CHICAGO (September 6, 2012) –The Design Center is excited to announce five new showrooms will join the 6th and 14th floors this Fall, further expanding the luxury resources available exclusively at the largest and finest design center in the country. World-renowned brands, DESIGNLUSH, KnollTextiles, Paul Ferrante, Quadrille and Tufenkian Artisan Carpets will open showrooms in the Design Center, currently under renovation, bringing its residential sector to full capacity. This significant leasing activity comes on the heels of the reconfiguration announcement, which will provide a more concentrated, easily navigable showcase of the TOP brand-name showrooms in Residential and Outdoor furniture design.
"Our recent leasing activity has been record breaking,” said John J Brennen III, Executive Vice President, MMPI. “In addition to resigning over 60 existing Design Center tenants who have opted to relocate, we also have five new tenants who recently signed leases who want to be part of the exciting mix. We think this high level of industry commitment speaks for itself.”
As the leader in the residential home furnishings market, the Design Center offers the largest presentation of custom home furnishings and interior design all under one roof. Each new showroom will provide an even greater selection of products for the Chicago design community including furniture from DESIGNLUSH, textiles from KnollTextiles, lighting, furniture and accessories from Paul Ferrante, fabrics and wallcoverings from Quadrille and hand-made carpets from Tufenkian Artisan Carpets.
“Tufenkian Artisan Carpets is excited to be a part of The Merchandise Mart. Chicago has been a wonderful home for us and we feel the consolidation of the design trade showrooms to two floors will allow designers and architects to effortlessly source the finest home furnishings in the world for their clients,” said Kyle Corey, Manager of Showrooms-North America for Tufenkian Artisan Carpets.
New Showrooms:
DESIGNLUSH, Suite 1450DESIGNLUSH is a unique interior collection created by a talented group of designers and artisans who appreciate the philosophy of design and practice the craft of fine furniture making. Their pieces are constructed from only top-quality materials, including exotic hardwoods, statuary bronze and marine-grade stainless steel, handblown glass, full grain leathers, hair-on-hides, exquisite fabrics from around the world. The highest finishing techniques and manufacturing standards are maintained to ensure a quality product that their clients proudly own for years to come. They also offer extensive customization on most pieces, and much of their furnishing collection is exclusive to DESIGNLUSH.
KnollTextiles, Suite 629AKnollTextiles, founded in 1947 by Florence Knoll, was the first company to address the fabric needs of the commercial interior. Today, KnollTextiles is one of the largest textile suppliers in North America, with products developed for healthcare, hospitality, educational, corporate, and residential interiors. Under the creative direction of Dorothy Cosonas, KnollTextiles offers some of the most technically advanced materials in the industry, combining beauty and function in the Modernist tradition. KnollTextiles collaborates with cutting edge designers and artists in an exploration of new materials and constructions to produce a collection that is at once forward-thinking and easy-to-use.
Paul Ferrante, Inc., Suite 1459Paul Ferrante, Inc. is both an antique store as well as a manufacturer, reproducing an extensive line of lighting as well as furniture and accessories. Founded over 40 years ago by Paul Ferrante, who was soon joined by Tommy Raynor, the firm originally focused on the very best European antiques. Today, its refined reproductions have became as coveted as its antiques. The business is a family affair—Tommy's sister Grace serves as general manager and her two daughters ably handle sales and the business side.
Quadrille, Suite 6-127AQuadrille fabric and wallpaper will make a fabulous addition to your home. Quadrille has a wide selection of designer wallpaper, designer fabric, upholstery fabric and drapery fabric for any design project. All of Quadrille’s prints are done by hand and can be printed on various ground cloths including outdoor. They can also custom color match with low minimum requirements. In addition to Quadrille, other collections that are available include Alan Campbell, China Seas and Home Couture.
Tufenkian Artisan Carpets, Suite 14-19Tufenkian Artisan Carpets has set the standard in luxury, hand-made carpets for over 25 years. Made with the finest natural materials and handcraftsmanship, Tufenkian Carpets are destined to last a lifetime and become more beautiful with age. Our modern designs are as timeless as our quality, creating an heirloom that can pass from one generation to the next. Tufenkian Artisan Carpets – Admired for more than just their beauty.
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.
