Walk past the Michael A. Bilandic Building on a Tuesday morning and you’ll see it. It’s that massive, limestone-clad presence at 160 N LaSalle Chicago that somehow manages to look both intimidating and completely anonymous at the same time. If you’ve ever had to deal with the State of Illinois for anything more complicated than a driver's license, you’ve probably walked through these doors.
It’s weird.
Most people think of the Thompson Center when they think of state government in Chicago, but that’s changing fast. With the Thompson Center getting its massive Google-led makeover, 160 N LaSalle Chicago has quietly stepped up as the functional heart of state operations in the city. It isn't flashy. There are no neon lights or glass elevators. Honestly, it’s basically just a giant machine made of stone and bureaucracy.
The Architecture of Purpose at 160 N LaSalle Chicago
The building didn't start its life as a government hub. It was originally the Burnham Building, completed back in 1924. Think about that for a second. This structure has survived the Great Depression, the rise and fall of the Chicago Outfit, and the complete transformation of the Loop. It was designed by the firm of D.H. Burnham & Company—yes, that Burnham.
While many buildings from that era go for the ornate, "look at me" Gothic style, 160 N LaSalle is more restrained. It’s got that classical revival vibe. It feels heavy. It feels permanent. When the State of Illinois took it over and renamed it after Michael Bilandic—the former Mayor and Chief Justice—they weren't just looking for office space. They were looking for a fortress.
Inside, the layout is a maze. You’ve got the Illinois Supreme Court chambers and the Appellate Court of Illinois, First District. If you’ve ever been inside a high-stakes courtroom, you know the air feels different. Thicker. At 160 N LaSalle Chicago, that weight is everywhere. It’s where some of the most consequential legal decisions in the state happen, far away from the cameras of cable news.
What’s Actually Happening Behind the Limestone?
If you're headed here, you’re likely not there for a tour. You’re there because you have business. Serious business.
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The building houses the Illinois Department of Labor, the Illinois Commerce Commission, and a chunk of the Attorney General’s office. It’s a hub for regulation. When a utility company wants to hike your rates? The ICC at 160 N LaSalle is where those battles are fought. When there’s a massive labor dispute in the suburbs? The arbitrators are likely sitting in a windowless room on the 13th floor.
It’s also a bit of a survivor. For years, the talk of the town was the "State of Illinois Building" (the Thompson Center) across the street. But while that building leaked and cost a fortune to heat, 160 N LaSalle just kept humming along. It’s the reliable sibling. The one that actually gets the work done while the other one gets all the press.
The Bilandic Connection
Let’s talk about the name for a second. Michael A. Bilandic. To younger Chicagoans, the name might not mean much. To the old guard? He’s the guy who took over after the first Mayor Daley died. He’s also the guy who famously "lost" the city during the Blizzard of 1979 because the snow plows couldn't keep up.
Naming this building after him was a bit of a redemption arc. Bilandic went on to have a stellar legal career, eventually becoming the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court. The building at 160 N LaSalle Chicago reflects that second act. It’s a place of law and order, not necessarily politics and snow removal.
Navigating the 160 N LaSalle Chicago Experience
If you have to visit, let me give you the real talk.
Security is tight. Don't show up five minutes before your hearing and expect to breeze through. The metal detectors are sensitive, and the lines can get weirdly long during the mid-morning rush.
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- The Courtrooms: They are on the upper floors. They are silent. If you’re there to observe a case, dress the part.
- The Basement: There used to be a little cafeteria area, but honestly, you're better off hitting one of the spots on Wells Street or Clark.
- The Vibe: It's professional but weary. People here are dealing with workers' comp claims, professional licensing, and high-level litigation.
One thing people always get wrong: they think they can just walk in and find a public official to talk to. This isn't a town hall. It’s a workspace. Most of the offices are restricted. If you don't have an appointment or a court date, you're mostly just going to see a lot of marble and security guards.
Why This Address Still Matters in 2026
With the shift toward remote work and digital filing, you’d think a massive physical building like 160 N LaSalle Chicago would become obsolete.
It hasn't.
There is something about the "physicality" of the law that requires a place like this. You can't argue a Supreme Court case over a glitchy Zoom call with the same impact. You need the benches. You need the echoing hallways. You need the gravity of the 160 N LaSalle Chicago address.
Furthermore, as the city tries to revitalize the Loop, this building remains an anchor. While retail spaces on State Street might struggle, the government business at LaSalle and Randolph is a constant. It brings thousands of people into the area every single day—lawyers, clerks, litigants, and state employees. They buy the coffee. They eat the sandwiches. They keep the nearby CTA stations busy.
Common Misconceptions
People often confuse this building with the County Building or City Hall. Those are nearby, but they are entirely different beasts.
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- City Hall: That’s 121 N LaSalle. Local stuff. Potholes. TIF districts.
- 160 N LaSalle: State stuff. Big-picture law. Professional regulations.
- Daley Center: That’s where the "regular" court cases (divorce, traffic, small claims) usually go.
If you show up at 160 N LaSalle Chicago looking to pay a parking ticket, the security guard is going to give you a very specific look. It's a look that says, "You're in the wrong place, but I've seen this three times already today."
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you find yourself needing to head to 160 N LaSalle Chicago, don't just wing it.
First, verify which agency you're visiting. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is a common destination here, but they handle everything from roofing licenses to medical board reviews. Make sure you have your specific room number.
Second, check the court calendar if you're going for a legal matter. The Illinois Supreme Court doesn't sit in Chicago all year; they split time with Springfield. If you're hoping to catch oral arguments, you need to check the schedule on the Illinois Courts website weeks in advance.
Lastly, appreciate the history. Take a second to look at the exterior stone work before you go in. In a city that’s constantly tearing itself down to build glass boxes, 160 N LaSalle Chicago is a reminder of a time when we built things to last for centuries, not just until the next tax break.
Get your documents in order before you hit the door. Keep your ID handy. If you’re there for the ICC or a labor hearing, bring a sweater—those old state buildings have a way of being either boiling hot or freezing cold with zero in-between. Just get in, do your business, and then walk a block over to the Riverwalk to decompress. You’ll probably need it.