In a ceremony led by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and attended by state leaders and community members, the State of Illinois officially renamed the 37-story 115 S. LaSalle Street as the Jesse White State of Illinois Building, paying tribute to the state’s longest-serving Secretary of State. The renaming follows unanimous approval by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly and honors White’s legacy of public service spanning over four decades.
“Secretary White spent his career doing something good for the people of Illinois every single day,” said Governor Pritzker, who praised White’s efforts to reform government, promote road safety, and advance organ and tissue donation statewide. White, who turned 91 last month, held the office of Secretary of State from 1999 to 2023 and previously served in the Illinois House and as Cook County Recorder of Deeds.
“I hope the Jesse White State of Illinois Building will inspire future generations of all backgrounds to serve with honor and excellence,” White said at the event, where he also received a proclamation recognizing his contributions.
The building, originally completed in 1974, houses more than 15 state agencies and nearly 2,300 employees, including the Chicago offices of the Secretary of State and Attorney General. It is also home to the new Secretary of State Flagship Center, a state-of-the-art, two-level DMV that opened in April 2025.
“Jesse White’s name belongs on a building where progress, equity, and service intersect,” said Raven DeVaughn, Director of Central Management Services. “We are proud to see his legacy reflected in one of our largest state buildings.”
Learn more at Governor Pritzker newsroom.