Relocating and Renovating to Support Wellness and Collaboration
When CITGO Petroleum Corporation sought to relocate and renovate its offices in Downers Grove, Illinois, the company turned to HED to transform its preliminary program into a fully realized workplace. The objective was to move staff from a refinery setting into a professional office environment that would improve workflow, enhance employee well-being, and create a desirable place to work. The project required careful planning to balance cost efficiency with CITGO’s goals for culture, sustainability, and performance.
HED worked with CITGO to establish a mutual understanding of priorities, including planning issues, space utilization, budget parameters, workstation standards, and employee experience. The design emphasized flexibility, collaboration, and wellness, resulting in a workplace that feels both comfortable and forward-looking.
The new environment supports 147 staff members. It has a workstation-to-private office ratio of 2.54:1 and an employee-to-meeting room ratio of 8.6:1 reflecting the company’s emphasis on accessibility, collaboration, and choice. These metrics translate into a workplace that accommodates different workstyles, offering areas for focus, group work, and informal interaction.
Design goals extended beyond space allocation. Boosting employee morale and satisfaction was paramount. The renovation introduced welcoming finishes, natural light, and thoughtfully designed communal areas that encourage socialization and connection. Meeting rooms of varying sizes are distributed throughout the office to make collaboration easy and convenient, while circulation routes promote casual encounters and teamwork.
Sustainability and wellness were also prioritized. Energy-efficient systems, material choices, and planning strategies reduce the environmental footprint while supporting employee comfort. By shifting staff from an industrial environment into a modern office setting, the renovation not only elevated the day-to-day work experience but also strengthened CITGO’s ability to attract and retain talent.
The result is a workplace that embodies CITGO’s values while positioning the company for continued growth. More than a relocation, the project represents a cultural shift, creating a space where employees feel supported, connected, and empowered to do their best work.
