Thompson Center (State of Illinois Building)

Preserving the recent past is a challenge in America and around the world.  Middle age—30-50, when buildings are beginning to fade and feel out of style but are still typically too young to be designated landmarks—is a particularly dangerous time.  A staggering $326M in deferred maintenance cost led Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner to suggest it might be time to replace the post-modern Thompson Center, designed by Helmut Jahn and constructed in 1985. This prompted Jahn, who is still in practice, to propose the construction of a supertall addition to defray operating costs.