Thompson Center on National Endangered Places List

Associated Press | May 30, 2019 11:39 am

(Ken Lund / Flickr)

CHICAGO (AP) — The National Trust for Historic Preservation has listed downtown Chicago’s state government building to its list of the country’s most-endangered historic places.

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The Chicago Tribune reported Thursday that the James R. Thompson Center appeared on the Washington-based nonprofit’s list this year. Trust spokesman Virgil McDill says the Helmut Jahn-designed building is the first work of postmodern architecture placed on the list. The 17-story, curved-glass structure opened in May 1985 to house state offices.

Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure in April authorizing the sale of the building, which has been hailed for its architecture but derided for its functionality. Pritzker’s office released a five-phase, 22-month timetable to ensure a sale completion within two years.

The center also has appeared on Landmarks Illinois and Preservation Chicago’s endangered-building lists.

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