JLL has completed the sale of the former McDonald’s global headquarters campus in Oak Brook to renowned hair salon entrepreneur and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria.
DeJoria will assume ownership of the 80-acre site that includes the McDonald’s former campus office building, Hamburger University training facility and the Hyatt-branded and managed hotel, The Hyatt Lodge.
JLL has been working with McDonald’s to sell its Oak Brook assets since the company relocated its headquarters to Chicago’s West Loop last year. JLL’s team of Scott Miller and Lindsey Fahey represented McDonald’s in the sale. Perry Higa with NAI Hiffman represented the buyer. The acquisition and future development will be led by a dedicated team based in Austin, Texas.
“The Village of Oak Brook was a longtime, respected home for McDonald’s, and it’s always been very important to us that we identify a trusted partner who realizes the future potential in the assets,” said Joe Endress, McDonald’s vice president, Facilities and Systems, in a statement. "John Paul is an iconic entrepreneur also known for giving back and we couldn’t think of anyone better to lead the future of this landmark site that is extremely meaningful to the Oak Brook community."
DeJoria added: “This campus comes with a rich history and significance to the community, and there’s such beauty throughout the entire site. I am honored to continue that legacy, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of special guests and corporations to the property. There’s most certainly going to be a bright future ahead.”
McDonald’s has been the sole occupant of the campus since its completion in 1988. Designed by world renowned architect Dirk Lohan, the campus is situated in a wooded setting complete with two lakes and two buildings — a 331,630-square-foot Class A office building that served as McDonald’s global headquarters and a world-class training facility totaling 130,484 square feet. The global headquarters building, which is designed in a contemporary prairie style, has also achieved LEED Platinum status. The training facility is connected by a covered passageway to The Hyatt Lodge.
Operated by Hyatt, the 218-room hotel and 238,000-square-foot facility provides exceptional amenities, including 26,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space, a grand ballroom, a covered indoor swimming pool and fitness facilities. The building, completed in 1984 and substantially renovated in 2012, is a four-level brick, stone and concrete building designed around a 150-year old Ohio Buckeye tree, the oldest in Illinois. Connected to the former Hamburger University by an elegant pedestrian bridge across Lake Fred, The Hyatt Lodge is one of the finest corporate meeting, lodging and wedding destinations in the Chicago area.
“We are thrilled to continue operating The Hyatt Lodge and continue welcoming the Oak Brook community and Chicago-area travelers to the hotel for meetings, celebrations, upscale accommodations and more,” Pete Sears, Americas group president for Hyatt, said in a statement. “The Hyatt Lodge has been a staple in the Oak Brook community and a special hotel within our management portfolio for more than 30 years. We see an immense opportunity with John Paul DeJoria to further enhance the hotel experience, so it’s poised to remain one of the area’s leading meetings and special events venues for the next 30 years and beyond."
