Onni Plans Padel Court and Plunge Pools in $25M Revamp of Loop Tower Across From Google’s Thompson Center

• Onni Group, which acquired 161 N. Clark Street for $125 million in March 2026, is planning a major renovation of the 50-story Chicago office tower.
• Designed by SCB, the project will introduce approximately 60,000 square feet of new amenities across two floors, including fitness, wellness, dining, sports and collaborative workspaces.
• Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the redesigned lobby and amenity spaces targeted for completion by the end of 2027.

What Onni Group Is Planning for 161 N. Clark Street

Chicago's office market is seeing another major repositioning as Vancouver-based Onni Group prepares to upgrade 161 N. Clark Street in the Loop. Located at the northeast corner of North Clark and West Randolph streets, directly across from Google's redevelopment of the Thompson Center, the 50-story tower contains approximately 1.1 million square feet of office space. Completed in 1992 and originally designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, the property is now being repositioned to compete for tenants seeking upgraded workplace environments. Onni acquired the building in March 2026 for $125 million, purchasing it from Société Générale after the lender took control through foreclosure proceedings involving the previous ownership. The planned renovation is reported to carry a $25 million budget, representing a significant capital investment in an existing downtown office asset.

What SCB Is Adding to the Office Tower

Architecture firm SCB is leading the redesign, which will focus on the building's entrance experience and two dedicated amenity floors totaling approximately 60,000 square feet. The ground-floor lobby will receive approximately 5,000 square feet of redesigned reception, conference and hospitality space. Plans include a bar and lounge, updated security, food and beverage offerings, warm finishes and wood detailing. The two upper amenity floors will be branded The Grey and The Hound, each spanning approximately 30,000 square feet. The Grey, on the 12th floor, will include collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, conference facilities, sports simulators, a game lounge, bar and outdoor terrace. The Hound, on the 13th floor, will focus on fitness and wellness. Planned features include a health club, fitness studios, spa facilities, hot and cold plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms and locker rooms. A two-story multi-sport court designed for activities such as padel and pickleball will serve as a centerpiece and can be converted into an event space.

What the Investment Means for Chicago Office Landlords

Onni's renovation reflects a broader shift in the downtown office market: owners are investing in high-quality amenities to attract and retain tenants. According to CBRE's third-quarter 2026 Chicago office report, downtown direct vacancy stood at 26.6%, while trophy office vacancy was considerably lower at 11.4%. The difference highlights the continued preference for top-tier buildings with strong amenities and modern workplace offerings. For landlords, 161 N. Clark demonstrates how substantial capital improvements can help reposition an existing property without undertaking a ground-up development. Fitness, wellness, collaborative workspaces and hospitality-style common areas are increasingly important tools for differentiating office buildings.

What the Thompson Center Redevelopment Adds to the Location

The building's location also places it directly across from the former Thompson Center, which is undergoing a major redevelopment for Google. The neighboring project is expected to bring a significant technology-sector presence to the Loop, adding another potential source of office demand and daytime activity. For Onni, the surrounding investment provides an opportunity to market 161 N. Clark as part of a changing downtown business district rather than an isolated office property.

What Comes Next for 161 N. Clark

Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the lobby and amenity improvements scheduled for completion by year-end. Onni's strategy is straightforward: invest in the existing tower, upgrade the tenant experience and position the property for companies seeking amenitized downtown office space. For Chicago office investors, the project is another example of owners putting fresh capital into existing buildings as competition increasingly favors properties that offer more than traditional office floor plates.