CHICAGO — Morningstar Inc. (NASDAQ: MORN), a provider of independent investment insights, has unveiled plans to relocate its global headquarters to the Thompson Center in Chicago’s Loop. Morningstar will co-anchor the building alongside owner Google and will occupy more than 275,000 square feet. The company plans to move to the property in late 2028.
The lease marks Chicago’s largest downtown office transaction in 2026 to date, according to Morningstar, which has been headquartered in Chicago since its founding over 40 years ago. Morningstar currently employs over 1,500 people in Chicago.
Located at 171 N. LaSalle St., the Thompson Center is one of the city’s highest-profile revitalization projects. Google announced plans to acquire the 1.2 million-square-foot property in 2022 and recently shared new design renderings for the renovation.
The all-electric building will feature direct access to public transit, large floor plates, a 17-story atrium with food-and-beverage and retail offerings, as well as onsite employee amenities.
Famed Chicago architect Helmut Jahn designed the Thompson Center, which opened in 1985 as the State of Illinois Center. The property was later renamed to honor Illinois Gov. James R. Thompson.
Alongside its headquarters move, Morningstar plans to donate $5 million over the next five years to Chicago nonprofits starting in 2027.
Jon Milonas, Peter Livaditis and Haley Maxell of CBRE represented Morningstar, which currently houses its headquarters at 22 W. Washington St. in Chicago. Stacy Osmond of DLA Piper provided legal counsel for the transaction.
Morningstar’s stock price opened at $186.25 per share Wednesday, Sept. 30, down from $232.01 per share one year ago.
— Kristin Harlow