McDonald’s Global Headquarters
Moving from its previous location in Oakbrook, Illinois to Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, McDonald’s Global Headquarters exemplifies the company’s commitment to resilient landscape, and more than 23,000-square-feet of vegetated roofs are a focal point of the project.
Omni Meadow green roofs are on the upper floors of the building, and additional garden terraces with exceptional skyline views are found on lower levels. The light weight of Omni Infinity Media allowed increased media depths from the original concept, in turn this maximizes stormwater capture from the green roof (over 50,000 gallons at maximum capacity) and expands the diversity of native prairie plants to include some wetland species.
With at least 50 species of native plants growing in 20,000 sf of rooftop meadows, this LEED Platinum building is a beacon for local wildlife as well as migrants that can rest and feed during their seasonal journeys along the Lake Michigan flyway.
McDonald’s Headquarters sold for $412.5 million in 2020, marking the highest priced property sale ever in Chicago’s Fulton Market district.
Omni Infinity Media on this project:
Coverage Area: 20,385 sf
Depth: 6” to 18” planters & 8” green roof
Stormwater Storage: >104,639 gal (>13,988 cf)
Installation Complete: 2018
Key Takeaways:
More than 100,000-gal stormwater capture
At least 50 native plant species
Wildlife habitat creation
Project Data:
Location: Chicago, IL
Type:
New Construction
Commerical OfficeTeam:
Sterling Bay
Gensler
IA Interior Architects
Wolff/Confluence
James McHugh Construction
Executive Construction IncAwards:
Timeline
The following images are taken between May 2018 (during installation) through September 2022 from approximately the same location on the 10th floor green roof (note the blue barrel-like structures in the background).
May 1, 2018 - GEO installation
June 1, 2018 - approx 1 month after seeding
July 9, 2018 - approximately 2 months after seeding
November 29, 2018 - first winter after install
April 17, 2019 - first spring after install
June 19, 2019 - approx 13 months after installation
July 11, 2019
August 21, 2019
September 10, 2019
March 4, 2020
June 24, 2020 - approx 2 years after installation
July 2, 2020
July 17, 2020
April 28, 2021
May 19, 2021 - approx 3 years after installation
June 9, 2021
July 14, 2021
September 9, 2021
September 17, 2021
April 20, 2022
June 15, 2022
July 13, 2022
August 31, 2022
September 28, 2022
Flora & Fauna
The following images highlight some of the plants, insects, and birds that have been seen on the green roof.