May 30, 2019
Today, the National Trust for Historic Preservation announced its 2019 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, and among the sites included on the annual list is the James R. Thompson Center in Chicago. Landmarks Illinois has included the Post Modern building, designed by Helmut Jahn in 1985, on its own Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois three years in a row due to the continued threat the state-owned building faces.
For years, the state has discussed selling the building to fill a budget gap and more recently, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation allowing for such a sale within the next two years. This could put the future of the building at risk. The National Trust has set up a petition you can sign to show your support for preserving this architecturally significant structure in the heart of Chicago’s Loop! As LI has advocated, we ask preservation supporters to contact the governor and urge him to include a reuse option of the existing building in any potential RFP for the property!
READ MORE
- Visit the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s website to learn more about the 2019 “11 Most.”
- You can also read the National Trust’s press release on today’s announcement here.
- Read LI’s Press Release on its 2019 Most Endangered Historic Places in Illinois.
- Learn more about the Thompson Center and why it is endangered.
#MyThompsonCenter SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
In an effort to continue to draw attention to preserving the James R. Thompson Center, and to share the news the National Trust has included it on its “11 Most” list, Landmarks Illinois has launched a social media campaign on Instagram and Twitter. We encourage you to post your favorite pictures of the Thompson Center or selfies and other fun photos at the iconic building on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #MyThompsonCenter. We need your help sending a message to the state and governor: Members of the public want this public building preserved!