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The Merchandise Mart, opened May 5, 1930, is the world’s
largest commercial building and wholesale design cen-
ter as well as one of Chicago’s premier international busi-
ness locations. Encompassing 4.2 million square feet, The
Mart spans two entire city blocks and rises 25 stories and
welcomes more than three million visitors each year. Six-
ty percent of the building’s area is devoted to wholesale
showrooms. The Merchandise Mart hosts 16 major trade
shows, co-produces 15 more and houses more than 300
conferences, seminars and special events each year.
Design Center at The Merchandise Mart is home to five
floors constituting the world’s first and largest design
center. As a leader in the $65-billion residential furnish-
ings market, The Design Center at The Merchandise Mart
offers the largest presentation of home furnishings world-
wide, all under one roof. Encompassing 900,000 square
feet, boasting 200 showrooms and featuring more than
2,500 product lines, it is the ultimate resource for luxury
furniture, fabrics, floor coverings, wall coverings, lighting,
antiques, accessories and much more.