Machesney Park, IL. (November 13, 2015) ” Today, Practice Velocity®, LLC marks one year in its new headquarters in Machesney Park.
The medical software and services company spent $8 million to rehabilitate a vacated Kohl’s store in the former Machesney Park Mall. Practice Velocity built state-of-the-art offices in the 63,000-square-foot space, featuring an open floor plan, vibrant colors, unique meeting spaces, adaptable training rooms and an expansive town hall assembly space with room to seat 500 employees.
“We’re open and team-based. We wanted to reflect that in our architecture,” said David Stern, MD, Practice Velocity CEO. “Our new offices are strengthening our culture and will enable continued growth.”
Innovative companies are designing offices to foster creativity and teamwork. The average person spends more than 90,000 hours at work during his lifetime, and employers are realizing physical workspace is a key ingredient in employee satisfaction.
See this video slideshow showing pictures from PV’s first year at new headquarters.
Practice Velocity’s floor plan improves employee engagement. Other amenities in the office include a coffee bar staffed with a barista (through a business partnership with Rockford Roasters), a walking track, regular Zumba class offerings and a concierge on staff to assist employees.
Practice Velocity has provided an economic boost to the Village of Machesney Park during the past year. During the past 12 months, Practice Velocity spent roughly $765,000 on local vendors, including:
- $90,000 for supplies from Mid-City Office Products in Loves Park.
- $45,000 to Ticomix, based in Loves Park, for technology services.
- $30,000 to Winnebago County hotels, restaurants and car rental services during two training conferences.
Machesney Park Mayor Jerry Bolin said Practice Velocity’s decision to locate the former mall stabilized the economy in the area.
“When Practice Velocity stepped up to the plate and chose to believe in Machesney Park, it was a huge win,” Bolin said. “We point to Practice Velocity as a cornerstone. When talking to other businesses we say: ‘This is what it can be like.'”
Practice Velocity’s investment included a new walking path and rebuild of the ring road ” named Velocity Drive ” along the back of the mall. The new infrastructure is a great benefit to residents in the area, Bolin said.
Practice Velocity is committed to being a community partner. Machesney Park officials will hold their village board meetings at headquarters on Nov. 23 and Dec. 7 while remodeling is being done at the Village Hall.
The company continues to operate in growth mode. In its 12-year history Practice Velocity has grown its employee base from fewer than a dozen employees to more than 200. Hiring is currently underway for positions ranging from software engineer to billing specialist and more.
At headquarters, Practice Velocity built parking for more 500 and has several thousand square feet of available or unfinished office space.
“We have room to grow,” Stern said.
