American Airlines Admirals Club at Chicago’s ORD
Project Stats
- Location
Chicago, Illinois
- Size
10,780 SF
- Role
Lead Designer
- Market
- Expertise
An upgraded experience
Travelers through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) will soon be able to enjoy an upgraded and expanded American Airlines lounge in Concourse L. The new Admirals Club will replace the airline’s existing Concourse L facility and feature increased capacity as well as panoramic views of the airfield.
Corgan is leading the design of the 10,780 square-foot lounge in Terminal 3. The project is being completed within a larger terminal improvement project, requiring close coordination with American Airlines while the core and shell space for the new lounge is constructed.
Reflections of Chicago
The design draws inspiration from the architectural fabric of Chicago, reflected in material selections such as glass, metal, and stone. A strong emphasis on reflectivity — inspired by the mirror-like shine of the city’s skyscrapers — is paired with a bold oxblood accent that honors the color of the city’s iconic movable bridges. Localization moments throughout the space highlight the city’s public art, architecture, and creative community, grounding the design in its local context.
The lounge will feature plentiful seating, from the dining tables, booths, and bar seating in the dining neighborhood to the cozy chairs and sofas in the lounge neighborhood. A quiet lounge for travelers seeking respite is tucked into the corner of the space, while a business center offers desks and private booths. Guests will have plenty of food and drink options, with a bar, servery, beverage station and coffee bar spread throughout the lounge.
Moving rapidly from schematic design to construction documents in just four months, the team continues to refine and enhance the design. Each space is being carefully developed with unique localization elements that celebrate Chicago while maintaining a consistent connection to the American Airlines brand.
