JLL’s new O’Hare office brings workplace innovation to life

CHICAGO, Ill. – April 7, 2026 – JLL, a leading global commercial real estate services firm, announced today the opening of its new O’Hare office, a purpose-built workplace that applies the firm’s own client-advised strategies to support how people work today, reinforcing the firm’s long-term commitment to the Chicago market.

The recently opened office is located at O’Hare Plaza, a Class A office complex near O’Hare International Airport at 8755 W. Higgins Road and uses a more efficient footprint that emphasizes amenity-rich design, communal workspaces and flexibility. The space features expansive city views, modern breakout areas, upgraded conference facilities and access to extensive shared building amenities, including a tenant lounge with restaurant/bar, and outdoor spaces.

“This move is a tangible example of what we recommend to clients: create a workplace that earns the commute through experience, flexibility and thoughtful design,” said Marcellus Parker, head of corporate real estate, Americas, JLL. “We held ourselves to the same standard we set for others, and the result is a space that reflects how teams best work today and supports growth in this market.”

Sustainability and employee wellbeing were core considerations throughout the design and buildout. The office features LED lighting throughout, with occupancy sensors and daylight sensors in open-office areas to support energy efficiency. Indoor air quality sensors are installed across the space, and biophilic elements—including planters integrated throughout open work areas—help bring nature into the workplace.

The layout prioritizes access to natural light, with shared spaces such as the open office, meeting rooms and collaboration areas located along the window line. Height adjustable desks and a range of meeting and collaboration settings support different work styles and postures, while high-performance acoustic glass and sound mitigating phone booths provide privacy within an open office environment. Open office workstations were reused from JLL’s previous O’Hare Plaza space, supporting material reuse and waste reduction.

JLL Design developed the vision for its new office space based on the iconic Y-shaped terminals of O’Hare International Airport, creating a concept called “Grounded Connection.” The design concept reflects connectivity as both a physical and metaphorical framework, using circulation patterns, sightlines and shared spaces to inspire collaboration and movement throughout the workplace. A central collaborative hub is surrounded by distinct “neighborhoods” that mirror the airport’s circulation, transforming proximity to the airport into a defining element of its new workplace identity.

“There’s been a renewed energy in the office since day one,” said Andrea VanGelder, senior managing director, leasing advisory, JLL. “Walking into a bright, well-designed space each day supports our teams and sharpens how we deliver for clients. A great workplace isn't just an amenity, it's a competitive advantage.”

The office houses JLL’s suburban office and industrial brokerage teams, property management professionals and Project Development Services (PDS) team members, supporting cross-functional collaboration. Its proximity to O’Hare International Airport also makes it an ideal destination for out-of-town clients and colleagues, offering convenient access without requiring a downtown commute.

JLL was involved in all facets of the relocation and buildout, including:

• JLL portfolio manager: Marcellus Parker

• Landlord representation: Rick Benoy, senior vice president, and Jeff Shay, executive vice president

• Tenant representation: Todd Mintz, vice chairman, and Andrea VanGelder

• Property management: Al Gienko, senior vice president

• Workplace design: Valerie Poutous, project manager, Madeleine Pickus, senior interior designer, Rachel Younker, designer, and Christina Piper, executive vice president, JLL Design

• Furniture strategy: Heather Thomas, vice president, JLL Furniture Solutions

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  Project development services: Lea Richards, CRE PDS lead, Americas

   

The new office complements JLL's existing Chicago-area locations—including the firm's global headquarters downtown Chicago at Aon Center at 200 E. Randolph Street, additional office at 150 N. Riverside, LaSalle Investment Management, JLL’s investment management arm at 333 W. Wacker Drive, and suburban Westmont office at 700 Oakmont Lane—further strengthening JLL's presence and commitment across the region.

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