OAK BROOK, Ill. (January 31, 2023) – Ware Malcomb, an award-winning international design firm, today announced the completion of a new Medline distribution center located in Grayslake IL. Ware Malcomb provided architecture, interior design and branding services for the 1,426,800 square foot facility, which is estimated to be the largest medical-grade distribution center in the United States. The final phase of development, a 2,700 square foot office build-out within the facility was recently completed for Medline’s Sterile Procedure Trays Division.
“Medline’s project is a tremendous success story, as it brings new jobs to the Grayslake area and fosters a work atmosphere that embodies our client’s employee-focused culture,” said Cameron Trefry, Principal for Ware Malcomb’s Oak Brook, Chicago, Columbus and Washington D.C. offices.
In the design of the precast concrete panel structure, Medline and Ware Malcomb specifically chose the placement of their walkways and mezzanines to allow direct views of their warehouse operation. This design feature fosters client communication, an understanding of Medline’s business, all while demonstrating the speed and efficiency of its packaging and dispatch functions.
The mezzanine views within the center also showcase a unique self-contained 60,000 square foot automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) that picks and packages items and places them onto crates, reflecting a growing trend toward automation in warehouse and fulfillment operations.
“We were pleased to collaborate with Medline on a facility with a variety of design innovations, making it a complement to their nearby headquarters and the premier distribution center example for their company,” said Dawn Riegel, Principal for Ware Malcomb’s Oak Brook and Chicago offices.
The new facility includes a main office area, receiving and shipping offices, temperature control room and a white box area for future expansion. Employee-focused amenities include uniquely branded break areas with billiards, foosball tables, specialty furniture, and collaboration space to provide a true respite. The design also incorporates sleep rooms and quiet areas for workers to concentrate or unwind. By designing a space that considers all types of backgrounds and needs, Medline created an inclusive, healthy environment for its workforce.
As the nation’s largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, Medline has a commitment to sustainable operations and requires its facilities to be LEED-certified. The Medline Grayslake project achieved LEED v4 BD+C certification using elements such as efficient plumbing fixtures, natural plant selections for reduced irrigation, enhanced commissioning and energy modeling of the building, on-site recycling program, construction and demolition waste management, and energy metering.
Having worked on more than 70 projects together, the Ware Malcomb and Medline teams collaborated to develop a national prototype for their distribution facilities. Ware Malcomb’s Corporate Accounts program spans a variety of industries including office, industrial, retail, science & technology, restaurant and education across markets. The unique program facilitates the delivery of consistent, integrated design services for clients, with both local, specialized staff and the vast companywide resources across the Americas.
General contracting services for the project were provided by Alston Construction Company.
About Ware Malcomb (waremalcomb.com)
Established in 1972, Ware Malcomb is a contemporary and expanding full-service design firm providing professional architecture, planning, interior design, civil engineering, branding and building measurement services to corporate, commercial/residential developer and public/institutional clients throughout the world. With office locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil, the firm specializes in the design of commercial office, corporate, industrial, science & technology, healthcare, retail, auto, public/institutional facilities and renovation projects. Ware Malcomb is recognized as an Inc. 5000 “Fastest Growing Private Company” and a “Hot Firm” by Zweig Group. The firm is also ranked among the top 30 architecture/engineering firms in Engineering News-Record’s “Top 500 Design Firms” and the top 30 interior design firms in Interior Design magazine’s “Top 100 Giants.” For more information, visit and view Ware Malcomb’s Ware Malcomb’s website at https://waremalcomb.com/news/ and brand video at https://www.youtube.com/waremalcomb.
Ware Malcomb Oak Brook
1315 22nd St #410
Oak Brook, IL 60523
630.218.0063
