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* The governor hasn’t held a formal presser in a while, but he’ll be talking to the media today at 11:30 at the Thompson Center. Click here for live video from our good friends at BlueRoomStream.com. [That live video link isn’t working because the governor moved the location at the last minute. Click here for WGN’s live stream instead.] I’ll post a ScribbleLive feed in a bit.
…Adding… Your ScribbleLive feed…
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:02 am
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Rauner will be wearing a “Ray Rayner” hat for the Presser, with the “Cubs” half showning for the opening statement then… Rauner will reverse the hat, showing a “Cardinals” hat for Q & A.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:05 am
==he’ll be talking to the media==
Will the media have a chance to talk to him, more than a question or two?
Comment by AC Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:06 am
All this governin is hard work, even though Madigan is the one who controls everything. I’m callin it a day and heading to one of my homes in a state on the road to recovery like Kansas!
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:08 am
Madigan: Bad
Cullerton:Also bad
Democrats: Controlled by Madigan
Rauner: Powerless, but still fightin’
There, I saved us all some time.
Comment by CharlieKratos Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:09 am
===Will the media have a chance to talk to him, more than a question or two?===
Every time I say, “That’s crazy. He would never do that.”, he does it. Would not be a smart move.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:10 am
The latest proposal to privatize the Thompson Center.
Blagojevich tried to mortgage it in 2003. Then tried to “privatize” it a few years later.
Comment by okgo Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:10 am
I’ll be on the edge of my seat, waiting for new information, a new approach, and facts we haven’t heard before. No one will accuse him of recycling the same speech, the same talking points, or a lack of movement on his part. I will be holding my breath. /s
Comment by AC Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:12 am
LOL, is that a gag? Right before a Cubs/Cards playoff game? An iron-clad guarantee that no one in the state will pay any attention, whatsoever?
His peeps don’t think too much of his engagement or ability to think on his feet.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:15 am
===Right before a Cubs/Cards playoff game? An iron-clad guarantee that no one in the state will pay any attention, whatsoever?===
This. Rauner wants the credit for talkin’, but sayin’ nothin’, when no one is watchin’.
Rauner’s avoidance of ownership is embarrassing.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:18 am
His peeps dont think much of the people in the state either, apparently.
Comment by My New Handle Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:19 am
===Rauner’s avoidance of ownership is embarrassing.===
Not to mention the embarrassingly horrendous management and management-style. That’s the real embarrassment.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:20 am
Okgo, Rauner is thinkin’ bigger. He wants to empty it out, then sell it or tear it down and sell the ground.
One can make or repay a lot of friends if he has to lease a million square feet.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:20 am
Thanks for the new idea Governor Blagojauner, selling or privatizing the Thompson Center. How about the Gross Receipt tax?
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:22 am
If we are going to sell it we should consider tearing it down first.
Comment by Lil Squeezy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:24 am
So what real estate firm would, in its right mind, want the Thompson Center, without wanting to handcuff the state with future outlandish rents?
Beware of a Rauner-type equity deal.
The state will be a net loser.
Comment by Austin Blvd Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:26 am
Quick, someone dig up the Tribune Ed Board’s reaction to when Blago proposed this, it will be fun to compare and contract to tomorrow’s editorial.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:27 am
Selling off the assets and driving the state into insolvency. He IS running the state just like a business.
Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:27 am
And any time you can propose the same stunt that Blago tried to pull, you’ve GOT to do it.
Comment by From the 'Dale to HP Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:27 am
The Thompson Center sale would be news, but it isn’t fair to goad the Democrats lime that after criticizing them for the Blago comparisons.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:28 am
OW–Ray Rayner was one of my heroes. Too bad Gov. Rauner doesn’t adopt the Ray Rayner coveralls with the notes pinned to them, especially one that says, “Time to negotiate.”
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:29 am
Wow. It only took 9 months for Rauner to go “Full Blagojevich”.
That playbook must be mighty thin…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:29 am
Meant to say *like* that…although it might go better with lime.
