Morningstar Will Move Headquarters to Chicago Thompson Center

The financial services firm will relocate its downtown operations to a new 275,000-square-foot office space by late 2028.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Commercial

Morningstar Will Move Headquarters to Chicago Thompson Center

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Morningstar announced plans to move its headquarters from 22 W. Washington St. to the Thompson Center in late 2028. This move will shift operations for 1,500 employees while anchoring the company in the downtown Loop.

Why it matters

By committing to a long-term lease at the redeveloped Thompson Center, the Chicago-founded firm reinforces its intent to maintain a major corporate presence in the city center. This shift follows Google’s 2022 purchase of the landmark property for $105 million.

Morningstar will occupy 275,000 square feet at the Thompson Center, a space serving 1,500 employees. The firm is also backing this relocation with a $5 million community investment program spanning five years.

The players

Morningstar

A financial services firm providing investment research and data products to retail investors and advisors.

Joe Mansueto

The founder of Morningstar who started the company in 1984 with an initial investment of $80,000.

Google

A global technology company that purchased the Thompson Center for $105 million to serve as a hub for its regional operations.

The details

The relocation involves moving operations from the company's current headquarters at 22 W. Washington St. to the site purchased by Google for $105 million in 2022. As part of its broader investment in the city, Morningstar plans to distribute $4 million in grants to local nonprofits and $1 million to the Commercial Club Foundation starting in 2027.

1984: Morningstar was founded in Chicago.
2022: Google announced plans to buy the Thompson Center.
2027: Morningstar begins a five-year community investment program.
late 2028: Morningstar will move to the Thompson Center.

Money Landscape

Morningstar's move follows the precedent set by Google's 2022 purchase of the Thompson Center, which serves as the anchor for the building's commercial transformation. This development signals continued corporate interest in the Loop, even as city-wide commercial real estate remains in flux.

Local households and businesses should note that the planned move and the $5 million investment program may shift economic activity within the Loop over the next several years. Readers interested in the impact on local nonprofits may monitor the grant distribution process starting in 2027.

The takeaway

Morningstar's relocation emphasizes its long-term commitment to Chicago's downtown business district. Residents and business owners may track the economic ripple effects of this move as the firm begins its five-year investment program in 2027.