The Merchandise Mart (theMART), home to the largest collection of permanent casual tenants, the annual Casual Market Chicago and ICFA Preview Show, announced today the opening of The Grand Stair. The Grand Stair is a communal space connecting theMART’s first and second floors, and the centerpiece of theMART’s highly anticipated capital-improvement program.

Also included among theMART’s $40M renovation to its public spaces is a modernized, urban food hall, as well as a large multi-purpose space on the second floor, and a riverfront park with alfresco seating.

TheMART’stransformative renovation was designed to complement the creative energy and talent of its tenants and visitors, reflecting both the functionality and aesthetic of those who utilize theMART’s space for offices, retail, showrooms and events. 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 work place with stadium seating, a large projection wall and free Wi-Fi.
• The Lounge: a multi-purpose space with spectacular 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.
• 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 sq. ft. 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 located at the base of The Grand Stair.

The renovated Food Court area.

“TheMART’s stature as an architectural icon, and its influence as the epicenter of Chicago’s commerce and industry, is reflected in every aspect of the unique and functional design of The Grand Stair and theMART’s other new communal space elements,” said Myron Maurer, COO, theMART.

Vornado Realty Trust, the property’s owner, engaged innovative, New York-based architecture, strategy and design firm, A+I to lead the design process throughout the three-year capital improvements renovation project.

“Rather than creating a port of entrance and exit, the architectural features of theMART’s new lobby allow for a new kind of engagement by slowing down the pace of passage,” said Brad Zizmor, principal and co-founder of A+I. “The Grand Stair and Reception Area create a monumental architectural landscape conducive to reflection, thinking and socializing.

In keeping with A+I’s reinvention of the lobby as a programmatic space to dwell in, as opposed to pass through, we designed a colossal stair with a physical structure that is 80 percent meant to be lingered on as opposed to being walked on.”

themart.com