Comment by AC Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:32 am
- SC -, if Rauner thought being more “Ray Raynor” would help, I’m sure he’d abandon the Harley, prop dogs, the Trashcan Van, the Carhartt, leather vest, leave it all behind for the overalls, notes, the “cap” and the jokes.
Ray Raynor was as real as was, Rauner’s just faking everything.
Ray Raynor? Huge fan, loved him.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:33 am
All this talk about the Thompson Center makes me want to watch Running Scared….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-xetxYwyak
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:36 am
Not a Raunerbot, but he isn’t proposing the “Rod deal.” Read and learn.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:37 am
If you’re an Agency Head, are you scratching that head today?
I guess the JRTC is the Bamboo Room and Rauner is Tommy DiVito…
Henry Hill? Nope. Tommy DiVito.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:37 am
This may be a dumb question, but with JRTC being a CTA hub, how will commuter movement be impacted (if at all)?
Comment by Downstate GOP Faithless Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:37 am
===Not a Raunerbot, but he isn’t proposing the “Rod deal.” Read and learn.===
Meh. Pretty similar to his first failed attempt, not the initially successful mortgaging idea.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:40 am
However, he can’t do what he wants to do without either a) legislation or b) a long, cumbersome bureaucratic process.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:40 am
===…with JRTC being a CTA hub, how will commuter movement be impacted (if at all)?===
Please. Gov. Rauner doesn’t do anything without thinking first. Like… and then there’s… welp, there’s…
My favorite?
“… save millions… ” - Governor Rauner.
Billions, governor, we are lookin’ for… Billions.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:41 am
Lol!
From Monday, July 28, 2003
Seeking ways to raise funds to shore up an
estimated $5 billion state budget deficit, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich this spring announced that one of his moves would be to sell three pieces of state real estate, including the 17-story James R. Thompson Center in downtown Chicago.
The Democratic governor said the property sale would net the state $233 million–$200 million coming from the sale of the 940,693 square foot Thompson Center at 100 West Randolph Street. Illinois Republicans like State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka this spring described the sale as “burning the furniture to keep warm.”
Comment by sideline watccher Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:42 am
You can’t make this stuff up. The state’s in fiscal meltdown, running an FY16 deficit in the billions, and the governor thinks selling JTC is a heavy lift?
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:43 am
The run down, dilapidated JRT Center will be sold and probably torn down? The building is tailor made for a casino and hotel. It sits along a series of theaters where plays and concerts take place. Remodel the building, and put the Chicago Casino there, right across the street from City Hall.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:44 am
Did the governor pull a fast one on Livestream? What’s the story behind the last-minute press conference location change?
Comment by Dome Gnome Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:45 am
It still amazes me that a billionaire governor can’t get pressed pants for public appearances.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:45 am
Sure, we can unload the Thompson Center.
With the proviso that anyone who has ever had a business relationship with Rauner or GTCR cannot acquire any part of it or get any of the associated contracts.
Comment by GraduatedCollegeStudent Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:45 am
“Cites smells from food court as reason employees want to move.” Is the food THAT bad?
Comment by Secret Square Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:46 am
Hey what happened to live feed… too windy outside? Ot does seem Blagoofian, but we will not say that cause TeamBungle and the people they control get a snotty. Who does TB plan to sell the building too? Does it rythme with Zell?
Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:47 am
Is the sale of the Thompson Center part of a package deal with the Tribune Tower?
Comment by Illinoisvoter Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:48 am
“We could pay someone to take this off our hands and still save money.”
Spoken like John Filan.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:48 am
===”I am very upset and displeased we don’t have a budget yet.”– @GovRauner Says there’s no reason not to have a budget in place.===
Well do it, man.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:48 am
Always heard the JRTC was the State’s highest valued single asset. Rauner says it will likely be torn down.
I think JBT was right, we’re burning the furniture.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:48 am
The building itself needs to be burned to the ground. It’s roach infested, rat infested, faded and gross.
Surely his people have taken into account all of the the new leases that will need to be signed and paid for to house displaced agencies. And that union members are protected from location transfers such as Chi>Springfield.
