Who Owns That Crazy Glass Building? A Tale of the Thompson Center
So, you've seen it. That weird, glass-encased behemoth in the heart of Chicago. The one that looks like it was designed by an alien architect who'd just discovered kaleidoscopes. Yeah, that's the Thompson Center. And if you've ever wondered, "Who in their right mind would build something so... bold?", let's dive in.
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| Who Owns The Thompson Center In Chicago |
A Brief History of Glass and Government
Originally known as the State of Illinois Center, this postmodern masterpiece was birthed in the '80s, a decade not exactly renowned for its architectural restraint. Designed by Helmut Jahn, a man clearly not afraid of heights or angles, it opened its glass doors in 1985. It was all very futuristic and impressive, until everyone realized that trying to work in a fishbowl with fluorescent lighting isn't exactly conducive to productivity.
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But hey, it's iconic, right? Like that one friend who always wears neon and has questionable taste in music, but you kinda secretly love them anyway.
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The Thompson Center: From State Building to Silicon Valley Sanctuary
Fast forward to 2022. The state of Illinois, apparently tired of paying the heating bills for a building that could double as a greenhouse, decided to sell this architectural oddity. And who stepped up to the plate? None other than Google.
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Yes, that's right. The company that knows everything about you is now the proud owner of a building that looks like it should be in a sci-fi movie. We can only imagine the internal debates: "Should we fill it with search robots or tiny self-driving cars?"
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What Does the Future Hold?
So, what's next for this glass giant? Google has big plans. They're talking renovations, office spaces, and even public areas. Which means we might finally get to enjoy that atrium without feeling like a lab rat. Progress!
But let's be real, part of us hopes they keep at least a little bit of the weirdness. It's what makes Chicago, Chicago.
How To... Thompson Center Edition
- How to appreciate the Thompson Center: Embrace the weird, take a million photos, and pretend you're in a futuristic movie.
- How to survive working in the Thompson Center: Invest in sunglasses, earplugs, and a really good moisturizer.
- How to impress your friends with Thompson Center trivia: Drop knowledge about Helmut Jahn, the original name, or the fact that it was once home to the Illinois Lottery.
- How to visit the Thompson Center: Just walk in! It's a public building (for now).
- How to prepare for the Google takeover: Start practicing your coding skills and learn to love the color blue.
So, there you have it. The Thompson Center: A building that's equal parts baffling and beautiful. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing's for sure: it's going to be interesting.
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