McDonald’s HQ wins prestigious CoreNet Global award

CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2018 – McDonald’s new headquarters in Chicago’s West Loop has been recognized for delivering the ultimate smart building experience. The iconic company and this groundbreaking smart project have been awarded the 2018 REAL ‘Large Project of the Year’ award from the Chicago Chapter of CoreNet Global.

In its move from suburban Oakbrook, Illinois, McDonald’s selected JLL’s smart building team to design and create a groundbreaking, technology-enabled smart headquarters that connects the workplace and its people, fosters and showcases innovation, and enables a flexible and evolving workplace.

“We’re honored to be recognized by the leading corporate real estate organization for this transformational project,” said Scott Phillips, Director of Corporate Real Estate, McDonald’s Corporation. “From the initial vision through design and deployment, JLL collaborated closely with us to bring our smart workplace to life. Our new headquarters has only been open for a few months, yet we’re already realized the benefits of our investments.”

Together with McDonald’s, JLL created and deployed an integrated, end-to-end technology strategy that combines intelligent, automated and highly efficient building systems with customized employee and enterprise applications. As a highlight of the project, JLL developed a McDonald’s-branded smart workplace mobile app for navigation and wayfinding, locating points of interest, work order management, and room booking. Using the location-based features enabled by an indoor positioning system, employees can book or check into a room simply by walking into it. Other mobile app features include personalized temperature controls, employee feedback tools, company news, transportation information and more.

“We’re thrilled to see CoreNet’s recognition of the McDonald’s HQ facility as a showcase for smart buildings. This is a great example of using integrated technologies to create a highly efficient workplace that also delivers an enhanced employee and visitor experience,” said Darlene Pope, global leader of JLL’s Smart Building Program. “We are honored that McDonald’s selected JLL to help shape and deliver their vision of a truly smart workplace.”

Each year, the Chicago Chapter of CoreNet Global recognizes outstanding professionals and projects that inspire, transform and drive progress in corporate real estate as part of their REAL Awards program. CoreNet Global is the world's leading association for corporate real estate (CRE) and workplace professionals, service providers and economic development executives.