This Fall, more than 60 residential furnishings showrooms will move floors at Chicago's Merchandise Mart. In the new layout, over 115 showrooms will span four floors and feature more than 2,500 product lines in luxury home furnishings, outdoor furnishings, rugs, lighting, fabric, accessories and art.
Among the showrooms relocating in the building are HOLLY HUNT, David Sutherland, Edward Ferrell + Lewis Mittman, J. Robert Scott, Jean de Merry, Century, Hickory Chair, Dessin Fournir, JANUS et Cie and Henredon and outdoor furniture companies Brown Jordan, Pride Family Brands, Tropitone, Lane Venture, Woodard, Gloster, Treasure Garden will be on floors 15 and 16.
“The Design Center moves from floors 16, 17 and 18 to new spaces on 6, 14, 15 and 16 required a tremendous leasing effort from the Mart’s Residential and Casual leasing teams,” said John H. Brennen III, executive vice president, MMPI. “It is unprecedented to negotiate and sign over 60 leases in a 3-month timeframe."
Industry architect and Design Center tenant Gary Lee Partners helped create the new, bright and open corridor layout.
The 14th floor lobby
The 15th and 16th floors, devoted to outdoor furnishings, will host the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, an annual trade show dedicated to the outdoor and casual furnishings industries. Buyers at the 2013 Market will have convenient access to participating outdoor showrooms making it easier to shop the building.
The 14th floor renovation included the construction of a designer amenity center, “The Club,” which will feature a well-appointed conference area, lounge, café and audio/visual display. Gary Lee Partners designed and curated “The Club” as an inspirational design environment that can serve as an on-site office for the designers, architects, guests and showroom personnel who frequent the Design Center. “The Club” will be open Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm beginning this winter.
