The Big Ten is on the move. The oldest Division I college athletic conference has signed a purchase and development agreement for a 1.5 acre parcel in Rosemont that will house its new 50,000-square-foot headquarters.
The Big Ten, advised by the Chicago office of international real estate services firm Studley, explored several real estate opportunities, including leasing and purchase options, before deciding on a build-to-suit.
“We felt Rosemont was an ideal location, with its close proximity to O’Hare as well as hotels and restaurants that can serve our guests,” said Big Ten Deputy Commissioner Brad Traviolia. “We look forward to becoming an active member of this outstanding community.”
At 50,000 square feet, the Big Ten’s new headquarters will be twice as big as its current location at 1500 W. Higgins in Park Ridge, the athletic conference’s home for the past 20 years. The building will feature a conference center, office space and an officiating command center. In addition, plans call for a 3,500-square-foot “Big Ten Experience,” which will treat guests to high-tech interactive displays celebrating the conference’s history and latest events. The new headquarters is being designed to attain LEED certification. Delivery is scheduled for October 2013.
“We are incredibly excited to have the Big Ten join the Rosemont community,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “It will be a perfect fit for our city, which has become one of the premier sports destinations in the state.”
Accessibility was a key driver in the decision to move to Rosemont. Located within MB Financial Park at Rosemont, a development featuring several hotels and restaurants, the Big Ten will have direct access to a variety of park amenities and O’Hare International Airport.
RATIO Architects, best known for its work on the NCAA headquarters complex and Hall of Champions, both in Indianapolis, will design the Big Ten’s new headquarters. Hoffman Estates-based Leopardo Companies Inc. will serve as construction manager.
Studley Executive Managing Director Robert Sevim, along with Managing Director Jon Azulay served as the Big Ten’s exclusive real estate advisors while Corporate Managing Director Rich Dale will spearhead project management on the construction side, working in conjunction with RATIO Architects and Leopardo construction.
Official closing is set for late August at which time the Studley team will begin marketing the Big Ten’s current 25,000-square-foot headquarters building in Park Ridge for sale.
