Free Republic

The James R Thompson Center is a Chicago Icon. Designed by legendary architect Helmut Jahn, and opened in 1985, the building housed offices for the State of Illinois, as well as courts, a DMV, retail spaces and a food court. Its dazzling, 17 story high atrium created an inviting and well utilized civic space. But maintenance and operations issues would lead to its eventual sale. While many feared the building was headed for demolition, in 2021, Google purchased the building for use as its Chicago HQ. Its $280 million dollar renovation will mark a new life for the iconic building....

Helmut Jahn, the famed German architect who designed the James R. Thompson Center and other iconic buildings, died Saturday afternoon when he was struck by two vehicles while riding his bicycle in suburban Campton Hills. Jahn, who lived in nearby St. Charles, was riding his bike north on Old Lafox Road near Burlington Road about 3:30 p.m. when he failed to brake at a stop sign, according to a news release from Campton Hills police. Two vehicles traveling in opposite directions on Burlington then struck the 81-year-old. He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The driver of one...