Morningstar, Inc., a Chicago-based financial services firm, has announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to the Thompson Center at 171 N. LaSalle Street. The company intends to occupy more than 275,000 square feet in the property as part of a long-term commitment to the city where it was founded more than four decades ago.
The Thompson Center is described as one of Chicago’s highest-profile revitalization projects, with work focused on adapting and transforming an iconic landmark into a modern workplace environment. Morningstar will co-anchor the redeveloped building alongside Google, positioning the two companies as major office tenants within the property. Morningstar plans to complete its move into the Thompson Center in late 2028.
In the headquarters relocation transaction, Morningstar was represented by legal counsel and brokerage advisors. Stacy Osmond of DLA Piper provided legal representation, while a CBRE team led by Jon Milonas, Peter Livaditis, and Haley Maxwell represented Morningstar on the real estate side. The announcement did not disclose lease economics, building ownership, or the total size of the Thompson Center.
Morningstar framed the headquarters move as an extension of its longstanding ties to Chicago and its focus on long-term investment in communities. CEO Kunal Kapoor highlighted the firm’s history in the city and emphasized that the new headquarters and related community commitments are intended to align with the company’s view of Chicago’s enduring potential. He cited confidence in the city, Morningstar’s employees, and the opportunities ahead as key drivers behind the decision to relocate.
The planned move to the Thompson Center signals continued large-tenant demand for modernized office space in prominent urban locations. As one of the anchor tenants in a signature redevelopment, Morningstar’s future headquarters is positioned to play a central role in the ongoing repositioning of this high-profile downtown Chicago asset.
