story building stands out from the skyscrapers around it; it's almost as if a spaceship - the size of a city block -- landed in The Loop. Some hail it as an architectural gem; others an eyesore rife with structural faults from the onset.
Gov. Bruce Rauner won't say where he stands.
"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, again I'm not going to comment on the appearance or the aesthetics," he said.
But he says the Thompson Center, which houses some 2000 state workers, is inefficient.
"It's hard to move through the building," he said. "Very, very ineffective. Noise from downstairs, smells from the food court all get into the offices."
Rauner says he wants to sell it at public auction, and so he won't share its appraised value. One expert estimated value above $300 million.
Rauner said he expects a developer will tear it down. He says state workers would be moved, and the state could save money.
The building's round shape and large atrium makes it stand out among more stately downtown buildings. However, parts of the Thompson Center have fallen into disrepair and require work.