Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart, the colossal art deco multi-use office building in the city’s downtown Loop, has just received a culinary update thanks to local group DMK Restaurants, which has opened Marshall’s Landing atop the Grand Stair on the second floor with views overlooking the Chicago River.
Built in 1930 by department store Marshall Field & Co, the mammoth pile was initially home to the largest selection of furniture wholesalers and retailers, and was once the largest building in the world. Now better known as a hub for tech start-ups, the Mart has embraced the movement for agile working with an interactive restaurant meant as an extension of the workplace.
New York-based firm A+I has not strayed far for its inspiration, handpicking furnishings such as the Carl Hansen shell chairs and the navy high-back Allermuir seating right from the building’s design showroom tenants, while business-minded details include rich walnut communal tables and even Kallpod buttons meant to summon service when needed, keeping meetings undisturbed.
Open from 7am, an all-day menu that includes crowd-pleasers such as avocado on toast, mac ‘n’ cheese or a burger, can be sampled while ensconced in the tufted, curvy banquettes, while the coffee shop will keep laptop workers caffeinated with cold brews on draft.
A highlight though, is the bar, and its network of suspended brass pendant lights, where happy hour (which starts at 1pm on a Friday) is quickly drawing tenants from all over the building, with the promise of socialising with like-minded people while munching on popcorn and a glass of prosecco in hand.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza #225
Photography
Charles de Vaivre
-
Fluid workspaces: is the era of prescriptive office design over?We discuss evolving workspaces and track the shape-shifting interiors of the 21st century. If options are what we’re after in office design, it looks like we’ve got them
-
This collection of slow furniture is a powerful ode to timeA serene exhibition of David Dolcini's 'Time-made' collection has fast-tracked its place into our hearts and homes
-
Is the Pragma P1 the most sustainable watch yet?Geneva-based brand Pragma combines industrial design with real sustainable credentials
-
Alba Los Angeles is an Italian vacation disguised as a restaurantThis buzzy NYC import brings a slice of la dolce vita to West Hollywood
-
At Bar Etoile, Scandi-chic meets leisurely Los AngelesThis new Melrose Park joint mixes art-world references, French bistro vibes and an out-of-this-world martini
-
The world's most heavenly destinations for astrotourism in 2025We're in for a big year for celestial events. These are the world's best hotels to see the cosmos as you've never seen it before
-
Printemps' New York outpost blooms with possibility – and enchanting designThanks to designer Laura Gonzalez, this new retail mecca blooms colour, atmosphere and narrative
-
At Bar Siesta in Los Angeles, meals linger and moods perk upThis new Silver Lake hotspot showcases Spain's design, culture, and delectable tinned fish
-
New York’s only revolving restaurant is back in actionLocated inside the New York Marriott Marquis, The View Restaurant and Lounge reopens following a 360 refresh courtesy of The Rockwell Group
-
An Upper East Side townhouse is transformed into a chic French bistroAt Chez Fifi, Sweden’s Joyn Studio has created an elevated setting that transports diners to 1930s Paris
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Granger Hotel: an intimate, maximalist charmer in San DiegoSet in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Granger Hotel is an oasis of design blending history with modernity
