The administration of Governor Bruce Rauner is considering hiring an appraiser to assess the value of Chicago's James R. Thompson Center, though it says it is premature to talk about a sale of the 17-story government building.
Spokesman Mike Schrimpf says "the administration is doing its due diligence in determining the value and best use of state assets,'' including the Thompson center.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the Illinois Department of Central Management Services has issued a "request for information'' that could help craft a formal contract for appraisal work.
The glass-walled building, designed by architect Helmut Jahn, opened in 1985. In recent years it has shown signs of disrepair, including tattered carpeting.
A large granite panel fell off the building five years ago and crashed onto the street.