Urban Innovation Center

THE LOOP — Google unveiled plans Wednesday for its new offices at the Thompson Center, including a new glass facade that changes the look of the often-disparaged Loop centerpiece.

The tech giant worked with architecture firm JAHN, which designed the Thompson Center, on the redesign. Google plans to maintain the center’s iconic 17-story atrium but will replace the facade with a new glass exterior.

Karen Sauder, Google’s Chicago site lead, said the center will be more energy efficient with new windows and heating and cooling systems. The company also aims to have the building run entirely on electric energy, she said in a statement.

Critics have longed complained about the look of the exterior of the postmodern building. And the soaring interior has been plagued with heating and air conditioning issues for decades. But the threat of demolition rallied supporters for years to preserve a building that’s drawn strong opinions ever since famed architect Helmut Jahn unveiled it in 1985.

Here's A Look At The Thompson Center's New Design Google plans to start construction on the center in early 2024.