Morningstar to join Google, moves global headquarters to Chicago’s Thompson Center

Morningstar plans to move its global headquarters to Chicago’s Thompson Center in late 2028, joining Google as a co-anchor tenant in one of downtown’s most closely watched redevelopment projects, the company announced in a press release. The investment research company will occupy more than 275,000 square feet, making it the largest downtown Chicago office lease announced in 2026.

The move will keep Morningstar in the Loop, where the company has been based since its founding more than 40 years ago. According to the Chicago Business Journal, it will relocate from 22 W. Washington St. in the Block 37 complex, where it currently occupies about 263,000 square feet.

Subscribe to Chicago Star’s Weekly City Buzz Newsletter

A major tenant for the Thompson Center

The company has more than 1,500 employees in Chicago and said it plans to continue hiring local talent. The new workplace at 171 N. LaSalle St. is expected to offer open floor plates, collaboration areas and direct access to public transit.

Morningstar will share the renovated landmark with Google, which plans to open new Chicago offices in the building. The Thompson Center, designed by architect Helmut Jahn, is being adapted into a modern office hub while preserving its role as a highly visible part of the central business district, the announcement stated.

“Morningstar was founded in Chicago more than four decades ago, and we're proud to continue building our future here,” CEO Kunal Kapoor said, according to Morningstar’s press release.

The Prime Group and Capri Investment Group acquired the property from the state for $105 million in 2022 and partnered on its redevelopment for Google’s Chicago operations, Chicago Business Journal confirmed. Business leaders have described the project as a potential catalyst for new activity along the LaSalle Street corridor.

Read more on Chicago Star

• Google’s new headquarters at Thompson Center to now open in 2028, later than planned

• NVIDIA boosts buyback program by $150 billion in largest increase of its kind in history

• Brookfield Zoo Chicago and its penguins to shine in movie premiere of “Christmas at the Zoo”

• Lyric Opera makes history with live sign language translation for Mozart’s “Don Giovanni”

• Chicago History Museum, School of Rock seek young local musicians for “Rock the Museum” fest

• Skulls, spices, and spirits: Celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Chicago-style

$5 million for Chicago communities

Alongside the headquarters move, Morningstar plans to commit $5 million to Chicago nonprofits over five years beginning in 2027, the company confirmed in its announcement. The Commercial Club Foundation will receive $1 million to support an economic growth plan focused on talent, career pathways, business competitiveness and livability.

The remaining $4 million will be distributed through the Morningstar Commitment to Chicago Fund, administered by the United Way of Metro Chicago. Grants will support financial literacy, savings and wealth-building, as well as career pathways into investment research, financial services and technology.

Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson said the headquarters decision reinforces Morningstar’s long-term commitment to Chicago, per the press release. Johnson added that the nonprofit funding could help residents build financial security and gain skills for good-paying careers, extending the benefits of downtown investment into city neighborhoods.