Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to hold a public auction to sell the James R. Thompson Center, which houses state government offices in downtown Chicago.

Rauner made the announcement Tuesday in the 16-story glass-paneled building's large atrium, calling the building "ineffective" and a "very wasteful, very inefficient use of space." He said selling the building and moving state workers elsewhere could save the state between $6 million and $12 million annually. He called it a "good move" for taxpayers.

Earlier this year, Rauner's administration asked for an appraisal of the building. Rauner said the center "can be replaced by a very positive, very impactful new building."

The Thompson Center opened in 1985 and was designed by architect Helmut Jahn. Parts of the building have fallen into disrepair and require work.