I wonder what will happen to the state’s contracts with the restaurant franchises and businesses renting space in the building.
Comment by Politix Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:48 am
The only difference is that Blago wanted to lease it back. However, I don’t disagree with dumping JRTC. It was not the most efficient building to begin with. Agencies have been moving people out and it’s not been well maintained.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:51 am
“The building is tailor made for a casino and hotel”
Built, perchance, by another gazillionaire/politician whose name rhymes with “bump”?
Comment by Secret Square Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:52 am
I bet Walgreens is thrilled it just put a new store in JRTC for the captive audience.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:52 am
“The building itself needs to be burned to the ground.”
Thereby providing a prime opportunity for a movie producer doing a sequel/reboot of “Towering Inferno…”
Comment by Secret Square Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:54 am
Ever the “salesman”, Rauner describes the asset for sale as “smelly”, “stinks” “inefficient” and a “tear down”
Is this the good cop or bad cop in the sale to the pigeon he wants to buy the place?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:55 am
He keeps moving the goal posts. Does he want term limits and redistricting? Or does he want workers comp and collective bargaining? Or does he want term limits and redistricting and workers comp and collective bargaining and property tax freeze but only if its coupled with ending collective bargaining at the local level and law suit reform? He says something different every time he takes the mike. And why does he keep behaving like he has NOTHING to do with this.
Sorry for the last question. He does that because he can.
Comment by sideline watccher Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:55 am
I call Kenny Banyan rules. An anouncement on JTC before Cubs/Cards is not a meal. It’s not even soup.
Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:58 am
Man….I forgot about the new walgreens on the first floor. Can it just sold out from under them? They literally just opened, didn’t they?
Comment by sideline watccher Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:58 am
“Oh, those ‘el’ stops underground and on the side? They don’t matter. The millions to get all that configured, I’m sure that Rapid Transit will figure out a way around a major hub being, welp, scrapped, or… I guess your plan won’t work here… ” - Fake Gov. Rauner.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 11:59 am
===What an odd coincidence. The Cap Fax features comments from all of the five people in the state who see this run down dump as worth defending. Surely that doesn’t have anything to do with the man behind the plan!===
Well, you let me know when the plan is actually a plan. Typically, when you move offices, there is a place for them to go.
Comment by Ducky LaMoore Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:01 pm
Now do the Stratton Building next.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:02 pm
Former fed…When Rauner was running against Quinn he began every sentence with “Quinn Failed.”
Turn about is fair play. Or should I say Turnaround?
Comment by sideline watccher Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:03 pm
===What an odd coincidence.===
I think so too. Cubs/Cards goin’ on, no real plan, hidin’ but sayin’ somptin’, speakin’ somptin’-somptin’…
I found the timing an odd coincidence too..,
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:03 pm
“the JRTC was the State’s highest valued single asset”
It’s more valuable than the Capitol? Or does the Capitol not count because it couldn’t be sold (though who knows, if the State gets desperate enough)?
Comment by Secret Square Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:05 pm
How is having most state agencies under one roof inefficient?
Comment by The Great State Fare Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:05 pm
Why was the Governor Blagojauner so angry in his press conference? He doesn’t negotiate with the press, but he wants the press to tell “other people” about his turnaround agenda.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:05 pm
This also puts pressure on others areas of government. Who’s going to lease any property to the State of Illinois given the budget situation.
Comment by Name Withheld Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:07 pm
Does it come with a casino license?
Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:07 pm
Good start, now sell the White Sox park, Sparta complex……
Comment by Dr. X Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:08 pm
Any objective real estate professional will tell you Rauners move is appropriate. The building is in horrible condition..renovations would cost perhaps what the building cost to construct in the first place.
Comment by Sue Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:09 pm
Real Chicago leader would have knocked it down in the middle of the night.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:14 pm
You knew Rauner was gonna sell the building as soon a he found out it was a hollow shell.
– MrJM
Comment by @MisterJayEm Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:14 pm
What price do they think a sale would bring? Anyone know?
