FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sophia Weiss Lapat
Sophia + Co
312.382.8441
Sophia@sophiaandco.com
THE REDESIGNED AND REORGANIZED DESIGN CENTER OPENS TO
RAVE REVIEWS AND RECORD ATTENDANCE
Chicago's Merchandise Mart Offers Buyers and Trade Two Floors Dedicated to Outdoor
Furnishings
CHICAGO (March 26, 2013) -- The Merchandise Mart, the world’s largest commercial
building and epicenter of fine design, celebrated the opening of the Design Center’s
spectacular redesign on February 27, which attracted hundreds of designers, architects
and industry executives to the new and improved facility. Since early 2012, more than 65
residential home and outdoor furnishings tenants were relocated from floors 15, 16, 17
and 18 into new spaces on the 14th floor which now exclusively house residential
tenants, as well as the 15th floor and 16th floors, which are dedicated to casual/outdoor
tenants. The redesign has improved the Merchandise Mart shopping experience by
creating a more concentrated, easily navigable showcase of the top names in outdoor
furnishings for buyers during the annual International Casual Furniture & Accessories
Market and the trade that show the Design Center on a daily basis.
“The relocation of more than 20 showrooms and extensive floor renovations couldn’t
have gone smoother and we’re thrilled with the final result,” said John H. Brennen III,
executive vice president, MMPI. “We’re excited to welcome the attendees to the
International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market in September and provide an
improved venue for showcasing our Casual Furnishings offerings.”
Design visionary, Gary Lee Partners, redesigned the corridors of the 15th floor, creating
a contemporary design with an open-feel that highlights the casual tenants. The
relocated tenants will also be featuring new showroom and product presentations,
making this an exciting time for the industry.
“From a customer experience point of view, it gives every brand director an opportunity
to do something new and something fresh in their showroom presentations. If there is
something fresh to see, it will bring more people into The Mart,” said Nick Powell, Global
Brand Director, Gloster.
In regards to the reconfiguration and dedicated casual industry within the Design Center,
Steve Lowsky, President of Pride Family Brands commented, “It will absolutely be more
efficient, more cohesive.”
“It’s going to be a better experience for both buyers and manufacturers, easier to explore
the show and go from showroom to showroom now that were all consolidated to the 1516th floors. There's much more furniture synergy between showrooms and I'm sure we
will also feel the electricity and see the buzz during shows,” said Henry Vanderminden
IV, President, Telescope Casual Furniture.
The daylong relaunch event on Wednesday, February 27 featured special events
including book signings, guest speakers, and new product introductions. Attendees were
also the first to shop new outdoor furnishings tenants, Mamagreen and Panama Jack
Outdoor.
The 14thfloor renovation included the construction of a designer amenity center, “Lounge
1447,” which was unveiled on February 27 and features a well-appointed conference
area, lounge, café and audio/visual display. Gary Lee Partners designed and curated
Lounge 1447 as an office-away-from-the-office for the many designers, architects,
guests and showroom personnel who do business in the Design Center. Lounge 1447 is
open Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm and has a full time concierge on site.
“MMPI has consistently grown and expanded the Casual industry over the years,”
Brennen added. “We remain committed to our permanent showroom business and the
Casual Market and look forward to welcoming buyers, designers and architects to the
building.”
About MMPI
MMPI is a leading owner and operator of integrated showroom and office buildings, as well as trade show
facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together through market events, trade and consumer shows and
conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart in Chicago; the Architects & Designers Building, 7 W New York and
Piers 92/94 in New York City; and Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center in Cleveland.
Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate
investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded
under the symbol VNO.
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