Gov Rauner Seeks Sale of Thompson Center

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner wants to hold a public auction to sell the James R. Thompson Center, which houses state government offices in downtown Chicago. Rauner calls the building ``ineffective'' and a ``very wasteful, very inefficient use of space.'' He said selling the building and moving state workers elsewhere could save the state between $6 million and $12 million annually. He called it a ``good move'' for taxpayers. Earlier this year, Rauner's administration asked for an appraisal of the building. Rauner said the center ``can be replaced by a very positive, very impactful new building.'' The Thompson Center opened in 1985 and was designed by architect Helmut Jahn. Parts of the building have fallen into disrepair and require work.