Illinois ex-governor James ‘Big Jim’ Thompson and wife Jayne have ditched their three-bedroom, 3,500-square foot condo in the Gold Coast for slightly larger unit on the 41st floor of a River North high-rise. According to Chicago Tribune’s Bob Goldsborough, the couple paid $2,250,000 for their new home in July and made the move based on a desire for more fire places and outdoor space. The Thompsons’ previous condo in the Bristol building is reportedly still for sale, currently asking $1,995,000.
Thompson, 80, served as governor between 1977 to 1991 and even managed to steer clear of prison — a fairly rare achievement among individuals holding the state’s highest elected office. In 1993, architect Helmut Jahn’s now dilapidated (and endangered) State of Illinois building in the Loop was rechristened the James R. Thompson Center in honor of Big Jim's 14-year tenure.
- Ex-Gov. James Thompson and wife find terraces, fireplaces in River North [Chicago Tribune]
- Previous River North coverage [Curbed Chicago]
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