Airport’s first-ever lounge offers enhanced amenities for travelers, open to the public on Thursday, Sept. 26
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) joined Midway Partnership and concessions partners today to celebrate the grand opening of The Club MDW, the first premium lounge in the 96-year history of Midway International Airport.
The new lounge comes less than a year after Mayor Johnson announced the completion of the last major phase of the $400 million Midway Modernization Program, the most comprehensive investment in Midway facilities in more than two decades.
“Midway International Airport is an essential gateway for our city, and The Club MDW is a key part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience here in Chicago for leisure and business passengers,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Our commitment to investing in our airports reflects our mission to continue delivering a world-class experience that meets the needs of all travelers.”
Located near Gate B1 in the recently renovated Central Market, The Club MDW offers travelers a relaxing, comfortable environment with enhanced amenities, including complimentary refreshments, a variety of seating options and workspaces equipped with charging stations. The Club MDW will employ approximately 50 full-time employees, and construction was completed this month at a cost of approximately $5 million.
The lounge is available to all travelers, regardless of airline or class of service, by purchasing a day pass for $50 or with membership in various lounge networks, including Priority Pass, the world’s largest independent airport lounge program and LoungeKey.
“The opening of The Club MDW is a continuation of the work completed through the Midway Modernization Program, and it is one of many upgrades that passengers can expect as we continue to transform Chicago’s original hometown airport,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee. “We are excited to offer this new service to Midway’s growing number of travelers and look forward to seeing it become an integral part of the airport experience.”
The lounge will officially open to customers for service at 4 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26. Daily hours will be 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the bar opening at 6 a.m. The lounge has a maximum capacity of almost 100 people. Passengers purchasing a day pass can access the lounge up to three hours before departure.
“As we approach the completion of our transformation of the shopping, dining and service offerings at Chicago Midway International Airport, we are thrilled to celebrate the opening of the airport’s first-ever lounge alongside our partners at the Chicago Department of Aviation and Airport Dimensions,” said Sammy Patel, CEO, Midway Partnership. “This latest amenity is an excellent addition to our world-class concession program, offering another option for guests looking to relax and enjoy the journey through Midway.”
The design of the 3,300-square-foot club draws inspiration from Chicago’s rich architectural history, featuring high-contrast, monochromatic tones and photography by local artists Mark Hersch and Angie McMonigal. The multi-functional space is designed to meet the needs of the modern traveler, providing areas for work, relaxation, and socializing, and at its heart is a lively bar, serving as a central hub where guests can unwind and connect. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views of the airfield, transporting travelers away from the hustle and bustle.
“In the ever-evolving world of travel, we are so thrilled to be a part of this new chapter in Midway International Airport’s 96-year history,” said Nancy Knipp, President of Airport Dimensions America. “As a new wave of travelers is redefining how they spend their time in airports, Airport Dimensions is committed to setting new industry standards through innovation, personalized experiences, and exceptional hospitality. The Club MDW has been uniquely designed to celebrate the diverse architectural history of Chicago and will offer Midway’s travelers an authentic taste of the city. We are delighted to support Midway Partnership and the CDA to contribute to their vision of elevating the guest experience and are very excited to partner with local ACDBE partner Marc Brooks and Hyde Park Hospitality, whose team will manage the operations of the lounge ensuring the highest quality of service for the guest.”
“As a native Chicagoan and small business owner, it is extremely exciting to be a part of the team to bring the first lounge to Midway,” said Marc Brooks, President and CEO of Hyde Park Hospitality. “This partnership is yet another example of the city’s commitment to include more Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) firms in airport contracts.”
A common theme across The Club’s portfolio of lounges is that The Club MDW embraces local culture through local food and drink offerings. The Club MDW features craft beers from Revolution Brewing and Two Brothers Brewing, spirits from KOVAL Distillery and locally sourced cuisine.
In addition to Midway Partnership’s ongoing volunteering efforts at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, Airport Dimensions and Hyde Park Hospitality will make a $10,000 donation.
Learn more about the program at mdwmod.com.
For more about The Club MDW, visit www.airportdimensions.com
