Reimagining Chicago’s Thompson Center for the next generation

The community: New funding and partnerships

We're expanding our local partnerships to support the next generation of Chicagoans both inside and outside the classroom.

After School Matters

We are partnering with After School Matters, a local nonprofit celebrating its 35th anniversary that provides nearly 20,000 Chicago teens annually with paid after-school and summer opportunities. This fall, After School Matters will recruit teens for a 10-week program centered on the intersection of art and architecture. Inspired by the Thompson Center's design and surrounding architecture, the young artists will create a large-scale commissioned piece within the building's atrium, embedding local youth voices into the site's creative legacy.

A Better Chicago

To further support Chicago Public School students, Google.org is providing $1 million in funding to A Better Chicago in support of "Every Day Counts." This new citywide initiative aims to strengthen student belonging and reduce chronic absenteeism in Chicago by 50% over the next five years. Our support will help community-based organizations on the ground provide vital services ensuring students have the support they need to stay engaged, attend school regularly, and reach their full potential.

The future: A look at our next steps

Our vision for the Thompson Center is a place for daily inspiration with world-class art, innovative workspaces, direct access to CTA, an activated plaza, and the iconic atrium - complemented by our ongoing investments in Chicago's youth through public art and educational grant support.

We're making strong progress on the transformation with our team, and plan to officially open our doors to Googlers, tenants and the public in 2028.

We can't wait to welcome you inside.