Pritzker Signs Law To Sell Iconic Thompson Center In Chicago
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed legislation authorizing sale of James R. Thompson Center in Chicago's Loop.
Pritzker took action Friday on the measure that would dispose of the 34-year-old icon. It could fetch $300 million.
But officials don't expect to complete the sale for two years. Pritzker's office outlined a five-phase process that would begin with writing a "request for qualifications" solicitation to interested buyers. And the city must jump-start negotiations with Chicago officials over zoning and continued operation of a public transit station beneath the building.
The 17-story, curved-glass structure was designed by architect Helmut Jahn and opened in 1985. It was renamed for Illinois' longest-serving governor in 1993.
Preservationists love the design but tenants have complained of year-round temperature problems and the building has not been maintained.
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