McDonald’s Opens $250 Million Global HQ in Chicago
Following the grand opening of a stunning Chicago flagship that looks like an Apple store, McDonald’s is back in the Windy City with a new development, this time consisting of its new corporate headquarters in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, reports Arch Daily.
With world renowned firm Gensler as the architect of record, and interior designing provided by IA Interior Architects and Studio O+A, the boxy-like building composed out of steel, glass, brick and wood, is fully state of the art, and LEED certified to reflect McDonald’s commitment to sustainability.
The headquarter’s design also prioritizes employee collaboration through "work neighborhoods," which act as an open floor plan layout allowing employees the flexibility to roam in different areas, while also featuring a work café with stadium seating, along with several outdoor terrace spaces.
Additionally, the ground floor of the HQ features a unique McDonald's "Experience of the Future"(EOTF) restaurant, as it features a rotating menu of favorite items that are sold worldwide. Furthermore, building's interior aesthetic is an homage to McDonald’s heritage with displays of Happy Meal toys, vintage memorabilia and a dedicated wall to McDonald’s leaders, inventors and owner-operators.
The new HQ also marks the company’s return to Chicago, where it was based between 1955 and 1971, and according to CNBC, the cost of development was $250 million. The space will house 2,000 McDonald’s employees as well as the flagship Hamburger University that is designed for training employees and future leaders.
For more details, head over to Arch Daily.
In related news, McDonald’s 48-piece McNugget bucket is the ultimate post-drinking meal.