Thompson Center architect says facility should be repurposed

Illinois will seek to auction off its main building in Chicago, Governor Bruce Rauner said on Tuesday, adding that the Thompson Center is inefficient and that the sale will save the state money and generate property tax revenue for Chicago.

“This is a compelling opportunity for the people of the state”, he said.

In 2003, facing a $5 billion budget hole, former Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich proposed mortgaging the Chicago-based headquarters of state government in a maneuver his administration predicted could yield $217 million.

“History is full of examples where such re-purposing has brought new life to structures like this. The building will only survive this way, and will become a landmark for the 21st Century”. Rauner also touted the possible creation of 8,000 construction jobs with the new building.

The building, 100 W. Randolph St., opened in May 1985 as the State of Illinois Center.

The building has more 17 floors of office space, plus retail and restaurants on the lower level. Rauner spokesman Lance Trover confirmed Rauner’s plans to The Associated Press on Tuesday. The Thompson Center has a round shape and a large atrium.

He said selling the building and moving state workers elsewhere could save the state between $6 million and $12 million annually.

“In a statement he notes the need toset up , and says the original vision for the glass-paneled building was to be a symbol for the openness and transparency” of state government.

“It’s noisy, it’s hard to meet with your colleagues, it’s hard to move in the building”, Rauner said.

“We gotta drive value to the taxpayers”, he said.