New history making lounge opens at Chicago Midway

Chicago Midway Airport has opened the first shared use lounge in its 96-year history.

A multi-functional space by Airport Dimensions, The Club MDW is designed to be a celebration of Chicago’s architectural and cultural legacy, reflecting the spirit of the city and offering travellers an elevated experience with local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere.

Providing areas for work, relaxation, and socialising, and at its heart is a lively bar, serving as a central hub where guests can unwind and connect.

Image courtesy of Corgan.

Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows provide sweeping views of the airfield, transporting travellers away from the hustle and bustle. Seating 76 across 3,265sqft, the new lounge is at MDW’s Central Market, at the intersection of Concourses A and B.

The Club MDW is part of Midway Partnership’s extensive redevelopment of the concessions program at Midway, a partnership by Vantage Group, SSP America, and Hudson.

Midway’s concession program includes more than 70 new shopping, dining, and service offerings showcasing the best of Chicago’s iconic brands and local favourites.

An Architectural Homage

Drawing inspiration from the city’s iconic Art Deco and mid-century modern architecture, The Club MDW features dramatic design elements such as high contrast and stark monochromatic tones, arched walls, marble and metallic accents, and gilded details.

The lounge’s aesthetic is said to pay homage to Chicago’s legendary skyline while blending classic geometry and plush textures to create a warm, inviting environment for travellers which is not just a stop on their journey but a destination in their overall travel experience.

Celebrating local flavour and creativity

A common theme across The Club’s portfolio of lounges, The Club MDW embraces local culture from local food and drink offerings to curated art displays.

The lounge also features photography by local artists Mark Hersch and Angie McMonigal, whose works capture the essence of Chicago’s urban landscape and architectural evolution.

Hersch’s images portray the dimensions of space and time, merging elements of the past with those of the present and reflecting a blend of several lifelong passions: history and photography, art and science, and the evolution of architecture. McMonigal is drawn to capturing the buildings and spaces that shape our lives in a wider context, with her focus on details of the built environment, resulting in bold yet elegant images.

Image courtesy of Nathanael Filbert.

Supporting the Local Community

In line with its commitment to giving back, The Club MDW is partnering with The Greater Chicago Food Depository in support of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action.

For the first 30 days of opening, guests can contribute to a virtual food drive via QR codes provided in the lounge, which will go towards food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, mobile distribution and other projects across Chicago and Cook County.

Airport Dimensions will also make a $10,000 donation during the launch event to support local initiatives aimed at combating food insecurity.

Access and Membership

The new lounge is available to members of Priority Pass and LoungeKey customers. Both Priority Pass and LoungeKey are operated by Collinson International, part of The Collinson Group, the parent company of Airport Dimensions.