This winter, the Design Center at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago is making changes all over the building. Five new showrooms have entered the design center with the re-design of the 14th and 15th floors and plans are set to unveil the brand new “Lounge 1447.”

The lounge was designed by designer and architect Gary Lee, who is also responsible for the reorganization of the 14th and 15 floors. Lounge 1447, located in the northwest corner of the building, will offer resources and services to design professionals such as a private conference center, computer and work stations, a design reference library and the Artisan Cellar Café.

Design Center at the Chicago Merchandise Mart

With the re-design of two floors, the design center has made way for five new showrooms: DESIGNLUSH, Suite 1450, Knoll Textiles, Suite 629A, Paul Ferrante, Inc., Suite 1459, Quadrille, Suite 6-127A and Tufenkian Artisan Carpets, Suite 14-19.

"Our recent leasing activity has been record breaking,” said John J Brennen III, Executive Vice President, MMPI. “We think this high level of industry commitment speaks for itself.”

Now at full capacity, the design center re-configuration provides a more concentrated, easily navigable showcase of residential design and outdoor furniture showrooms.

Design Center at the Chicago Merchandise Mart Showroom

“Chicago has been a wonderful home for us and we feel the consolidation of the design trade showrooms to two floors will allow designers and architects to effortlessly source the finest home furnishings in the world for their clients,” said Kyle Corey, Manager of Showrooms-North America for Tufenkian Artisan Carpets.