United considers Rolling Meadows, Willis Tower among new sites

UAL Corp.'s United Airlines has been considering a new headquarters in some suburban locations, including Rolling Meadows, as well as Willis Tower in downtown Chicago.

United said it hasn't made a decision yet.

"We continue to review locations in the Chicagoland area," said United spokeswoman Jean Medina. "We informed all of our employees in April that we were looking at alternative facilities that would provide an improved work environment for our people and help us to reduce costs."

Rolling Meadows Mayor Ken Nelson and City Manager Sarah Phillips both confirmed that United has been looking in their town, but they declined to reveal specific sites.

"When United started looking around, all the suburbs (involved) had to sign a nondisclosure," Phillips said. She confirmed that United is looking to make a decision by the end of July.

Also, United has been considering different locations in Chicago, including the newly named Willis Tower, said Susan Massel, spokeswoman for the Chicago Department of Community Development.

"Yes, they are considering several locations, but they haven't settled on any of the locations yet," Massel said. "We want to be competitive."

Massel said the city has been discussing a TIF arrangement with United as well.

"Those discussions are ongoing," Massel said.

The struggling United Airlines has been looking at various streamlining measures, including this move, United announced in July 2006 that it would move into the Wacker Drive headquarters by early 2007 with 350 management employees.

The Elk Grove Township operations, which had housed the airline's headquarters until 2007, includes about 2,800 workers.