Google Chicago Headquarters (Thompson Center Renovation)

Level-1 engineered a next-generation fiber and telecom system for the adaptive reuse of Chicago’s landmark Thompson Center.

Once the postmodern symbol of Illinois state government, the James R. Thompson Center is now being transformed into Google’s flagship Midwest headquarters under the leadership of Evan Jahn, following the tragic passing of his father, Helmut Jahn, in a bicycle accident in 2021. This monumental adaptive reuse renovation blends architectural preservation with the demands of a next-generation workplace. Originally designed by Helmut Jahn and completed in 1985, the 1.2 million square foot building’s massive 17-story glass atrium and open civic spaces are being reimagined for energy efficiency, workforce wellness, and seamless digital operations. 

Level-1 Global Solutions was selected as the digital infrastructure design partner for this $280 million transformation led by The Prime Group. Our team has been tasked with one of the most complex and consequential scopes on the project- fully decommissioning the building’s legacy telecommunications networks previously serving the Illinois Century Network, Illinois State Police, Chicago Police, Chicago Public Schools, and many other government agencies and engineering a new fiber-optic infrastructure suitable for a global technology tenant.

The building’s infrastructure complexity was further intensified by its role as a major transit hub. With the Clark/Lake station connecting to the Orange, Brown, Pink, and Green lines and the Blue and Red lines running through its pedway system connectivity had to remain uninterrupted throughout construction. Level-1 coordinated extensively with the CTA as the train station was relocated to the far east end of the building, maintaining pedestrian and transit access while enabling the reengineering of in-building networks and telecom risers. 

The complexity of this project lies not only in its scale, but in its sequencing. Even as legacy systems were scheduled for decommissioning, the building had to continue supporting critical state operations without disruption. To make this possible, Level-1 designed and implemented a dual-track fiber strategy building a new, high-capacity optical network in parallel with the existing infrastructure to enable seamless migration once the new system was activated. One of the most technically demanding aspects was the construction of a secure, underground fiber pathway connecting the Thompson Center to the Michael A. Bilandic Building across the street. Executing this required intricate coordination with Chicago Transit Authority along with other city and state agents to ensure the safe relocation of key network points of presence (Net POP), while maintaining continuity for essential government functions. 

What We Delivered 

• Design and implementation of a single-mode fiber-optic connectivity system to serve all renovated areas 
• Sequenced decommissioning strategy that maintains continuity for existing tenants during phased demolition 
• Temporary horizontal network infrastructure enabling reliable connectivity throughout construction 
• Coordination of IT infrastructure phasing aligned with energy-efficiency upgrades and tenant relocation schedules 
• Support for LEED certification goals through energy-efficient telecom and low-voltage design standards 
• Integration with the Thompson Center’s daylight-optimized architecture to minimize hardware visibility and intrusion 

Level-1’s infrastructure design ensures that this iconic space meets the technical demands of a global technology company while respecting the architectural integrity of Jahn’s original vision.  

This transformation positions the Thompson Center as more than a reimagined workplace; it becomes a digital and architectural landmark for Chicago’s future.  It sets a precedent for large-scale adaptive reuse projects, demonstrating how smart engineering, thoughtful phasing, and modern connectivity can breathe new life into a 20th-century civic landmark.