Award-Winning Building

In the mid-1950s, Deere & Company President William Hewitt was getting pressure to move the company's headquarters from Moline, IL, to New York or San Francisco. Hewitt resisted the idea. But, he agreed that if the company were to remain in Moline, it needed a distinctive new building for its head office. So he set out to find an innovative architect to make it happen. He found Eero Saarinen, who also designed the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Hewitt emphasized that, while he wanted a headquarters that was unique, it must reflect the character of the company and its employees.

Saarinen accomplished that and more. In fact, the Deere & Company World Headquarters has won a number of architectural awards.

Twenty-Five Year Award, 1993
American Institute of Architects

First Honor Award, 1965
American Institute of Architects

Architectural Award of Excellence, 1965
American Institute of Steel Construction

Silver Medal of Honor, 1965
The Architectural League of New York

Collaborative Medal of Honor, 1965
The Architectural League of New York

"Office of the Year," 1964
Silver Plaque Award Administrative Management Magazine

National "Plant America" Award, 1964
American Association of Nurseryman