Google Appoints CBRE and Savills to Lead Thompson Center Leasing Ahead of 2027 Move

Google prepares for a 2027 move to Chicago’s Thompson Center, appointing CBRE and Savills to manage 60,000 square feet of retail and office leasing in the Loop.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 19, 2026, 11:25 AM EDT

Source: Bisnow

The Thompson Center Transformation and Leasing Debut

Google is moving into the next operational phase of its massive Chicago expansion by securing top tier brokerage firms to fill the historic Thompson Center. The company has designated CBRE to oversee office leasing efforts, while Savills has been tasked with managing 60,000 square feet of available retail space. This selection marks a major milestone for the 1.2 million square foot building located at 100 W. Randolph St., which is currently undergoing a total architectural overhaul to transition from a former government hub into a modern tech campus.

Strategic Rationale and Market Impact

The decision to anchor in the Central Loop is a calculated move to centralize Google’s Midwest operations while capitalizing on the unique architecture of the Helmut Jahn designed structure. By bringing 2,000 employees into the heart of the city, Google is providing a much needed boost to the local "ecosystem" of the Loop, which has struggled with high office vacancy rates in the post pandemic era. Strategically, this move mirrors similar urban "campus" investments by tech rivals, signaling a long term commitment to physical office hubs despite broader industry shifts toward hybrid work.

Regulatory and Competitive Landscape

The redevelopment is being executed through a joint venture between The Prime Group and Capri Investment Group. Google originally announced its intent to purchase the site for $105 million in 2022, a deal that was contingent on the state of Illinois vacating the premises and the commencement of significant upgrades. From a competitive standpoint, Google’s massive footprint in the Loop places it in direct proximity to other major corporate headquarters, intensifying the war for tech talent in the Chicago metropolitan area.