Ware Malcomb Announces Completion of Medline Distribution Center in Grayslake, IL

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.