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Google could buy Chicago’s famous Thompson Center for its new office

The Thompson Center in Chicago

The Thompson Center in Chicago, which could soon be owned by Google

Google is trying to buy one of Chicago’s most famous buildings.

The IT giant is in negotiations to acquire the James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St.

It's the most recent development for the renowned edifice, which has housed government offices since its opening in 1985.

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However, the building has experienced expensive infrastructure problems that have prompted many MPs to want to sell it.

If the bid is successful, Google would establish offices across the 17-story Thompson Center.

Beyond sending an email message, a Google spokesperson declined to comment.

According to Google: “Chicago continues to be an important and growing hub for Google here in the Midwest.

“What started as a two-person outpost in River North has expanded to a two-building campus that’s home to nearly 2,000 employees in Fulton Market.

"We'll keep looking for ways to make sure our physical space satisfies the demands of Chicago-area Googlers as the company expands there.

Fans of the structure may celebrate after Gov. JB Pritzker signed a deal to sell it to a private developer for $70 million in March, preventing its demolition.

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The historic structure will be preserved, as per Pritzker, and taxpayers would save $800 million in running expenses.

The new owner, Chicago developer Prime Group, had planned a $300 million refurbishment that would include offices, outdoor terraces, and a luxury hotel.

Following Prime Group's restoration, the state intended to acquire back portions of the building.

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As per CoStar, it is unclear if Prime Group intends to refurbish and sell the building to Google or collaborate with the firm to design its office space.

Google employs over 2,000 workers in Chicago and offices at 1KFulton, 1000 W. Fulton St., and 210 N. Carpenter St.

The company has stated it intends to hire thousands more people in locations around the country, including Chicago.

In April, the business welcomed its Chicago employees back to the office. Helmut Jahn, the acclaimed modernist architect, created the Thompson Center, which opened in 1985 as the State of Illinois Center.

Source: Block Club Chicago

Image: Ken Lund, Flickr

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