The 643 Phase 2 weekly update

WelcomeToDesPlaines.pdf

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Happy Holidays! As we mentioned last week, our new Des Plaines location will be utilized for swing space for our team during The 643 Renovation. To further expedite our schedule and maintain your safety, the Chicago Office will be closed for business during the renovation. We recognize that this changes our previously discussed work schedule and appreciate your patience as we create a new schedule that provides as much flexibility and collaboration as possible.

·       Non-construction project related deliveries should be directed to Des Plaines, Barrington or your jobsite after 1/11/24.

·       Printers will be relocated to Barrington and Des Plaines as well as well as job start packet distribution.

If you haven’t visited Des Plaines yet, you should – it’s really cool!  Not only is it fresh and modern, but it also has several large spaces where we can gather, collaborate and conduct training. Click here to take a virtual tour of the space, compliments of our drone team: As we begin to utilize this spacious new facility, here is basic information that can help you feel comfortable.

Meeting Space

Feel free to start holding meetings in Des Plaines! There are many options available, and they have been added to Rooms in Outlook. Specifics including locations and capacities are noted in the attached Welcome Packet.

Open Workspace

• As monitors are moved from The 643 to Des Plaines, there are open workstations in Des Plaines that are available on a first-come first-served basis.

• Both hoteling space and assigned seating will be getting name plates so it’s easy to see what locations are available.  A floor map with conference rooms and desk assignments is in the Welcome Packet.

• As you use the space, please refrain from pinning/tacking anything to the walls. Command strips are available in Des Plaines for adhering anything to the walls/cubicles. You will notice that Des Plaines features a very open office layout. In the attached Welcome Packet, you will find some helpful tips and guidelines to help you get acclimated.  

Amenities

Keurig machines, refrigerators, microwaves, cups, plates and silverware are available and both vending and a Bevi machine are in process. The attached Welcome Packet includes local options for lunch and catering.

• Since eating at your desk can be distracting for neighbors, we encourage everyone to eat in the Roastery, which will be blocked off from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. each day.

Parking, Entrance and Transportation Information

• Des Plaines is located at 125 E. Oakton, which sits at the northeast corner of Oakton and Winthrop.  Pepper offices are on the Northwest side of the building and 365 will inhabit the East side. There is also unmetered street parking along Winthrop. Currently, parking on the northeast side of the lot is blocked off, as construction proceeds on 365 Equipment and Supply until mid-March.  A color-coded map is provided in the Welcome Packet.

• While GPS directions work well, handy directions are included in the attached Welcome Packet.

• We will eventually have four electric charging stations at Des Plaines. They will be installed when permits are ready.

• Everyone’s key fob has been activated to gain access to Des Plaines, and the entry system is similar to what we have at The 643. We will have a receptionist in Des Plaines but please continue to have items shipped to Barrington (or to Chicago until 1/11) while USPS confirms our address.

• If you don’t have transportation and can’t carpool but need to attend a meeting in Des Plaines, we have two loaner cars in Chicago at the LAZ parking lot. Please plan ahead and coordinate with Dave Morris and Alyssa Griggs to reserve or reach out to your manager for alternative arrangements.

• For anyone not permanently assigned to Des Plaines, we will address mileage reimbursement in alignment with our established company policy, which is designed to comply with IRS regulations that govern commutes. In practice, this means that for personal car use – Pepper would reimburse you for the difference between your standard commute and the temporary commute to Des Plaines. For those team members with a car allowance – Pepper would reimburse you for any miles in excess of 100 miles per day from 643 Orleans.  You can find our official mileage reimbursement policy here. 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we get ready for construction! If you have any questions or need further clarification, please talk to your Senior Leader, or you can post any question here regarding The 643 or Des Plaines.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend ahead, and a Happy New Year!

Scot