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:14 pm
Well that’s one way to get rid of state employees, move their jobs to Springfield. Now the interesting thing is to see who has to move. I bet DCEO doesn’t have to move. We wouldn’t want any business help being moved to the South would we? (snark)
Comment by Honeybear Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:16 pm
Rauner’s clothes don’t fit. Looks like he has lost weight. Plus he looks tired. Same with Munger. How’s the budget impasse on Gov. Rauner’s health?
Comment by John on the spot Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:17 pm
Sue, we paid $172 million for that thing. It could be done over for much less than that. The wisdom of doing so is the issue.
Captain, it is ironic that JRTC would go up and back down while Stratton still stands.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:19 pm
Be good for the city to get it onto the property tax rolls again. It’s a great location.
Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:21 pm
Surprised he is skipping the Cubbies. Expected to see him ride into Wrigley on a goat and take credit for the World Series win…Oh wait does he know something is up???????
Comment by Anonin' Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:23 pm
“What price do they think a sale would bring? Anyone know?” Maybe he checked Zillow?
“How about the Gross Receipt tax?” I was thinking he should try to move the IDOT Div. of Traffic Safety to Harrisburg. There’s a nice former Walmart there that just needs a little work…
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:30 pm
Cookie issues made me re-post;
I give this zero chance of happening in a Rauner term of office.
Meanwhile, while the JRTC has issues, one most folks overlook is, the state failed to care for it this whole time. The threadbare carpeting is just on example: as a cost-cutting move, they put in cheaper carpet than the specs called for, assuming a later approp would replace it. Twenty-eight odd years since that carpet’s end of life, it still sits, not replaced, because of cost-cutting,passing the buck, and not being willing to make the ask for the funds because some opposition agent would cast the action of maintenance as being wasteful… just like the Red room renovation knocked out a Aaron Schok.
Cowardice. Avarice. Ignorance. That’s what’s plagued the building all these years. Will that change if you build a new building? Or rent one from a landlord? Such a landlord would have to charge extra rent to cover maintenance that the state was too cheap and lazy to do, thus, we pay twice.
Comment by Newsclown Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:32 pm
There was money to update the Capitol, including the copper doors. There is a desire to save the mansion through private funds. But the JRTC is a total wreck with no interest in saving it, no way, no how. And we’ll save millions in operating costs.
I get that years of neglect due to fiscal challenges have harmed the building, but now it’s a tear down of no architectural or historic value. But we can save a few million by paying rent to others.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:34 pm
=How is having most state agencies under one roof inefficient?=
The massive atrium that extends to the roof makes heating and cooling that building a huge boondoggle. The question is who would want to buy that building knowing the first thing to do is to implode it?
Comment by Bogey Golfer Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:38 pm
I’ve spent a fair amount of time in that building. Channeling Bette Davis, “What a dump.” Hopefully the location is worth buying and then demolishing it. Also, there is at least one state agency which houses some downstate bureau there. Now is the time to relocate those folks; maybe it would increase their work acumen by gainining a semblance of understanding of the programs they allegedly administer, as well as allowing proper interaction with their customer base. Do ya hear that, IDOT?
Comment by illinoised Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:41 pm
==Real Chicago leader would have knocked it down in the middle of the night.==
There’s nothing real about Bruce Rauner, including the obvious fact he’s not from Chicago.
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:42 pm
AA- total retro fit including all new systems would exceed 100 million. The big problem is that the building really never was a good fit for office workers and the atrium was a site to behold but useless. JRT was a waste from the get go and a prime example of the ego of its namesake.
Comment by Sue Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:46 pm
== - Michelle Flaherty - Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:14 pm:
Real Chicago leader would have knocked it down in the middle of the night.==
!!!
Comment by Cheswick Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:47 pm
The sale of the old run down and dilapidated Chicago Post Office over the Eisenhower X-way in Chicago went well also
Comment by turnoutlightillinois Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:51 pm
Thompson had three Jahn designs to choose from. One was relatively coventional, one was a little funkier and one was an experimental pipe dream. Thompson chose the latter. Who else but government can afford to build a mere 16 story building on that location? This does not take away the efficiencies of having most of state government in one location. It will cost more to have employees shuffling all over the loop in lost money and time. This is a not a well thought out idea by Rauner.
