$26 million transformation features 24 new luxurious retail and dining destinations, innovative design, lavish amenities and local brands; record sales reached while under construction; and on path to create 230 new jobs and double sales.
CHICAGO – Mayor Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), and Westfield, joined by airport and airline partners, unveiled the new International Terminal 5 (T5) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, marking the completion of a $26 million transformation by Westfield featuring 24 new luxury retail and dining destinations – including 11 local Chicago brands – a redesigned TSA checkpoint, and cutting-edge design.
The redevelopment is the first since the terminal’s construction in 1993. A key feature of the new Terminal 5 is a re-engineered layout that enhances the traveler experience. Previously, 95 percent of the options were located pre-security, making it difficult for passengers to access food and retail while waiting for flights. Of the 24 new dining and retail outlets, nine are airport “firsts” and 17 are Chicago airport debuts.
Checkpoint at the New International Terminal 5.
“The new International Terminal 5 revolutionizes the traveler experience and will provide vital economic opportunity for years to come,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “With world-class shopping, dining and design, Terminal 5 reflects our City’s distinct style and spirit, placing Chicago at the center of the global tourism conversation as we work together to reach 55 million visitors annually by 2020.”
“As the gateway for international travelers entering Chicago, the new Terminal 5 will deliver a first class experience that showcases the city’s vibrant, modern identity,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. “The revamped terminal is the latest example of Mayor Emanuel’s vision and steadfast commitment to strengthening Chicago’s position as a global city and providing international business and leisure travelers with the kind of positive experience that will make them eager to return. The federal government has long recognized O’Hare as a major economic engine, not just for Chicago, but for the entire region – and invested accordingly. That investment will pay dividends with this innovative new terminal.”
In 2013, while amid construction and with only half the program complete, Westfield achieved the terminal’s highest ever Sales Per Enplanement, reaching $18.99 with $32 million in annual sales. The developer is on target to double 2011 sales to over $50 million in the first stabilized year after redevelopment completes. The redevelopment has created 184 new dining and retail jobs, and growth is on path to reach a total of 410 jobs, up 230 since the start of construction in July 2012.
“The new International Terminal 5 passenger experience will help fulfill Mayor Emanuel’s vision to provide a world-class experience for millions of visitors from around the globe who travel through O’Hare International Airport as their first and last impression of Chicago,” said Rosemarie S. Andolino, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation. “This is an absolute win for O’Hare travelers, for Chicago’s hospitality, travel and tourism industry, for our airline partners, and for many others who benefit from the incredible job creation and economic activity our airports provide.”
“The new International Terminal 5 – an enormous undertaking – proves that by working together, we can accomplish great things,” said Michael R. Zalewski, Chairman, Chicago City Council Aviation Committee and Alderman serving the 23rd Ward. “With record job numbers, increased revenue and a completely transformed passenger experience, O’Hare, the city, travelers, and our citizens will realize benefits from the new Terminal 5 for years to come.”
“Westfield has tapped into its global resources to create an iconic experience at the new International Terminal 5,” said Greg Miles, Chief Operating Officer of Westfield Group. “Terminal 5 is only the beginning as Westfield is committed to continuing to work with Mayor Emanuel to drive tourism, create jobs and spur economic development in this great city.”
The renovated terminal interior – including a new Dining Lounge with performance kitchens – offers a redesigned, more efficient TSA checkpoint and features new first-class amenities such as: luxury restrooms; dynamic lounge style seating with outlets and USB ports to charge devices; and new lighting, signage, and fixtures which incorporate sustainable and recycled materials. Westfield’s design and construction partners at Terminal 5 are McHugh/Ornelas JV, Epstein and Thirst. The redevelopment created more than 180 construction jobs.
Dining Collection Gives Travelers a Taste of Chicago
With a lineup composed entirely of local chefs and restaurateurs, Westfield’s new dining collection features nine sophisticated destinations for a traveler-friendly mix of healthy and fresh sit-down, casual and grab-and-go choices. Featuring five unique concepts operated by Areas RHHG ORD, LLC, the new dining collection marks Chicago-based restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ (LEYE) first entry into an airport. Today, Terminal 5 travelers can:
- Feast on eclectic American fare and fresh cocktails at LEYE’s Hub 51;
- Journey to Italy at Tocco; a strikingly modern eatery from local chef and restaurateur Bruno Abate featuring Neapolitan-style pizza, pasta and more;
- Experience Top Chef Master Rick Bayless’ Tortas Frontera – named Bon Appetit’s “best airport restaurant in America”– featuring Mexican cuisine made with ingredients from local purveyors;
- Dine on signature hot Asian buns from LEYE’s Wow Bao;
- Explore the diverse flavors of China and Thailand at LEYE’s Big Bowl;
- Indulge in world-famous burgers, hand-dipped shakes and more at LEYE’s R.J. Grunts Burger & Fries;
- Delight in fresh, flavorful and delicious Mediterranean cuisine with modern flair at Urban Olive, a debut concept from LEYE;
- Savor freshly roasted coffee from around the world at Kofe powered by Intelligentsia, a debut concept from the award-winning Chicago-based roaster and retailer; and
- Grab a bite at The Goddess and Grocer, Chicago’s gourmet deli featuring fresh salads, sandwiches, flatbreads and a selection of upscale on-the-go snacks by local merchants.
Retail Collection: International Luxury Brands and Local Boutiques
A central element of the new retail collection is the new 10,000-square-foot flagship duty-free store, the first of its kind in North America, with all departing travelers flowing through the European-style design after crossing the new TSA checkpoint. Operated by Dufry, the duty-free collection links Terminal 5 to Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile shopping district with Luxury Boutique Row – four stand-alone boutiques including Salvatore Ferragamo and Luxury Watches, with Michael Kors and Emporio Armani opening this year. The retail collection continues with:
- Locally owned and operated Vosges Haut-Chocolat, where travelers are invited to explore the world of exotic chocolate bars, truffles, toffees and more;
- XpresSpa, Chicago’s first airport spa, providing massage, nail and facial services and a retail selection of locally produced beauty and travel products;
- Iconic Swiss watchmaker Swatch, offering its colorful timepieces and jewelry;
- I Love Chicago, capturing the character and passion of the city with original artwork, apothecary, unique accessories and more produced by local artisans; and
- Hudson, the flagship travel essentials concept operated by Hudson Group.
Terminal 5 Partnerships
Westfield’s operator partnerships include: Areas RHHG ORD, LLC, Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) partner: Robinson Hill; Brookstone; Dufry, ACDBE partners: Blue Daring; RGMA; Hudson Group, ACDBE partners: BTII, Inc., CMC Enterprises LLC; I Love, Inc.; Midway Restaurant Development Ltd.; Swatch; Vosges Haut-Chocolat; and XpresSpa.
Photo caption (from left to right): Alderman Mary O’Connor; Commissioner Rosemarie Andolino, Chicago Department of Aviation; Alderman Michael Zalewski, Chairman, Committee on Aviation; U.S. Senator Dick Durbin; Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel; and Greg Miles, Chief Operating Officer of the Westfield Group.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
