CBRE, Savills Launch Thompson Center Leasing As 2,000 Google Employees Prepare For Move-In

Why It Matters

The relocation signals a major corporate vote of confidence in Chicago’s Loop, likely spurring further CRE activity and reinforcing the city’s post‑pandemic economic rebound.

Key Takeaways

• Google leases 2,000 staff to Thompson Center by 2027
• CBRE handles office leasing; Savills manages retail spaces
• 14 retail units total 60,000 SF now available
• $105 M purchase revives 1.2 M SF historic building
• Project may catalyze Loop office market recovery

Pulse Analysis

Google’s decision to relocate 2,000 employees to Chicago’s Thompson Center marks one of the most high‑profile office moves of 2026. The tech giant purchased the 1.2‑million‑square‑foot landmark for $105 million in 2022 and has been overseeing a two‑year renovation that will be finished in 2027. To streamline the transition, Google appointed CBRE for office leasing and Savills for the 14 retail units that together comprise 60,000 sq ft of ground‑level space. A dedicated website now showcases floor plans and renderings, signaling a fully coordinated rollout.

The Thompson Center project is already being hailed as a catalyst for the Loop’s commercial‑real‑estate revival. By injecting a major tenant and a suite of retail offerings, the redevelopment creates demand for ancillary services, from cafés to fitness centers, that can attract additional firms to the area. Local officials, including Governor J.B. Pritzker, have highlighted the move as evidence that Chicago’s skyline and economy are strengthening after years of stagnation. Real‑estate firms such as CBRE and Savills anticipate a surge in leasing activity as other companies follow Google’s lead.

Beyond the local impact, Google’s commitment underscores a broader trend of tech firms re‑establishing large‑scale headquarters in urban cores. After the pandemic‑induced shift to hybrid work, companies are seeking modern, adaptable spaces that blend office, retail, and community amenities. The Thompson Center’s mixed‑use design aligns with this philosophy, offering flexible floor plates and street‑level experiences that can evolve with employee needs. Investors and city planners will watch the project closely, using its performance as a barometer for future corporate real‑estate strategies in post‑COVID America.