Google’s transformation of the former James R. Thompson Center in Chicago has entered a new phase with the installation of high-performance, triple-pane glass designed to improve comfort and energy efficiency. The Minnesota-sourced curtain wall will reduce glare, minimize solar heat gain, and enhance insulation, addressing issues that plagued the building since its 1985 opening.
The update not only modernizes performance but also reshapes the building’s appearance. The reflective yet translucent glass reframes the postmodern landmark, offering daytime shimmer and nighttime transparency. Preservation advocates have welcomed the reinvention, with Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago praising Google’s commitment to reuse rather than demolition.
Additional features include fritted glass patterns on sloped facades to prevent bird collisions. The project has drawn public attention as the once-stripped structure is “re-dressed” in its new skin, signaling a revitalized future for the iconic downtown building.
Learn more at the Chicago Sun-Times.