Comment by The Great State Fare Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:55 pm
@- The Great State Fare - Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 12:55 pm:
“This is a not a well thought out idea by Rauner.”
Just throw this one on the pile. You’ll probably need a ladder at this point to toss it on top.
Comment by How Ironic Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:04 pm
So would all new furniture be purchased for the new locations or astronomical moving costs be incurred for the current stuff?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:09 pm
What does big jim think of this?
Comment by Foster brooks Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:18 pm
The Thompson Center is one of the ugliest public buildings in existence. It would be a welcome development if the property purchaser chooses to level the place and start over again.
The place was so poorly designed that the former State of Illinois building (across the street from the Thompson Center) was never closed as the steel and glass monstrosity did not include sufficient office space for state agencies and employees.
The retail stores at the Thompson Center ought to include a Dollar Store.
Comment by After Further Review Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:27 pm
@Arthur Andersen the one building everyone hates will most certainly stand forever.
Comment by The Captain Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:27 pm
I truly believe that Jim Edgar wanted to rename the building for Thompson in order to inform posterity who to assign blame for the building.
Comment by After Further Review Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:29 pm
What kind of seller holds a press conference to announce a sale of a building, then proceeds to say the building is a piece of garbage and money pit? Talk about driving the price down… Based on his bashing who would want it? Wow, great business skills there Gov.
Comment by burbanite Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:39 pm
burbanite, don’t be silly.
The building is a tear-down. Period.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:40 pm
let’s sell both state fairgrounds , too
Comment by flea Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:40 pm
=It’s more valuable than the Capitol? Or does the Capitol not count because it couldn’t be sold (though who knows, if the State gets desperate enough)?=
Wasn’t the Capitol sold to ComEd a long time ago?
Comment by Qui Tam Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:47 pm
Qui Tam wins the day!
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:52 pm
Maybe the new building that is put up can include a dry cleaner for the Governor’s pants. Even hotel rooms have irons.
Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:55 pm
So much for Thompson helping mediate the impasse now. Darn, he really loved that building. If he misses it, Thompson can rent “Running Scared.”
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:55 pm
If he had just added “We will also be publicly floggin the architect and designer of this totally ridiculous buildin” it could have been a great press conference.
Comment by Empty Suit Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 1:56 pm
360 Degree TurnAround, there’s already a dry cleaner in the Thompson Center!
Hard to envision tearing down the Thompson Center given that it houses the single most crucial el stop in Chicago (where all the lines meet).
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:03 pm
So if the Thompson Center gets torn down and the State needs new office space, are their a lot of landlords out there looking for tenants who don’t have the authority to write the rent check?
Comment by SAP Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:07 pm
“I am very upset and displeased we don’t have a budget yet.”– “@GovRauner Says there’s no reason not to have a budget in place.”
There is a problem if he does not know the reason he does not have a budget yet. Give me a break!
Comment by Mama Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:10 pm
Maybe the solution to the JTRC is to do what they did with Soldier Field, build another build inside it and call it a “renovation.”
Comment by Skeptic Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:10 pm
Rauner can’t get rid of the state employees so he gets rid of the entire building.
Comment by Dale Cooper Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:18 pm
Timing?
Selling the thing is the right thing to do, but what I will remember from this announcement is that he won’t be at the Cubs game. Big secret meeting tonight?
Comment by walker Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:36 pm
Once the downtown center for state agencies is sold, Rauner opens bidding for a new center, which is probably in the suburbs.
Rahm: Thanks Bruce.
Bruce: Get yourself in line, Rahm.
Comment by Austin Blvd Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:41 pm
somewhere in colorado, “I knew it!”
Comment by zero Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:44 pm
Bruce needed somethin to talk about because he didn’t like being called a scared second grader for running from reporters last week.
Thus, his staff put together this lame reason to have a press conference.
He could save more by announcing cuts at CMS.
Oh yeah, that didn’t work out do good.
