John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, a Los Angeles-based hair care company, has acquired the Oak Brook, Illinois campus that formerly served as the corporate headquarters for McDonald’s. It’s unclear what plans he has in store for what had been the most high-profile office property on the market in the Chicago area.
JLL’s team of Scott Miller and Lindsey Fahey represented McDonald’s in the transaction, terms of which were not disclosed. Perry Higa with NAI Hiffman represented the buyer. The acquisition and future development will be led by a dedicated team based in Austin, Texas.
“This Campus comes with a rich history and significance to the community, and there’s such beauty throughout the entire site,” said DeJoria. “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.”
The three-building, 80-acre property had been up for sale since 2017, in anticipation of the fast food giant ditching the suburbs and moving into a smaller space in Chicago’s hot Fulton Market District last year. The west suburban campus has served as McDonald’s home since its construction in 1988, when it was designed by world-renowned architect Dirk Lohan.
“The Village of Oak Brook was a long time, 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 McDonald’s vice president, facilities and systems, Joe Endress. “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.”
The wooded campus consists of 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 four-star Hyatt Lodge.
Amenities at the 238,000-square-foot, 218-room hotel include a grand ballroom, a covered indoor swimming pool, fitness facilities and 26,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space. 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.
“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,” said Pete Sears – Americas group president, Hyatt. “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.”
Last July, McDonald’s successfully sold a nearby property to Houston-based Hines. The developer plans to tear down the existing, 1972-built office building at 2111 McDonald Drive and erect a multi-tower mixed-use project. JLL represented McDonald’s in that transaction as well. The company also sold the 34-acre undeveloped land across Jorie Boulevard from the main campus to the village of Oak Brook.