In a remarkable transformation, Chicago’s Merchandise Mart—once the world’s largest building—has reinvented itself as a bustling office space and commercial hub. Located at the confluence of the Chicago River’s branches, this Art Deco marvel has adapted to the contemporary work environment through two major renovations, each costing $40 million.
Opened in 1930 amidst the Great Depression, the Merchandise Mart initially served as a national wholesale center for department store Marshall Field’s. Over the decades, it evolved under the Kennedy family’s ownership, and today it stands as the largest privately held commercial structure in the U.S., spanning 4.2 million square feet across two city blocks.
The recent renovations have transformed the building into “The Mart,” an office space designed to meet the demands of the post-pandemic workday. Architect Alfred Shaw’s original design, which balanced elements of a department store, warehouse, and office building, remains evident but has been updated to enhance functionality and appeal.
The first renovation, completed by design firm A+I in 2016, addressed various issues including connectivity between floors and overall cohesion. The team introduced a new social staircase, which links the first and second floors, and added a vibrant restaurant, Marshall’s Landing, run by David Morton, to serve as a focal point.
Gensler’s follow-up renovation, finalized in the summer of 2023, continued these improvements. Enhancements included a centralized amenity area, new retail spaces, and the restoration of Art Deco elements. The updated design merges modern aesthetics with the building’s historic character, creating a dynamic environment that attracts tenants and visitors alike.
The Mart’s revival is underscored by its high occupancy rate of just over 80%, surpassing the downtown Chicago average. Despite the emergence of new glass office towers and competition from other transformed buildings like the Old Post Office, The Mart has retained its significance.
River access and the Art On The Mart program—featuring nighttime projections of contemporary art—have further solidified its status. The addition of a permanent park space with local foliage and seating areas has enhanced the building’s appeal, drawing approximately 30,000 workers and visitors daily.
Architect Brad Zimor of A+I highlights the building’s enduring importance, saying, “In a time when people are questioning the necessity of office buildings, we’re finding that creating a space that contributes to social and career development makes it indispensable.”