Today’s message to reporters:
“I don’t sweat you.”
Comment by Austin Blvd Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:45 pm
How do none of the reporters standing right there in the building not think to ask about the CTA issue?
Comment by Bibe Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:46 pm
Laugh of the day: Architect Helmut Jahn said that the Thompson Center was intended to symbolize “openness and transparency in state government.”
He said the building ought to be repurposed and blamed a lack of maintenance for the numerous complaints about the office building.
Comment by After Further Review Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 2:46 pm
Interesting to see the governor positioned directly under the blood bank sign.
Comment by nixit71 Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 3:17 pm
“Thus, his staff put together this lame reason to have a press conference.”
Same thing occurred to me as I watched the video and caught sight of ck off to the side looking terrified.
With regard to the stalled budget, I noticed at one point he insisted that he was in talks…with people, over….stuff. Anyone else catch that? I think the implication was that he was in touch with the speaker and senate pres but I pretty much assume when he fails to offer specifics that he’s not actually believing what he’s saying.
Comment by Politix Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 3:21 pm
Uhhh…there’s a CTA stop there, a large SOS office, an auditorium and a post office. It’s also part of the Pedway. I know there’s been complaints about the A/C but it was designed by Helmut Jahn. It’s a beautiful building in a city known for its architecture.
Comment by Emily Booth Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 3:37 pm
Cost $172 million in todays money would be $380 million.
Comment by Liberty Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 4:07 pm
Demolition could be dramatically sped up.
Win or lose, Cubs fans will be looking to destroy something.
Rauner could have the building down for the price of a couple six packs of Old Style and covering a few urinating in public fines.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 4:09 pm
Whatever you think of the condition and form of
the building doesn’t that location next to the offices of the city of Chicago, the county of Cook
and the largest courthouse in the state require
more than snap judgment?
Comment by Illinoisvoter Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 4:10 pm
Michelle, the Loop’s most popular public urinal is already right out front. Problem solved! Who’s buying the beer?
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 4:21 pm
=== Whatever you think of the condition and form of the building doesn’t that location next to the offices of the city of Chicago, the county of Cook and the largest courthouse in the state require more than snap judgment? ===
I hate that I’m saying this, but I don’t believe it to be a snap judgment. CMS knows the cost of running the building; the cost of renovating the building and the migration out of it by a number of agencies.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 4:26 pm
I wonder if he’ll try to relocate the JRTC employees to the location in DesPlaines that used to be a high school, the name of which escapes me at the moment.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 4:50 pm
Yes get rid of the thing …. I finally agree with Bozo Bruce on something. But I don’t think he did his homework (like a 2nd grader) because there must be an intergovernmental agreement in place as pertains the CTA station there which is a connection point for just about all el lines
Comment by low level Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 4:54 pm
Maybe someone can put another Old Chicago indoor amusement park/mall there.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 5:07 pm
And the Walgreens is a winner there!
Comment by low level Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 5:10 pm
Anonymous@5:07pm:
I was thinking the same thing! The Thompson Center is the biggest bust since “Old Chicago” closed its doors!
Former Governor Thompson blames former Governor Quinn for neglecting the building. Hooey! It was an eyesore from Day One.
Comment by After Further Review Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 9:04 pm
Observed from upper floors of the Daley Center, the Thompson building looks like a toilet.
Comment by JackD Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 9:26 pm
To GRTC, good riddin’s as it was an inefficient working environment from the get go. To Rauner’s press questioning remarks, he is on the defensive because his agenda is “radical” to destroying the middle and lower working class (while hypocritically praising state workers for their hard work) so eat the “baloney” you spew!
Comment by XDNR Tuesday, Oct 13, 15 @ 9:31 pm
@ Michelle Flaherty 4:09
Hilarious!! (and I’m a Cubs fan!)
Comment by Lynn S. Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 12:39 am
Here’s a thought. Move the agencies to the state capitol. Office space is a fraction of the cost and in my experience the people who they hire in Chicago are just plain incompetent.
Comment by the Patrio Wednesday, Oct 14, 15 @ 8:12 am