Trigger Alert: The Thompson Center looks ravaged

The Thompson Center is open to the sky, but not to the public, during reconstruction.

Fear not. The Thompson Center *still* isn’t being demolished; it just looks that way. Its transformation into Google offices has taken a toll on the tri-colored exterior, and while the replacement skin might not be as colorful, it will make the building much easier to heat and cool. But for now, it looks rather bare. I almost feel guilty for looking at it, much less taking pictures. But it looks pretty dang cool this way. Now, to get them to let me stand in the atrium before they get the new cladding on…

Enjoying the photos? Metra and CTA rides (and Amtrak trains to Milwaukee), Zipcars, Divvy Bikes, camera lenses, domain fees, snacks & energy drinks, and comfortable walking shoes add up. You can help offset expenses by making a greatly-appreciated donation to Building Up Chicago.

Tower crane permit issued for Google’s Thompson Center renovation

Ok, it just *looks* open.

As Clark Construction continues demolition work on the Thompson Center for Google, a tower crane permit has been issued by the City of Chicago. My guess is, the crane will be installed on the Clark Street (east) side of the building, where a gaping hole in the exterior would allow tying off to the concrete core.

Google’s transformation of the Thompson Center will add the 10th crane to Chicago. We started July with nine in the air. Projects at Hyde Park Labs and The Obama Presidential Center Museum Tower have topped out, but I don’t have info on when those two cranes will be taken down.

Put the tower crane here?
Tower crane permit via Chicago Data Portal