How Chicago’s Gigantic Merchandise Mart Is Still Thriving as Office Space

DCReid · #1 Posted **Aug 13, 2024, 10:36 PM**

Once the world’s largest office building, this Art Deco behemoth has been reborn after two $40 million renovations...

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/featu...source=yahooUS

LA21st · #2 Posted **Aug 13, 2024, 11:12 PM**

CTA station being right there helps a ton too.

I remember how busy it was when I lived there.

James Bond Agent 007 · #3 Posted **Aug 13, 2024, 11:16 PM**

Last year I stayed at a hotel a couple blocks from this. I wandered into it a couple times and, yes, it was quite vibrant with lots of little offices and shops (at least on the bottom couple floors).

JManc · #4 Posted **Aug 13, 2024, 11:21 PM**

That building is an absolute beast. Photos don't do it justice.

James Bond Agent 007 · #5 Posted **Aug 13, 2024, 11:23 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Bond Agent 007

Last year I stayed at a hotel a couple blocks from this. I wandered into it a couple times and, yes, it was quite vibrant with lots of little offices and shops (at least on the bottom couple floors).

I should also add that my hotel window overlooked this thing. There are a bunch of lights lining the roof whose light bulbs need to be replaced. At least, they needed to be when I was there.

ChrisLA · #6 Posted **Aug 14, 2024, 12:45 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by LA21st

CTA station being right there helps a ton too.

I remember how busy it was when I lived there.

Me too, I used to exit that station in the morning when I worked at Clark and Wacker. It was so busy I tripped on the stairs and fell flat on my face and no one ever acknowledged me and walked around me. Not that I was hurt, it was more embarrassing (lol)

TempleGuy1000 · #7 Posted **Aug 14, 2024, 10:37 AM**

Very memorable building if you've ever been to Chicago. Amazing structure, truly a national landmark and lucky timing on the remodel. Though, that article reads more like an ad. 80% leased is a success story when the loop is currently ~25% vacant. I was looking for what companies are actually in it and when their leases are up. That's the real test for buildings.

Steely Dan · #8 Posted **Aug 14, 2024, 12:42 PM**

While it's obviously still a gigantic and imposing building, I feel that some of its prominence has been diminished a little bit now that's it's flanked on both sides by 800' towers.