CHICAGO (Sept. 15, 2005) - Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) introduces the first-ever, ground breaking, DreamHome, the Design House at The Merchandise Mart Design Center. Construction starts in September and once the dust settles, the DreamHome will be open for public viewing from Oct. 7, 2005 – Jan. 2. 2006 in The Merchandise Mart's first floor, south lobby. The nine-room DreamHome will feature interiors by celebrated local designers who will utilize the high-end, couture home furnishings from The Merchandise Mart Design Center showrooms to create the ultimate destination for the very best in interior design.
“Excitement for the home is at The Mart. We have the world's largest collection of high-end, couture home furnishings under one roof, there is no reason to go anywhere else," said John H. Brennen III, executive vice president, MMPI. "We are very excited to be launching the
DreamHome. It's an opportunity for us to showcase the unparalleled beauty that can be created when the city's best interior designers collaborate with the resources at The Merchandise Mart Design Center."
DreamHome is the key to making interior design dreams a reality, from finding the right interior designer to viewing the latest in home furnishings trends. The public is invited to take advantage of DreamHome services such as tours of showrooms, educational seminars and ongoing public events. Group tours will also be available upon request by calling 800.677.MART (6728).
In combination with the launch of DreamHome, MMPI also introduces Online Designer Portfolios from The Merchandise Mart Design Center. Finding the right interior designer is just as important as the project itself, the Online Designer Portfolios help match consumers with a compatible interior designer who shares the client's taste and expectations. Online Designer Portfolios will be available soon to view online at www.merchandisemart.com/designcenter, by clicking on Designer Portfolios.
ABOUT DREAM HOME
Location: Dates: Hours: For more information: |
The Merchandise Mart, First Floor, South Lobby Oct. 7, 2005 – Jan. 2, 2006 Chicago Symphony Orchestra PREVIEW PARTY Thursday, Oct. 6, 6-9 p.m. Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 800.677.6278 (MART) or click on DreamHome at www.merchandisemart.com/designcenter |
THE DESIGNERS AND THE ROOMS
Located in The Merchandise Mart's South Lobby, DreamHome will consist of nine rooms designed by the following designers:
v Branca, Inc. presents The Living Room
v Blutter/Shiff presents The Bedroom
v Cannon/Frank presents The Foyer
v de Giulio Kitchen Designs presents The Kitchen
v Jon Schlagenhaft presents The Library
v Richar Interiors, Inc. presents The Home Office
v Soucie Horner presents The Dining Room
v AHA Designs presents The Courtyard
v Douglas Levine, L Corp. presents The Bath
For more information on DreamHome and Designer Portfolios log onto www.merchandisemart.com/designcenter, click on Dream Home or Designer Portfolios.
ABOUT THE MERCHANDISE MART DESIGN CENTER
The Merchandise Mart Design Center, located in Chicago's historic Merchandise Mart, is home to four floors constituting the world’s first and largest design center. As a leader in the $65 billion residential furnishings market, The Merchandise Mart Design Center offers the largest presentation of high-end, couture, home furnishings worldwide, all under one roof. Encompassing 700,000 square feet, boasting 130 showrooms and featuring more than 2,000 product lines, it is the design professional’s ultimate resource for luxury furniture, fabrics, floor coverings, wall coverings, lighting, antiques, accessories and much more.
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart, 350 W. Mart Center, and 33 North Dearborn in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Washington Office Center in Washington D.C.
Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.
MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
Jackie Paulsen
Director of Public Relations
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.
Phone: 312.527.5777
E-mail: jpaulsen@mmart.com