SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration is exploring the idea of hiring an appraiser to determine the value of the James R. Thompson Center, the deteriorating glass-walled government building at the corner of Clark and Randolph streets. But a spokesman for Rauner said talk of selling the 17-story building designed by architect Helmut Jahn is "premature."



"The administration is doing its due diligence in determining the value and best use of state assets, including the JRTC," said spokesman Mike Schrimpf, using the abbreviated nickname for the structure.



The state's property management office has issued a "request for information" to help it draft a contract for appraisal work, which according to a state procurement database could include the eventual listing and sale of the building.



The building opened in 1985 at a price tag of $172 million, more than twice the initial estimate. It's proved hard to heat and cool due to its large atrium, and has fallen into disrepair in recent years due to the state's ongoing budget crisis. Carpets are ripped and held together with tape, and five years ago a large granite panel fell off the building and crashed onto Clark Street.



While Rauner has made it a priority to fix up the executive mansion in Springfield, which has suffered from flooding and years of neglect, he's made no such promises for the Thompson Center.