Just steps away from the Merchandise Mart, some Chicago showroom owners have taken their business to the streets. The River North Design District recently announced the launch of their “neighborhood association,” a collaborative organization of street-level showrooms.

Marketed toward designers and consumers, the showrooms represent a range of products including lighting, tile, plumbing, rugs, kitchens, furniture and accessories. They pride themselves on providing a friendly and welcoming shopping experience.

Showroom within the River North Design District

“This association is about providing an open platform to connect interior designers, architects and consumers with various well established home furnishing stores in the River North District located outside the Merchandise Mart,” said The River North Design District’s president Mike Cao, owner of Casa Spazio and Jesse Home Element. “This association will provide accessibility to these stores through social media and organized special events.  It’s about bringing consumers to the showrooms to have an ‘up close and personal’ experience with various unique designs and products.”

The 16 participating showrooms include Boffi, Casa Spazio, Chicago Luxury Beds, Community II, The Golden Triangle, Hydrology, Jagoli, Maxalto, Montauk Sofa, nuHaus, Oscar Isberian Rugs, Organic Looms, Studio 41, The Tile Gallery, TOTO and WPA Chicago.

“We are so thrilled to have both national, international and Chicago based brands unite to be part of The River North Design District,” said Maria Giangrasso of Montauk Sofa. “It’s wonderful to forge relationships with the area entrepreneurs. It gives us an opportunity to provide further value to our clients by referring them to showrooms that might be a fit for their project.”

Showroom within the River North Design District

“The River North neighborhood is robust with specialty interior design offerings and is truly a unique destination,” said Christopher Frederick of Organic Looms. “We couldn’t be more excited to be part of such a world class neighborhood."

The district’s inaugural event, sponsored by the Illinois chapter of ASID, took place on May 16 and welcomed 40 interior designers on a walking tour of the six locations.

A large-scale event is in the works for the fall and is scheduled for Saturday, September 7. The River North Design Association will partner with the Anti-Cruelty Society and Interiors Chicago.

The organization has launched blog to promote new products and events hosted by participating showrooms.