Renovation of Merchandise Mart Common Areas on Display at NeoCon

Chicago, IL, June 10, 2016—Management at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart (theMART) have been working over the past three years on a $40 million dollar renovation for its common areas that will be the most comprehensive upgrade to the public spaces in over 40 years.

This transformation centers around The Grand Stair, a communal space connecting theMART’s first and second floors, and includes a large multi-purpose space atop The Grand Stair on the second floor, a modernized, urban food hall and an expanded riverfront park with alfresco seating.

Attendees at the upcoming NeoCon 2016 event (June 13 to 15) will be the first to experience the new 1st and 2nd floor layout and amenities, including a specially curated lounge furnished with product from theMART showrooms.

Dynamic elements of the renovation include:

• The Grand Stair: a monumental new portal of theMART, the 50-ft wide majestic staircase creates a connection between the first two floors, and also serves as a meeting or workspace with stadium seating, a large projection wall and free Wi-Fi.

• The Lounge: a multi-purpose space with views of the Chicago River and skyline, located atop The Grand Stair, will feature food-service and provide various areas to meet, work and socialize. During NeoCon, The Lounge will offer food service provided by Lettuce Entertain You restaurants and be a convenient meeting place for all participants. Comfortable seating and complimentary WiFi will offer a welcome respite from the busy showroom and exhibit hall floors. Lounge furnishings include casual and dining furniture by Allermuir, Bernhardt Design, Davis, HBF, Herman Miller and Stylex, and floorcoverings by Masland Carpets.

• The Food Hall: a reconfigured, reinvigorated and dramatically designed seating area with more natural light will engage visitors beyond dining and offer additional space for lounging, socializing and working.

• River Drive Park: a 5,000 square-foot outdoor green space along the riverfront connects tenants, visitors and pedestrians to theMART’s main entry, and includes seating and shaded areas with dramatic views of the river and Chicago skyline.

• Reception/Information Desk: a new greeting point for the building located at the base of The Grand Stair.

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