The governor of Illinois has decided to retain the under-threat James R Thompson Center in Chicago, which was designed by architect Helmut Jahn, with his former studio set to carry out its renovation.
Governor Jay Robert Pritzker announced that the offices of the Illinois state government will be sold to developer Prime Group, which will retain the structure.
The news follows years of speculation over the fate of the postmodern icon, after plans to sell the building were first made public in 2015.
The 17-storey building was put on sale by the government in 2019 further fueling fears of demolition.
Top: the postmodern Thompson Center has been saved from demolition. Above: it is known for its distinctive atrium
The building was designed by architect Jahn, who passed away earlier this year. It is set to be refurbished by the architect's former studio, Jahn, into a mixed-use property. The state will retain 30 per cent ownership of the building.
Renders show the proposed renovated by architecture studio Jahn
Originally called the State of Illinois Center, the postmodern building opened in 1985.
It was renamed in 1993 to honor governor James R Thompson who commissioned the structure.

Read: Movie protests demolition of Helmut Jahn's Thompson Center in Chicago

Distinguished by its curved glass facade and large central atrium it became a well-known landmark in the city.
Renders of the renovation show the building with ...